Aqueous Mineral Suspension Microbial Control via pH Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disinfecting and preserving aqueous suspensions and dispersions of mineral matter in the mineral and paper industries face challenges such as the use of hazardous biocides, instability, and inability to control microbial growth without affecting the Brookfield viscosity, leading to safety and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A process that involves increasing and then reducing the OH− ion concentration in aqueous dispersions and suspensions, combined with dispersion and grinding stages, and optionally using microbicidal substances or physical decontamination processes, to control microbial contamination without altering the stability of the suspensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional biocides are used for disinfection and preservation, then microbial contamination is controlled, but human safety and environmental harm deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by using calcium hydroxide to increase pH to alkaline conditions (pH > 12), creating an unfavorable environment for microbial growth without employing traditional harmful biocides. This parameter change achieves disinfection while eliminating the harmful effects associated with conventional biocidal agents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive substance (calcium hydroxide) that can be easily added and later neutralized, replacing complex and persistent traditional biocides. The temporary nature of the alkaline treatment allows for effective microbial control during storage and transport, followed by neutralization before product use
2Reliability
If biocides are used at high concentrations, then microbial contamination is reduced, but the risk of poisoning and environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pH as a controllable parameter, raising it to alkaline levels with calcium hydroxide to inhibit microbial growth. This physical-chemical parameter change provides effective contamination reduction without introducing toxic substances, and the pH can be precisely controlled and later neutralized to eliminate harmful effects
3Reliability
If disinfection processes are applied, then microbial growth is controlled, but the Brookfield viscosity stability of suspensions is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces calcium hydroxide as an intermediary substance that temporarily modifies the suspension environment to control microbial growth. The intermediary action is reversible through neutralization with acid, allowing the system to return to its original state and maintain Brookfield viscosity stability after the disinfection period
4Reliability
If a time interval for microbial control is established, then deliberate control of microorganism growth is achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by adding calcium hydroxide at specific stages (during preparation, storage, or transport) to create temporary alkaline conditions for microbial control. The treatment is applied periodically rather than continuously, and can be neutralized when no longer needed, providing deliberate control without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems
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 process effectively reduces microbial contamination while maintaining the stability of the suspensions in terms of Brookfield viscosity, minimizing harm to humans and the environment, and allowing for controlled microbial growth, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
A process that involves increasing and then reducing the OH− ion concentration in aqueous dispersions and suspensions
Implementation Method 2
dispersion and grinding stages
Implementation Method 3
dispersion and grinding stages
Implementation Method 4
optionally using microbicidal substances or physical decontamination processes, to control microbial contamination
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a process for disinfection and/or conservation and/or reduction and/or control of microbial contamination of aqueous dispersions and/or aqueous suspensions of mineral matter, providing satisfactory stability in terms of Brookfield™ viscosity for the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions of mineral matter. It also concerns the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions thus obtained, together with their uses in the mineral, paper and paint industries. Finally it concerns the end products obtained.