Impregnated Filter Medium With Renewable-Source Epoxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter media, particularly those impregnated with polymeric resins derived from fossil fuels, have a consumable nature and adverse environmental impact, and existing renewable alternatives do not provide suitable properties for all filtration systems.
Innovation Solution
Impregnating a base filter medium with a cured epoxy resin formed by the reaction of an epoxy resin with a curing agent, where the epoxy resin includes a diglycidyl ether derived from renewable sources, maintaining or improving filtration properties without detrimental effects on dry and wet bursting strength, stiffness, elongation at break, and chemical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric resins derived from fossil fuels are used to impregnate the base filter medium, then the filter medium achieves suitable filtration properties, but the environmental impact increases and the consumable nature worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the resin from fossil fuel-based polymeric resins to renewable resource-based resins (lignin, shellac, rosin, terpene resins). This parameter change maintains the impregnation function while improving the environmental sustainability and reducing the harmful factors associated with fossil fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite impregnation material by combining multiple renewable resources (lignin, shellac, rosin, terpene resins) to form a resin composition that achieves the required filtration properties. This composite approach allows optimization of both environmental sustainability and functional performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable resource-based resin compositions are used to impregnate the base filter medium, then the environmental impact is reduced, but the filter medium may not provide suitable properties for all filtration systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different renewable resin components to different aspects of the filter medium properties. Lignin provides structural reinforcement, shellac offers chemical resistance, rosin enhances dust holding capacity, and terpene resins provide flexibility. This local quality approach ensures that each component contributes specific properties that collectively meet all filtration system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates a composite resin composition containing multiple renewable resources (lignin, shellac, rosin, terpene resins) in specific proportions. This composite material combines the beneficial properties of each component to achieve comprehensive filtration performance suitable for various filtration systems while maintaining environmental sustainability.
3Reliability
If the filter medium is designed for depth filtration with torturous pathways, then particle retention is improved, but the pores become blocked over time reducing fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resin impregnation to the base filter medium before it is put into service. This preliminary action pre-strengthenes the fibrous web structure, preventing fiber collapse and pore blockage during operation. The resin coating acts as a protective layer that maintains pore openness while still allowing particle capture, thus preserving fluid flow capacity throughout the filter medium's service life.
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 use of a renewable epoxy resin impregnation method enhances the filter medium's properties while reducing environmental impact, ensuring effective filtration performance without additional curing steps.
Implementation Method 1
The cured epoxy resin may be formed by the reaction of an epoxy resin with a curing agent
Implementation Method 2
The epoxy resin may include a diglycidyl ether formed by the reaction of a diol with an epihalohydrin
Data Source
AI summary
A filter medium, filtration device, and methods for the same are described. The filter medium may include a base impregnated with a cured epoxy resin. The cured epoxy resin may be the reaction product of, or formed by, the reaction of an epoxy resin and a curing agent. The epoxy resin may include a diglycidyl ether. The diglycidyl ether may be the reaction product of or formed by the reaction of a diol and an epihalohydrin. The epihalohydrin may be derived from one or more renewable sources. The method may include impregnating a base filter medium with an impregnation composition including one or more of an epoxy resin, a curing agent, a solvent, or a combination thereof. The method may also include reacting the epoxy resin with the curing agent to form a cured epoxy resin.