Saccharide Polymer Surfactant Blends for Particulate Dewatering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surfactants face issues such as high cost, poor solubility, high surface tension, compatibility problems, and regulatory challenges, limiting their suitability for dewatering processes, and there is no easy way to alter the hydrophobic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of these surfactants, complicating their application in dewatering particulate materials like sand.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous compositions comprising reaction products of saccharide polymers, fatty acids, and neutral surfactants, optionally combined with zwitterionic and amine-functionalized saccharide polymers, are used to enhance dewatering by synergistically lowering surface tension and improving fluid flow rates and residual moisture content within particulates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional surfactants are used for dewatering, then dewatering enhancement is achieved, but cost and regulatory compliance issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of surfactants by employing biodegradable alternatives with specific HLB values (3-20), molecular weights (200-10,000), and structural characteristics that provide effective dewatering while meeting environmental regulations and reducing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite surfactant systems comprising multiple biodegradable surfactants with different HLB values and molecular characteristics working synergistically to achieve enhanced dewatering performance while maintaining environmental compliance and cost-effectiveness
2Stability of the object's composition
If the HLB of a surfactant is fixed by molecular structure, then chemical stability is maintained, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability by providing a system of multiple biodegradable surfactants with varying HLB values (3-20) and molecular weights (200-10,000), allowing selection and combination of surfactants tailored to specific dewatering applications while each individual surfactant maintains its stable molecular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite surfactant formulations where multiple surfactants with different HLB values work together, enabling adaptation to various particulate materials and dewatering conditions while each component maintains its chemical stability
3Productivity
If conventional surfactants are used, then dewatering is enhanced, but aqueous fluids contain particulate fines causing waste disposal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant system by using biodegradable surfactants with specific molecular characteristics that enhance dewatering efficiency while minimizing the generation and improving the biodegradability of particulate fines in the resulting aqueous fluids
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 compositions effectively enhance flow rates and decrease residual moisture content while maintaining clarity of the recovered fluid, demonstrating the compositions' efficacy in enhancing the dewatering process.
Implementation Method 1
Amphiphilic compounds having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions within their molecular structure are commonly referred to as 'surfactants' or 'surfactant compounds.' Surfactants may be found in a wide range of consumer and industrial products
Implementation Method 2
Some common surfactants may be expensive, have poor aqueous solubility, be subject to environmental and/or other government regulations, and/or exhibit incompatibility with other components in an aqueous fluid
Implementation Method 3
By virtue of their molecular structure, surfactants may promote solubility of an otherwise sparingly soluble substance, increase foaming, facilitate emulsification or de-emulsification, lower viscosity, and/or alter the wetting characteristics of a surface
Data Source
AI summary
Aqueous compositions comprising an aqueous carrier fluid, a reaction product of a saccharide polymer and a fatty acid or a fatty ester obtained in the aqueous carrier fluid in the presence of a hydroxide base and a neutral surfactant or a reaction product form thereof, a zwitterionic surfactant, and optionally an amine-functionalized saccharide polymer may facilitate dewatering of a plurality of particulates. The reaction product of the saccharide polymer and the fatty acid or the fatty ester, in combination with the neutral surfactant or the reaction product form thereof, and the zwitterionic surfactant may also promote increased aqueous fluid flow through the plurality of particulates. The amine-functionalized saccharide polymer may further increase dewatering of the plurality of particulates and improve clarity of an aqueous filtrate obtained from the plurality of particulates.