Salty Sludge Drying Composition for High-Salt Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for conditioning salt sludge, particularly those with high salt concentrations, are energy-intensive and costly, and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are ineffective due to reduced absorption capacity in the presence of high sodium chloride, necessitating excessive additive use.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least 50% to 99% superabsorbent polymer, preferably crosslinked sodium polyacrylate, and 1% to 50% flocculating polymer, which synergistically enhances drying and reduces the required SAP dosage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent polymer is used to dry salty sludge, then water absorption capacity is improved, but absorption capacity decreases in the presence of high sodium chloride concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines superabsorbent polymer with flocculating polymer to create a composite drying composition. The flocculating polymer forms a three-dimensional network that traps salt ions, preventing them from interfering with the superabsorbent polymer's water absorption capacity. This composite approach allows the superabsorbent polymer to maintain high absorption effectiveness even in the presence of high sodium chloride concentration.
2Productivity
If chemical conditioning with lime and carbonates is used to dry sludge, then drying efficiency is improved, but sludge volume increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the conditioning agent by using superabsorbent polymer instead of traditional lime and carbonates. The superabsorbent polymer absorbs water through physical and chemical mechanisms without adding significant solid mass to the sludge, thereby maintaining high drying efficiency while avoiding the volume increase caused by large quantities of lime and carbonate additives.
3Speed
If thermal conditioning is used to dry salty sludge, then drying speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal conditioning system with a chemical conditioning system using superabsorbent polymer. Instead of using heat energy to evaporate water, the superabsorbent polymer directly absorbs and binds water molecules through its polyacrylate structure, achieving rapid drying效果 without energy-intensive heating processes.
4Reliability
If excessive additives are used to compensate for reduced SAP absorption capacity, then drying effectiveness is maintained, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flocculating polymer acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the salt ions and the superabsorbent polymer. It forms a protective network that prevents salt ions from interfering with the superabsorbent polymer's water absorption, thereby maintaining drying effectiveness without requiring excessive amounts of additives or complex compositions.
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 composition rapidly and effectively dries salt sludge, making it transportable and storable with reduced SAP usage, independent of salt content, thus lowering costs and logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a superabsorbent polymer, in particular a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate, having a water retention capacity greater than or equal to 30 times its weight
Implementation Method 2
the absorption of the liquid part of salty sludge
Implementation Method 3
a flocculating polymer, in particular a water-soluble anionic or non-ionic (co)polymer of high molecular weight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the technical field of treating urban and industrial salty sludge in general and more specifically the "conditioning" thereof before it is removed through the appropriate channels. The drying composition of the invention makes it possible to easily transport and store salty sludge, namely all sludge comprising even small quantities of salts made up of inorganic anions, in particular chlorides, and cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Said drying composition is characterised in that it comprises: - at least 50% and up to 99% by weight of a superabsorbent polymer – and from 1% to 99% by weight of a flocculant polymer. It makes it possible to dry salty sludge by significantly reducing the quantity of superabsorbent required to achieve said outcome. The invention also relates to the use of the composition for conditioning salty sludge.