Carbon Canister Filtration for CIPP Styrene Exhaust
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of steam-cured CIPP installations generates vaporized styrene, which is a volatile organic component (VOC) that can cause offensive odors and requires extensive water processing to remove, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A carbon filter canister system is employed to capture VOCs, specifically styrene, from the steam exhaust by using activated carbon filters that are designed to fit the molecular weight and polarity of styrene, thereby reducing the VOC content in the exhaust steam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steam is used to cure the CIPP liner, then the liner hardens and produces a strong pipe, but vaporized styrene is generated causing offensive odors and requiring extensive water processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful styrene vapor from the steam exhaust stream using activated carbon filters. The carbon filters specifically adsorb styrene molecules from the vapor phase, separating the harmful component from the curing steam before discharge to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces activated carbon as an intermediary substance between the styrene-containing steam and the environment. The carbon acts as a mediator that captures styrene through adsorption, allowing the steam to pass through while trapping the harmful organic compound.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water processing is used to remove VOC from exhausted steam, then styrene is removed from the vapor, but thousands of gallons of water must be processed causing delays and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water-based processing system with a chemical adsorption system using activated carbon. This substitution eliminates the need for large volumes of water and extensive processing infrastructure, reducing both time and cost while achieving effective styrene removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the removal mechanism from water-based physical/chemical processing to carbon-based adsorption. This parameter change in the removal methodology allows for direct vapor-phase treatment without requiring water contact, dramatically reducing processing volume and time requirements.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If water processing is used to remove VOC from exhausted steam, then styrene is removed from the vapor, but the cost increases due to extensive processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively inexpensive activated carbon filters that can be easily replaced. The carbon filters are cost-effective compared to extensive water processing systems, and when saturated, they can be quickly swapped out without requiring complex regeneration or disposal infrastructure.
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 carbon filter canister system effectively reduces the styrene content in the exhaust steam by 70% to 85%, minimizing odor issues and reducing the volume of water that needs to be processed, thus streamlining the CIPP installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a carbon filter canister system is employed to capture VOCs, specifically styrene, from the steam exhaust by using activated carbon filters
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for capturing volatile organic components from a liner curing process for pipes. The system receives steam exhausted from the liner. The steam is used for curing a curable material in the liner, but volatilizes organic components in the resin carried along with the steam. The system removes some water and passes the remaining vaporized constituents through a filter selected to capture the particular volatile organic component from the steam.