MXPA99011293A - Generating inorganic polymer electret in colloidal state - Google Patents

Abstract

Se genera un electreto de polímero inorgánico en un estado coloidal, por ejemplo sílice, mediante la utilización de un gradiente de campo magnético a través del cual se pasan los materiales. Haciendo referencia a la figura 7, desde el recipiente (3) se bombean los materiales (5), silicato de sodio acuoso y NaOH más tri-citrato de potasio, mediante la bomba (1) en el conducto (2) a través del conducto (G) hacia adentro del conducto (?) hacia afuera a través de loa orificios (8), hacia adentro del conducto (13) hacia afuera a través de los orificios (9), hacia adentro del conducto (14) hacia afuera a través de los orificios (10), mediante lo cual, el material invierte la dirección dos veces, y luego entra en el conducto (15) y en la cámara (11) en orden, y finalmente se regresa al recipiente (3) a través del conducto (4). Se agregan las unidades de acumulación magnética (A), (B), y (C) mostradas en la figura 8, para acumular la carga electrostática sobre el compacto coloidal.

Description

GENERATION OF INORGANIC POLYMER ELECTROTE IN COLOIDAL STATE Specification BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field: The present invention relates to a Polymer Electrete in colloidal state together with a unique synthesis method that reveals the model of inorganic and physical chemistry for particle growth along with methods to be used in its different states and modalities, liquid, solid and gel. One of those methods of use is the use to reactivate or regenerate beds of ion exchange resin by means of rinsing with an "Electreto" solution of Inorganic Polymer. Inclusions: This presentation includes the core patent for this material "Description of an" Inorganic Polymer Electret in Colloidal State with the Generation Method and Applications. "This provisional application becomes part of the current presentation by means of inclusion and Another method of use is the method of use for reverse osmosis in which the Inorganic Polymer Electret charges the membrane with the calcium and magnesium that is sequestering the Inorganic Polymer Electret.This layer of colloids prevents scale formation in The membrane, makes it much more efficient and gives a longer life to the membrane.The membrane is protected through a charge mechanism of repulsion by the colloid.This colloid sequesters calcium, the colloid has a negative charge of strong network that keeps the calcium sequestered in the rejection current Inclusions: This presentation includes the patent p For this material "Description of an" Inorganic Polymer Electret in Colloidal State with the Generation Method and Applications "Description of an Inorganic Polymer Electret in Colloidal State and its Use in Connection with the Nitrate Exchange and Removal Nitrate Technology Ions as well as supporting information for all the requests that are cited. These applications and materials become part of the current presentation through inclusion and reference. Technology of Tip: Methods of generation of an unstable suspension of colloidal silica have been described, such as activated silica when the sodium silicate is activated with a sulfuric acid, aluminum sulfate, carbon dioxide, or chlorine and an aqueous suspension of silica colloidal relatively stable (U.S. Patent Number 5,537,363). None of these methods describe the molecular and physical parameters of the particle, since they are carried out by means of the particle generation method, nor do they deal with how the chemical and physical properties relate to the applications. The present invention presents a method not described so far for the generation of a colloidal silica particle, which is bipolar in the sense that it is positively charged in the core, and negatively charged on the external surface which gives a net negative charge to the particle. Another important aspect of this invention is the ability to control the size, charge, uniformity, consistency, hydration and three-dimensional structure of the particle. It is desirable to be able to control these parameters, in such a way that the particle can be used in a reproductive way for a wide variety of applications in which it is desired to manipulate the distribution of surface loads for commercial benefit. I have discovered a method for generating an aqueous, uniform, consistent composition containing inorganic colloidal silica in the form of an inorganic polymer that is desirably shaped by the addition of potassium to the generating liquid that aids in the configuration of the particle. The active component of the invention comprises an aqueous suspension of a colloidal silica in which the charged three-dimensional structure is generated by a special generation method in an electrostatic field which charges the particle, as synthesized, with an electrostatic charge. Preferably, the solution is mixed in such a way that the colloidal particles are charged electronically by circulating the charged solution through a countercurrent flow apparatus at a controlled rate and a controlled range of pH adjustment of the solution. As the pH is reduced, the particle (polymer) grows while it is being charged. Multiple layers of charged fluid travel in a countercurrent chamber, so that each layer generates a magnetic flux field, and therefore generates an electrostatic charge on the attached layer of fluid. The generation rate is improved by the use of an apparatus such as that described in United States Patent Number 4,888,113, when that apparatus is placed on the countercurrent chamber. The present invention represents a significant improvement in design, which highlights functional differences as a result of design differences from those of the art already existing in U.S. Patent Number 4,888,113. The new modality establishes a symmetric three-dimensional field gradient. This mode requires round magnets with central charge. The device comprises a plurality of magnetic static bodies, charged to the center, in each device, having at least two positive magnetic poles and two negative poles substantially in two parallel planes, the magnetic poles being oriented to define the four vertices of a quadrilateral figure, the two positive poles defining opposite diagonal vertices, and the two negative poles defining the opposite diagonal vertices of the quadrilateral form, each of the magnetic poles being magnetically attracted by the oppositely charged poles and each of the magnetic poles being magnetically repelled by the Poles charged in the same way. Two of the poles oppositely charged at each end of the device are facing each other and have surfaces that are parallel. This configuration generates a magnetic vacuum at the intersection of a line drawn between the opposite diagonal vertices of the invention. This null point is essential to generate a graduated symmetrical three-dimensional field gradient inside the generator passages. There is a need for a colloidal generator that generates a colloidal particle that is consistently uniform in size, shape and charge, allowing you to tailor the product for specific applications. In accordance with the foregoing, it is an object of this invention to provide a computer controlled device for regulating the pressure, flow and rate of titration of acidic medium, and therefore allowing one to design and build some specificity in the process of generating the negatively charged particle net. Another object of the invention is to prepare a countercurrent colloid generator in which the device is constructed of multiple thin-walled pipes, one inside the other, with conduit means at each of the ends to allow the fluid to flow into the opposite direction and one layer up as it reaches the end of each conduit. Yet another objective of this invention is to prepare a countercurrent colloid generator made of stainless steel or thin-walled plastic. This thin wall allows the magnetic field generated by each of the fluid layers to generate an electrostatic charge in the adjacent column of countercurrent fluid. Another objective of this invention is to demonstrate a detailed method for making one of those silica colloidal particles in a new and unique method of generating an electrostatic charge, which is generated by the flow of an adjacent column of fluid containing charged particles that they generate magnetic flux. Another objective of this invention is to demonstrate the many uses of this and other organic and inorganic colloids that can be generated by this method. Another object of this invention is to provide a high pressure pump, high speed for pumping the fluid through the countercurrent generator of the invention at a high speed. A further objective of this invention is to present a generator that will construct a silica colloid in which the stability is dependent on an internal K + bond. Historically, the citrate ion has been credited with the introduction of stability to these colloidal solutions. It is further demonstrated that tripotassium citrate functions as a stabilizer of the colloid of the invention, and that sodium citrate, on an equal molar basis, does not work in the system of this invention. It will also be noted that potassium chloride serves as a stabilizer of the colloid in this invention. These data, together with the electron beam diffraction studies, reveal that K + is an important component for the complete development of the particle in a usable, stable state. It is a further object of this invention to construct a high concentration silica colloid such that the material will form, when heated at a particular temperature for a specific period of time, a very porous silica / silica colloid that works perfectly well as a bed of water filtration medium for the purpose of water softening, applying the net negative charge to water accessories, including pipe lines for the removal of scale consisting of iron, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate and other mineral deposits. The material can be crushed and sized for use in the varying hardness of the water. Smaller particles (that is, more surface area per gram) will be used for water of greater hardness. The silica crystallizes to form a matrix, and the colloid is leached out of the matrix to soften and descaling. The medium absorbs Fe ++, Fe +++, and Ca ++ to its negatively charged surface, eliminating these substances from contaminated water (ie, hard). The colloid suspended in low concentrations will sequester ions such as Ca ++, Fe ++, Fe +++, Mg ++ and make them inactive as hardness factors in the water. The same sequestration occurs with the odor and bad taste contaminants of the water.

