Efflorescence Removing Chemical Liquid for Underground Pipe Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing efflorescence from pipes, such as using ultra high-pressure washers or pipe tools, are costly, potentially damage pipes, and pose challenges with odor control and waste disposal, especially in inadequately ventilated underground spaces.
Innovation Solution
A chemical liquid mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, with concentrations of 10% or less hydrochloric acid, 3.6% or less glycolic acid, and 5% or less lactic acid, is used to dissolve efflorescence, reducing odor and allowing for safe disposal of effluent as normal wastewater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultra high-pressure washer is used to remove efflorescence, then efflorescence removal efficiency is improved, but cleaning cost increases and wastewater disposal becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultra high-pressure washing system with a chemical dissolution system using hydrochloric acid solution. The chemical liquid dissolves efflorescence through chemical reaction, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure washing and the associated complex wastewater disposal requirements for industrial waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of hydrochloric acid to 10% or less by weight, which transforms the effluent from classified industrial waste into treatable wastewater that can be discharged through existing sewage systems, significantly simplifying disposal complexity while maintaining effective efflorescence removal.
2Productivity
If pipe tool is used to remove efflorescence, then efflorescence removal is achieved, but pipe damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pipe tools that physically scrape or cut efflorescence with a chemical dissolution method. The hydrochloric acid solution chemically dissolves efflorescence without mechanical contact, eliminating the risk of pipe damage while maintaining effective removal capability.
3Speed
If efflorescence is rapidly removed, then cleaning speed is improved, but branch joint damage risk increases due to water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rapid mechanical removal methods with gradual chemical dissolution. The hydrochloric acid solution slowly dissolves efflorescence over time, preventing sudden releases of effluent that could create damaging water pressure surges in branch joints, while still achieving complete removal.
4Productivity
If hydrochloric acid at 10% or higher concentration is used, then efflorescence dissolution efficiency is improved, but odor control becomes difficult and waste disposal is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the hydrochloric acid concentration parameter to 10% or less by weight. This parameter change maintains sufficient efflorescence dissolution efficiency while dramatically reducing the pungent odor and transforming the effluent from classified deleterious substance to treatable wastewater that can be disposed of through normal sewage systems.
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 provides a cost-effective, safe, and efficient method for removing efflorescence without damaging pipes, reduces odor discomfort for workers, and allows for on-site treatment of effluent, making it suitable for use in crowded underground areas.
Implementation Method 1
The efflorescence removing chemical liquid contains water, hydrochloric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid... hydrochloric acid that can dissolve efflorescence efficiently
Implementation Method 2
The efflorescence removing chemical liquid contains water, hydrochloric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid... a special formula has been used to suppress the irritating odor of the hydrochloric acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an efflorescence removing chemical liquid containing hydrochloric acid capable of efficiently dissolving efflorescence even in locations where the efflorescence removal work is performed in an underground space that is not adequately ventilated, i.e., in a nearly enclosed space. In addition, when the amount of hydrochloric acid exceeds 10%, the liquid is designated as a deleterious substance under Japan's Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act, and hence the wastewater after efflorescence removal cannot be easily disposed of underground or elsewhere. The invention solves all of these problems.The efflorescence removing chemical liquid in the present invention is made by mixing water, hydrochloric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, which makes it possible to dramatically suppress the irritating odor of hydrochloric acid by the action of lactic acid. In addition, when the amount of hydrochloric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid mixed in a prescribed amount of water is 10% or less by weight, 3.6% or less by weight, and 5% or less by weight, respectively, it is possible to provide a comfortable working condition without causing mental or physical discomfort to workers. Furthermore, the effluent after efflorescence removal can be easily treated even at underground sites by mixing it with natural wastewater or washing water that can be stored onsite as an ordinary substance, not as a deleterious substance.