阅读说明：本技术 再矿物化流体的系统和方法 (System and method for remineralizing fluids ) 是由 S·法利 R·O·克劳德 M·R·卡迪尔卡 于 2020-10-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种再矿物化流体的系统和方法。本发明还提供一种组合物,该组合物能够凝固以产生用于使流体再矿化的胶凝材料。该组合物包括第一含镁化合物,第二含镁化合物和存在于组合物中的水,其量足以使该组合物凝固成胶凝材料。(The present invention provides a system and method for remineralizing fluids. The invention also provides a composition capable of setting to produce a cementitious material for remineralising a fluid. The composition includes a first magnesium-containing compound, a second magnesium-containing compound, and water present in the composition in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to set into a cementitious material.)

1. A composition capable of setting to produce a cementitious material for remineralising an aqueous solution, the composition comprising:

a first magnesium-containing compound, a second magnesium-containing compound, and water, present in the composition in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to set into a cementitious material, the water present in a total weight percent of at least 20% (w/w), and

the cement is designed to dissolve in an aqueous solution.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight fraction of the first magnesium-containing compound in the composition exceeds the weight fraction of the second magnesium-containing compound.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first magnesium-containing compound is magnesium oxide.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the magnesium oxide has been calcined at a temperature of about 1500 ℃ or less.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the magnesium oxide has been calcined at a temperature greater than about 1000 ℃ but less than about 1500 ℃.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the second magnesium-containing compound comprises magnesium and an anion.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the second magnesium-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, and magnesium phosphate.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the second magnesium-containing compound is magnesium sulfate.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a ratio of the first magnesium-containing compound to the second magnesium-containing compound of at least about 1.25 to about 1.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a ratio of the first magnesium-containing compound to the second magnesium-containing compound of between about 2 to about 1 and about 13 to about 1.

11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight fraction of the first magnesium-containing compound in the composition is between about 15% to about 75% (w/w).

12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight fraction of the second magnesium-containing compound in the composition is between about 1% to about 35% (w/w).

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a ratio of water to the second magnesium-containing compound of at least about 1.5 to about 1.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a ratio of water to the second magnesium-containing compound of between about 1.5 to about 1 and about 30 to about 1.

15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a weight fraction of water between about 20% to about 70% (w/w).

16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the gelling material comprises a connected network of pores forming interstitial channels arranged to enable an aqueous solution to flow through the gelling material.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the cementitious material has a porosity of at least about 1%.

18. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one additive.

19. The composition of claim 16, wherein the additive is present in the composition in an amount between about 0.1% to about 10% (w/w).

20. The composition of claim 16, wherein the additive is an organic acid.

21. The composition of claim 16, wherein the additive comprises at least one of a flavoring agent, a sweetener, a vitamin, or a mineral.

22. The composition of claim 16, wherein the additive comprises a binder or an inert filler selected from the group consisting of volcanic ash, clay, sand, polymer, synthetic or natural fibers, or a surfactant.

23. A composition capable of setting to produce a cementitious material for remineralising an aqueous solution, the composition comprising:

a first magnesium-containing compound, a second magnesium-containing compound, and water, present in the composition in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to set into a gelling material,

the cementitious material is substantially free of water-resistant modifiers, and

the cement is designed to dissolve in an aqueous solution when immersed.

24. A composition capable of setting to produce a cementitious material for remineralising an aqueous solution, the composition comprising:

a first magnesium-containing compound and a second magnesium-containing compound,

wherein the cementitious material comprises a connected network of pores forming interstitial channels arranged to enable an aqueous solution to flow through the cementitious material,

the gelling material is adapted to dissolve in an aqueous solution upon immersion.

25. An apparatus for remineralizing an aqueous solution, the apparatus comprising:

a mineralization unit having an inlet to receive the permeate stream, a gelling material disposed within the mineralization unit to mineralize the permeate stream to produce a mineralized stream having a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content greater than the permeate stream, and an outlet to discharge the mineralized stream,

a cementitious material comprising a first magnesium-containing compound, a second magnesium-containing compound, and water, present in the composition in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to set into a cementitious material, the water present in a total weight percent of at least 20% (w/w), and

the gelling material is designed to dissolve in the fluid.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:

a filtration unit having a filtration media configured to separate a fluid into a retentate stream and a permeate stream, the filtration unit having a filtration inlet to receive the fluid, a permeate outlet to discharge the permeate stream, and a retentate outlet to discharge the retentate stream,

wherein a permeate line fluidly communicates the permeate outlet with the inlet of the mineralization unit.

27. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the cementitious material comprises a connected network of pores forming interstitial channels arranged to enable fluid flow through the cementitious material.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:

a tank disposed downstream of the mineralization unit.

29. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:

a vessel downstream of the mineralising unit through which the output of the mineralising unit is forced and mixed with the aqueous solution contained therein so that the outlet of the vessel is at a higher average mineral concentration.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising:

a tee coupling fluidly communicating the tank with the mineralization unit.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising:

a valve configured to regulate flow between the tank and the mineralization unit.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the valve is a T-valve that regulates flow between the mineralization unit, the storage tank, and a downstream processing unit.

33. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising:

a sensor configured to measure at least one process parameter associated with the fluid in the tank;

a controller in electrical communication with the valve, the controller programmed to:

the flow of the permeate stream through the mineralization unit is adjusted in accordance with at least one process parameter.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the controller is programmed to:

the residence time of the permeate stream through the mineralization unit is adjusted to be at least 1 minute.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the process parameter is selected from Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, fluid hardness value, fluid level, pH, or alkalinity.

36. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the process parameter is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content.

37. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein

The sensor is configured to measure at least one process parameter associated with the fluid exiting or entering the mineralization unit;

a controller in electrical communication with the valve, the controller programmed to:

the flow of mineralized fluid to the tank is adjusted based on at least one process parameter.

Background

Reverse osmosis involves filtering a liquid by passing it through a semi-permeable membrane having pores large enough to allow the passage of solvent, but small enough to retain the passage of solute contaminants. By pressurizing the liquid above its osmotic pressure, solvent liquid molecules will diffuse across the membrane, but solute molecules will remain. The resulting brine was then discarded and the filtered solvent was retained. Such reverse osmosis systems can be configured to produce purified water from almost any source.

Although this is advantageous for many reasons and in many applications, it is still imperfect for the production of drinking or other potable water, such as tea, coffee, soda, hot chocolate or flavored water. In particular, reverse osmosis processes are not selective. That is, reverse osmosis removes all dissolved mineral ions, removing those that are desirable for health and taste and those that are undesirable for health and taste. Maintaining a suitable amount of minerals in drinking water is considered beneficial to human health, for example, in standards set by the world health organization ("nutrients in drinking water", 2005). The taste of water can also be improved by maintaining the level of dissolved minerals and alkalinity as well as the taste of foods and beverages produced with water. In particular, the professional coffee Association recommends, from an organoleptic point of view, CaCO with a hardness of at least 50ppm₃And at least 40ppm alkalinity as CaCO for optimizing water₃(Wellinger, M., Smrke, S., Yeretzian, C.the SCA Water Quality handbook.Santa Ana: Specialty Coffee Association,2018, Web.8/7/2020). Some experts point out the importance of magnesium ions for extracting desired compounds from Coffee (Hendon, C.H., Colonna-Dashwood, L., and Colonna-Dashwood, M.the Role of Dissolved catalysts in Coffee extraction.J.agricultural.food chem.2014,62,4947 + 4950).

Various natural minerals are currently used for this purpose, such as calcium oxide (CaO), magnesite MgCO₃Calcite CaCO₃Or dolomite CaMg (CO)₃)₂. These minerals have disadvantages such as low or inconsistent mineral addition, variable composition and/or undesirably high pH resulting in consumption for drinking.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus for remineralizing a fluid. The apparatus includes a mineralization unit having a gelling material configured to remineralize a permeate stream to produce a mineralized stream. The mineralization unit includes a mineralization inlet for receiving the permeate stream and a mineralization outlet for discharging the mineralization stream. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content of the mineralized stream is greater than the permeate stream. The cementitious material includes a first magnesium-containing compound, a second magnesium-containing compound, and water, which are present in the composition in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to set into a cementitious material, the water being present in a total weight percentage of at least 20%. In some embodiments, the cementitious material includes a connected network of pores that form interstitial channels arranged to enable fluid flow through the cementitious material. In some embodiments, the gelling material is adapted to be dissolved in a fluid.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a filtration unit having a filtration media configured to separate the fluid into a retentate stream and a permeate stream, wherein the filtration unit has a filtration inlet for receiving the fluid, a permeate outlet for discharging the permeate stream, and a retentate stream outlet for discharging the retentate stream. A permeate line fluidly communicates the permeate outlet with the inlet of the mineralization unit. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a vessel having a fluid configured to mix with the mineralized stream, wherein the vessel unit has a vessel inlet for receiving the mineralized stream, and a vessel outlet for discharging the mineralized stream having an average mineral concentration. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a storage tank disposed downstream of the mineralization unit. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a tee coupling fluidly connecting the storage tank to the mineralization unit. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a valve configured to regulate flow between the tank and the mineralization unit. In some embodiments, the valve is a T-valve that regulates flow between the mineralization unit, the storage tank, and a downstream processing unit. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a sensor configured to measure at least one process parameter associated with the fluid in the tank and a controller in electrical communication with the valve, the controller programmed to adjust the flow of the permeate stream through the mineralization unit in accordance with the at least one process parameter. In some embodiments, the controller is programmed to adjust the flow of the permeate stream through the mineralization unit to have a residence time of at least 1 minute. In some embodiments, the process parameter is selected from Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, fluid hardness value, fluid level, pH, or alkalinity. In some embodiments, the process parameter is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a sensor configured to measure at least one process parameter associated with fluid exiting or entering the mineralization unit and a controller in electrical communication with the valve, the controller programmed to adjust the flow of the mineralized fluid to the tank based on the at least one process parameter.

Some embodiments provide a composition that can set to produce a cementitious material for remineralizing a fluid. The cement comprises two magnesium-containing compounds. In some embodiments, the mole fraction of the first magnesium-containing compound in the composition exceeds the mole fraction of the second magnesium-containing compound. In some embodiments, the first magnesium-containing compound is magnesium oxide. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide is calcined at a temperature of about 1500 ℃ or less. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide has been calcined at a temperature greater than about 1000 ℃ but less than about 1500 ℃. In some embodiments, the second magnesium-containing compound is magnesium sulfate. In some embodiments, the second magnesium-containing compound comprises magnesium and an anion. In some embodiments, the second magnesium-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, and magnesium phosphate. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a ratio of the first magnesium-containing compound to the second magnesium-containing compound of at least about 1.25 to about 1. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a ratio of the first magnesium-containing compound to the second magnesium-containing compound of between about 2 to about 1 and about 13 to about 1. In some embodiments, the mole fraction of the first magnesium-containing compound in the composition is between about 15% to about 75%. In some embodiments, the mole fraction of the second magnesium-containing compound in the composition is between about 1% to about 35%. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a ratio of water to the second magnesium-containing compound of at least about 1.5 to about 1. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a ratio of water to the second magnesium-containing compound of between about 1.5 to about 1 and about 30 to about 1. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a water mole fraction between about 20% to about 70%.

