Recycled Carpet Backing Absorbent for Hydrocarbon Spills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil-absorbing materials, such as diatomaceous earth, contain crystalline silicate, which is a potential carcinogen, and lack effective alternatives for safer and more environmentally friendly solutions for industrial and consumer spills.
Innovation Solution
Utilization of recycled carpet backing material (PC4), composed primarily of calcium carbonate and styrene-butadiene rubber, which offers superior absorption properties and reduced volume requirements, thus providing a safer and more sustainable option for oil and hydrocarbon spill management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If diatomaceous earth is used as oil-absorbing material, then absorption capacity is improved, but health safety deteriorates due to crystalline silicate content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful crystalline silicate component from the traditional diatomaceous earth material, replacing it with alternative absorbent materials that do not contain carcinogenic substances while maintaining effective oil absorption capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the absorbent material by substituting crystalline silicate with non-carcinogenic alternatives, thereby modifying the material's properties to eliminate harmful effects while preserving absorption functionality
2Reliability
If traditional absorbent materials are used, then absorption function is provided, but environmental impact worsens due to landfill disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery and reuse system where spent absorbent material is collected, processed, and regenerated for continued use, eliminating the need to discard functional materials in landfills and reducing environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent material system is designed to be self-regenerating through controlled degradation and decomposition processes that allow the material to be reused multiple times without external intervention, reducing waste and environmental burden
3Volume of stationary object
If recycled carpet backing material (PC4) is used, then volume requirement is reduced, but material composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials derived from recycled carpet backing, combining various components (calcium carbonate, styrene-butadiene rubber, and other recycled materials) to create an absorbent product with optimized properties and reduced volume requirements
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
PC4 outperforms traditional materials in absorption capacity and retention, requiring less volume for the same weight, reducing disposal fees and landfill impact, while being reusable and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
PC4 outperforms traditional materials in absorption capacity and retention
Data Source
AI summary
A method for absorbing liquids, such as liquid hydrocarbons, includes applying recycled carpet material to the liquid. The recycled carpet material is prepared by shredding carpet and removing fibers from the shredded carpet to obtain carpet backing material. The carpet backing material may be further treated to remove fibers. The carpet backing material is then applied to the liquid.