Temperature-Cycled Balancer for Aqueous Water Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems and methods for extracting water from aqueous solutions, such as seawater and brackish water, are inefficient, costly, and produce excessive brine, requiring large amounts of electricity and expensive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mixing an extraction agent with an aqueous solution at ambient temperature, followed by heating, volume reduction, temperature adjustment, and extraction of a water phase with reduced sodium chloride concentration, using a balancer system that includes heaters and extractors to optimize the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional systems use large amounts of electricity to extract water from aqueous solutions, then water extraction can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter through heating and cooling cycles to drive water extraction. The system heats the aqueous solution to a first temperature to facilitate water transfer to the extraction agent, then cools it to a second temperature to release the water, eliminating the need for large amounts of electricity while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water through temperature cycling. By heating the solution, water transitions to a state that transfers to the extraction agent; subsequent cooling causes water to be released from the extraction agent. This phase transition approach enables efficient water extraction without high electricity consumption
2Productivity
If conventional systems produce large amounts of brine, then water extraction is achieved, but disposal costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts only the water component from the aqueous solution using a temperature-dependent extraction agent. The agent preferentially binds water at elevated temperatures and releases it during cooling, separating water from salts and other non-volatile components. This selective extraction minimizes brine production while maximizing water recovery
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems require transportation of aqueous solutions over long distances, then water sources can be accessed, but inefficiency and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the extraction agent automatically cycles between binding and releasing water through temperature changes. The system requires minimal external intervention or transportation infrastructure, as the extraction process itself drives the separation and collection of water directly at the source location
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional systems use expensive filter systems, then water purification is achieved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filter systems with a thermal-based separation mechanism. The temperature cycling process naturally separates water from contaminants through phase transitions and solubility changes, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical filters that require frequent maintenance and replacement
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 method effectively reduces sodium chloride concentration in the extracted water phase by up to 99%, minimizing brine production and energy consumption, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
mixing (or contacting) an extraction agent and the aqueous solution at about ambient temperature to form a first feed mixture including a wet extraction agent phase and a raffinate phase
Implementation Method 2
heating the concentrated extraction agent mixture to a temperature of from about 35° C. to about 130° C. to form a dry extraction agent phase and a water phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for extracting water from aqueous solutions (e.g., aqueous NaCl solutions) using an extraction agent.