Filtration Gel Matrix for Waste Stream Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating slop oil and other waste streams are inefficient, expensive, and often result in contamination of groundwater, with existing filtration techniques like gravity settling being slow and ineffective, and incineration not allowing for component recovery.
Innovation Solution
A filtration gel composed of polyether, diol, polyol, salt, thickening agent, silica dioxide, and calcium as mixed salts is used to separate waste streams into oil, water, and solids, formed by mixing the components, heating, slicing, and reconstituting into a liquid gel matrix for effective filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravity settling is used to treat slop oil, then the process requires large quantities of storage space and expensive chemicals, but it is slow and often ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the filtration medium by using a gel matrix with specific pore sizes and surface properties, transforming the separation mechanism from slow gravity-based settling to rapid adsorption and filtration, thereby achieving both high effectiveness and fast processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite gel matrix composed of multiple components including silica dioxide, polyacrylamide, and other polymers, creating a material with optimized pore structure and surface chemistry that enhances both separation efficiency and processing speed while eliminating the need for large storage spaces and expensive chemicals
2Productivity
If filter presses are used to treat waste water, then the equipment can handle the treatment process, but it is unable to treat large volumes of waste water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable or easily replaceable gel cartridges that can be quickly exchanged, eliminating the need for complex filter press equipment. Each cartridge contains a predetermined amount of gel matrix that can process a specific volume of waste water, enabling high productivity through simple batch processing rather than complex continuous filtration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the filtration system into multiple independent gel cartridges that can be used in parallel or sequence, allowing the system to handle large volumes of waste water by simply adding more cartridges rather than increasing the complexity of a single large filtration unit
3Loss of substance
If incineration is used to dispose of slop oil, then the waste can be destroyed, but it is expensive and does not allow for the recovery of individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and recovers individual components from the waste stream through the gel matrix filtration process. The gel selectively adsorbs oil, chemicals, and solids, allowing each component to be separated and recovered in concentrated form. This eliminates the need for expensive incineration while enabling the recovery and potential reuse of valuable materials such as oil and chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where the gel matrix captures and concentrates target substances from the waste stream, which are then recovered and discarded in a controlled manner. The captured oil, chemicals, and solids are recovered in concentrated form for potential reuse or proper disposal, while the spent gel can be regenerated or replaced, providing a cost-effective alternative to incineration
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 filtration gel effectively separates waste streams into recoverable oil and reusable water, reducing waste and operational costs, with the gel matrix allowing for efficient separation and high purity of the oil component.
Implementation Method 1
pumping a waste stream through the treatment vessel, the waste stream being filtered through the filtration gel matrix such that the waste stream separates into an oil portion, a water portion, and a solids portion
Implementation Method 2
the waste stream separates into an oil portion, a water portion, and a solids portion
Implementation Method 3
placing the waterproof container in a hot water bath, the hot water bath being at approximately 70-100 degrees Celsius to form a solid filtration gel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for waste water treatment. A filtration gel includes about 30-45% by weight poly(ethylene) oxide, about 30-40% by weight propylene glycol, about 10-20% by weight glycerin (at least 65% pure), about 5-10% by weight NaCl, about 1-5% by weight fumed silica, about 1-6% by weight silica dioxide, and about 0.5 to 5% calcium as mixed salts.