Waste Stream Lipid Separation Using pH and Electro-Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing lipids from aqueous streams, such as brown grease, are inefficient and require high energy consumption, failing to effectively separate and oxidize lipids and other organic compounds.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing electromagnetic fields generated by titanium electrodes coated with ruthenium oxide or iridium oxide, which coalesce lipid droplets and generate reactive oxygen species to oxidize soluble organics, combined with a decanting step to separate insoluble lipids, achieving at least 50% lipid removal and 98% oxidation of soluble organics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to remove lipids from aqueous streams, then lipid removal is achieved, but energy consumption is high and separation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting pH levels to precipitate lipids from aqueous streams, transforming the chemical state of lipids to facilitate separation. This approach enables efficient lipid removal without requiring high energy input, as the pH adjustment triggers natural precipitation and coalescence processes that can be separated using simple decanting or centrifugation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by inducing lipid precipitation through pH adjustment, causing lipids to transition from a dissolved or emulsified state to a solid or separable phase. This phase change enables efficient separation of lipids from the aqueous stream, achieving high removal efficiency with minimal energy consumption compared to conventional thermal or chemical treatment methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If acidification and electromagnetic field treatment are applied to separate lipids, then lipid coalescence is achieved, but oxidation of soluble organics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple treatment functions into a single integrated system that combines pH adjustment for lipid precipitation, electromagnetic field treatment for coalescence and separation, and oxidation processes for soluble organic removal. This combination achieves both precise lipid separation and effective oxidation of soluble organics, eliminating the limitation of insufficient oxidation while maintaining high separation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs strong oxidants or accelerated oxidation processes following the electromagnetic field treatment to effectively oxidize soluble organic compounds. This sequential approach ensures that after lipids are precisely separated through coalescence, any remaining soluble organics are thoroughly oxidized, addressing the harmful contamination issue while maintaining separation efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple treatment steps are applied to achieve high lipid removal, then purification is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional treatment system where a single integrated device performs pH adjustment, electromagnetic field generation, lipid coalescence, separation, and oxidation functions. This multi-functional approach achieves high purification precision while minimizing process complexity, as all treatment steps are consolidated into one unified process rather than requiring separate sequential operations.
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 process achieves efficient lipid separation and oxidation with low energy consumption, producing cleaner brown grease suitable for higher-grade applications by reducing contaminants like water, food particles, and metals, and enabling water recycling.
Implementation Method 1
treating the lipid derivative in aqueous diluent with an electrical field such that the lipid derivative coalesces into larger droplets
Implementation Method 2
oxidizing any soluble forms of the lipids or any other organics by hydroxy and peroxide groups or other reactive oxygen species, which are formed by an electric field generated by application of an electric current and use of Titanium comprising an electrode
Implementation Method 3
optionally heating the aqueous stream comprising lipids to reduce viscosity and/or release lipids from an aqueous phase
Implementation Method 4
flow to a decanting device (or other separation method or device) that separates insoluble lipids from the remainder of the initial process stream
Data Source
AI summary
Processes for removing oil and other organics especially lipids from process steams comprising lipids, brown grease, and water is disclosed and a process to remove metals and organics from leachate from landfills and other waste sites that generate contaminated water streams. The processes may involve adjusting pH and using electrical fields generated by a device comprising electrodes to induce gas bubbles. The gas bubbles facilitate movement toward the surface of the solution where they may be skimmed off and recovered. Processes are also described that upgrade brown grease to usable precursors for make beneficial products such as jet fuel. Other processes described herein include removal of carbon char from pyrolysis products like tires, plastics, rubbers, municipal solid waste, and oil or sewage sludge.