Air Purification Using Liquid Absorbent Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification methods are inadequate for effectively removing particulates, volatile organic compounds, and biological hazards like germs and viruses from enclosed spaces, especially in areas with poor air quality, as they often become saturated, release pollutants back into the air, or require excessive energy and ventilation, which is impractical for small spaces and outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving passing contaminated air through a vessel containing an absorbent liquid medium, optionally with additives, to transfer and remove pollutants, while also controlling temperature and humidity, using an air transferring device to circulate air through the liquid, allowing for decontamination and improved air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional solid filters (HEPA, charcoal) are used to remove pollutants, then particulate matter and some VOCs can be removed, but the filters become saturated and blocked on short term use, requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid absorbent medium instead of solid filters to capture pollutants. The liquid medium circulates through the air stream, absorbing pollutants without blocking, and can be continuously regenerated or replaced. This hydraulic approach replaces the problematic solid filtration system, solving both the saturation issue and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the absorbent material from solid to liquid. This parameter change allows the absorbent to be circulated and regenerated continuously rather than becoming blocked and requiring replacement. The liquid state enables different interaction mechanisms with pollutants that prevent saturation.
2Reliability
If solid adsorbent materials like charcoal are used to remove formaldehyde, then some VOCs can be absorbed, but formaldehyde easily releases back into the air due to high volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid absorbent medium that circulates through the air stream to capture formaldehyde. The liquid phase provides stronger retention of formaldehyde compared to solid charcoal, preventing the re-release problem. The circulating liquid can be continuously treated or regenerated to maintain removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the absorbent material from solid to liquid state. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction with formaldehyde, preventing the volatility-driven re-release that occurs with solid charcoal. The liquid medium provides different absorption mechanisms that hold formaldehyde more effectively.
3Reliability
If ventilation is used to exchange air in enclosed spaces, then pollutant levels can be reduced, but energy is consumed for reconditioning the outside air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes pollutants from the indoor air stream using a liquid absorbent medium, allowing the treated air to be recirculated without needing to replace it with outside air. This extraction approach eliminates the need for energy-intensive reconditioning of ventilation air while maintaining indoor air quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous pollutant removal through circulating liquid absorbent media within the existing air handling system. This continuous treatment allows recirculation of treated air without interruption or need for fresh air reconditioning, eliminating the energy penalty associated with ventilation-based solutions.
4Reliability
If porous materials are used to capture small particles, then filtration efficiency can be improved, but pores become blocked leading to huge energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces porous solid filtration media with a liquid absorbent medium that circulates through the air stream. This hydraulic approach captures small particles without creating fixed pores that can block, maintaining low pressure drop and energy consumption while achieving high capture efficiency.
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
This approach effectively reduces pollutant levels in air, including formaldehyde and biological hazards, with improved humidity and temperature control, using less energy compared to traditional systems, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Implementation Method 1
passing the air through a vessel containing a liquid absorbent media
Implementation Method 2
the temperature and hygroscopicity of the liquid medium are optionally and independently controlled
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses methods and apparatus(es) for the removal and control of pollutants such as gases and suspended particulates in the air of an enclosed space or an outdoor environment by passing the air through absorbent media. The absorbent media includes any liquid, solid or combination of liquid and solid media that is capable of absorbing a material in which it comes in contact. In one aspect of the invention, formaldehyde is removed by air sparging through a liquid such as water, optionally containing additional scavenging agents.