Polycationic Polymer Precipitation for Fluorinated Compound Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing fluorinated compounds from aqueous phases, such as wastewater from fluoropolymer production, are costly and inefficient, particularly when dealing with high salt concentrations, as they require multiple separation techniques and can lead to resin clogging and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the addition of polycationic and polyanionic polymers to the aqueous phase to cause partial precipitation of fluorinated compounds, allowing for efficient removal using a single separation technique without the need for additional surfactants or costly column technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anion-exchange processes are used to remove fluorinated emulsifiers from waste water, then fluorinated compounds can be separated, but the process becomes cost-intensive and requires multiple separation techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the removal of fluorinated emulsifiers and fluoropolymer particles into a single filtration step using a specifically designed filter. This merges two separate separation functions (anion-exchange for emulsifiers and filtration for particles) into one integrated process, reducing equipment complexity and operational costs while maintaining effective removal of both contaminant types
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a mechanical filter for particle removal and a collection system for emulsifier recovery. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate anion-exchange columns and additional separation equipment, addressing the contradiction between removal efficiency and process complexity
2Reliability
If anion-exchange resins are used to separate fluorinated emulsifiers, then emulsifiers can be removed, but precipitated fluoropolymer particles clog the resin and reduce its capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the separation process into distinct functional zones within the filter system. A pre-filtration layer captures fluoropolymer particles before they reach the main filtration medium, preventing clogging. This segmentation allows the main filter to focus on emulsifier removal without being compromised by particle accumulation, maintaining both separation effectiveness and operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtration layer that acts as a mediator between the waste water stream and the main filtration system. This intermediate layer traps precipitated particles, preventing them from reaching and clogging the resin or main filter media, thereby preserving resin capacity and extending operational life while maintaining emulsifier separation efficiency
3Productivity
If salt-induced coagulation is used to separate fluoropolymers from aqueous dispersions, then polymers can be coagulated, but inorganic or organic salts reduce the capacity of anion exchange resins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts salts from the system by implementing a washing step where coagulated fluoropolymers are washed with fresh water to remove adhering salt solutions. This extraction of salts before the waste water enters the anion-exchange or filtration system prevents salt interference with resin capacity, allowing effective emulsifier removal while maintaining the productivity benefits of salt-induced coagulation
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 process effectively reduces the amount of fluorinated compounds in the aqueous phase, enables recovery of valuable compounds, and maintains efficiency across varying concentrations, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
adding one or more polycationic polymers or precursor polymers thereof to cause at least partial precipitation of fluorinated compounds
Implementation Method 2
adding one or more polycationic polymers or precursor polymers thereof to cause at least partial precipitation of fluorinated compounds
Implementation Method 3
adding one or more polyanionic polymers wherein b) is carried out after or simultaneously with a)
Data Source
AI summary
A process of removing fluorinated compounds from an aqueous phase originating from the preparation of fluoropolymers said process comprising the use of polycationic polymers.