PFAS Destruction Reactor With UV Recycling and Membrane Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for destroying PFASs are energy-intensive, prone to clogging, and inefficient in breaking down shorter chain PFASs, and there is a need for improved processes to effectively and efficiently destroy PFASs, particularly in water-based waste streams.

Innovation Solution

The use of UV irradiation at 222 Nanometers with additives such as sulfite salts, halide salts, and bases, combined with thermal oxidation and electrochemical processes, to enhance PFAS destruction efficiency, including photoreactors and photo-electrochemical devices for aqueous solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is used to destroy PFASs, then destruction efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFAS destruction efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of water from supercritical conditions (374°C, over 3000 psi) to subcritical conditions (lower temperature and pressure), thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining PFAS destruction capability through alternative mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely thermal-mechanical SCWO process with a photochemical process using UV irradiation at 222 nm, substituting high-energy thermal input with targeted photonic energy that directly breaks PFAS bonds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If SCWO is used to destroy PFASs, then destruction speed is improved, but system complexity and clogging issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedestruction speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex high-pressure thermal system with a simpler photochemical reactor that uses UV light irradiation, eliminating the need for high-pressure equipment and reducing mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces UV light at 222 nm as an intermediary energy carrier that directly activates PFAS molecules for decomposition, avoiding the need for complex thermal transfer systems and high-pressure equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If basic aprotic media is used to destroy PFASs, then destruction efficiency is improved, but adaptability to water-based waste streams decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedestruction efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to water-based streams

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal treatment system using UV irradiation at 222 nm that can effectively treat both water-based waste streams and aprotic media, eliminating the need for separate treatment systems for different waste types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters from requiring specific media types (aprotic) to working effectively in water-based media by using UV photolysis, thereby expanding adaptability while maintaining efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Achieves greater than 90% to 99% destruction of PFASs, with systems designed for continuous operation and material recycling, reducing energy consumption and chemical usage.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the aqueous solution with light at 222 nm... The step of irradiating the aqueous solution may destroy greater than about 90% of the PFAS in the solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodissociation: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

subjecting the aqueous solution containing PFAS to an increased temperature and pressure for a period of time sufficient for thermal oxidation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

thermal oxidation... operates at temperatures around 350° C. and pressures around 2400 psi

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal oxidation:

Implementation Method 4

Other processes for destroying PFASs involve the use of electrochemistry. Electrochemical destruction can destroy long chain PFASs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical destruction:

Data Source

PatentUS20260049006A1Methods and systems for recycling materials during PFAS destruction

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 CLAROS TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for PFAS destruction including providing water containing PFAS to a reactor vessel, irradiating the water with UV light under conditions to destroy at least a portion of the PFAS, passing the treated water through a selective membrane to form permeate and membrane reject comprising PFAS, providing the membrane reject back to the reactor vessel, providing additional water containing PFAS to the reactor vessel within the reactor vessel or before being provided to the reactor vessel, and irradiating the membrane reject and the additional water containing PFAS within the reactor vessel with UV light. The steps may be repeated a plurality of times such that PFAS that is not destroyed is recycled through the reactor vessel. Sensitizers may be added and may also be recycled in the membrane reject with the PFAS.