Odor Control Bulk Material Cover Bentonite Clay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover materials for bulk waste piles, such as sewage sludge and animal waste, fail to effectively suppress odors for extended periods, as they allow gaseous components to permeate and escape, necessitating a more effective odor-barrier solution that can be easily applied and maintained.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least 50% water, 1-50% bentonite clay, 0.1-5% cellulosic water dispersible polymer, and 0.02-1% mixture of lipid essential oil and ethoxylated alkylphenol, optionally with fibers and coloring agents, is applied to create a durable odor-suppressing cover for waste piles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spray-on coatings comprising water, mineral binder, and fibers are applied to waste piles, then the waste is physically stabilized, but gaseous components quickly permeate the cover and escape causing odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials with different functions: bentonite clay for physical stabilization and odor adsorption, essential oils for odor masking, and surfactants for enhanced coverage and adhesion. This composite approach allows the cover to simultaneously provide structural stability and effective odor suppression, resolving the contradiction between physical stabilization and odor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the cover material by incorporating specific ratios of bentonite clay (5-50%), essential oils (0.1-5%), and surfactants (0.01-1%). These parameter changes transform the cover from a purely structural material to one with active odor-mitigating properties, allowing it to block and adsorb odorous gases while maintaining physical stability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If aqueous aerosol of essential oil and surfactant is sprayed into the air above the odor source, then odor suppression is achieved, but the effect is short-lived and requires sophisticated equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates essential oils and surfactants directly into the cover material formulation before application. This preliminary incorporation ensures that as the cover is applied and begins to dry, the odor-suppressing agents are already in position to act on odorous gases, providing immediate and prolonged coverage without requiring separate aerosol application equipment or continuous reapplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The surfactant acts as an intermediary that enhances the distribution and retention of essential oils within the cover matrix and at the cover-waste interface. This intermediary substance ensures sustained release and effectiveness of the odor-suppressing essential oils over extended periods, resolving the short-duration problem of aerosol applications.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If odor-suppressant is mixed into the odor generating material, then intimate contact is achieved, but the composition must contact the entire mass of waste which is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the odor-suppressing function from the waste material itself and places it in a separate, easily applicable cover layer. The cover material contains bentonite clay, essential oils, and surfactants formulated to actively capture and suppress odors at the surface level, eliminating the need to mix odorants throughout the entire waste mass while maintaining effective odor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates odor-suppressing agents (essential oils and bentonite clay) in the cover layer where they are most needed - at the interface between the waste and the atmosphere. This localized concentration provides effective odor control at the critical emission point without requiring penetration throughout the entire waste mass, simplifying application while maintaining effectiveness.
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 solution provides effective odor suppression for up to 24 hours, demonstrated through experiments on sewage sludge and cow manure, maintaining odor control during transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the gaseous components of the waste quickly permeate the cover and escape
Implementation Method 2
bentonite clay
Implementation Method 3
0.1% to 5% cellulosic water dispersible polymer
Implementation Method 4
0.02% to 1% of a mixture containing at least some lipid essential oil and at least some ethoxylated alkylphenol
Data Source
AI summary
An odor suppressing cover material for a bulk material pile and method for applying the cover material are disclosed. The cover composition includes at least 50 weight percent water; 1 to 50 weight percent of a bentonite clay; 0.1% to 5% cellulosic water dispersible polymer or starch; and 0.02% to 1% of a mixture containing at least some lipid essential oil and at least some ethoxylated alkylphenol. The cover composition may additionally and optionally contain Portland cement, colorant and fibers.