Water Deacidification via Lime Particle Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment technologies do not effectively improve the quality of acidic bodies of water by deacidification, as they lack a method to circulate lime particles throughout the water body to neutralize pH levels.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first arrangement to circulate water upward through a pipe and a second arrangement containing calcareous granules, allowing water to absorb lime particles, which are then released back into the water body, creating a circulation that deacidifies the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is pumped upward through a pipe to improve circulation, then water quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water pumping function with the lime distribution function into a single integrated system. The same pump that circulates water upward also delivers lime particles to the water surface, eliminating the need for separate energy-consuming systems and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining water quality improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a water circulation conduit and a lime delivery channel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and lowers energy consumption by consolidating operations into a single hydraulic system.
2Reliability
If lime particles are added to deacidify water, then pH levels improve, but distribution uniformity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a perforated pipe structure that segments the lime delivery into multiple discharge points along the pipe length. This segmentation allows lime particles to be distributed uniformly across the water surface and throughout the water column, preventing localized over-concentration and ensuring even pH adjustment throughout the entire water body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from surface-only lime application to three-dimensional distribution by injecting lime particles through the water column via the submerged perforated pipe. This dimensional change ensures uniform distribution throughout the water volume rather than just at the surface, improving both pH control and distribution uniformity.
3Reliability
If calcareous granules are used to provide lime particles, then deacidification effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional component (calcareous granules) needed for deacidification, eliminating the need for complex mechanical lime production systems. By using naturally occurring calcareous material that dissolves to release lime particles, the system achieves effective deacidification with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The calcareous granules perform self-service by automatically dissolving in water to release lime particles without requiring additional processing equipment. The granules themselves serve as both the storage medium and the source of active lime particles, eliminating the need for separate lime preparation and dosing systems.
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 device improves water quality by deacidifying acidic bodies of water through the circulation of lime particles, enhancing the overall water quality by neutralizing pH levels.
Implementation Method 1
the water can absorb lime particles
Implementation Method 2
an electrically driven paddle wheel, with which the water can be pumped up the pipe
Implementation Method 3
the water can absorb lime particles. With the help of the second arrangement, it is possible to deacidify the water using the lime particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A device for treating water from a body of water (10) is described. A first arrangement is provided by which the water from the body of water (10) can be conveyed upwards through a pipe (17). Furthermore, a second arrangement (30) is provided, which contains a calcareous granulate (51) over which the water can flow, allowing it to absorb calcareous particles. In this way, the water can be deacidified.