DNase Enzyme Slime Control in Pulp and Paper Water Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In pulp or paper making processes, slime build-up on equipment surfaces is difficult to remove and often requires strong chemicals, leading to reduced water flow, equipment blockages, and product defects, with existing biocides being toxic and environmentally unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
Using a DNase enzyme to degrade the extracellular polymeric substance matrix of slime-forming microorganisms, preventing slime build-up or removing existing slime from surfaces contacted with water in pulp or paper making processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toxic biocides are applied to control slime-forming microorganisms, then planktonic microbes are efficiently controlled, but the efficacy is minimized by the slime matrix which hinders penetration of chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and targets the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix that protects slime-forming microorganisms. By using DNase to specifically degrade the EPS component rather than attempting to penetrate it with biocides, the treatment removes the protective barrier itself, making the microorganisms vulnerable to removal while avoiding the penetration problem of traditional biocides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DNase as an intermediary enzyme that specifically targets and degrades the EPS matrix. This intermediary approach allows for selective breakdown of the slime structure without requiring direct contact with or penetration through the protective matrix to reach the microorganisms, solving the penetration limitation of traditional biocides
2Object-generated harmful factors
If strong chemicals are used to remove slime from equipment surfaces, then slime is effectively removed, but environmental pollution and safety issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical force-based slime removal methods with a biochemical enzymatic approach. DNase enzymes specifically degrade the EPS matrix through biochemical catalysis, eliminating the need for strong chemical cleaners or mechanical scraping methods that cause environmental pollution and safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental mechanism of slime removal from chemical dissolution or mechanical force to enzymatic degradation. By altering the removal mechanism parameter from aggressive chemical action to specific biochemical catalysis, the treatment achieves effective slime removal without the harmful environmental and safety effects of strong chemicals
3Object-generated harmful factors
If protease enzymes are used to prevent slime build-up, then some slime control is achieved, but the efficacy is inferior compared to DNase treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the enzyme type parameter from protease to DNase, fundamentally altering the degradation mechanism. DNase specifically targets the phosphodiester bonds in the EPS matrix, providing superior slime control efficacy compared to protease which has broader, less specific activity. This parameter change optimizes the treatment for the specific structure of slime EPS
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 DNase treatment effectively reduces slime formation, minimizes downtime, and reduces spores in the final product, while being environmentally friendly and outperforming commercial proteases in slime control efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
contacting said water with a DNase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to the field of pulp or paper making. More specifically the present invention relates to a method of preventing a build-up of slime or removing slime from a surface contacted with water from a pulp or paper making process. The present invention can control slime in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.