Cation Exchange Smoothing Introduction: A popular method for water softening for residential use is the exchange of cations. Mechanism: The hardness elements of calcium and magnesium are removed and replaced with sodium by means of a resin of cations. The ion exchange reactions can be written for smoothing, where R represents the active site in the resin: Ca ++} . { (HC03) 2 Ca ++} . { 2NaHC03 Na2R +} . { } R +. { Na2S04 Mg "* { S04- - > Mg" *} . { 2 NaCl. { c? 8 These show that if water containing calcium and magnesium is passed through an ion exchanger, the resin captures these metals, which simultaneously delivers the sodium in the exchange. After the ability of the bed to produce mild water has been exhausted, the unit is removed from service and rinsed with a sodium chloride solution. This removes calcium and magnesium in the form of its soluble chlorides, and at the same time restores the resin to its original active sodium condition: Reaction Ca ++} 2NaCl- • > Na2R + Ca} Mg ++} Mg} Most of the softeners by ion exchange are of the pressure type, with either manual or automatic controls. Normally these operate at speeds of 6 to 8 gpm / square foot of surface area. Approximately 8.5 pounds of salt is required to regenerate 1 cubic foot of resin, and it eliminates approximately 4 pounds of hardness in a commercial unit. The reduction in hardness is directly related to the amount of cations present in the raw water and the amount of salt used to regenerate the resin bed.

Anion Exchange for Nitrate Removal Since it is chemically non-reactive, the nitrate ion can not be precipitated or filtered out of the water by conventional treatment processes. Ion exchange is the most effective method for reducing nitrate nitrogen to the maximum containment level of 10 milligrams / liter for drinking water. The most commonly used and apparently the best system seems to be a powerful basic anion exchanger, which uses sodium chloride as a regenerator. All the anion exchange resins preferably eliminate divalent anions, therefore the ions of both sulfate and nitrate are extracted, and replaced by chloride ions. When the capacity for exchanging nitrate ions is exhausted, a regenerating solution with a high salt content is pumped through the bed, to displace the nitrate and sulphate ions and by the same to rejuvenate or regenerate the exchanger.