The composition also includes water present in the composition in an amount sufficient to set the composition into a cementitious material, the water having a total weight percent of at least 20%. In some embodiments, the cementitious material includes a connected network of pores that form interstitial channels arranged to enable fluid flow through the cementitious material. In some embodiments, the cementitious material has a porosity of at least about 1%. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one additive. In some embodiments, the additive is present in the composition in an amount between about 0.1% to about 10%. In some embodiments, the additive is an organic acid. In some embodiments, the additive comprises at least one of a flavoring agent, a sweetener, a vitamin, or a mineral. In some embodiments, the additive comprises a binder or an inert filler selected from the group consisting of pozzolans, clays, sand, polymers, synthetic or natural fibers, or surfactants. In some embodiments, the cementitious material is substantially free of water-resistant modifiers. In some embodiments, the gelling material is adapted to dissolve or degrade in a fluid.

The foregoing and other aspects and advantages will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration preferred embodiments. This embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, however, and reference is made to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for remineralizing a fluid according to one embodiment;

2A-2D are schematic illustrations of a cementitious material located within a mineralization unit, according to embodiments disclosed herein; and

fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a control system incorporating the apparatus of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description will be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings have like reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 10 for mineralising filtered fluid. The apparatus 10 includes a feed line 14, the feed line 14 fluidly connecting the filtration unit 16 to the fluid source 12. Fluid (e.g., water) from fluid source 12 may be delivered to filter unit 16 by a fluid delivery device, such as a pump (not shown). In some embodiments, fluid source 12 comprises a fluid having a solute and a contaminant that requires filtration. Exemplary solutes and contaminants include, but are not limited to, metal ions, aqueous salts, sediments, bacteria, and/or drugs.

The filter unit 16 includes a filter inlet 18 configured to receive the feed line 14 and place the filter unit 16 in fluid communication with the fluid source 12. The filter media 20 is positioned within the filtration unit 16 to separate the fluid into a retentate stream having contaminants, solutes, and fluid that are rejected or retained by the filter media 20, and a permeate stream having filtered fluid that permeates or diffuses through the filter media 20. The filtration unit 16 includes a retentate outlet 22 that discharges the retentate stream into a retentate line 24. The retentate line 24 may be configured to direct the retentate stream to a drain system (drain) to be discarded or further processed. The filtration unit 16 includes a permeate outlet 26 that discharges the permeate stream into a permeate line 28.

In some embodiments, the filter media 20 rejects at least 50% of the contaminants in the fluid stream, or at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or 99.9% of the contaminants. Although a single filtration unit 16 is shown in fig. 1, it should be understood that multiple filtration units (e.g., 1, 2, 10, 20, or more) may be connected in parallel or in series to filter the fluid. Suitable filter media 20 for use in the filter element 16 include semi-permeable membranes. In some embodiments, the semi-permeable membrane has a pore size and composition suitable for reverse osmosis or nanofiltration.

Exemplary semipermeable membranes include thin film composite membranes (TFC or TFM) formed from synthetic or polymeric materials such as polyamides, polyethersulfones, polysulfones, and/or support materials such as non-woven fabrics. The filtration media 20 may be arranged in various forms within the filtration unit 16, and may be in the form of tubular membranes, hollow fiber membranes, spiral wound membranes, plate and frame membranes, or flat sheet membranes.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 includes a pump 30 having a suction side connected to the permeate line 28 and a discharge side connected to the mineralization feed line 32. A mineralization feed line 32 fluidly communicates the pump 30 with a mineralization unit 36. In general, the pump 30 is configured to increase the pressure of the permeate line 28 and may be used to control the flow of permeate to the mineralization unit 36.

The mineralization unit 36 includes a mineralization inlet 34 configured to place an interior chamber 38 of the mineralization unit 36 in fluid communication with the mineralization feed line 32. In general, the mineralization unit 36 is configured to contact the permeate stream with a cementitious material 40 to produce a mineralized stream that is discharged from the mineralization unit 36 through a mineralization outlet 42. As used herein, the term "mineralized stream" may refer to a permeate stream that has become enriched in minerals and/or additives. The mineralized stream includes a TDS content greater than the permeate stream. As the permeate stream contacts and/or flows through the cementitious material 40, the cementitious material 40 is adapted to degrade within the mineralization unit 36 for a period of time, resulting in a mineralized stream that is rich in minerals and additives.

Referring again to fig. 1, the mineralization stream is discharged from the mineralization unit 36 through a mineralization outlet 42. A mineralization line 50 fluidly communicates the mineralization unit 36 with a storage tank 52. The valve 54 may regulate flow between the mineralization unit 36, the storage tank 52, and one or more downstream processing units. The second valve 55 may regulate flow from the tank 52 to a drain system 57. In some embodiments, the tank 52 is configured to store mineralized fluid for downstream fluid demand from the downstream processing unit 56, which may include a point-of-entry system (e.g., for a user's home), or a point-of-use system (e.g., a sink, a fluid dispensing unit).

