Sulfite Oxidation Accelerator Unit for Seawater pH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oxidation of sulfite to sulfate in seawater from flue gas desulfurization plants is pH-dependent, requiring pH adjustment with fresh seawater, which can be scarce, and existing catalysts are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A stationary oxidation accelerator unit with a three-dimensional structure that allows seawater to flow through, utilizing catalytically active substances like activated carbon, housed in a fine-meshed casing to maximize surface area and prevent loss, reducing the need for fresh seawater and minimizing catalyst consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fresh seawater is mixed in to raise pH value, then the pH value is improved, but the volume flow increases and fresh seawater availability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter (pH) of the used seawater by adding alkaline substances like calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, rather than mixing in fresh seawater. This allows pH adjustment without increasing volume flow or consuming additional fresh seawater resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes carbon dioxide from the used seawater stream using chemical reactions with alkaline substances, thereby raising the pH value without needing to add fresh seawater. This separates the pH adjustment function from volume dilution.
2Productivity
If catalyst is dispersed in seawater stream, then oxidation reaction is accelerated, but catalyst consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses air bubbles as an intermediary carrier to deliver catalyst particles to the sulfite oxidation reaction sites. The catalyst is not directly dispersed in the seawater stream but is transported via air bubbles, reducing direct contact and consumption while maintaining oxidation acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic introduction of air bubbles into the seawater stream to carry catalyst particles. This pneumatic delivery system allows catalyst to be introduced efficiently without requiring direct liquid-phase dispersion, reducing catalyst consumption and costs.
3Productivity
If three-dimensional bodies with large surface area are used, then oxidation reaction is accelerated, but the bodies may float or be washed away
Solution Approach 1:
Air bubbles serve as an intermediary that carries the three-dimensional catalytic bodies through the seawater flow. The bodies attach to air bubbles and are transported without directly contacting the high-velocity liquid stream, preventing them from floating away or being washed out while maintaining their large surface area for oxidation acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic transport via air bubbles to move the three-dimensional catalytic bodies through the liquid flow. This two-phase flow system allows the bodies to be carried along without being directly subjected to hydrodynamic forces that would cause them to float or be washed away, ensuring reliable retention while maintaining high reaction surface area.
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 solution significantly accelerates the oxidation reaction, reduces the requirement for fresh seawater, and is maintenance-free, thereby lowering operational costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The invention provides an SO32- oxidation accelerator unit with catalytically active bodies through which the sea water can flow
Implementation Method 2
the bodies are preferably designed with high open porosity, which can lead to a surface area of >200 m2/g that can be overflowed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The accelerator unit has an accelerator provided in form of a three-dimensional body (10) passed through sea water. The body is assembled in a cover (30), which is passed through the sea water. The body and the cover are designed in such a manner that the body remains in the cover during predominant flow of the sea water. The cover comprises a fabric, a knitted fabric, a mesh, a grid and a membrane, and is formed in shape of ball, pyramid, cube, tube and sack. The cover is made of metal or plastic.