Flocculant Composition for Rapid Water Clarification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for flocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids are not cost-effective and efficient, particularly in wastewater treatment systems, which can take 2 to 5 weeks to clarify water using microbial reactions.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a high molecular weight polymer, a soluble salt of a group IA or IIA metal, and water, used in a cartridge or reactor system to rapidly flocculate or settle solids, with the polymer and salt combined and mixed with water to create a soluble flocculant that dissolves and reacts with suspended solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microbial reactions are used to clarify water in wastewater treatment systems, then the water can be treated naturally, but the process takes 2 to 5 weeks which is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (flocculant composition containing polymer and metal salt) that mediates between the suspended solids and the water clarification process. This intermediary accelerates the settling process by causing solids to clump together and precipitate rapidly, reducing clarification time from weeks to minutes while maintaining effective water treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the water treatment process by adding specific chemicals (polymer flocculant and metal salt) that alter the physical-chemical properties of suspended solids. This causes rapid flocculation and settling, transforming the slow biological clarification process into a fast chemical-physical process that maintains reliability while dramatically reducing time
2Reliability
If traditional flocculation methods are used, then solids can be removed from liquids, but the process is not cost-effective and efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite flocculant composition combining polymer and metal salt in specific proportions. This composite material provides synergistic effects where the polymer provides long-chain structure for bridging and the metal salt provides charge neutralization, achieving superior solids removal efficiency and faster settling rates compared to single-component flocculants, thereby improving productivity and cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the polymer and metal salt to create a ready-to-use flocculant composition before introducing it to the liquid stream. This pre-prepared composition ensures optimal chemical reactions occur immediately upon contact with suspended solids, maximizing removal efficiency and reducing processing time, thus improving overall operational productivity
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 significantly reduces the time required to clarify water and wastewater, making the process more efficient and cost-effective by allowing rapid settlement of solids, thereby reducing operational costs and compliance with environmental regulations.
Implementation Method 1
A composition for flocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids
Implementation Method 2
a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal
Data Source
AI summary
A composition, and its method of manufacture, is provided for the settling of solids suspended in liquids passing through a reactor housing containing the composition whereupon the composition can dissolve and enter into the liquid and then contact the suspended solids in the liquid. A system and method of for treating water or sewage is further provided. The system can include a screening tank, a septic tank, a flocculant and mixing reactor, a primary clarifier, a secondary clarifier, a sludge dewatering tank, a surge tank, one or more filter tanks and a disinfection tank. The method can include the steps of receiving water or sewage to be treated and passing it through a screening tank and septic tank, a flocculant reactor, a primary clarifier, a secondary clarifier, a sludge dewatering tank, a surge tank, one or more filter tanks and a disinfection tank.