Wicking Member Dewatering Passive Moisture Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dewatering wetted materials, such as sludge and flooded ground, are often complex, power-intensive, and inefficient, particularly when applied to large-scale applications like settling ponds.

Innovation Solution

A wicking member comprising wicking material that utilizes capillary action to passively transfer moisture from a contacting portion to an evaporating portion, potentially incorporating conductive elements to enhance evaporation through heat transfer, with minimal power input and suitable for use over existing settling ponds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If complex belt and surrounding structure with power input is used for dewatering, then dewatering capability is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedewatering capabilityVSAvoidbelt and surrounding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential dewatering function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simple wicking material that relies on capillary action. The wicking material is placed directly on the wet material surface, eliminating the need for belts, surrounding structures, and power input while maintaining effective moisture removal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wicking material performs dewatering autonomously through capillary action without requiring external power input or complex mechanical systems. The material self-regulates moisture transfer from the wet substrate to the atmosphere, eliminating the need for powered belts and surrounding structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If sheeted material is used to increase surface area for evaporation, then evaporation rate increases, but complex structure with pumping requirements is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaporation rateVSAvoidcomplex structure with pumping

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex pumping infrastructure and overhead tank structure from the evaporation system. Instead, the wicking material is placed directly on the wet material surface, allowing capillary action to transport moisture to the surface for evaporation without requiring mechanical pumping or elevated storage structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pumping system with capillary action inherent in the wicking material. The porous structure of the wicking material provides the driving force for moisture transport through capillary pressure, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps and complex supporting infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If fabric material is used as insulator with metallic surface for heat retention, then heat retention is achieved, but wicking function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat retentionVSAvoidloss of wicking function

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction where the wicking material incorporates both the capillary-active porous structure for moisture transport and thermal elements for heat retention. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of wicking function and thermal management without sacrificing either property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite 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 wicking member effectively increases evaporation rates by increasing the surface area of water exposed to the atmosphere, reducing the need for power input and enhancing the dewatering process, making it suitable for efficient moisture removal from wet materials containing solids and liquids.

Implementation Method 1

a wicking member comprising a wicking material having wicking properties so as to be arranged to transfer moisture passively by wicking therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

which may further incorporate a conductive material for transferring heat across the wicking material to assist in evaporation of the moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the transferred liquid portion is arranged to be evaporated from the evaporating portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS9770672B2Dewatering method using a wicking material

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 PEEVER BRIAN J

AI summary

A wet material having at least a liquid portion is dewatered by providing one or more wicking members of wicking material arranged to transfer moisture passively by wicking therethrough from a contacting portion in contact with the wet material to an evaporating portion where the transferred liquid portion is arranged to be evaporated. In some embodiments conductive elements are included in the wicking member to assist in distributing heat across the wicking member which enhances the evaporation of moisture transferred therethrough from the wet material. In yet further embodiments, a condenser member is provided in proximity to the evaporating portion of the wicking member so as to be arranged to condense and collect at least some of the liquid portion evaporated from the wicking member.