Keratin Tangle Oil Absorption Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cleaning oil-contaminated liquids have limitations in absorption capacity and efficient disposal of saturated packing materials, which hinders continuous and effective oil removal.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a package-like tangle of keratin structures with three-dimensionally irregular orientation, enclosed by a closed container edge, that absorbs oil through capillary forces and can be easily replaced when saturated, promoting continuous operation and efficient oil separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional packing materials are used for oil absorption, then the device structure is simple, but the absorption capacity is limited and disposal becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs keratin structures with inherent porous and fibrous characteristics that provide high surface area and capillary networks for oil absorption. The natural porosity of keratin materials enables superior oil uptake capacity compared to conventional packing materials while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes keratin-based composite structures that combine the oil-absorbing properties of keratin with structural support elements. This composite approach enhances absorption capacity while the modular packaging allows for easy replacement without complex device modifications.
2Quantity of substance
If the packing is designed for high absorption capacity, then more material is needed, but replacement and disposal become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the absorption function into discrete, modular keratin packing units that can be independently replaced. Each packing unit is self-contained and can be removed and replaced without affecting the overall device structure or requiring complex disassembly, thus maintaining ease of operation despite high absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable keratin packing units that are designed for single-use or limited-use cycles. These packing units are relatively inexpensive and can be easily discarded after saturation, eliminating the need for complex regeneration or disposal systems while providing high absorption capacity during their service life.
3Quantity of substance
If the packing material is saturated with oil, then absorption capacity is maximized, but the device must be shut down for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where spare keratin packing units are pre-prepared and positioned for immediate replacement. This preliminary preparation of replacement materials allows for rapid exchange of saturated packings without device shutdown, thereby maintaining continuous cleaning operation while achieving maximum oil absorption in each packing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuous oil absorption capability by implementing a multi-unit packing system where one unit can be replaced while others continue to function. This continuity approach allows the device to maintain productive operation without interruption, as replacement operations can be performed on individual units rather than the entire system.
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 device achieves high oil absorption capacity, allowing for continuous cleaning with minimal operational disruption, as the keratin structures can absorb multiple times their own weight in oil before saturation, facilitating automated exchange and reuse.
Implementation Method 1
Keratin structures, such as those formed, for example, by natural fibrous proteins of animal or human hair, have a high oil binding capacity because of their structures... whereby numerous microscopically small interstices form within such keratin structures into which the oil can penetrate by capillary forces and is retained therein.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for cleaning a liquid (3) contaminated with oil, comprising a filling (7) made of a material that absorbs the oil (2), which filling is located inside a container (4) and is arranged between an inlet and an outlet (5, 6) of the container (4). According to the invention, the absorption property and handling of the filling (7) is increased by virtue of the fact that the filling is formed by a package-type tangle of keratin structures (8) that are randomly arranged and stochastically distributed in all three dimensions, which in the operating state of the device (1), comprise a closed container edge (9) between the inlet and the outlet (5, 6), and rest thereon in a liquid-tight manner.