Parallel Ion Adsorption Channels for Multi-Ion Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering valuable metal ions from seawater are inefficient, as they typically focus on recovering a single ion type, require multiple systems for different ions, and often result in insufficient deionized water supply, leading to reduced recovery efficiency and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple parallel adsorption channels, each equipped with distinct adsorbent layers for positive and negative ions, allowing independent electricity supply and continuous operation, enabling the recovery of various ions using a single system while ensuring sufficient deionized water supply and preventing environmental contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems recover only a specific kind of ion from seawater, then the recovery process is simple and targeted, but multiple separate systems are required to recover various ions, increasing device complexity and operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ion recovery system that can recover multiple types of ions (lithium, strontium, calcium, etc.) from seawater. The system uses interchangeable adsorbent layers with different selective properties, allowing one system to perform multiple ion recovery functions that previously required separate dedicated systems for each ion type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the recovery system into multiple parallel adsorption channels, where each channel is equipped with specific adsorbent layers tailored for particular ions. This modular segmented structure allows flexible configuration and independent operation of each channel while maintaining overall system versatility for recovering multiple ion types simultaneously.
2Productivity
If multiple systems are arranged in series to increase recovery efficiency, then single ion recovery efficiency improves, but deionized water supply becomes insufficient and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a series arrangement to a parallel arrangement of multiple adsorption channels, representing a dimensional change in system architecture. This parallel configuration allows deionized water to be distributed across multiple channels simultaneously, ensuring sufficient water supply to each channel while maintaining high overall recovery efficiency through concurrent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by enabling all parallel adsorption channels to operate simultaneously and continuously. Each channel independently processes seawater and recovers ions without waiting for other channels, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive operation across the entire system.
3Productivity
If conventional systems use series arrangement for ion recovery, then recovery efficiency is improved, but the whole system must be stopped for ion recovery from adsorption cells, reducing operation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recovery system into independent parallel channels, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows one channel to undergo ion recovery while other channels continue adsorption operations, eliminating the need to stop the entire system and reducing overall downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by enabling simultaneous operation of multiple parallel channels in different operational phases. While one channel is recovering ions, others continue adsorbing ions from seawater, ensuring that the system as a whole maintains continuous productive action without interruption.
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 approach allows for the efficient recovery of multiple ion types using a single system, maintaining high operational efficiency by reusing water and preventing environmental discharge, thus reducing dependency on foreign resources and ensuring stable resource supply.
Implementation Method 1
a second electrode unit having an adsorbent layer for adsorbing positive ions to be recovered from positive ions
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode unit electrically adsorbing only negative ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for recovering multiple kinds of ions, which includes: an ion adsorption tank that includes a plurality of adsorption channels arranged in parallel and including a first electrode unit electrically adsorbing only negative ions and a second electrode unit having an adsorbent layer for adsorbing positive ions to be recovered from positive ions, in which electricity is independently supplied to the adsorption channels; a water tank that keeps liquid discharged from the ion adsorption tank; a pump that circulates mother liquor or liquid stored in the water tank; and an ion recovering tank that keeps liquid containing positive ions to be recovered. According to the present disclosure, a series of processes make it possible to continuously recover ions to be recovered, so the operation efficiency of the system can be maximized.