Solvent Extraction Desalination Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional desalination methods such as distillation and reverse osmosis require high energy consumption and result in significant equipment and process costs, making them inefficient for long-term water resource management.
Innovation Solution
A desalination device using a solvent extraction method that includes a series of mixing and separation tanks to selectively separate water molecules from salt ions using solvents, allowing for the recycling and reuse of solvents and brine, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional distillation or reverse osmosis methods are used for desalination, then water can be obtained from seawater, but high energy consumption and expensive equipment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the desalination process from thermal/pressure-based (distillation, reverse osmosis) to chemical-based (solvent extraction). By introducing solvents that selectively interact with water molecules, the system achieves desalination through chemical affinity rather than high energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between fresh water production and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solvents as intermediary substances that mediate between seawater and fresh water. The solvents selectively extract water molecules from seawater through chemical interaction, acting as a bridge that enables water separation without requiring direct high-energy processes, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining fresh water production
2Quantity of substance
If conventional distillation or reverse osmosis methods are used for desalination, then water can be obtained from seawater, but expensive equipment and process costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solvents that can be relatively easily manufactured and replaced compared to expensive reverse osmosis membranes or distillation equipment. The solvent system uses common chemical substances that are cheaper to produce and can be regenerated or replaced more economically, thereby reducing equipment costs and making the desalination process more affordable
3Use of energy by moving object
If solvent extraction method is used for desalination, then energy consumption is reduced, but solvent recovery and waste management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a solvent recovery system that captures and regenerates solvents from the extraction process. By recovering solvents through phase separation and regeneration units, the system reuses them in subsequent extraction cycles, thereby reducing the need for continuous solvent addition and simplifying waste management while maintaining low energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous operational cycle where solvents are continuously recovered and regenerated. The system maintains continuous useful action by looping solvents back through the extraction process, eliminating interruptions and reducing the complexity of handling waste, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and operational complexity
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 solvent extraction method effectively reduces energy usage and equipment costs while minimizing waste generation, providing an economically advantageous and sustainable approach to desalination.
Implementation Method 1
a first solvent selectively reacting more with the water molecules than with the salt ions
Implementation Method 2
brine containing salt ions of the feed water and first treatment water formed from mixing the water molecules of the feed water and the first solvent of the mixed water are separated by layer
Implementation Method 3
a second solvent selectively reacting more with the first solvent than with the water molecules of the treatment water
Implementation Method 4
the water molecules of the first treatment water and a composite solvent formed from mixing the first solvent of the first treatment water and the second solvent of the second treatment water are separated by layer
Implementation Method 5
a separation gas selectively binding with the first solvent
Implementation Method 6
a first solvent precipitate formed from selectively binding the first solvent of the composite solvent with the separation gas and the second solvent of the composite solvent are separated by layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a desalination device using a solvent extraction method, comprising: a first mixing tank composed of a feed water inlet into which feed water comprising salt ions and water molecules flows, a first solvent inlet into which a first solvent selectively reacting more with the water molecules than with the salt ions flows, a first mixing tank body in which the feed water and the first solvent are mixed so as to form a mixed water, and a mixed water outlet through which the mixed water is discharged; a first separation tank composed of a mixed water inlet which communicates with the mixed water outlet so that the mixed water flows therein, a first separation tank body in which brine containing salt ions of the feed water and first treatment water formed from mixing the water molecules of the feed water and the first solvent of the mixed water are separated by layer, and a first treatment water outlet through which the first treatment water is discharged; a second mixing tank composed of a first treatment water inlet which communicates with the first treatment water outlet so that the first treatment water flows therein, a second solvent inlet into which a second solvent selectively reacting more with the first solvent than with the water molecules of the treatment water flows, a second mixing tank body in which the first treatment water and the second solvent are mixed so as to form second treatment water, and a second treatment water outlet through which the second treatment water is discharged; and a second separation tank composed of a second treatment water inlet which communicates with the second treatment water outlet so that the second treatment water flows therein, a second separation tank body in which the water molecules of the first treatment water and a composite solvent formed from mixing the first solvent of the first treatment water and the second solvent of the second treatment water are separated by layer, and a fresh water outlet through which fresh water composed of the water molecules is discharged.