Wastewater Pond Flow Barrier Using Composite Natural Materials

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for preventing or reducing the infiltration of aqueous fluids from wastewater disposal ponds in oil and gas drilling operations are ineffective and costly, leading to potential contamination of groundwater and ecosystems.

Innovation Solution

A flow barrier composition comprising mica flakes, cellophane flakes, cellulose fibers, date tree fibers, ground nut hulls, and ground date tree seeds is applied to the bottom of the disposal pond, maintaining a moisture content of 6-8% and compacted to a thickness of 5-15 cm to prevent vertical and radial infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing techniques are used to prevent infiltration, then some level of protection is provided, but the techniques are ineffective and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of infiltration preventionVSAvoidcost and complexity of existing techniques

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material comprising clay particles, organic fibers, and natural binders to create a flow barrier that effectively prevents wastewater infiltration. This composite approach combines the low permeability of clay with the structural integrity provided by organic fibers, achieving reliable infiltration prevention without the high costs associated with conventional synthetic liners or complex engineering structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the barrier material by controlling particle size distribution, organic matter content, and moisture levels. These parameter changes optimize the barrier's hydraulic conductivity and mechanical properties, enabling effective infiltration prevention using simple, cost-effective natural materials rather than expensive engineered solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If a flow barrier composition is applied to prevent infiltration, then fluid loss is reduced, but the composition requires specific moisture content and thickness control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid loss through infiltrationVSAvoidmoisture content and thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow barrier composition utilizes natural binders that self-adjust moisture content through capillary action and evaporation, reducing the need for precise external control. The organic fibers and clay particles work together to maintain optimal moisture levels automatically, simplifying the application process while ensuring effective infiltration prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If simple and cost-effective techniques are used, then cost is reduced, but infiltration prevention effectiveness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity and cost of the solutionVSAvoidcontamination of groundwater and ecosystems

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining clay particles with organic fibers and natural binders, the patent creates a composite material that achieves effective infiltration prevention at low cost. The synergy between components provides both hydraulic barrier properties and structural stability, preventing groundwater contamination without requiring expensive synthetic materials or complex construction techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a porous composite structure with controlled void spaces that impede water flow while maintaining structural integrity. The interconnected pore network created by organic fibers and clay aggregates provides tortuous flow paths that reduce infiltration effectiveness, achieving contamination prevention through simple, porous natural materials rather than expensive impermeable liners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 flow barrier composition significantly reduces fluid loss by 45-88% over varying time periods, effectively preventing contamination of surrounding environments and ecosystems.

Implementation Method 1

a flow barrier composition comprising a flake component including a plurality of mica flakes, a plurality of cellophane flakes, or a combination thereof, a fiber component including a plurality of cellulose fibers, a plurality of date tree fibers, or a combination thereof, such that the plurality of date tree fibers includes fibers formed from date tree trunks, and a granular component including a plurality of ground nut hulls, a plurality of ground date tree seeds, or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier blocking: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11346072B2Flow barrier to prevent infiltration of wastewater from wastewater disposal ponds

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A flow barrier for wastewater disposal ponds or pits used in oil and gas operations. The flow barrier includes a flake component, a fiber component, and a granular component. The disposal pond flow barrier may prevent the infiltration or leakage of aqueous fluids from the wastewater disposal ponds into the surrounding environment and ecosystems. A process for manufacturing and using the flow barrier in a wastewater disposal pond is also provided.