As used with reference to cementitious material 40 described herein, the term "degrade" or "degraded" can refer to a reduction in the volume or size of cementitious material 40 relative to the original volume or mass. Degradation of gelling material 40 may occur through dissolution of gelling material 40 when in contact with a permeate stream. The dissolution of the gelling material 40 results in a permeate stream enriched with minerals and additives from the gelling material 40.

In some embodiments, the gelling material 40 can be adapted to degrade at a predetermined rate to selectively increase or achieve a desired yield of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the mineralized stream. For example, the gelling material 40 can be adapted to degrade at a rate sufficient such that the mineralized stream exiting the mineralization unit 36 has a TDS content of at least 50ppm to at least 1000ppm, or at least 50ppm to at least 500ppm, or at least 100ppm to at least 400 ppm.

In some embodiments, the mineralization stream exiting the mineralization unit 26 has a TDS content of at least 10ppm, 20ppm, 30ppm, 40ppm, 50ppm or at least 60ppm, at least 70ppm, at least 80ppm, at least 90ppm, at least 100ppm, at least 110ppm, at least 120ppm, at least 130ppm, at least 140ppm, at least 150ppm, at least 160ppm, at least 170ppm, at least 180ppm, at least 190ppm, at least 200ppm, at least 210ppm, at least 220ppm, at least 230ppm, at least 240ppm, at least 250ppm, at least 260ppm, at least 270ppm, at least 280ppm, at least 290ppm, at least 300ppm, at least 310ppm, at least 320ppm, at least 330ppm, at least 340ppm, at least 350ppm, at least 360ppm, at least 370ppm, at least 380ppm, at least 390ppm, at least 400ppm or higher.

In some embodiments, the gelling material 40 may be adapted to degrade at a sufficient rate such that the mineralized stream has a TDS content at least 80 times greater than the permeate stream. In some embodiments, the mineralized stream has a TDS content that is at least 70 times that of the permeate stream, or 60 times, or 50 times, or 40 times, or 30 times, or 20 times, or 18 times, or 16 times, or 14 times, or 12 times, or 10 times, or 8 times that of the permeate stream. In some embodiments, the TDS content of the permeate stream exiting the filtration unit 16 is between 1ppm and 50ppm, or between 5ppm and 20 ppm.

One disadvantage associated with conventional mineralising cements (e.g. dolomite) is that the pH of the mineralised stream leaving the unit exceeds the recommended alkalinity of drinking water (e.g. a pH of 9.5 or higher) and subsequent treatment is required to reduce the pH to within the drinkable range. One advantage of the various embodiments described herein is that the gelling material 40 can be adapted to degrade at a sufficient rate such that the mineralized stream exiting the mineralization unit 36 has a pH within the potable limits (e.g., between about 7 and about 9.5) without subsequent treatment, such as lowering the pH with an acidic additive. In some embodiments, the pH of the mineralization stream exiting the mineralization unit 36 is 7, or 7.1, or 7.2, or 7.3, or 7.4, or 7.5, or 7.6, or 7.7, or 7.8, or 7.9, or 8, or 8.1, or 8.2, or 8.3, or 8.4, or 8.5, or 8.6, or 8.7, or 8.8, or 8.9, or 9, or 9.1, or 9.2, or 9.3, or 9.4, or 9.5, or 9.6, or 9.7, or 9.8, or 9.9, or less than 10.

The cementitious material 40 may be disposed within the mineralization unit 36 in a variety of forms. Referring to fig. 2A, the cementitious material 40 may be arranged in the mineralization unit 36 in a fixed bed arrangement such that the permeate stream flows through the cementitious material 40. For example, cementitious material 40 may have a connected network of pores that form interstitial channels that enable permeate to flow through cementitious material 40. Referring to fig. 2B, a cementitious material 40 may be disposed in the mineralization unit 36 such that the permeate stream follows a radial flow pattern. For example, cementitious material 40 may include an internal cavity 44 to allow a permeate stream to flow from an inner surface 46 of cementitious material 40 to an outer surface 48 of cementitious material 40.

Referring to fig. 2C, cementitious material 40 may be disposed in mineralization unit 36 such that the permeate stream contacts cementitious material 40, but does not flow through cementitious material 40. For example, the permeate stream may flow horizontally or vertically through the mineralization unit 36 and adjacent to the cementitious material 40. Referring to fig. 2D, the cementitious material 40 may be arranged in the mineralization unit 36 in the form of a series of fixed beds or "trays" located within the mineralization unit. Each fixed bed may be arranged such that the permeate stream flows through each fixed bed within the mineralization unit 36.

As used herein, the term "cementitious material" may refer to: when one or more inorganic materials (e.g. MgO, MgSO)₄) Products of complex or complex (complex) chemical reactions that occur when reacting with water to form various hydrated products having nano-scale or micro-scale features arranged in a multi-scale manner to form solid (solid) or semi-solid three-dimensional products. Cementitious material 40 may be formed by: reacting, combining, mixing and/or heating one or more inorganic materials in the presence of water until the composition sets into a rigid or semi-rigid product.

Some embodiments include compositions that can be set to produce cementitious material 40. The composition may comprise a first magnesium-containing compound, a salt of an acid, and water present in the composition in an amount sufficient to cause the composition to set into a gelling material 40.

