Gel Emulsification System for FOG Landfill Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for disposing of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are not cost-effective and do not meet regulatory standards for landfill disposal, as they fail to convert FOG into a form that passes the EPA's paint filter test, preventing their disposal in municipal solid waste landfills.

Innovation Solution

A gel emulsification system that mixes FOG with a detergent and water to form an emulsion, then adds a viscosifier to create a thickened gel that satisfies the paint filter test, using components like sodium dodecyl sulfate and carboxymethyl cellulose, allowing for safe landfill disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If FOG is disposed of directly in landfills, then disposal cost is reduced, but it fails to meet regulatory standards (EPA paint filter test) and cannot be disposed of in municipal solid waste landfills

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal costVSAvoidregulatory compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of FOG by adding detergents to form emulsions and viscosifiers to increase viscosity, transforming the material from a liquid state that fails the paint filter test to a gel state that passes the test, enabling regulatory-compliant landfill disposal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite gel material combining FOG with detergent components and viscosifying agents, forming a new material composition that maintains the FOG's identity while achieving the required physical properties for landfill disposal compliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If FOG is sent to rendering plants or permitted uses, then regulatory compliance is maintained, but disposal cost increases and the process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoiddisposal cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary treatment process using commercially available detergents and viscosifiers as intermediate substances to transform FOG into a landfill-disposable gel, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive rendering plant processing while maintaining regulatory compliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If FOG is thickened into a gel form, then it passes the paint filter test and can be disposed of in landfills, but the process requires additional chemicals and mixing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelandfill disposal eligibilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the FOG to essentially self-transform into a compliant gel form by incorporating viscosifying agents that increase viscosity and cause gelation, reducing the need for complex external processing equipment and intensive mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If liquid state FOG is collected and transported, then it can be processed at rendering plants, but transportation and processing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoiddisposal cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by transforming FOG into a stable gel form at or near the source before disposal, eliminating the need for costly transportation and subsequent processing at remote rendering plants, while the gel's stability ensures it remains suitable for landfill disposal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system effectively converts FOG into a solid gel form that passes the paint filter test, enabling cost-effective and safe disposal in landfills, while being biodegradable and compatible with various types of FOG.

Implementation Method 1

mixing a FOG with a detergent and water to form an emulsion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

a detergent suitable for use with the above-described method is sodium dodecyl sulfate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

adding a viscosifier as a thickener, and mixing the viscosifier with the emulsion to form a gel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosifier:

Implementation Method 4

these form a solid gel within the container that passes the SW-846 Test Method 9095B

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel: Gel

Data Source

PatentUS11358886B2Gelling F.O.G. for landfill disposal

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 THERMACO INC

AI summary

A gel emulsification system and method for converting fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into a solid acceptable for landfill disposal. The method may include mixing FOG with a detergent and water to form an emulsion, adding viscosifier and a cross-linking agent to the emulsion, and mixing the emulsion and the viscosifier and cross-linking agent to form a gel. The system may include a container adapted to hold solids and liquids without leaking, a powdered detergent in the container to mix with water and a FOG to form an emulsion, and a powdered viscosifier and powdered cross-linking agent in the container adapted to thicken and cross-link the emulsion to form a gel. The gel formed passes a paint filter test (SW-846 Test Method 9095B).