Composite Filter Aid with Antimicrobial Metal for Microorganism Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems are costly and ineffective in removing all microscopic organisms from fluids, and current cleansing compositions fail to adequately reduce undesirable germs and bacteria.
Innovation Solution
A composite filter aid comprising a mineral, such as diatomaceous earth or perlite, combined with an antimicrobial metal compound like zinc oxide, copper, or silver, which is designed to enhance filtration efficiency and antimicrobial properties, allowing for the removal or killing of microscopic organisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used, then filtration is performed, but they are costly and ineffective at removing all microscopic organisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines diatomaceous earth (a porous mineral) with antimicrobial metal compounds (silver, zinc oxide, or copper) to create a composite filter aid material. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously perform physical filtration through the porous diatomaceous earth and antimicrobial action through the metal compounds, thereby removing both particles and microscopic organisms effectively while maintaining cost-efficiency
2Reliability
If conventional filter aids are used, then filtration is achieved, but microorganism content is not adequately reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical physical filtration with a combined mechanical-chemical approach. The antimicrobial metal compounds (silver, zinc oxide, or copper) provide chemical/biological antimicrobial action that complements the mechanical filtration of diatomaceous earth, enabling effective microorganism removal and extending filtration cycles by preventing microbial growth in the filter cake
3Quantity of substance
If filter cake accumulates debris, then filtration capacity increases, but fluid passage is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The antimicrobial metal compounds continuously act on microorganisms in the filter cake, preventing their growth and reproduction throughout the filtration cycle. This continuous antimicrobial action maintains filter permeability by preventing microbial biofilm formation that would otherwise block fluid passage, allowing the filter to maintain both high debris capacity and fluid permeability throughout extended operation
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 composite filter aid effectively removes or eliminates lactic acid bacteria and reduces microorganism content in beverages and oils, improving filtration clarity and extending filtration cycles while maintaining permeability and antimicrobial efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration device may include a filter element, such as a septum, and a filter-aid material
Implementation Method 2
an antimicrobial filter aid... comprising a mineral associated with an antimicrobial metal compound... effectively removes or eliminates lactic acid bacteria and reduces microorganism content
Data Source
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AI summary
A composite filter aid may include at least one mineral associated with an antimicrobial metal compound, wherein the filter aid has a permeability ranging from 0.1 to 20 darcys. The antimicrobial metal compound can be chemically deposited on the mineral surface or bonded to mineral structure by binder or high temperature calcination.