Super Absorbent Polymer Reassembly for Granulation and Drying Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing super absorbent polymers face challenges in improving drying efficiency, reducing the generation of re-fines, and enhancing absorption performance, particularly under pressure and permeability, due to issues with granulation strength and moisture content during the reassembly process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a hydrogel polymer through polymerization, followed by classification, mixing with a polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer and water, extrusion, and surface cross-linking, with controlled water usage to optimize granulation strength and reduce re-fines, thereby improving absorption performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the amount of water used in the reassembly process is increased, then granulation strength is improved, but energy consumption during drying increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the water content in the fine reassembly to a specific range (5-20% by weight) rather than using excessive amounts. This controlled parameter adjustment achieves sufficient granulation strength while minimizing the energy required for subsequent drying, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the amount of water used in the reassembly process is reduced, then energy consumption during drying is reduced, but cohesive strength is lowered and reassembly is not performed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the water content parameter within the optimal range of 5-20% by weight. This controlled parameter change provides sufficient moisture for proper reassembly and cohesive strength formation while avoiding excessive water that would require high energy for drying, thus achieving both low energy consumption and adequate cohesive strength.
3Strength
If the amount of water used in the reassembly process is increased, then granulation strength is improved, but the load on the device for preparing super absorbent polymer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by limiting the water content to an optimal range (5-20% by weight) rather than using excessive amounts. This controlled parameter adjustment achieves the necessary granulation strength for proper particle formation while minimizing the total moisture content that would otherwise increase the load on processing equipment.
4Strength
If additional extrusion process is performed on fine reassembly with low moisture content, then granulation strength is improved and re-fines are reduced, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the extrusion process during the reassembly operation itself, rather than as a separate subsequent step. This integrated approach allows the extrusion to shape and strengthen the particles while they are still moist and pliable, achieving granulation strength improvement without requiring additional separate processing equipment or steps.
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 method enhances drying efficiency, reduces re-fine generation, and improves absorption under pressure and permeability of the final super absorbent polymer by controlling granulation strength during the reassembly process.
Implementation Method 1
water absorbency of the super absorbent polymer depends on the affinity and molecular expansion, and an absorption rate is largely dependent on the osmotic pressure of the absorbent polymer itself
Implementation Method 2
A super absorbent polymer (SAP) is a type of synthetic polymeric material capable of absorbing 500 to 1000 times its own weight of moisture
Implementation Method 3
molecular expansion due to repulsion between polymer electrolyte ions
Implementation Method 4
inhibition of expansion due to cross-linking
Implementation Method 5
the amount of energy used during a drying process of the fine reassembly increases
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a super absorbent polymer. More specifically, it relates to a method for preparing a super absorbent polymer capable of improving drying efficiency, reducing a generation amount of re-fines, and simultaneously improving absorption performance, in particular, absorption under pressure and permeability of the finally prepared super absorbent polymer by controlling granulation strength of the extruded fine reassembly.