On-Site Adsorbent Regeneration with Aqueous Sodium Hydroxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adsorbent regeneration methods for fluid treatment systems are complex, expensive, and require significant energy and solvent use, failing to effectively address emerging organic pollutants like small molecules and hydrophilic molecules that reduce adsorption capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method for regenerating adsorbent media on-site using a solution of water and sodium hydroxide at controlled temperatures, followed by rinsing and optional electrochemical regeneration, allowing for efficient adsorption capacity restoration without extensive equipment or energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional regeneration methods are used, then adsorbent medium can be renewed, but the process becomes complex and expensive requiring multiple solvents and considerable energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the adsorbed organic contaminants from the porous structure of the adsorbent medium using a simple aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, eliminating the need for complex multi-solvent systems. The base solution specifically targets and desorbs organic compounds through chemical reaction, simplifying the regeneration process while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the regeneration medium by using aqueous sodium hydroxide solution with controlled concentration and temperature. This parameter-based approach replaces complex physical-chemical treatment sequences with a single adjustable chemical system, reducing process complexity while ensuring reliable regeneration of the adsorbent medium.
2Reliability
If conventional regeneration methods are used, then adsorbent capacity is restored, but significant energy consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive thermal or physical regeneration methods with a chemical solution-based approach. The aqueous sodium hydroxide solution chemically interacts with and removes adsorbed organics at ambient or moderate temperatures, substituting mechanical/thermal energy input with chemical reaction efficiency, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while restoring adsorbent capacity.
3Reliability
If conventional regeneration methods are used, then adsorbent is regenerated, but transport of adsorbent medium outside the fluid treatment site is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the adsorbent medium to be regenerated in situ within the fluid treatment system using a circulating aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The adsorbent remains in place while the regenerant solution is introduced, allowing the system to service itself without external transport, thereby improving operational ease and eliminating logistics associated with off-site regeneration.
4Reliability
If conventional regeneration methods are used, then adsorbent medium is renewed, but complex solvents and considerable energy are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive aqueous sodium hydroxide solution as the regenerant, replacing costly and complex organic solvents required by conventional methods. The solution can be prepared locally with minimal resource input, used for regeneration, and then disposed of or refreshed, representing a disposable but economically viable approach that reduces both solvent complexity and resource consumption while ensuring reliable adsorbent renewal.
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 method enhances adsorption capacity, effectively adsorbing difficult-to-adsorb molecules, maintaining consistent performance by rejuvenating the adsorbent medium, and reducing operational costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one chemical regeneration step comprising a step of bringing said portion of adsorbent medium into contact with a regeneration solution comprising water and sodium hydroxide
Implementation Method 2
a reduction of the organic contaminants contained in raw water or an effluent can be proposed by means of a step of adsorption of this material onto an adsorbent medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for regenerating at least a portion of the adsorbent medium of at least one adsorption reactor implemented in a unit for treating a fluid, said regeneration method being carried out on the site of use of the adsorption reactor and comprising:at least one step of removing at least a portion of the adsorbent medium from said at least one adsorption reactor, andat least one chemical regeneration step comprising a step of bringing said portion of adsorbent medium into contact with a regeneration solution comprising water and sodium hydroxide.The invention also relates to a fluid-treatment method implementing the regeneration method, as well as to a fluid-treatment plant suitable for carrying out the fluid-treatment method according to the invention.