In some embodiments, the first magnesium-containing compound comprises magnesium oxide. As used herein, the term "salt of an acid" may refer to a cation of a base that neutralizes an anion of the acid to form a salt. The anion of the acid may be derived from a strong acid (generally defined as being inpKa in water<-1.4) or a weak acid (generally defined as pKa in water)>-1.4). In some embodiments, suitable cations include, but are not limited to, magnesium, calcium, and ammonia. In some embodiments, suitable anions include chloride, sulfate, and phosphate. In some embodiments, the salt of an acid for use in the composition capable of solidification comprises a second magnesium-containing compound. Exemplary second magnesium-containing compounds include, but are not limited to, magnesium sulfate (MgSO)₄) Magnesium chloride (MgCl)₂) And magnesium phosphate (e.g., Mg (H)₂PO₄)₂)、MgHPO₄、Mg₃(PO₄)₂) Hydrates, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the first magnesium-containing compound and the second magnesium-containing compound are magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate. Magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate are mixed, combined and/or heated in the presence of water to produce Magnesium Oxysulfate (MOS). Magnesium oxysulfate of the general formula X-Mg (OH)₂Y-MgSO₄ Z-H₂Various phases of O exist, where X can range from 1 to 5, Y can range from 1 to 2, and Z can range from 1 to 8 depending on the phase. Without limiting the scope of the present invention, cementitious material 40 may include 5Mg (OH)₂MgSO₄ 3H₂O (513 phase), 3Mg (OH)₂MgSO₄ 8H₂O (318 phase), Mg (OH)₂ 2MgSO₄ H₂O (123 phase), Mg (OH)₂MgSO₄ 5H₂O (115 phase), 5Mg (OH)₂ 2MgSO₄ 7H₂Various relative contents of O (527 phase). Conventional methods known to those skilled in the art can be used to characterize this phase. For example, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), chemical and thermal analysis may be used to characterize the phases of cement 40.

The mechanical strength and solvent solubility of cement 40 depend on the type and relative content of crystalline phases in cement 40. Desired performance characteristics, such as volume stability and selective solvent degradation, can be achieved by adjusting the concentrations of magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, water and other additives in the settable composition.

In some embodiments, the first magnesium-containing compound is present in the settable composition in an amount between 15% and 80% (w/w). In some embodiments, the first magnesium-containing compound is present in the settable composition in an amount of at least 15% (w/w), or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%, or at least 22%, or at least 23%, or at least 24%, or at least 25%, or at least 26%, or at least 27%, or at least 28%, or at least 29%, or at least 30%, or at least 31%, or at least 32%, or at least 33%, or at least 34%, or at least 35%, or at least 36%, or at least 37%, or at least 38%, or at least 39%, or at least 40%, or at least 41%, or at least 42%, or at least 43%, or at least 44%, or at least 45%, or at least 46%, or at least 47%, or at least 48%, or at least 49%, or at least 50%, or at least 51%, or at least 52%, or at least 53%, or at least 54%, or at least 55%, or at least 56%, or at least 57%, or at least 58%, or at least 59%, or at least 60%, or at least 61%, or at least 62%, or at least 63%, or at least 64%, or at least 65%, or at least 66%, or at least 67%, or at least 68%, or at least 69%, or at least 70%, or at least 71%, or at least 72%, or at least 73%, or at least 74%, or at least 75%, or at least 76%, or at least 77%, or at least 78%, or at least 79%, or at least 80% (w/w) or higher.

In some embodiments, the salt of a strong acid is present in the settable composition in an amount of 0.1% to 35% (w/w). In some embodiments, the salt of the acid (e.g., magnesium sulfate) is present in the settable composition in an amount of at least 0.1%, or at least 1%, or at least 2%, or at least 3%, or at least 4%, or at least 5%, or at least 6%, or at least 7%, or at least 8%, or at least 9%, or at least 10%, or at least 11%, or at least 12%, or at least 13%, or at least 14%, or at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%, or at least 22%, or at least 23%, or at least 24%, or at least 25%, or at least 26%, or at least 27%, or at least 28%, or at least 29%, or at least 30%, or at least 31%, or at least 32%, or at least 33%, or at least 34%, or at least 35% (w/w), or more.

In some embodiments, the settable composition comprises a weight ratio of water of between 20% to 70% (w/w). In some embodiments, the settable composition comprises water in the following weight ratio: at least 20% (w/w), or at least 21%, or at least 22%, or at least 23%, or at least 24%, or at least 25%, or at least 26%, or at least 27%, or at least 28%, or at least 29%, or at least 30%, or at least 31%, or at least 32%, or at least 33%, or at least 34%, or at least 35%, or at least 36%, or at least 37%, or at least 38%, or at least 39%, or at least 40%, or at least 41%, or at least 42%, or at least 43%, or at least 44%, or at least 45%, or at least 46%, or at least 47%, or at least 48%, or at least 49%, or at least 50%, or at least 51%, or at least 52%, or at least 53%, or at least 54%, or at least 55%, or at least 56%, or at least 57%, or at least 58%, or at least 59%, or at least 60%, or at least 61%, or at least 62%, or at least 63%, or at least 64%, or at least 65%, or at least 66%, or at least 67%, or at least 68%, or at least 69%, or at least 70% (w/w), or higher.

In some embodiments, the mole fraction of the first magnesium-containing compound (e.g., magnesium oxide) in the composition capable of setting exceeds the mole fraction of the salt of the acid (e.g., magnesium sulfate). In some embodiments, the composition capable of solidification includes a first magnesium-containing compound (e.g., magnesium oxide) and a salt of an acid (e.g., magnesium sulfate) in a ratio of at least 1.25: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of magnesium oxide to magnesium sulfate is at least 2: 1, or 3: 1, or 4: 1, or 5: 1, or 6: 1, or 7: 1, or 8: 1, or 9: 1, or 10: 1, or 11: 1, or 12: 1, or 13: 1, or 14: 1, or 15: 1. in some embodiments, the ratio is a molar ratio or a weight ratio.

