Peroxyformic Acid Membrane Cleaning for Biofilm and Mineral Deposits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Membranes used in separation processes, particularly in energy services, face issues with biofilm growth and mineral deposits leading to flux decline, increased pressure, and reduced production, with conventional cleaning methods damaging the membranes and requiring high energy and chemical costs.

Innovation Solution

Peroxyformic acid compositions generated in situ are used to reduce and prevent biofilm growth and mineral deposits on membranes, avoiding membrane damage and maintaining compatibility with the membrane material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods (high heat, extreme pH) are used to remove biofilm and mineral deposits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but membrane damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidmembrane damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning agent by using peroxyformic acid, which has different properties than conventional high-pH or high-heat cleaners. This allows effective cleaning at milder conditions that do not damage the membrane material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful strong oxidizing properties of peroxyformic acid into a beneficial cleaning mechanism that eliminates biofilm and mineral deposits without causing the membrane damage associated with conventional cleaners

Inventive Principle:

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

2Productivity

If frequent cleaning is performed to maintain flux and prevent fouling, then membrane performance is maintained, but energy and chemical costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane fluxVSAvoidcleaning energy cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies peroxyformic acid treatment as a preventive measure before significant fouling occurs, reducing the frequency and intensity of required cleaning cycles and thereby lowering energy and chemical consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The use of peroxyformic acid changes the cleaning parameter profile to require lower energy input and milder conditions compared to conventional high-heat, high-pH cleaning methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If strong biocides (e.g., DBNPA) are used to kill biofilms, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but toxic residues remain on membranes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidtoxic residues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the strong oxidizing capability of peroxyformic acid into a beneficial antimicrobial action that kills biofilms while the oxidation process simultaneously breaks down toxic residues, leaving no harmful remnants on the membrane

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs peroxyformic acid as a strong oxidant that rapidly kills microorganisms through oxidation of cellular components, while the same oxidation mechanism eliminates toxic residues, providing both antimicrobial effectiveness and cleanliness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 peroxyformic acid compositions effectively kill biofilms and remove mineral deposits without harming the membranes, maintaining flux and rejection capabilities, and are biodegradable with no toxic residues, reducing the need for harmful biocides like DBNPA.

Implementation Method 1

peroxyformic acid compositions generated in situ or by on site generation for the reduction, removal and/or kill of biofilms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

mitigation of mineral buildup on the membranes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical dissolution:

Data Source

PatentUS12382955B2Peroxyformic acid compositions for membrane filtration cleaning in energy services

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

Peroxyformic acid compositions for treatment and removal of biofilm growth and mineral deposits on membranes for energy services applications are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions are generated in situ or on site generation for the reduction and prevention, of biofilms and the mitigation of mineral buildup on the membranes. The compositions according to the invention are compatible with the membranes under application of use conditions.