Conductive Polymer Pipe Lining for Biofilm Growth Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microbiological growth and biofilm formation in pipes used for liquid transportation, recycling, and dispensing pose challenges by reducing transport capacity, introducing harmful pathogens, and requiring costly cleaning and maintenance, especially in applications where frequent cleaning is impractical.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered pipe system with an inner electrically conductive polymer layer and an outer insulating layer, connected by electrical connectors and powered to supply an electric current, which reduces microbiological growth and biofilm formation, allowing for retrofitting in existing systems with low operational and installation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If pipes are cooled to reduce microbiological growth, then microbiological growth is reduced, but installation and operation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobiological growthVSAvoidoperation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cooling system with an electrical system. Instead of using complex cooling infrastructure and energy-intensive refrigeration systems, the invention applies electrical current directly through the pipe walls to generate heat that prevents microbiological growth, thereby eliminating the need for costly cooling equipment and reducing operational energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of temperature control from active cooling to active heating. By applying electrical current to heat the pipe walls to a temperature range (e.g., 30-70°C) that inhibits microbiological growth, the system achieves the same protective effect without the high operational costs associated with cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pipes are cleaned frequently to remove microbiological growth, then microbiological growth is reduced, but operation interruptions and cleaning costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobiological growthVSAvoidoperation interruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously maintaining the pipe wall temperature in a range that prevents microbiological growth from establishing in the first place. This proactive approach eliminates the need for reactive cleaning operations and associated interruptions, as the electrical heating system continuously inhibits biofilm formation throughout the pipe's operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe system becomes self-protecting through the electrical heating mechanism. The system automatically maintains temperatures that prevent microbiological adhesion and growth, eliminating the need for external cleaning interventions and ensuring continuous operation without productivity losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cooling systems are installed to prevent microbiological growth, then microbiological growth is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobiological growthVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical cooling infrastructure with a simple electrical system. Instead of installing refrigeration units, insulation systems, and temperature control mechanisms, the invention uses electrical current applied through the pipe walls, dramatically reducing device complexity while achieving the same microbiological prevention goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Significantly reduces microbiological growth and biofilm formation with low power consumption, maintaining pipe efficiency and safety, and enabling cost-effective prevention of microbiological issues in various liquid handling applications.

Implementation Method 1

an electric power source operationally connected to the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector and configured for supplying an electric current to the inner layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11454345B2Reduction of microbiological growth in pipes

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 EPFF ELECTRICAL PIPE FOR FLUID TRANSPORT

AI summary

The proposed technology relates to a system (8) for preventing microbiological growth in a conduit conveying a liquid. The system (8) comprises a multi-layered pipe (10) constituting said conduit and having an inner layer (12) that covers the complete inside (16) of the pipe (10) and is formed of an electrically conductive polymer material. A liquid in the pipe (10) is in direct contact with the inner layer (12). The system further has a first electrical connector (18) and a second electrical connector (19) connecting to the inner layer (12) from outside the pipe (10), wherein the first electric connector (18) and the second electric connector (19) are spaced apart along the pipe (10). The system further has an electric power source (20) operationally connected to the first electrical connector (18) and the second electrical connector (19) and configured for supplying an electric current to the inner layer (12).