Zeolite Membrane via Blade-Coating for Ammonia Nitrogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing ammonia nitrogen from wastewater, such as biological, chemical, and reverse osmosis membrane methods, are costly, inefficient, and prone to secondary pollution, while zeolite ion exchange methods face challenges in separation and regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A zeolite membrane is prepared by adding an organic binder solution to zeolite, grinding and stirring, then blade-coating and drying it on a substrate, allowing for efficient removal of macromolecular and ionic contaminants, including ammonia nitrogen, without requiring complex hydrothermal crystal growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If zeolite is directly used as an ion exchanger, then ammonia nitrogen removal is achieved, but separation and regeneration become time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by forming zeolite into a membrane structure (thin film) coated on a substrate. This membrane form allows for easy separation from water by simply removing the substrate, and the membrane structure facilitates regeneration processes. The zeolite particles are bound in a matrix that maintains their ion exchange functionality while enabling simplified operational handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining zeolite particles with a binder to create a membrane structure. The zeolite provides ion exchange capacity for ammonia nitrogen removal, while the binder forms a matrix that holds the zeolite particles together in a membrane form, enabling both effective treatment and simplified separation/regeneration.
2Reliability
If complex hydrothermal crystal growth is used to prepare zeolite membrane, then membrane structure is achieved, but preparation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing zeolite particles separately before forming the membrane. Instead of growing the membrane structure in situ through complex hydrothermal processes, the zeolite particles are prepared beforehand and then incorporated into a binder matrix, significantly simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining membrane integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder acts as an intermediary material that facilitates membrane formation without requiring complex hydrothermal crystal growth. The binder binds the pre-formed zeolite particles together to create a coherent membrane structure on the substrate, serving as a mediating substance that enables simple preparation while achieving reliable membrane integrity.
3Reliability
If organic resin is used as ion exchanger, then ion exchange capacity is achieved, but cost and regeneration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using natural or synthetic zeolite, which is generally more cost-effective than organic resins. Zeolite can be obtained from natural sources or synthesized more economically, and while it may have different regeneration characteristics, it avoids the high costs and complexity associated with organic resin regeneration, providing a more economical ion exchange solution.
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 zeolite membrane achieves high water permeability, flexibility, and contaminant rejection rates, enabling effective treatment of ammonia nitrogen wastewater at a low cost and with simple operation, suitable for advanced wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
adding an organic binder solution dropwise to zeolite, and thoroughly grinding and stirring
Implementation Method 2
zeolite can only treat NH4+ and other ionic contaminants in water
Implementation Method 3
blade-coating a mixture obtained in step 1) on a substrate to obtain a substrate with a zeolite membrane matrix
Implementation Method 4
drying the substrate obtained in step 2) at 40° C. in air for 12 h to obtain the zeolite membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A zeolite membrane and a preparation method thereof are provided. The method includes: adding an organic binder solution dropwise to zeolite, and thoroughly grinding and stirring; blade-coating a resulting mixture on a substrate at a given thickness; and drying to obtain the zeolite membrane. The preparation of a zeolite membrane does not require a complicated hydrothermal crystal growth process, and the membrane can be prepared directly from natural zeolite or artificial zeolite. A prepared zeolite membrane has the characteristics of simple preparation process, low cost, prominent water permeability, high contaminant rejection rate and high zeolite load. The zeolite membrane, when used for the rejection of contaminants in water, can not only remove macromolecular contaminants in water, but also efficiently remove ammonia nitrogen by way of ion exchange, which is suitable for advanced treatment of wastewater.