Granulated Micelle-Clay Complex for Water Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing chemical pollutants and microorganisms from water, such as perchlorate and pathogenic microorganisms, are inefficient and require frequent filter replacements due to the use of powdered micelle-clay complexes, which necessitate a high ratio of inactive granular material for flow facilitation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a granulated complex of micelles of organic cations adsorbed on clay, which allows for the efficient and selective adsorption of pollutants and microorganisms, enabling filters to be filled exclusively with the active component, thereby enhancing capacity and reducing replacement frequency by at least 20-fold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If powdered micelle-clay complexes are used for pollutant removal, then adsorption efficiency is improved, but filter replacement frequency increases due to poor flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies granulation to transform the physical state of the micelle-clay complex from powdered to granulated form. This parameter change in particle morphology and size enables the material to maintain both high adsorption efficiency and improved flow characteristics, allowing filters to function longer without replacement while retaining pollutant removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite granulated structure combining micelles of organic cations with clay particles. This composite material maintains the adsorptive properties of the micelle-clay complex while the granulated form provides mechanical stability and flow properties suitable for filter applications, extending filter lifespan
2Quantity of substance
If powdered micelle-clay complexes are used, then adsorption capacity is enhanced, but inactive granular material is required in high ratios for flow facilitation
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the physical parameter of particle form from powdered to granulated, the invention eliminates the need for mixing with inactive granular material. The granulated micelle-clay complex flows adequately on its own, allowing filters to be filled exclusively with active material and maximizing adsorption capacity per unit volume
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the inactive granular material component from the filter composition. By developing self-flowing granulated micelle-clay complexes, the patent eliminates the requirement for sand or other inert carriers, allowing 100% active material content in the filter
3Quantity of substance
If filters are filled with exclusive active component, then capacity per weight is enhanced, but flow characteristics deteriorate without granulation
Solution Approach 1:
The granulation process changes the physical parameters of the micelle-clay complex, creating particles with optimal size, shape, and surface characteristics. This parameter modification enables the material to flow freely and pack appropriately in filters while maintaining 100% active material content, achieving both high capacity per weight and good flow characteristics
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 granulated complex effectively removes inorganic anionic pollutants, organic pollutants, and pathogenic microorganisms from water, allowing for a continuous flow without additional granular material, significantly extending filter lifespan and improving water purification efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The granulated complex of micelles of an organic cation adsorbed on clay can efficiently and selectively adsorb certain organic, certain inorganic anionic pollutants, and certain microorganisms dissolved in contaminated water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a complex comprising micelles of organic cation adsorbed on clay in granulated form, to a method for obtaining an aqueous solution substantially free of organic, inorganic anionic pollutants, or microorganisms present therein, comprising contacting the aqueous solution containing said pollutants with such a complex and to a system for obtaining an aqueous solution substantially free of organic, inorganic anionic pollutants, or microorganisms present therein employing the granulated complex.