Dry Powder Mixture for Phosphorus Removal and pH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wastewater treatment methods require separate steps and formulations for phosphorus removal and control of process stream conditions like pH and alkalinity, leading to inefficiencies and economic challenges due to the use of liquid chemicals and separate unit operations.
Innovation Solution
A dry powder mixture of an aluminum-based coagulant and a magnesium-based compound is used to facilitate phosphorus removal while controlling pH and alkalinity in a single step, preventing reactions that occur with liquid formulations and allowing for simultaneous dosing and improved process efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid aluminum coagulants are used for phosphorus removal, then phosphorus removal effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the treatment process increases due to requiring separate unit operations for pH and alkalinity control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (phosphorus removal, pH control, and alkalinity control) into a single dry powder formulation. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate unit operations, reducing process complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness. The dry powder contains aluminum-based coagulant for phosphorus removal and magnesium/calcium-based compounds for pH and alkalinity control, all integrated in one product.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry powder formulation serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a coagulant for phosphorus removal, a pH regulator, and an alkalinity source. This multi-functionality allows a single dosing operation to achieve what previously required multiple separate treatments, simplifying the overall process while maintaining reliability of phosphorus removal.
2Reliability
If solution-based aluminum coagulants are used, then phosphorus removal is achieved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to prohibition of mixing with magnesium or calcium compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to dry powder form. This parameter change enables the co-mixing of aluminum-based coagulants with magnesium or calcium compounds, which would react if mixed in liquid form. The dry powder state prevents premature reactions, allowing all components to be manufactured together in a single formulation while maintaining phosphorus removal effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If dry chemical coagulants are used, then the ease of operation improves by eliminating separate dosing steps, but the productivity decreases due to higher cost of solid alum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dosing operations into a single dry powder dosing step. This eliminates the need for separate dosing of coagulants, pH controllers, and alkalinity agents, significantly improving ease of operation. The unified formulation maintains treatment efficiency by ensuring all components work synergistically in the correct proportions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite dry powder material containing multiple active ingredients (aluminum-based coagulant, magnesium/calcium-based pH and alkalinity controllers) in specific proportions. This composite formulation ensures that all treatment functions are delivered simultaneously, maintaining productivity while simplifying operation through single-step dosing.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate formulations are used for phosphorus removal and pH control, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to multiple preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate formulations into a single pre-mixed dry powder product with precisely controlled composition. This eliminates the need for separate preparation of coagulant and pH control formulations, reducing preparation time while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled manufacturing of the composite powder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary mixing of all components during manufacturing to create a pre-formulated dry powder. This preliminary action ensures precise dosing ratios are achieved without requiring separate preparation steps at the treatment site, reducing time loss while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 solution effectively removes phosphorus and maintains desired pH and alkalinity levels, simplifying the treatment process, reducing the need for hazardous material storage, and achieving high phosphorus removal rates of up to 99% in a single step, thus enhancing wastewater treatment efficiency and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
the flocculation of phosphorus and its compounds are facilitated by control of the pH over time
Implementation Method 2
chemical precipitation, wherein the standard practice typically employs liquid aluminum sulfate (alum)
Implementation Method 3
Magnesium and calcium compounds such as oxides, hydroxides, and carbonates are often used to offset the negative effects of the chemical agent used for phosphorus removal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a powder mixture and delivery method for the treatment of wastewater and water streams for the removal of phosphorus-containing compounds. The solid mixture is comprised of an aluminum-based coagulant mixed with a magnesium-containing compound and, optionally, additional compounds to aid in the control of pH, alkalinity, sludge production, settling rate, and other factors. This solid mixture is delivered to a wastewater stream or unit process where the aluminum-based coagulant works to react with, flocculate, and/or coagulate phosphorus compounds prior to their removal.