In some embodiments, the settable composition comprises a first magnesium-containing compound (e.g., magnesium oxide) to water ratio of 0.1: 1 to 5: 1. In some embodiments, the settable composition comprises a first magnesium-containing compound in a ratio to water of 0.1: 1, or 0.2: 1, or 0.3: 1, or 0.4: 1, or 0.5: 1, or 0.6: 1, or 0.7: 1, or 0.8: 1, or 0.9: 1. 1: 1, or 1.5: 1, or 2: 1, or 2.5: 1, or 3: 1, or 3.5: 1, or 4: 1, or 4.5: 1, or 5: 1. in some embodiments, the ratio is a molar ratio or a weight ratio.

In some embodiments, one skilled in the art can adjust the reaction rate and material properties by selecting magnesium oxide that has been calcined at a particular temperature. In some embodiments, the calcination temperature may be defined as "light burning," including but not limited to 700 ℃, or 800 ℃, or 900 ℃, or 1000 ℃. In some embodiments, the calcination temperature may be defined as "hard firing" including, but not limited to 1100 ℃, or 1200 ℃, or 1300 ℃, or 1400 ℃, or 1500 ℃. Since magnesium oxide calcined at 1600 c or higher (commonly referred to as "burned out") is largely unreactive, it is preferred to keep the calcination temperature below 1500 c. Since "soft-burned" MgO has high reactivity, it is most preferable to maintain the calcination temperature between 1,000 ℃ and 1,500 ℃.

In some embodiments, the settable composition comprises a ratio of salt of acid (e.g., magnesium sulfate) to water of 0.5: 1 to 30: 1. in some embodiments, the settable composition comprises a ratio of the salt compound of the acid to water of 0.5: 1, or 0.6: 1, or 0.7: 1, or 0.8: 1, or 0.9: 1. or 1: 1, or 2: 1, or 3: 1, or 4: 1, or 5: 1, or 6: 1, or 7: 1, or 8: 1, or 9: 1, or 10: 1, or 11: 1, or 12: 1, or 13: 1, or 14: 1, or 15: 1, or 16: 1, or 17: 1, or 18: 1, or 19: 1, or 20: 1, or 21: 1, or 22: 1, or 23: 1, or 24: 1, or 25: 1, or 26: 1, or 27: 1, or 28: 1, or 29: 1, or 30: 1. in some embodiments, the ratio is a molar ratio or a weight ratio.

In some embodiments, the cementitious material 40 described herein can comprise a porous structure. In some embodiments, the pore size can be used to adjust the degradation rate and volume retention rate of cementitious material 40 when contacted with a permeate stream. The pore size of cementitious material 40 may adjust the release profile of the additives embedded therein. As used herein, the terms "porous" and "porosity" are generally used to describe a structure having a connected network of pores or void spaces (which may be, for example, openings, interstitial spaces, or other channels) throughout its volume. The term "porosity" is a measure of the void space in a material and is the fraction of void volume in the total volume, as a percentage between 0 and 100% (or 0 and 1).

In some embodiments, cementitious material 40 may be configured to have any porosity depending on the desired properties. For example, in some embodiments, the porous cementitious material 40 may have a porosity of at least 1%, at least 3%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or more. In some embodiments, the porosity may range from about 1% to about 40%, from 1% to 30%, from 1% to 10%, or from 1% to 5%. Conventional methods and models known to those skilled in the art can be used to quantify pore size and total porosity values. For example, pore size and porosity can be measured by standardized techniques, such as mercury porosimetry and nitrogen adsorption. One of ordinary skill in the art can determine the optimum porosity of the cementitious material for various purposes. For example, the porosity and/or pore size of cementitious material 40 can be provided based on a desired degradation rate or volume retention of cementitious material 40, and/or a release profile of additives from cementitious material 40.

In some embodiments, gelling material 40 may be adapted to have a pore size of 10nm to 1500 μm, or 1 μm to 1000 μm, or 1 μm to 200 μm. In some embodiments, the gelling material 40 can have pores with a pore size of less than 1000 μm, or less than 900 μm, or less than 800 μm, or less than 700 μm, or less than 600 μm, or less than 500 μm, or less than 400 μm, or less than 300 μm, or less than 200 μm, or less than 150 μm, or less than 100 μm, or less than 50 μm, or less than 40 μm, or less than 30 μm, or less than 20 μm, or less than 10 μm, or less than 5 μm. As used herein, the term "pore size" refers to the dimension of a pore. In some embodiments, the pore size may refer to the longest dimension of the pore, such as the diameter of a pore having a circular cross-section, or the length of the longest cross-sectional chord that may be configured across a pore having a non-circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the pore size may refer to the shortest dimension of the pore.

In some embodiments, cementitious material 40 may include one or more additives. Additives may be mixed, dispersed, suspended within cementitious material 40 or coated onto cementitious material 40. In some embodiments, the additive may be distributed, embedded, or encapsulated in the cementitious material 40. In some embodiments, additives may be coated on the surface of cementitious material 40. In some embodiments, the additive is mixed with a composition capable of setting. The term additive may encompass a combination or mixture of two or more additives described herein. Suitable additives may enhance the stability, stiffness or degradation properties of cementitious material 40. Alternatively or additionally, the additive may affect the flavor profile of the mineralized stream.

