UV Treated Substrate Water Separation Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating substrates used in hydrocarbon fluid filtration, such as diesel fuel, are inadequate in ensuring efficient water removal and engine component protection due to limitations in removing free water, which can cause cavitation and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation filtered through a mask to treat substrate surfaces, altering their roll-off and contact angles to enhance water droplet coalescence and separation efficiency, while incorporating aromatic and unsaturated components and exposure to H2O2, ozone, or oxygen to modify the surface properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional substrate treatment methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but water separation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV radiation at specific wavelengths (185 nm and/or 254 nm) to change the surface energy parameters of the substrate, transforming it from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. This parameter change in surface wettability directly improves water separation efficiency without requiring complex mechanical or chemical treatment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical treatment methods with UV radiation treatment. The UV irradiation process substitutes for traditional mechanical surface modification or chemical coating methods, achieving hydrophilic surface properties through photochemical oxidation rather than physical or chemical intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If substrate surface is treated to increase hydrophilicity, then water droplet coalescence improves, but surface treatment uniformity becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or controlled UV radiation exposure to achieve uniform surface treatment. By controlling the duration and intensity of UV irradiation, the treatment can be standardized and replicated consistently across different substrates, ensuring uniform hydrophilic surface properties
Solution Approach 2:
The UV radiation treatment process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cleans the surface, modifies surface energy, and creates hydrophilic properties. This multi-functionality simplifies the treatment process and ensures uniform results without requiring multiple separate treatment steps
3Reliability
If UV radiation treatment is applied, then contact angle and roll-off angle improve, but treatment time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV radiation at controlled doses (partial action) rather than excessive exposure. By optimizing the UV irradiation time and intensity, sufficient surface modification is achieved without wasting energy, balancing treatment effectiveness with energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameters of UV radiation (wavelength selection of 185 nm and/or 254 nm, intensity control, exposure time) to optimize the balance between treatment effectiveness and energy consumption. These parameter adjustments ensure reliable surface modification while minimizing energy usage
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 treated substrates exhibit improved roll-off angles and contact angles, leading to enhanced water separation efficiency and stability, effectively addressing the issues of water removal and engine component protection.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is filtered through a mask defining an opening pattern, and a surface of the substrate is exposed to the filtered UV radiation to treat a portion of the surface
Implementation Method 2
the surface is exposed to H2O2 while exposing the surface to the filtered UV radiation
Implementation Method 3
the surface is exposed to ozone while the surface is exposed to the filtered UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The current technology relates to substrate treatments, treated substrates, and filters. Treated substrates can have a treated surface that defines a pattern and/or gradient among untreated surface areas. A treated surface area can have a higher roll off angle for a 50 μL water droplet when the surface is immersed in toluene that the untreated surface areas. Substrates can be treated by, for example, exposing a substrate surface and/or fibers to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can be applied to surfaces via a mask, lens, waveguide, reflector, as examples. UV radiation can be applied to surfaces at varying intensities, which can create a treatment gradient.