Nitrate Salts Suppress Biogenic Odors in Sanitary Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unpleasant odors in sanitary areas such as drains, sinks, and wastewater systems result from anaerobic biological processes, and existing solutions like sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide are caustic and hazardous, while existing nitrate-based solutions are primarily used in large-scale applications and not suitable for micro-applications like households.
Innovation Solution
The use of nitrate salts like aluminum nitrate, aluminum nitrate sulfate, and iron nitrate, either as additives to household cleaners or in aqueous solutions, to suppress biogenic sulfate reduction and odor formation by promoting nitrate-reducing bacteria over sulfate-reducing bacteria, thereby preventing hydrogen sulfide formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide are used to eliminate odors, then odor elimination is achieved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to caustic and hazardous properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using nitrate salts (aluminum nitrate, calcium nitrate, iron nitrate) instead of traditional hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide disinfectants. This parameter change maintains odor elimination effectiveness while eliminating the caustic and hazardous effects, as nitrates are non-caustic and safe for household use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available nitrate salts that can be easily disposed of and do not require special handling or storage conditions. These nitrates are safe, non-hazardous substances that can be used in household cleaners without the safety concerns associated with traditional disinfectants
2Object-generated harmful factors
If nitrate salts are used to suppress odor formation by promoting nitrate-reducing bacteria, then odor suppression is achieved, but adaptability deteriorates because existing solutions are designed for large-scale applications rather than micro-applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application scale by developing nitrate-based odor suppression solutions specifically for micro-applications in households and small businesses. The formulation and dosage are adapted for small-scale use in sinks, drains, and wastewater systems, separating this from large-scale industrial applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes nitrate salts universally applicable across different micro-application scenarios in the sanitary sector. The same nitrate-based solution can be used in households, small businesses, and various types of wastewater systems, providing multi-functionality and broad adaptability for odor suppression
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
Regular use of nitrate salts in household cleaners effectively suppresses odor formation in sanitary areas, maintaining cleanliness and safety without the hazards associated with traditional disinfectants, with the odor suppression lasting as long as the treatment is continued.
Implementation Method 1
Under anaerobic conditions, sulphate dissolved in water is reduced by sulphate-reducing bacteria, producing hydrogen sulphide. The anaerobic biodegradation of nitrate, on the other hand, begins when the oxygen saturation falls below 80%, so that the nitrogen in the nitrate is available to certain bacteria more easily and quickly as an electron acceptor than the sulfur in the sulfate.
Implementation Method 2
a process is known from EP-A-559272, in which nitrate is used to reduce hydrogen sulphide and other odor components in liquid manure. However, this process is not based on a biological reaction, but on chemical oxidation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of nitrate salts for suppressing disturbing biologically produced odours in the sanitary sector.