In some embodiments, the additive is present in the cementitious material 40 or composition capable of setting in a weight ratio of 0.1 to 20% (w/w). In some embodiments, the additive is present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.1% (w/w), or at least 1%, or at least 2%, or at least 3%, or at least 4%, or at least 5%, or at least 6%, or at least 7%, or at least 8%, or at least 9%, or at least 10%, or at least 11%, or at least 12%, or at least 13%, or at least 14%, or at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20% (w/w).

In some embodiments, the additive comprises one or more organic acids and salts thereof, including but not limited to phosphoric acid, sorbic acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, malonic acid, aconitic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, amino acids, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the organic acid is a food grade acid, such as citric acid.

In some embodiments, the additive comprises one or more flavoring or sweetening agents, including but not limited to natural and synthetic flavors. Exemplary flavoring agents include orange, lemon, lime grapefruit, mandarin orange, tangelo, pomelo, apple, grape, cherry and pineapple flavors, cola flavors, tea flavors, cinnamon, clove, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, vanilla spice flavors, cardamom essence, caraway, sassafras, ginseng, and mixtures thereof. Flavoring agents may be provided as extracts, powders, oleoresins, juice concentrates, bottled bases, or other forms known in the art.

In some embodiments, the additive includes one or more vitamins including, for example, vitamin A, D, E (tocopherol), C (ascorbic acid), B (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, K, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the additive comprises one or more minerals or electrolytes and salts thereof, including but not limited to calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, copper, selenium, iron, and zinc.

In some embodiments, the additive comprises one or more antioxidants selected from the group consisting of rutin, quercetin, flavanones, flavones, flavanonols, flavonols, flavandiols, leucoanthocyanidins, flavonol glycosides, flavanone glycosides, isoflavonoids, and neoflavonoids. In particular, the flavonoid may be, but is not limited to, quercetin, eriocitrin, neoeriocitrin, narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, hesperetin, neohesperidin, poncirin, ponin, rutin, isorhoifolin (isorhoifolin), rhoifolin (rhifolin), diosmin, neodiosmin (neoiodosmin), sinensetin, nobiletin, citrus flavone, catechin gallate (ester), epigallocatechin gallate (ester), oolong tea polymerized polyphenol, anthocyanin, heptamethoxyflavone, daidzein (daidzin), daidzein, biochhamin A, prunetin, genistin, glycitein, daidzein (glycitin), genistein, 6, 7, 4' trihydroxyisoflavone, morin, apigenin, balcein, vitexin, resinol, resiniferin, resinol, ceriferin, genistein, naringenin, hesperidin, hesperetin, genistein, hesperetin, Galangin, cotton pigment, geraldol, sabinensin, primrose, plantain alcohol, luteolin, myricetin, orientin, sophoricine, marigold flavin, and hydroxy-4-flavone.

In some embodiments, the additive comprises a binder or an inert filler. Exemplary binders or inert fillers include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, pozzolan, clay, sand, polymers, synthetic or natural fibers, or surfactants (e.g., air entrapment surfactants). In some embodiments, suitable pozzolans include diatoms, pumice, fly ash, kaolin, fumed silica, or silica.

In some embodiments, cementitious material 40 or composition capable of setting is substantially free of water-resistant modifiers. As used herein, the term water-resistant modifier is generally used to describe a compound added to cementitious material 40 or a composition capable of setting, thereby increasing the resistance of the material to degradation in aqueous solution, or increasing the water repellency, or increasing the penetration of water into the material. Exemplary water-resistant modifiers include, but are not limited to, fly ash, phosphates, polymers (e.g., styrene-butadiene, vinyl acetate ethylene), siloxanes, silica. The term "substantially free" may refer to a composition that comprises less than 5% (w/w), or less than 4%, or less than 3%, or less than 2%, or less than 1% (w/w) of the specified component.

One disadvantage associated with conventional mineralisation systems is that conventional mineralisers (e.g. dolomite) are deployed downstream of conventional storage tanks. In this arrangement, conventional mineralizers only experience flow when needed. This is disadvantageous because it is difficult to sufficiently mineralize a flowing fluid at high flow and low residence time. In conventional arrangements, the output mineralization levels are typically cyclical and inconsistent based on fluid flow.

Unlike conventional mineralizers, some embodiments have the mineralization unit 36 disposed upstream of the tank 52. This arrangement reduces the level of circulating mineralization output and reduces the likelihood of under-mineralized fluid being delivered to the downstream processing unit 56. For example, when downstream fluid demand from downstream processing unit 56 is low or absent, the low flow output of filtration unit 16 flows through mineralization unit 36 and fills reservoir 52. Once the tank is full, the output from the filtration unit 16 stops, the flow through the mineralization unit 16 stops, and the permeate flow in the mineralization unit 16 is idle until the downstream demand resumes. At this point, the permeate stream approaches the saturated mineralized stream. When the downstream demand resumes, saturated water flows out of the mineralization unit 16, but mixes with the fluid in the tank 52, which may have been mineralized and have a lower mineral content under flow conditions. In this way, the level of circulating mineralization delivered to the downstream processing unit 56 may be reduced relative to the position of the mineralization outlet 42.

Some embodiments may include an additional pass tank 58 (see fig. 1) disposed in the mineralization line 50 between the mineralization outlet 42 and the downstream processing unit 56 to accommodate previously mineralized water from the mineralization unit 36, such that as the flow rate and residence time through the mineralization unit 36 may produce variations in mineral content, the variations in mineral content will be averaged out as the water mixes in the additional pass tank 58, and thus the water delivered to the downstream processing unit 56 will have a higher average mineral level.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device 10 used in conjunction with an example process control system 60 according to some embodiments of the invention. The process control system 60 may be configured to control the operation of the device 10. For example, the process control system 60 may assist in starting a process, stopping a process, and adjusting one or more process parameters to change process performance. In some embodiments, the control system 60 can be designed to control the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content of the mineralized stream, the fluid hardness value of the mineralized stream, the fluid level of the storage tank, or the pH of the mineralized stream.

