Laser Ablation Filtration for Chemical-Free Hydrocarbon Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing hydrocarbons and contaminants from water require the use of chemicals and filtration media, leading to waste generation and high operational costs, and there is a need for a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A laser ablation and filtration process that uses laser light energy to denature, vaporize, or render contaminants inert without the need for chemicals or filtration media, utilizing absorption and fluorescence characteristics to select effective wavelengths and energy densities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration methods using chemicals and filtration media are used to remove hydrocarbons from water, then hydrocarbon removal is achieved, but chemical waste and filtration media waste are generated continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and mechanical filtration systems with a laser-based system. The laser beam directly targets and removes hydrocarbon contaminants through photothermal and photomechanical effects, eliminating the need for consumable chemicals and filtration media that generate waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of contaminant removal from chemical interaction to optical energy interaction. By using laser light at specific wavelengths that resonate with hydrocarbon molecular structures, the system achieves removal through energy absorption and phase change rather than chemical reactions, preventing waste generation.
2Reliability
If conventional filtration methods using chemicals and filtration media are used to remove hydrocarbons from water, then hydrocarbon removal is achieved, but operational costs increase due to continuous replenishment and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the costly operational cycle of purchasing, deploying, and disposing of chemicals and filtration media with a laser system that has no consumable parts. The laser beam can be continuously applied without degradation, eliminating recurring operational costs associated with material replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is self-sustaining in operation. The laser source continues to emit light without requiring replenishment, and the water flow carries away removed contaminants automatically. The system serves itself by using the kinetic energy of flowing water for contaminant removal without additional energy input for disposal mechanisms.
3Reliability
If conventional filtration methods using chemicals are used to remove hydrocarbons from water, then hydrocarbon removal is achieved, but environmental safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical-based removal mechanisms with optical energy-based mechanisms. The laser light removes hydrocarbons through vaporization and phase change without introducing additional chemicals into the environment, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of chemical waste discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful property of hydrocarbon persistence into a benefit by using laser energy to rapidly transform hydrocarbon molecules into removable phases (vapor or separated droplets). The laser energy that would otherwise be wasted is converted into effective contaminant removal, turning an environmental problem into a solution.
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 process effectively reduces hydrocarbon levels in water to below regulatory limits, minimizing waste and costs while providing a safer and more efficient purification method.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam 12 is directed through a liquid 20 to be purified
Implementation Method 2
Laser ablation and filtration is utilized to remove hydrocarbons, including oil, natural gas, grease and/or other contaminants
Implementation Method 3
a laser ablation and filtration process and apparatus, wherein laser ablation and filtration is utilized to remove hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 4
laser light energy, which does not require the use of consumable materials such as chemicals
Data Source
AI summary
A laser ablation and filtration process and apparatus wherein liquid containing hydrocarbons or other contaminants is purified. The liquid is exposed to laser energy at one or more selected wavelengths wherein the laser energy travels through the liquid and reaches the hydrocarbons or other contaminants and vaporizes, denatures, breaks down, neutralizes, renders inert and/or separates the hydrocarbons or contaminants from the liquid. A laser source is positioned in or on a vessel based on pre-set parameters to maximize exposure of the liquid to the laser energy, including sizing parameters, angle and inclination of the laser, retention time for the laser process to be applied and geometry of the containment for proper inclination. One or more collection chambers, which may include perforated membranes may be included to collect gases, separated hydrocarbons or contaminants and other by-products of the process. The vessel utilized may be submergible in water to pull or flow contaminated water therethough. The vessel may also be utilized outside a body of water wherein contaminated water from a source is introduced within the vessel.