Vacuum-Assisted Soil Thermal Desorption for Hydrocarbon Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods of thermal desorption for removing hydrocarbons from soil are energy-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-assisted thermal desorption method using a heating chamber under partial vacuum and electric heating, combined with condensation of vaporized substances, to separate hydrocarbons from soil without burning hydrocarbons, thereby reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal desorption is used to remove hydrocarbons from soil, then hydrocarbons can be separated from the soil matrix, but large amounts of energy are required making the process inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric to partial vacuum conditions. This parameter change lowers the boiling point of hydrocarbons, enabling them to vaporize at lower temperatures and thus reducing the energy input required for thermal desorption while maintaining effective hydrocarbon removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of hydrocarbons from liquid to vapor under vacuum conditions. By creating a partial vacuum, the system facilitates controlled vaporization of hydrocarbons from the soil matrix, enabling efficient separation without requiring excessive thermal energy input
2Reliability
If conventional thermal desorption methods are used, then hydrocarbons can be removed from soil, but the process generates high energy consumption and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the pressure parameter to partial vacuum, the system enables hydrocarbon vaporization at lower temperatures, avoiding the need for high-temperature combustion processes that generate carbon dioxide emissions while still achieving effective contaminant removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of hydrocarbon persistence in soil into a beneficial process by using vacuum-assisted thermal desorption. This method removes hydrocarbons through controlled vaporization and condensation cycles, transforming the contamination problem into an efficient remediation process with minimal emissions
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 efficiently separates hydrocarbons from soil with reduced energy use and minimal carbon dioxide emissions, allowing for mobile and efficient remediation of contaminated soil.
Implementation Method 1
heating the bulk material in the heating chamber and in the presence of the partial vacuum to cause the at least one substance to vaporize
Implementation Method 2
the heating chamber is in a partial vacuum
Implementation Method 3
condensing the at least one vaporized substance may comprise: transferring the at least one vaporized substance from the heating chamber to a cooling structure; and condensing the at least one vaporized substance on the cooling structure
Implementation Method 4
Heating the bulk material may comprise heating the bulk material using electric heating
Implementation Method 5
Heating the bulk material may comprise heating the bulk material using inductive heating
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk material comprising at least one substance to be removed from the bulk material is treated. The method includes introducing the bulk material into a heating chamber. The heating chamber is in a partial vacuum. The method further includes heating the bulk material in the heating chamber and in the presence of the partial vacuum to cause the at least one substance to vaporize. The method further includes extracting the bulk material, with the at least one vaporized substance separated therefrom, from the heating chamber.