Liquid SAP Suspension for Clump-Resistant Waste Fluid Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drying agents in solid form, such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP), tend to clump and agglomerate upon application to waste fluids, affecting absorption and retrieval processes, and are challenging to apply effectively.
Innovation Solution
A liquid suspension is formulated by suspending superabsorbent polymer particles in a non-polar liquid, which maintains the particles in a dispersed state and prevents absorption of the liquid, allowing for effective application and absorption of aqueous waste fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent polymer is applied in solid form, then it can absorb waste fluids, but it clumps and agglomerates upon application
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid carrier serves as an intermediary medium to transport SAP particles without causing them to clump. The liquid carrier prevents direct contact between SAP particles and waste fluid, maintaining particle dispersion while enabling absorption function.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of SAP is changed from solid to liquid suspension form. This parameter change allows SAP to maintain particle dispersion while retaining absorption capacity, resolving the clumping issue inherent in solid form application.
2Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent polymer is applied in solid form, then it can absorb waste fluids, but it is challenging to apply effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid suspension form enables use with fluid delivery systems such as spray applications. This hydraulic approach improves ease of operation compared to manual application of solid particles, while maintaining absorption effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If superabsorbent polymer particles are suspended in non-polar liquid, then clumping is prevented, but the liquid must not be absorbed by SAP
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid carrier is selected with specific local properties (non-polar character) that are incompatible with SAP's absorption mechanisms. This local quality mismatch ensures the liquid remains non-absorbed while providing the necessary suspension stability.
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 liquid suspension provides a more efficient and clump-resistant delivery mechanism for SAP, enabling effective cleaning and retrieval of waste fluids with reduced agglomeration, and offers a longer shelf-life compared to dry SAP.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid suspension includes a non-polar liquid and a plurality of particles of superabsorbent polymer. The plurality of particles are suspended within the non-polar liquid.
Implementation Method 2
The liquid suspension includes a non-polar liquid and a plurality of particles of superabsorbent polymer. The plurality of particles are suspended within the non-polar liquid.
Implementation Method 3
SAP operates by absorbing aqueous liquids from the surrounding environment.
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid suspensions are disclosed that include superabsorbent polymer suspended within a non-aqueous liquid. The liquid suspensions are capable of being pumped and sprayed onto waste fluids for clean-up procedures. The liquid suspensions can be made by high shear mixing of the superabsorbent polymer with the non-aqueous liquid until the superabsorbent polymer is suspended within the non-aqueous liquid.