Flocculating Polymer Tethering Anchor Particles Mining Wastewater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing finely dispersed particulate matter from wastewater streams, such as those generated in mining operations, are inefficient, requiring high energy and costly chemicals, and result in residual water entrapment, posing environmental hazards and storage challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving the activation of particulate matter with a flocculating polymer, followed by tethering with anchor particles to form removable complexes, which can be separated using gravity filtration, centrifugation, or skimming, allowing for the recovery of clarified water and stable solid materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional coagulants or flocculants are used to consolidate fine materials dispersed in water, then the suspended particles can be accelerated to sediment, but a significant amount of water remains trapped with the sedimented particles and the material does not become mechanically stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-component system where an activating material (first intermediary) attaches to fine particles, then a tethering material (second intermediary) connects the activated particles to anchor particles. These intermediary materials facilitate particle consolidation while enabling effective water removal and mechanical stability, resolving the contradiction between rapid sedimentation and stable material formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure comprising anchor particles, tethering material, and activated fine particles. This composite material achieves both rapid sedimentation and mechanical stability through the synergistic combination of different components, where the anchor particles provide structural framework and the tethering material enables water removal while maintaining integrity.
2Productivity
If high molecular weight polymers or multivalent metal salts are used as flocculants/coagulants, then particle consolidation occurs, but large volumes of flocculant/coagulant are required making the process cost-effective only for small volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flocculation process into three distinct functional components: activating material for particle activation, tethering material for connection, and anchor particles for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently with minimal quantities, eliminating the need for large volumes of conventional flocculants while maintaining high consolidation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of the system by using specifically designed activating and tethering materials with complementary properties. This parameter optimization enables effective particle consolidation with much smaller doses compared to conventional high molecular weight polymers or multivalent metal salts.
3Productivity
If ballasted flocculation systems are used, then some particle removal occurs, but they are inefficient in sufficiently removing many types of fine particles such as those produced in wastewater from mining processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary activation treatment to fine particles using activating materials before the flocculation process. This preliminary action modifies the surface properties of fine particles, making them more responsive to subsequent tethering and anchor particle attachment, thereby significantly improving removal efficiency for challenging fine particles such as mining wastewater particles.
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 enables rapid, cost-effective removal of particulate matter from wastewater streams, reducing water entrapment and facilitating the recycling of water and stabilization of solid materials for further industrial use, while minimizing environmental impact by reducing the size and environmental risk of tailings ponds.
Implementation Method 1
activation of particulate matter with a flocculating polymer
Implementation Method 2
tethering with anchor particles to form removable complexes
Implementation Method 3
separated using gravity filtration
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a fluid waste stream following mining or ore processing operations.