Pipeline Cleaning via pH-Adjusted Hypochlorite Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning and disinfecting pipelines and drinking water systems are inefficient, requiring long residence times for cleaning media and often causing corrosion, which affects both performance and economy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the extraction and recirculation of a fluid cleaning medium, primarily water, with controlled pH adjustment using carbon dioxide and the addition of hypochlorite and peroxide sources, allowing for a short residence time while maintaining effective cleaning and disinfection performance, and a device for implementing this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly acidic cleaning components are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but corrosion damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning medium by using hypochlorite and peroxide compounds instead of highly acidic components, maintaining effective cleaning and disinfection performance while operating at near-neutral pH values that prevent corrosion damage to pipeline systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful substances into beneficial ones by replacing corrosive acids with hypochlorite and peroxide compounds that provide both cleaning and disinfection functions without causing corrosion, thus transforming the cleaning medium into a non-corrosive yet effective solution
2Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning medium can be applied, but residence time is too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by recirculating the cleaning medium through the pipeline system multiple times, allowing the hypochlorite and peroxide compounds to continuously act on biofilms and contaminants throughout the system, achieving thorough cleaning in a shorter total time compared to conventional single-pass methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the pH of the cleaning medium to near-neutral values before introduction, and by pre-recirculating it through the system to rapidly initiate cleaning and disinfection actions, reducing the overall residence time required compared to conventional methods
3Reliability
If cleaning medium is recirculated multiple times, then cleaning performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the recirculation system to utilize the residual cleaning capability of the hypochlorite and peroxide compounds in the cleaning medium, allowing the medium to continue acting on contaminants during recirculation without requiring additional energy-intensive interventions or booster doses
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 achieves high cleaning and disinfection performance with reduced residence time, minimizing corrosion damage and improving economic efficiency, while the device allows for flexible and mobile operation.
Implementation Method 1
carbon dioxide, in particular gaseous carbon dioxide, is added to the fluid medium in a mixing reactor and that the pH of the fluid medium is changed by the reaction of the carbon dioxide with the fluid medium
Implementation Method 2
the addition of hypochlorite and peroxide sources, allowing for a short residence time while maintaining effective cleaning and disinfection performance
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for cleaning and/or disinfecting pipelines and/or for disinfecting drinking water. At least one fluid cleaning medium is used, which is generated from at least one other fluid medium. The pH value of the fluid medium is adjusted to a value between 5.0 and 8.0, in particular between 5.5 and 7.5, and preferably between 5.5 and 6.5. At least one hypochlorite source and/or at least one peroxide source is added to the fluid medium. The fluid cleaning medium generated in this way is fed into a pipeline system.