Sphagnum Moss Treatment for Scale Removal and Corrosion Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accumulation of scale and corrosion in artificial and natural water systems poses significant challenges, including increased maintenance costs and operating inefficiencies, and current methods often require harsh and toxic chemicals for mitigation.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing non-decomposed Sphagnum moss, in the form of leaves or parts of leaves, to create a solution that contacts surfaces to remove existing scale and inhibit its formation, and to inhibit corrosion by applying the moss in aqueous systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If harsh and toxic chemicals are used to remove scale, then scale removal effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and safety issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale removal effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs Sphagnum moss, a biodegradable organic material, as a temporary, disposable treatment medium that effectively removes scale through natural mechanisms (acetic acid secretion, chelation) without persistent environmental harm. The moss is applied, allows to work for a period, then decomposes harmlessly, replacing the need for persistent chemical inhibitors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment by using naturally occurring acetic acid and chelating compounds found in Sphagnum moss, rather than synthetic harsh chemicals. This alters the chemical environment to be more benign while maintaining effective scale removal through natural chemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional chemical inhibitors are used to prevent scale and corrosion, then protection effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion inhibition effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Sphagnum moss treatment system is self-regulating and self-cleaning. The moss naturally secretes protective compounds that inhibit corrosion and scale formation without requiring external chemical dosing systems, pumps, or complex monitoring. The system maintains protection through the moss's inherent biological properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential protective function from complex chemical formulations and isolates it in the natural compounds present in Sphagnum moss (acetic acid, chelating agents). This simplifies the treatment system by using a single natural material that provides multiple protective functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If traditional scale removal methods are used, then immediate scale removal is achieved, but long-term prevention and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale removal speedVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The Sphagnum moss treatment provides preliminary protection by preventing scale and corrosion from forming in the first place through continuous secretion of protective compounds. This preventive action reduces or eliminates the need for subsequent removal operations and maintenance interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The moss provides continuous protective action throughout its deployment period, constantly secreting acetic acid and chelating compounds that prevent scale and corrosion. This continuous natural treatment replaces intermittent chemical dosing and maintenance operations, reducing overall maintenance time and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Sphagnum moss effectively removes scale by up to 70% in 6 days and inhibits corrosion as well as or better than industry-standard inhibitors, reducing maintenance needs and operational inefficiencies.

Implementation Method 1

Sphagnum moss significantly inhibits the growth of free-floating (planktonic) bacteria... removing scale by up to 70% in 6 days

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Implementation Method 2

The moss may be processed further after harvesting by forming an aqueous slurry to extract very fine particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

inhibiting corrosion as well as or better than industry-standard inhibitors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS20260070824A1Removal and inhibition of scale and inhibition of corrosion by use of moss

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 ATLANTIC BIO VENTURES LLC

AI summary

Methods of removing scale and inhibiting scale formation on a surface in an aqueous system are provided that include contacting a surface susceptible to scale formation or having a scale with a solution comprising an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to remove some or all of the scale or inhibit scale formation on the surface. Methods of inhibiting corrosion on a surface in an aqueous system are provided that include contacting a surface susceptible to corrosion with a solution comprising an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to inhibit corrosion on the surface.