Dynamic up-flow zeolite system and method
View Patent ↗Systems and methods are provided for the removal of a contaminate from an aqueous medium using a zeolite-based sorption column. The systems and methods include an optimized relationship between the hydraulic loading, zeolite mesh size, distribution of zeolite mesh sizes and zeolite bed volume expansion to provide a highly effective sorption column that resists clogging while increases capacity.
1. A method for removing a contaminate from an aqueous medium, the aqueous medium having a first concentration of contaminate, the method comprising:
determining a target hydraulic loading for the aqueous medium based on an anticipated contact time of the aqueous medium with a zeolite material;
determining the mesh size and size distribution of the zeolite material from the determined hydraulic loading that will provide 7.3% to about 50% expansion of the zeolite bed volume when the aqueous medium is contacted with the bed volume in an up-flow direction;
providing the determined mesh size and size distribution of zeolite to the appropriate bed volume in a device for performing the up-flow contact; and
contacting the aqueous medium with the zeolite material at the target hydraulic loading wherein the contacting removes the contaminate from the aqueous medium from the first concentration to a lower second concentration.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the hydraulic loading for the aqueous medium is from about 3 gallons per minute/ft 2 to about 25 gallons per minute/ft 2 .
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the hydraulic loading for the aqueous medium is from about 4 gallons per minute/ft 2 to about 6 gallons per minute/ft 2 .
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the determined mesh size is about 60×70.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein the determined mesh size is a composite mesh of 50×80.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein the determined mesh size is a composite mesh of 20×30.
7. A system comprising:
at least one column comprising zeolite having a pre-determined mesh size;
wherein the at least one column is adapted to receive, in an up-flow direction, an aqueous medium at a hydraulic flow such that 7.3% to about 50% of the zeolite is expanded.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the predetermined mesh size is 20×30.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein the predetermined mesh size is 40×70.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein the predetermined mesh size is 50×80.
11. The system of claim 7 wherein the predetermined mesh size is 60×70.
12. The system of claim 7 further comprising a second column comprising zeolite having a predetermined mesh size wherein the second column receives the aqueous medium from the first column in an up-flow direction at a hydraulic flow such that 7.3% to about 50% of the zeolite in the second column is expanded.
13. The system of claim 7 wherein the aqueous medium is loaded into the at least first column at 4 to 6 gallons per minute/ft 2 .
14. A column adapted for receiving hydraulic loading of an aqueous medium of from between 3 and 25 gallons per minute/ft 2 and a bed volume of zeolite with a predetermined mesh size, which upon application of the hydraulic loading in an up-flow direction results in 7.3% to 50% expansion of the zeolite bed volume.
15. The column of claim 14 wherein the zeolite mesh size is an composite of 20×30.
16. The column of claim 14 wherein the zeolite mesh size is an composite of 40×70.
17. The column of claim 14 wherein the hydraulic loading is from about 4 to about 6 gallons per minute/ft 2 .
18. The column of claim 14 wherein the zeolite mesh size is a fine mesh size of 60×70.
19. The column of claim 14 wherein the zeolite mesh size is a fine mesh size of 50×80.
20. The column of claim 14 further comprising a filter at one end of the column to prevent the zeolite from exiting the column when receiving the aqueous medium.