Tannin Polymer Algae Flocculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing algae from water supplies are inefficient, leading to clogged filters, increased operational costs, and violations of discharge permits in wastewater treatment and biofuel production, with traditional methods using toxic chemicals like aluminum sulfate damaging the quality of precipitated algae.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a polymer comprising tannin, which forms flocculated aggregates with dispersed algae, allowing for their effective separation through filtration or sedimentation, using a copolymer of tannin and cationic monomers in aqueous systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods using aluminum sulfate are used to remove algae, then algae removal is achieved, but the quality of precipitated algae is damaged due to toxic chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing aluminum sulfate with tannin-based polymers having different molecular weights and charge densities, achieving effective algae flocculation without toxic effects on algae quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite tannin-based polymers combining natural tannin with synthetic polymer components, creating a material that maintains the effectiveness of traditional flocculants while eliminating their toxic effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no algae removal method is applied, then algae quality is preserved, but filters become clogged and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tannin-based polymers as intermediary substances that bridge between preserving algae quality and enabling effective separation, allowing algae to be removed without direct contact with toxic chemicals
3Productivity
If algae are not removed from waste water, then treatment costs are reduced, but discharge permit violations occur due to high TSS, COD and nutrient concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes algae and suspended solids from waste water using tannin-based flocculants, concentrating them into separable aggregates that can be easily removed to meet discharge requirements
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 tannin-based polymer effectively reduces algae concentration by up to 95%, preventing filter clogging and maintaining algae quality, thus improving water treatment efficiency and compliance with discharge regulations while avoiding the use of toxic chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
adding to the aqueous system a polymer including tannin to form flocculated aggregates
Implementation Method 2
separating the flocculated aggregates from the aqueous system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for separating dispersed algae from an aqueous system is provided. The method includes adding to the aqueous system a polymer including tannin to form flocculated aggregates, and separating the flocculated aggregates from the aqueous system. A method for pretreating water comprising dispersed algae in an algae biofuel production system is also provided. The method includes adding to the water a polymer including tannin to form flocculated aggregates, and separating the flocculated aggregates from the water.