Exhaust Scrubber Fluid Coagulation and Flocculation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust gas scrubber systems are inefficient in removing particulate matter (PM) from scrubber fluids, leading to polluted fluids that cannot be discharged overboard, requiring storage on ships.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves a circulation tank, coagulant addition downstream, a flocculation arrangement with a bent pipe design for turbulent agitation, and a separation device to separate PM into a concentrated fraction for storage and a cleaner fraction for discharge, optimizing PM agglomeration and separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a centrifugal separator is used to separate polluted scrubber fluid, then the separation of PM is achieved, but the cleaned scrubber fluid cannot be discharged overboard due to insufficient PM removal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding coagulant and flocculant chemicals to the scrubber fluid before separation to pre-agglomerate PM particles into larger clusters. This preliminary chemical treatment enhances the subsequent separation process, enabling effective PM removal and producing clean enough fluid for overboard discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical-chemical parameters of the scrubber fluid by introducing coagulants and flocculants that alter particle size, density, and aggregation state. These parameter changes transform fine PM particles into larger aggregates that are more easily separable and allow the treated fluid to meet discharge criteria.
2Reliability
If scrubber fluid is continuously circulated and cleaned, then PM removal is maintained, but chemical addition and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the scrubber fluid's own properties (alkalinity, flow characteristics) to facilitate PM aggregation and separation. The system leverages existing fluid dynamics and chemical properties rather than requiring entirely external treatment systems, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies fluid parameters by adding controlled amounts of coagulant and flocculant chemicals that change particle aggregation behavior. These parameter changes enable effective PM removal while maintaining system simplicity through targeted chemical intervention rather than complex mechanical treatment systems.
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 system effectively agglomerates PM into larger aggregates, enhancing separation efficiency, allowing for the discharge of cleaner fluid overboard and reducing chemical circulation, which minimizes fouling and blocking risks in the system.
Implementation Method 1
The basic concept of the invention is to ensure that PM in the fluid can form relatively large particle aggregates to facilitate removal of the PM from the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The flocculation arrangement is arranged to accommodate, keep or retain the bled-off part of the fluid and the first chemical to cause turbulent agitation of them to, in turn, promote agglomeration of PM comprised in the bled-off part of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
The separation device is arranged to receive a mixture comprising the bled-off part of the fluid and the first chemical, and to separate the mixture into a first fraction and a second fraction, which first fraction contains more PM than the second fraction
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating a fluid used for cleaning exhaust gas from pollutants including particulate matter comprises a circulation tank for accommodating the fluid, the circulation tank comprising an outlet for bleeding off part of the fluid. A first device is provided for adding a first chemical to the part of the fluid, wherein the first chemical comprises a coagulant. A separation device receives a mixture comprising the part of the fluid and the first chemical, and separates the mixture into a first fraction and a second fraction, which first fraction contains more particulate matter than the second fraction. A flocculation arrangement comprising a first flocculator device is arranged between the separation device and the first device to retain the part of the fluid and the first chemical to promote agglomeration of particulate matter comprised in the part of the fluid before the mixture is received by the separation device.