Autonomous Chlorine Dioxide Generation System for Process Water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biocides used in the petroleum industry are ineffective against dormant and spore-forming bacteria, and the use of chlorine dioxide is hazardous due to its potential for causing explosions and is impractical for remote applications.

Innovation Solution

A system for autonomously generating safe, self-limiting concentrations of chlorine dioxide using a pressurized vessel with a hydantoin-based free halogen donor, a source of water, and a chlorite donor, which produces chlorine dioxide in a reaction chamber and introduces it into process water, ensuring concentrations remain below hazardous levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional biocides are used to treat process water, then active bacteria are killed to some extent, but dormant and spore-forming bacteria survive and thrive, and microorganisms build resistance over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocide efficacyVSAvoidlong-term effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter from conventional biocides to chlorine dioxide, which has different mechanisms of action that are effective against dormant and spore-forming bacteria. Chlorine dioxide achieves broader spectrum coverage and prevents resistance development by targeting multiple cellular components simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chlorine dioxide is used to treat process water, then microorganisms are inactivated effectively, but the system becomes hazardous due to potential explosions and is impractical for remote applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroorganism inactivationVSAvoidexplosion hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the chlorine dioxide generation process into separate functional components: a pressurized vessel containing the hydantoin-based free halogen donor, a separate chlorite donor addition point, and a reaction chamber. This segmentation allows controlled in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide at low concentrations, eliminating storage and transport hazards while maintaining effective microorganism inactivation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hydantoin-based free halogen donor as an intermediary substance that reacts with chlorite to generate chlorine dioxide in controlled amounts. This intermediary approach enables safe, autonomous generation of chlorine dioxide at the point of use, preventing hazardous accumulation while ensuring effective disinfection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If autonomous generation system is implemented, then safety and practicality for remote locations are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through an autonomous system where water flow through the pressurized vessel automatically dissolves the hydantoin-based free halogen donor and generates chlorine dioxide without human intervention. The system self-regulates based on flow rate, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining safety and effectiveness in remote locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively treats process water by inactivating bacteria and spores while preventing dangerous chlorine dioxide concentrations, making it safe and practical for use in remote locations and reducing the risk of equipment corrosion and hydrocarbon contamination.

Implementation Method 1

said source of water dissolves hydantoin based free halogen donor until 50 to 100% of saturation is achieved to form an aqueous solution of free halogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

chlorite donor is introduced to the aqueous solution of free halogen, chlorine dioxide is produced in the reaction chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

acid can be applied to the aqueous solution prior to the reaction chamber to accelerate the formation of chlorine dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS10427959B2Method and system for the autonomous self-limiting generation of chlorine dioxide

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 TRUOX INC

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the autonomous generation of safe self-limiting concentrations of chlorine dioxide for the treatment of process water. The method comprises a system that is self-limiting such that variations in water flow-rate and/or feed-rate of chlorite donor does not allow for increased concentrations of chlorine dioxide. The effluent concentration from the system does not exceed 3000 ppm thereby providing a means of generating chlorine dioxide for use where remote applications and/or where unskilled personnel are involved.