Non-Sulfonated Lignin Dust Suppressant Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dust suppression methods in industrial processes, such as those in the oil and gas industry, are inadequate due to the limitations of water-based solutions and chemical dust suppressants, which can be costly and environmentally harmful, and do not effectively control particulate matter generated during sand mining and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising non-sulfonated lignin and an alkylene glycol alkyl ether solvent, optionally with additional solvents, surfactants, or polymers, is applied to substrates to effectively suppress dust, providing a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is used as a dust suppressant, then cost is reduced and environmental harm is minimized, but dust suppression effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of lignin (a natural polymer) combined with specific solvents (alkylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyethylene glycol, or propylene carbonate). This composite approach allows the dust suppressant to achieve effective adhesion and dust binding properties that water alone cannot provide, while maintaining environmental compatibility by avoiding toxic chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of the dust suppressant by using lignin derivatives with specific molecular weight ranges (5,000-50,000 g/mol) and combining them with solvents having specific properties (boiling points, polarities). These parameter changes enable the composition to achieve optimal dust suppression effectiveness while maintaining environmental safety.
2Reliability
If polymeric resins are used for dust suppression, then dust control effectiveness is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs lignin, an abundant and inexpensive byproduct of the paper and pulp industry, as the active dust-suppressing component. This natural polymer provides effective dust control at a fraction of the cost of synthetic polymeric resins, eliminating the need for complex production processes while achieving comparable or superior dust suppression performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes lignin, a valuable polymer, from lignocellulosic biomass waste streams that would otherwise be discarded. By extracting this underutilized natural polymer and combining it with simple, safe solvents, the invention creates an effective dust suppressant that avoids the complexity of synthesizing artificial polymers.
3Reliability
If calcium and magnesium salts are used as active ingredients, then dust suppression is achieved, but chloride contamination of natural waterways occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts lignin, traditionally considered a waste byproduct of paper manufacturing, into a valuable dust suppressant. This natural polymer effectively binds dust particles without introducing harmful chloride ions into the environment, thus converting an environmental burden (lignin waste) into an environmental solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The lignin-based dust suppressant is applied directly to substrates where it self-adheres and forms a protective coating that binds dust particles. The composition does not require additional chemical additives or complex application systems, allowing it to serve its dust suppression function through its inherent properties while remaining environmentally benign.
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 composition demonstrates comparable or superior dust suppression performance to existing commercial products while being more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, with the ability to maintain effectiveness even under pneumatic movement and transportation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a composition including a non-sulfonated lignin and an alkylene glycol alkyl ether solvent
Implementation Method 2
applying the composition to the exposed surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions for dust suppression, methods for forming the compositions, and methods for using the compositions are provided. In one embodiment, the composition includes a non-sulfonated lignin and an alkylene glycol alkyl ether solvent. The compositions may be applied to an exposed surface of a substrate.