Technology
In-Situ, Self-Adjusting Stability Control of Methane -Producing
Anaerobic Biological Reactors Through Novel Use of
Ion Exchange Fibers - An application of ion exchange fibers that enables
long term, stable MPABR use with minimal intervention and supervision.
The invention is a novel process that stabilizes pH Methane-Producing
Anaerobic Biological Reactors (MPABRs) without constant monitoring and
intervention through the use of Ion Exchange Fibers. It counters the pH-
related fluctuations in organic loadings and disruption of MPABRs caused
by heavy metal overloads, yielding operational stability and preventing the
failure of MPABRs due to detrimental changes in reactor pH. This change
in stability of MPABRs will enable them to be stable long-term, increasing
the value and convenience of environmentally-friendly wastewater
processing.
Competitive Advantage
This invention will make MPABRs more effective and stable with less
active monitoring and less disruption. Current MPABRs require constant
monitoring and adjustment for pH, the addition of various chemicals to
adjust pH, as well as monitoring for increased heavy metal presence in the
mix of feedstock for which the processors must compensate. This
invention addresses these problems by stabilizing pH and nullifying the
disruptive process of heavy metals. The resulting impact on MPABRs is a
significant reduction in the cost of using MPABRs and increase efficiency
by minimizing the need for adjustments to the balance of feedstock that are
currently necessary on a constant basis. The invention is self-replenishing
and will make MPABRs more cost effective and less to use in municipal
and industrial wastewater treatment.
Market Need/Opportunity
The MPABR market is growing due to a general demand for increased
water processing as related to the growing population. The Global Water
and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market was valued at approximately
$38 billion in 2015, and will likely grow to more than $54 billion by 2020.
Its current rate of growth is at a CAGR of 7.4%, which is expected to
continue through 2020. The industry is tied to two thirds of all non-agricultural
water withdrawals worldwide. With both continued growth in demand and
worldwide priority placed on eco-friendly and fuel conserving wastewater
treatments, the MPABR market growth rate will likely exceed its portion of the
market on a year-by-year basis.
Status
Lehigh University is looking for a partner for further development and
commercialization of this technology through a license. The inventor is
available to collaborate with interested companies.
Tech ID:
092016-01
Inventors:
Arup K. SenGupta,
Derick G. Brown
Yu Tian