TMT-Polymer DTC Blend for Copper Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing copper from wastewater, such as chemical precipitation using dithiocarbamate (DTC), pose environmental and ecological risks due to their toxicological effects and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising trimercapto-s-triazine (TMT) and a polymer with a dithiocarbamate (DTC) functional group is used, where the polymer has a weight average molecular weight between 500 to 200,000 g/mol and contains between 5 to 100 mol % of the DTC functional group, combined in a specific mole ratio and weight ratio to enhance copper removal and reduce toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dithiocarbamate (DTC) is used for copper removal, then copper removal effectiveness is improved, but toxicological and ecological harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite reagent system combining DTC with other chemicals (such as iron salts, aluminum salts, or organic polymers) to achieve copper removal. This composite approach maintains the effective copper complexation capability of DTC while the additional components reduce the toxicological impact and improve sludge settleability, thereby resolving the contradiction between removal effectiveness and environmental harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies operational parameters including pH control (maintaining pH 6.5-8.5), reagent dosage optimization, and temperature control to enhance copper removal efficiency while minimizing the formation of toxic byproducts. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective copper removal with reduced ecological harm
2Ease of operation
If chemical precipitation is used for copper removal, then treatment simplicity is improved, but environmental toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary substances such as coagulants (iron or aluminum salts) and flocculants that act as mediators between the copper-DTC complexes and the separation process. These intermediaries facilitate the formation of large, settleable flocs that easily separate from the water, maintaining operational simplicity while reducing the toxicity of the remaining effluent through enhanced removal of residual chemicals
3Reliability
If excess DTC is used in effluent, then copper removal is improved, but toxicological distress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes DTC dosage to achieve complete copper removal while minimizing excess reagent in the effluent. The treatment process includes controlled addition of DTC followed by coagulation and flocculation steps that capture and remove residual DTC along with copper precipitates. This approach ensures effective copper removal while discarding minimal toxicological harm through proper sludge separation and effluent treatment
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 described method effectively removes copper from wastewater, reducing aquatic toxicity and improving coagulating ability, thereby minimizing environmental harm and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer with a dithiocarbamate (DTC) functional group... effectively removes copper from wastewater
Implementation Method 2
separating a precipitate comprising the metal from the medium
Implementation Method 3
improving coagulating ability, thereby minimizing environmental harm
Data Source
AI summary
The compositions and methods disclosed relate to the removal of a metal from a medium, such as an aqueous medium. The aqueous medium may be, for example, wastewater, such as wastewater from the microelectronics industry. Blended compositions were discovered to be synergistically favorable for lowered toxicity and increased coagulating ability in the chemical precipitation of metal contaminants. Compositions may include, for example, polymeric DTC and TMT. Target metals may include, for example, heavy metals, such as copper, nickel, and mercury.