Oil Sands Pond Water Purification Using Polymer Flocculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The purification of oil sands process water through membrane separation systems is hindered by fouling caused by high levels of hydrocarbons and particulate matter, leading to reduced water flux and increased energy and time for filtering, as well as frequent membrane cleaning and replacement.
Innovation Solution
Treating the water with water-soluble cationic, amphoteric, or zwitterionic polymers before passing it through a membrane separation system, which enhances flux and purifies the water, potentially using multiple membrane types and configurations to achieve better results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pond water with high hydrocarbon and particulate content is passed directly through membrane separation systems, then water purification is achieved, but membrane fouling occurs leading to reduced flux and increased cleaning frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the pond water with coagulants and flocculants before membrane filtration to remove suspended solids and colloidal particles. This pre-treatment step prevents these particles from reaching and fouling the membrane surface, thereby maintaining higher flux and reducing cleaning frequency while ensuring continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemical intermediaries (coagulants and flocculants) that mediate between the problematic pond water and the membrane system. These chemicals aggregate fine particles into larger flocs that are easier to remove and less likely to foul the membrane, thus protecting the membrane while maintaining purification effectiveness.
2Reliability
If membrane separation systems process oil sands pond water, then water is purified for reuse, but energy consumption and processing time increase due to fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing chemical coagulation and flocculation before membrane filtration. This pre-treatment removes a significant portion of suspended solids and colloidal matter, reducing the fouling load on the membrane system. Consequently, less energy is required for high-pressure pumping and filtration, and processing time is reduced due to fewer cleaning cycles and higher sustainable flux.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coagulants and flocculants as chemical intermediaries that modify the physical-chemical properties of the feed water. These intermediaries aggregate fine particles into removable flocs, reducing the concentration of fouling-causing substances before they reach the membrane. This results in lower energy consumption for filtration while maintaining the required water quality for reuse.
3Reliability
If membranes are used to filter pond water containing fine particles, then water is cleaned, but membranes foul requiring frequent cleaning and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing fine particles and colloidal matter through coagulation and flocculation before the water reaches the membrane. This pre-treatment significantly reduces the fouling potential of the feed water, allowing membranes to operate longer between cleaning cycles and extending their service life while maintaining consistent water cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coagulants and flocculants as intermediary chemicals that transform fine suspended particles into larger, settleable flocs. This chemical mediation prevents fine particles from adhering to and fouling the membrane surface, thereby extending membrane durability and reducing replacement frequency while ensuring thorough water cleaning.
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 treatment significantly increases critical and sustainable flux through membranes, reducing fouling and energy consumption, and improving water quality for reuse in oil sands processes, with treated water showing enhanced filtration efficiency and longer membrane operation times.
Implementation Method 1
treating the water with an effective amount of one or more water-soluble cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, zwitterionic polymers
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enhancing flux of tailings settling pond water from an oil sands process through a membrane separation system and purifying the water comprising is disclosed. The process comprises the following steps: (a) treating the water with an effective amount of one or more water-soluble cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, zwitterionic polymers, or a combination thereof; (b) passing the treated water through a membrane separation system; and (c) optionally, passing the permeate from step (b) through an additional membrane separation system.