Upflow Adsorbent Reactor with Deflector for Particle Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment methods using upflow activated carbon reactors face challenges in achieving efficient fluidization of the adsorbent bed while preventing the loss of activated carbon particles, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to particle leakage and the need for additional steps like polymer injection.
Innovation Solution
A reactor design that includes a means for deflecting the fluid at the top to create a tranquil zone, reducing the upflow speed and preventing particle loss, along with a system for recirculating treated fluid and injecting fresh adsorbent media, allowing for higher fluid upflow speeds without particle leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the upflow speed is increased to enhance fluidization and expansion of the adsorbent bed, then the treatment efficiency is improved, but activated carbon particles are lost through leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is divided into two distinct zones: an upper tranquil zone where fluid velocity is reduced to prevent particle escape, and a lower fluidization zone where high upflow speed promotes expansion and treatment efficiency. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both treatment performance and particle retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical velocity gradient dimension, transitioning from high upward flow velocity in the lower zone to near-zero or downward velocity in the upper zone. This dimensional change in flow velocity profile enables the system to achieve both fluidization and particle settling in the same reactor volume.
2Loss of substance
If polymer additives are introduced to prevent particle loss, then particle retention is improved, but the process complexity and chemical usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for polymer additives by implementing a physical flow control mechanism. The tranquil zone design allows particles to settle and be retained through gravity alone, removing the requirement for chemical assistance and simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own flow dynamics to achieve particle retention without external chemical aids. The tranquil zone creates natural settling conditions where particles automatically accumulate and are retained through gravitational forces, making the system self-sufficient without requiring added polymers.
3Productivity
If the reactor volume is increased to improve treatment capacity, then the treatment efficiency is improved, but the equipment size and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of fluidization, expansion, and particle retention into a single reactor volume by creating a vertical velocity gradient. The upper tranquil zone serves dual purposes: it prevents particle escape and enables efficient treatment, eliminating the need for separate retention chambers or additional equipment volume.
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
This design enables efficient fluidization and expansion of the adsorbent bed with reduced particle loss, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective treatment process that optimizes adsorbent media usage and minimizes the need for additional chemicals like weighting polymers.
Implementation Method 1
forming the upflow of fluid within the reactor and enabling the fluidization and expansion of the bed of adsorbent media particles
Implementation Method 2
The means for deflecting fluid are intended to reduce the speed of the upflow of fluid and enable the formation of a fluid tranquil zone... the adsorbent media particles... fall to the bottom of the reactor
Implementation Method 3
reducing or removing organic substances, micropollutants and/or metal ions in water using activated carbon as an adsorbent medium
Data Source
AI summary
Plant (1) intended for the treatment of a fluid (15) by passage of an upflow (90) of said fluid (15) through a bed of adsorbent media particles (13). The plant (1) comprises a reactor (2) intended to contain the bed of adsorbent media particles (13), comprising:a means for injecting and distributing fluid to be treated, disposed at the bottom part, for forming the upflow (90) of fluid (15) within the reactor (2) and enabling the fluidization and expansion of said bed of adsorbent media particles (13);a means for recovering treated fluid;a means for deflecting fluid (20) disposed at the top part, intended for reducing the speed of the upflow (90) of fluid (15) and enabling the formation of a tranquil zone (27), said means for recovering treated fluid being disposed downstream from said tranquil zone (27).