Nonaqueous PolyDADMAC Suspension for Mining Wastewater Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating mining wastewater, particularly those involving dry polyDADMAC, face challenges such as high handling and shipping costs, impracticality in non-elevated systems, and safety risks due to the need for complex feeder systems and pre-mixing, which compromise performance and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
A low-viscosity liquid suspension of dry polyDADMAC in a nonaqueous carrier fluid, such as mineral oil, is developed to maintain the polymer in particulate form, allowing efficient pumping and direct application to wastewater streams without premature hydration, simplifying handling and reducing safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dry polyDADMAC is used for treating mining wastewater, then the polymer can be stored and transported easily, but handling and shipping costs increase and safety risks arise due to complex feeder systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of polyDADMAC from dry powder to liquid suspension form. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex dry feeder systems while maintaining ease of handling and shipping. The liquid suspension can be pumped and dosed using simple, reliable equipment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dry polyDADMAC is used, then the polymer remains stable, but pre-mixing and complex feeder systems are required which compromise performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid carrier as an intermediary medium to dissolve polyDADMAC. This intermediary allows the polymer to be delivered in a stable, ready-to-use liquid suspension form without requiring pre-mixing operations. The carrier facilitates direct injection into wastewater streams, improving productivity while maintaining polymer stability through the protective liquid medium.
3Ease of operation
If liquid forms of polyDADMAC are used, then handling is simplified, but the polymer dissolves prematurely and loses performance advantages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of premature polymer dissolution into a benefit by using a liquid carrier that controls and delays dissolution until the polymer reaches the wastewater stream. The liquid form provides handling simplicity, while the carrier ensures the polymer remains stable during transport and only dissolves when needed for treatment, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and composition stability.
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 effective and efficient treatment of mining wastewater by forming flocs, simplifying operations, reducing occupational hazards, and lowering costs by eliminating the need for dry feeder systems while maintaining performance advantages over traditional liquid forms.
Implementation Method 1
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
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. 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.