Electromagnetic Ion Separation in Fluids for Brine Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid processing methods, such as chemical and mechanical processing, are costly and inefficient for separating and concentrating ions in fluids, particularly in geothermal brines, due to the need for additives, energy, and large processing facilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic fields to separate and concentrate ions in fluids by creating an electromagnetic field within a conduit, allowing ions to be selectively moved and concentrated, reducing the volume of fluid that needs to be processed and minimizing the size of processing facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical or biological treatment processes are used for sewage purification, then purification effectiveness is improved, but operating costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and biological treatment systems with a physical magnetic separation system. Electromagnetic separators generate magnetic fields that attract and separate magnetic particles from sewage, eliminating the need for complex chemical reagents, biological reactors, and associated control systems while achieving effective purification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the sewage by introducing magnetic properties to the particles through coating or selection. This transformation allows particles to be manipulated and separated using magnetic fields, fundamentally altering the separation mechanism from chemical/biological to physical magnetic interaction.
2Loss of energy
If magnetic separators are used for particle separation, then operating costs are reduced, but separation precision for fine particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where micro-magnetic separators are positioned within or integrated with macro-magnetic separators. The micro-separators handle fine particle separation with high precision, while macro-separators manage bulk particle removal. This nested arrangement enables the system to achieve both low operating costs and high separation precision across different particle size ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-scale magnetic separation to multi-scale separation by introducing micro-magnetic separators that operate at a different spatial dimension and scale. This dimensional change allows the system to address fine particle separation limitations of traditional macro-separators while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If micro-magnetic separators are added to improve fine particle separation, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges micro-magnetic separators and macro-magnetic separators into a single integrated electromagnetic separator system. The control unit coordinates both separator types as unified components, managing their operation through centralized control. This merging approach improves fine particle separation precision while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate systems by consolidating control and integration functions.
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
This approach reduces the volume of fluid to be processed, decreases the size and cost of processing facilities, and increases the concentration of ions, making the extraction of minerals more financially feasible and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field is applied to a liquid containing magnetic particles so that the magnetic particles are attracted to the magnet
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic particles are attracted to the magnet
Implementation Method 3
an electric field is applied to a liquid containing charged particles so that the charged particles are attracted to electrodes of like charge
Implementation Method 4
the charged particles are attracted to electrodes of like charge
Implementation Method 5
an electromagnetic separator in which a magnetic field and an electric field are combined and applied to a liquid
Implementation Method 6
the magnetic particles are concentrated on the surface of the magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
Electromagnetic processing of fluid materials is disclosed. Separation of one or more ionic components of a fluid, and combination of one or more ionic components in a fluid, are discussed. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid is exposed to an electromagnetic field which may assist in separating some ions present in the fluid from other ions present in the fluid. In another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid may be exposed to an electromagnetic field which may concentrate ions in a portion of the overall volume of the fluid. The concentrated portion may then be separated from the remaining fluid.