In some embodiments, the control system 60 can adjust or control a variety of process parameters to maintain the TDS content of the mineralized stream. For example, the control system 60 can adjust or control the apparatus 10 to maintain the TDS content of the mineralized stream at a desired threshold. In some embodiments, the control system 60 may adjust or control the apparatus 10 to maintain the pH of the mineralized stream at 7-9.5.

In some embodiments, the control system 60 includes a controller 62, one or more process measurement devices (e.g., 64a-64c), one or more process control devices (e.g., pump 30, temperature control device 66 designed to raise or lower the temperature of the mineralization feed line 32, valve 54, and valve 55), and suitable connections that allow process information acquired by the one or more measurement devices to be transmitted to the controller 62 and output information from the controller 62 to the one or more process control devices to perform process control actions. Exemplary process control actions may include using pump 30 to change the flow rate, using temperature control device 66 to increase or decrease the temperature of the permeate stream (e.g., increasing the temperature increases the degradation rate of cementitious material 40), and/or using valves 54, 55 to change the pressure based on one or more measurements from process measurement devices.

In some embodiments, valves 54, 55 are optional. For example, the valve 54 may be replaced with a T-joint that places the mineralization unit 36 in fluid communication with the storage tank 52 and a downstream processing unit 56. In some embodiments, valve 55 and drain line 57 may be eliminated and replaced with a line that places a T-fitting in fluid communication with reservoir 52.

The controller 62 comprises a processor 68 and a memory 70, which memory 70 comprises software 72 and data 74 and is designed for storing and reading (retrieval) processing information to be processed by the processor 68. Processor 68 includes an input 76 configured to receive process signals from one or more measurement devices (64a-64c) and one or more process control devices (e.g., 30, 54, 55, 66) via input 54. The controller 62 may be automatically running or may execute semi-automatically, or may read executable software instructions from the memory 70 or a computer readable medium (e.g., hard drive, CD-ROM, flash memory), or may receive instructions from a user or another source logically connected to the computer or device, such as another networked computer or server, via the input 76. For example, a server may be used to control the device 10 on-site or remotely via the controller 62 (e.g., cloud computing). In some embodiments, the controller 62 may include a wired user interface 80 and/or a wireless user interface 82. A user may input parameters into the controller 62 using a wired or wireless user interface to induce or manually control the process control actions discussed herein.

Processor 68 may process the signals to generate output 78, which may take the form of a process control action. Example process control actions may include sending signals to one or more process control devices (e.g., 30, 54, 55, and/or 66) to effect changes in one or more process parameters (e.g., pressure, flow, and/or temperature) of one or more process streams within the plant 10.

Suitable connections may include transmitters that allow transmission of process signals (e.g., electrical or pneumatic signals (e.g., air, nitrogen, etc.)) between the controller 62 and the measurement devices (e.g., 64a-64c) and process control devices (e.g., 30, 54, 55, 66). In some aspects, the electrical signals may be communicated via a wired connection or through a wireless network connection. Other hardware elements may be included in the process control system such as transducers, analog-to-digital (a/D) converters, and digital-to-analog (D/a) converters that allow processing of process information to be identified in computer form and computer commands accessible to the process. For visual clarity, the connections between the controller 62, the one or more measurement devices, and the one or more process control devices are omitted from FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, one or more process measurement devices 64a-64c are provided in the form of sensors configured to measure a process parameter selected from the group consisting of pressure, temperature, flow rate, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, fluid hardness value, fluid level, and/or pH.

In some embodiments, the controller 62 includes programming to adjust one or more process parameters in the plant 10 using one or more process control devices (e.g., 30, 54, 55, 66) to maintain a desired set point in the tank 52 in response to measurements obtained from one or more measurement devices (64a-64 c). The set point can include maintaining a desired TDS content in the tank 52 of at least 50ppm to at least 1000ppm, or at least 50ppm to at least 500ppm, or at least 100ppm to at least 400 ppm. For example, in the event that the TDS content of the tank falls below a desired threshold, the controller 62 may perform one or more of the following to bring the TDS content to the desired threshold: the temperature of the permeate stream is increased using the temperature control device 66 and/or the flow rate is decreased using the pump 30, and/or the fluid level of the tank 52 is adjusted to add or remove mineralized fluid as appropriate.

In some embodiments, the controller 62 includes programming to adjust the flow rate through the mineralization unit 36 such that the permeate stream has a residence time between about 1 minute and about 1 day. The flow may be regulated using the pump 30 and/or the valve 54. In some embodiments, the controller 62 includes programming to adjust the flow rate through the mineralization unit 36 such that the permeate stream has a residence time of at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, at least 3 minutes, at least 4 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 40 minutes, at least 50 minutes, at least 1 hour, or at least 1 day or longer.

The apparatus 10 may be used in applications for filtering and remineralizing aqueous fluid streams, such as ground water, well water, storm water, seawater, industrial water sources, or other sources of water containing contaminants. In some embodiments, the fluid comprises a non-aqueous fluid, such as an organic or non-polar solvent.

The present invention has been described in terms of one or more preferred embodiments, and it is understood that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention.