Sand Coated with Polycationic Polymer to Suppress Dust
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of dust from sand poses significant health hazards due to its respirable nature, particularly in industries such as construction and hydraulic fracturing, as it can lead to silicosis and other health issues, and existing methods are inadequate in effectively inhibiting dust formation.
Innovation Solution
Coating sand with a polycationic polymer, such as polyallylamine hydrochloride or polyethyleneimine, to reduce dust generation during handling, transport, and use, forming polyelectrolyte layers that suppress dust formation by electrostatic interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sand is used in construction and industrial applications, then productivity and functionality are improved, but dust generation increases causing health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by coating sand particles with polyionic polymers to create a composite structure. The sand core maintains its functional properties for construction and industrial applications, while the polyionic polymer coating suppresses dust generation. This composite approach allows the sand to serve its productive purposes while eliminating the harmful dust emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of sand particles by introducing a polyionic polymer coating. This parameter change transforms the surface characteristics of the sand, reducing its dust-generating capability while preserving the bulk properties that enable its use in construction and industry. The coating modifies the surface charge and physical properties to suppress dust release.
2Ease of operation
If sand is handled and transported, then material movement is required for construction operations, but dust release increases exposing workers to hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The polyionic polymer coating acts as an intermediary layer between the sand particles and the environment. This intermediary coating prevents direct contact between sand dust and workers during handling and transport operations, thereby reducing exposure to harmful dust while maintaining the ease of sand manipulation and movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin film or shell of polyionic polymer that coats the sand particles. This flexible coating adheres to the sand surface and prevents dust release during handling and transport, protecting workers without interfering with the mechanical properties of the sand for construction operations.
3Reliability
If sand is used in hydraulic fracturing operations, then well treatment effectiveness is improved, but dust generation during transport and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material where sand particles used in hydraulic fracturing are coated with polyionic polymers. This composite structure maintains the sand's effectiveness as a proppant for well treatment while suppressing dust generation during transport and processing operations, thereby protecting workers without compromising treatment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyionic polymer coating serves as an intermediary protective layer between the sand proppant and the environment during transport and processing. This intermediary coating prevents dust release in hydraulic fracturing operations while allowing the sand to maintain its function as an effective well treatment material.
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 polycationic polymer coating significantly reduces dust generation, enhancing safety by minimizing respirable silica particles and improving handling and processing conditions, as demonstrated by reduced fines and dust production during crushing and transport.
Implementation Method 1
forming polyelectrolyte layers that suppress dust formation by electrostatic interactions
Data Source
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.