Sand Composites with Polycationic Polymer Coating for Dust Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of dust from sand poses significant health hazards due to the presence of crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and is classified as a human lung carcinogen. Existing methods have not effectively addressed the issue of dust reduction in various industries such as construction, foundry, and hydraulic fracturing.
Innovation Solution
A composite is created by coating at least a portion of the surface of sand particulates with a polyionic polymer, which suppresses or inhibits the generation or formation of dust. This coating can be applied at various points in the sand's handling and transport process, including at the mine, during processing, and at the wellsite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sand is used in its natural state, then it provides the required functional properties for various industries, but it generates harmful dust that poses health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The polyionic polymer coating is applied to the sand surface in advance, before the sand is used in various applications. This preliminary action prevents dust generation during subsequent handling, transport, and use of the sand, eliminating the need for dust control measures during actual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyionic polymer acts as an intermediary substance between the sand particles and the environment. This coating layer binds to the sand surface and prevents dust particles from becoming airborne, serving as a mediator that eliminates the harmful interaction between sand and air.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polyionic polymer coating is applied to sand surface, then dust generation is suppressed, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface properties of sand by applying a polyionic polymer coating, modifying parameters such as surface charge, hydrophilicity, and particle binding strength. These parameter changes enable dust suppression while maintaining the sand's functional properties for various applications.
3Productivity
If sand is handled and transported without coating, then handling is simple and quick, but dust is released during these operations
Solution Approach 1:
The polyionic polymer coating, which adds a processing step, ultimately benefits productivity by enabling safe and efficient handling of sand without dust control interruptions. The coating transforms the harmful dust-release characteristic into a beneficial dust-free operation, allowing continuous productive work.
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 application of polyionic polymers significantly reduces the amount of dust generated from sand particulates during handling, transport, and use, thereby minimizing health risks and improving operational efficiency in industries that utilize sand.
Implementation Method 1
coating at least a portion of the surface of sand particulates with a polyionic polymer
Implementation Method 2
The composite is created by coating at least a portion of the surface of sand particulates with a polyionic polymer
Data Source
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AI summary
A composite is characterized by particulates of sand wherein at least a portion of the surface of the particulates is coated with a polycationic polymer. The presence of the polycationic polymer on the surface of the particulates reduces the amount of dust generated during handling and use of the sand. The polycationic polymer further reduces the amount of dust generated during transport of the sand as well during manufacture, treatment or processing of the sand.