PolyDADMAC Bead Suspension for Low-Viscosity Wastewater Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for treating mining wastewater face challenges in handling and transporting high molecular weight polyDADMAC due to high viscosity and handling issues, especially in regions lacking elevated feeder systems, leading to increased costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
Development of a nonaqueous suspension of polyDADMAC beads in mineral oil, allowing for high concentration delivery and simplified handling, eliminating the need for dry feeder systems and reducing occupational health and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high molecular weight polyDADMAC is used for wastewater treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but handling and transportation become difficult due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of polyDADMAC from liquid (high viscosity) to solid beads (low viscosity), while maintaining the same chemical composition and molecular weight. This transformation allows the material to retain its treatment effectiveness while dramatically improving handling and transportation properties, as the bead form can be easily pumped and dosed without requiring specialized high-viscosity handling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process where liquid polyDADMAC is transformed into solid beads through a bead formation process. These beads serve as a mediator that preserves the active polyDADMAC molecules while eliminating the viscosity problem, enabling standard handling and transportation infrastructure to be used effectively
2Ease of operation
If dry feeder systems are used to deliver polyDADMAC, then handling is simplified, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical form of polyDADMAC delivery from dry powder (requiring complex dry feeder systems) to liquid suspension (compatible with standard liquid pumping infrastructure). This parameter change allows the use of simple, reliable liquid dosing equipment instead of complex mechanical dry feeders, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by formulating polyDADMAC as a liquid suspension that can be pumped through standard liquid piping systems. This approach leverages well-established hydraulic infrastructure and pumping technology, eliminating the need for complex pneumatic or mechanical dry feeding systems and significantly simplifying the overall delivery mechanism
3Productivity
If concentrated polyDADMAC solutions are used, then treatment efficiency is improved, but handling safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of concentrated polyDADMAC from liquid solution (high safety risk) to solid beads (low safety risk). The bead form maintains the high concentration of active material needed for efficient treatment but eliminates the hazards associated with handling concentrated liquids, such as splashing, spills, and skin contact, thereby improving occupational safety while preserving treatment efficiency
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 suspension enables efficient and safe delivery of high molecular weight polyDADMAC beads directly into wastewater streams, maintaining performance advantages over traditional liquid forms while reducing transportation and handling complexities.
Implementation Method 1
A nonaqueous suspension of polyDADMAC beads in mineral oil
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension comprising a water soluble polymer suspended as particulates in a nonaqueous liquid is useful for treating water from which contaminant particles need to be removed. The suspension includes mineral oil and at least about 10 wt % of particulate polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC) in the form of powder or beads. The suspension can be highly concentrated, for example, up to 80 wt % polyDADMAC. The polyDADMAC can be high molecular weight beads. A method and system for delivering the suspension to flowing wastewater is also described. The method and system can be configured to treat water such as wastewater, wherein the wastewater is generated as a waste stream during various large-scale operations such as mining operations.