Enzymatic Membrane Cleaning Composition Without Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes are slow and require a neutralization step before disposal, leading to prolonged plant stoppages and excessive water and acid consumption.
Innovation Solution
A chemical cleaning product utilizing enzymatic action with surfactants, chelating agents, and a buffering solution to maintain pH at 9, allowing direct disposal without neutralization, reducing stoppage time and water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods with high pH solutions are used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but the process requires neutralization steps and prolonged stoppage time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from traditional high pH (11) to a milder range (7-9) by using enzymatic cleaners instead of harsh chemical cleaners. This parameter change allows the cleaning solution to be directly disposed of without neutralization, eliminating the time-consuming neutralization steps and reducing plant stoppage time while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through enzymatic action on biofouling and inorganic scale
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of high pH detergents and chelating agents with a biological system using enzymes (amylases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases) to break down organic biofouling. This substitution allows effective cleaning at milder pH levels, eliminating the need for neutralization and reducing overall process time
2Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning is achieved, but excessive water and acid are consumed during neutralization
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the pH parameter to a milder range (7-9) through enzymatic cleaning, the patent eliminates the need for neutralization with acid and subsequent extensive water rinsing. This directly reduces the loss of water and acid substances while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the specific enzymatic degradation of biofouling components
Solution Approach 2:
The enzymatic cleaning solution works at its optimal pH range to break down biofouling and can be directly disposed of without requiring additional neutralization agents or excessive water for rinsing. The system is self-sufficient, eliminating the need for separate neutralization and extensive rinsing steps that consume water and acid
3Loss of time
If enzymatic cleaners are used, then neutralization step is eliminated and water consumption is reduced, but cleaning speed must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning function into specific enzymatic components (amylases for starch, cellulases for cellulose, xylanases for hemicellulose, lipases for lipids) that target different biofouling components. This segmentation allows simultaneous action on multiple fouling types, maintaining high cleaning speed while eliminating the neutralization step and reducing overall process time
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution is a composite formulation containing multiple enzyme types working synergistically at optimized concentrations (0.1-5% total enzyme content). This composite enzymatic system provides rapid and comprehensive cleaning action on diverse biofouling and inorganic scale, maintaining productivity while eliminating the time-consuming neutralization step
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 enzymatic cleaning process is faster and more efficient, eliminating the need for neutralization and significantly reducing industrial water and acid usage.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning solution, based on enzymatic action, to remove 'biofouling' and inorganic scale
Implementation Method 2
comprising: a surfactant agent, a chelating agent, an enzymatic agent
Implementation Method 3
a chelating agent... to remove 'biofouling' and inorganic scale
Implementation Method 4
a buffering solution (or pH regulator)... which maintains and/or adjusts the pH of the solution between 7 and 9
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a chemical product and process for cleaning nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes, based on enzymatic action aiming to remove biofouling and inorganic scale quickly. The product mentioned in present invention also proposes elimination of the neutralization step of the chemical product used, given that the enzymatic action allows an adequate pH for disposal to be maintained, which fact increases the speed and efficiency of the process.