Flexible Liquid Separation Media for Volumetric Water Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for flood and drought mitigation, such as levees, drainage canals, and reservoirs, are inadequate for managing large volumes of water and often interfere with local ecosystems, and lack efficiency in capturing and storing rainwater or segregating non-aqueous liquids, resulting in significant water losses and potential contamination of aquifers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible liquid separation media deployed within a body of exterior liquid, secured by vertical outer support columns anchored to the land or seabed, which can capture and store a changeable volume of contained liquid, preventing contamination and migration between liquids, and accommodating varying water levels and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If reservoirs are constructed to capture and store water for drought mitigation, then water storage capacity is improved, but land use is reduced and construction expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing a contained liquid volume (115) inside the flexible liquid separation media (105), which is then deployed within the exterior liquid (110). This nested configuration allows the storage system to occupy three-dimensional space within the liquid body rather than requiring surface land area, effectively storing water without removing acreage from ecological use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional land-based reservoirs to three-dimensional volumetric storage within the liquid medium itself. By deploying the flexible separation media within the exterior liquid body, the system utilizes the vertical and depth dimensions of the water column, converting a surface-area-dependent solution into a volume-based solution that does not compete for land use.
2Reliability
If levees and drainage canals are constructed for flood mitigation, then flood control capability is improved, but ecosystem interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible liquid separation media (105) that can be deployed within the exterior liquid to create containment for the contained liquid (115). This flexible membrane approach provides flood control and liquid segregation without requiring rigid levees or canals that disrupt ecosystems. The flexible media can be temporarily deployed only when needed, minimizing permanent ecological alteration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, permanent infrastructure (levees and canals) to a dynamic, deployable flexible separation media that can be installed and removed as needed. This dynamic approach allows flood mitigation and liquid segregation to be implemented temporarily during critical events without creating permanent barriers that interfere with local flora and fauna.
3Quantity of substance
If aquifer recharging is implemented to store rainwater underground, then water retention capability is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible liquid separation media that can be deployed within existing liquid bodies to create containment volumes. This approach avoids the need for complex underground infrastructure such as injection wells, piping systems, and monitoring equipment required for traditional aquifer recharging. The flexible media provides a simpler, more direct method of water retention and storage.
4Device complexity
If open liquid storage is used without separation media, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid contamination and mixing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flexible liquid separation media (105) that acts as an impermeable or substantially impermeable barrier between the contained liquid (115) and exterior liquid (110). This thin film separation prevents contamination and mixing while maintaining relative structural simplicity compared to rigid tank systems. The flexible media can be made from materials resistant to degradation and chemical attack, ensuring long-term prevention of liquid contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible liquid separation media can be implemented using cost-effective materials that provide adequate containment for the intended service life. In some applications, the media may be designed as temporary or replaceable components rather than permanent infrastructure, reducing overall system cost while still preventing liquid mixing and contamination during the containment period.
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 flexible liquid separation media effectively captures and stores fresh water or other liquids, reducing water losses and contamination risks, while maintaining ecosystem balance by allowing for flexible deployment and impermeable separation within natural or artificial bodies of water.
Implementation Method 1
liquid separation media support float (175) floatably anchors the lower portion (105L) of the flexible liquid separation media (105) within the exterior liquid (110), thereby mitigating current and swell effects on the flexible liquid separation media (105) and unequal liquid forces of weight and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible liquid separation media floats within an exterior liquid, e.g., body of water. At least three of a vertical outer support column are secured within the exterior liquid with upper connectors coupled to the flexible liquid separation media. A float within each of the at least three of a vertical outer support column are coupled to a lower portion of the flexible liquid separation media. The flexible liquid separation media is used to hold a contained liquid within the exterior liquid. The lower portion sinks and rises as the fluid level changes within the flexible liquid separation media while the floats within at least three of a vertical outer support column floatably anchors the lower portion and maintains the lower portion (105L) of the flexible liquid separation media (105) a consistent distance from the at least three of a vertical outer support column (120).