Perchlorate Removal via Reducing Agent Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing perchlorate ions (ClO4−) from water, particularly those using strong base anion exchange resins, face challenges with resin saturation and the disposal of highly concentrated brine solutions, requiring an efficient and environmentally friendly solution.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an oxidation-reduction reaction with a reducing agent to convert perchlorate ions into chloride ions, where the reducing agent is regenerated and reused, and the process includes pH adjustment and filtration steps to enhance reaction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If strong base anion exchange resin is used to remove perchlorate ions from water, then perchlorate removal efficiency is improved, but the resin becomes saturated and requires regeneration with extremely high salt concentration solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperchlorate removal efficiencyVSAvoidsalt concentration in regeneration solution

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the regeneration solution by using a reducing agent instead of a high-concentration salt solution. The reducing agent chemically reduces perchlorate ions to chloride ions, allowing regeneration at much lower concentrations and avoiding the need for extremely high salt concentration solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the physical ion exchange mechanism with a chemical reduction mechanism. Instead of relying on ion exchange resin to physically bind and release perchlorate ions through salt concentration gradients, the system uses a reducing agent to chemically transform perchlorate into chloride, fundamentally changing the removal mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of repair

If high salt concentration solutions are used to regenerate the resin, then perchlorate ions are removed from the resin, but the brine recovered is difficult to dispose of due to high ClO4− concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin regeneration effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental impact of brine disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful perchlorate ions into beneficial chloride ions through chemical reduction. The reducing agent transforms toxic perchlorate into harmless chloride, which is naturally occurring and environmentally benign, thereby converting a harmful substance into a beneficial one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical identity parameter of the perchlorate ion by reducing it to chloride ion. This fundamental chemical transformation changes the toxicity parameter from high (perchlorate) to negligible (chloride), making the regeneration process environmentally friendly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If ion exchange resin is used for perchlorate removal, then selective removal is achieved, but the process requires deep well injection for brine disposal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective perchlorate removalVSAvoiddisposal infrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical disposal infrastructure (deep well injection systems) with a simple chemical treatment process. By using reducing agents to convert perchlorate to chloride, the system eliminates the need for specialized disposal infrastructure, as the treated brine can be safely discharged through conventional means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method effectively reduces perchlorate ions to below regulatory limits, allowing for the reuse of the reducing agent and reducing the environmental impact of brine disposal, while being adaptable to various water sources and concentrations.

Implementation Method 1

Water containing perchlorate ions is mixed with a reducing agent such that the perchlorate ions and the reducing agent undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction. During the oxidation-reduction reaction, perchlorate ions are reduced to chloride ions and the reducing agent is oxidized.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

The oxidized reducing agent is separated from the water containing chloride ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

filtering and downwardly adjusting the pH of the water containing perchlorate ions prior initiating the oxidation-reduction reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS9085469B2Process for reducing perchlorate in water

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT SAS

AI summary

A method or process for removing perchlorate ions from water includes mixing water containing perchlorate ions with a reducing agent such that the perchlorate ions and the reducing agent undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction. During the oxidation-reduction reaction, perchlorate ions are reduced to chloride ions and the reducing agent is oxidized. The oxidized reducing agent is separated from the water containing chloride ions and the oxidized reducing agent is regenerated and reused in the reduction of the perchlorate ions.