RC1 +. { S042_ nitrate removal > R. { S04 + Cl. { N03 ~ < regeneration { N03 The volume of saline from the waste rinse is significant, amounting to approximately 5 percent of the processed water. The major disadvantages of anion exchange treatment are the high operating costs and the problem of the elimination of the saline solution. The present invention presents a method for the generation of a colloidal silica particle, which is bipolar in the sense that it is positively charged net in the core, and negatively charged net on the external surface, which gives a net negative charge to the particle. It is another object of this invention to present a concentrated form of the Inorganic Polymer Electret in the mode converted to a solid crystalloid matrix, which releases the active colloid as the water flows over a fine mesh containment medium, where the IPC is placed (IPC ). The Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid is not solubilized in the containment medium. The solute form in the water flowing adjacent to the fine mesh containment medium is in equilibrium with a hydrated gel that adheres to the screen of the mesh, forming a measuring membrane. This gel form is in equilibrium with the solid colloid of the crystalloid. When the water flow starts, the silica colloid is measured outside the hydrated layer of the mesh screen. It is another object of this invention to demonstrate the use of this Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid used in a fine mesh mode that is to be placed in the "Salt Tank" of the ion exchange resin units to be used instead. of sodium chloride or potassium permanganate, to reactivate the beds of the ion exchange medium. The Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid is placed in the salt tank in one of a variety of fine mesh containment means to rinse the resin with silica colloid from the Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid deposit. If a bed of mixed media (ie, cationic and anionic) is used, it will remove Ca ++, Mg ++, S042", N03 +, Fe ++ and Mn2 + It is another objective of this invention to present the mode of ion exchange, and the method for applying the Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid to the rinsing system It is another object of this invention to disclose the use of the present invention in the improvement of reverse osmosis.

Reverse Osmosis Reverse Osmosis is the forced passage of water through a membrane, against natural osmotic pressure, to achieve a separation of water from a solution of dissolved salts. The osmosis process involves a thin membrane that separates the waters with different salt concentrations. The membrane is permeable to water, but not the salts and other solutes in the water. Therefore, the water flows in the direction of the highest salt concentration. If pressure is applied next to the highest salt concentration, the flow of water at the pressure called the "osmotic pressure" of the salt solution can be avoided. In reverse osmosis, water is forced by means of high pressure from a salt solution through the membrane, into fresh water, separating the desalted water from the saline solution. The flow velocity through a reverse osmosis membrane is directly proportional to the difference between the applied and osmotic pressures. Operating pressures vary between 250 and 1500 psi. The resulting amount of water is 60 percent to 90 percent for a brackish groundwater supply, and approximately 30 percent for a seawater feed. The saline water that is being treated by means of reverse osmosis must be clean and free of excessive hardness, iron, manganese and organic matter, or the membranes will be dirty. Currently, the total and effective use for the cost of reverse osmosis for industrial and residential, as well as municipal use, is limited by the expensive pre-treatment (Figure 4). This pretreatment may consist of coagulation and filtration to remove turbidity, suspended matter, iron and manganese; of softening to remove the hardness, reduce the potential of calcium carbonate and the precipitate of calcium sulfate; and possibly filtration through activated carbon in grains to remove dissolved organic chemicals. Acid is commonly used to lower the pH and prevent chemical fouling of calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron and other residual mineral compounds. Chlorine can be applied as a disinfectant to control biological growths in the membrane. All these water pollutants, except organic compounds, are harmful to the membrane. Calcium, magnesium and iron are the most harmful. The current method to try to handle this problem is a very expensive pretreatment with cation exchange resins regenerated with salt, or by lowering the pH from 8 to 6.4. This is expensive but it reduces the alkalinity of the bicarbonate by reducing the bicarbonate to carbon dioxide to avoid the incrustation of calcium carbonate and the adverse effects of iron and manganese. The hexametaphosphate is a sequestering agent to inhibit the formation of scale. This, however, is toxic and very expensive. It is clear that there is a need for a method to economically protect reverse osmosis membranes, so that significant pre-treatment is not necessary, thus making reverse osmosis a significant part of a universal water treatment system . The present invention presents a method described hitherto in two sister provisional patents for the generation of a colloidal silica particle which is bipolar in the sense that it is positively charged net in the core, and net negatively charged on the external surface which gives a net negative charge to the particle. It is another object of this invention to present a modality of this "Inorganic Polymer Electret" (IPE) which can be concentrated and measured within the flow stream into the feed water supply of the reverse osmosis units in which it is not has exposed the stream of water fed to significant pretreatment. It is a further objective of this invention to explain and demonstrate the mechanism of protecting the membranes against fouling and embedding, thereby making reverse osmosis a universal water treatment technology. It is another object of this invention to present the membrane protection mode and the method of applying it to standard reverse osmosis membrane units.

It is a further objective of this invention to present a design and method for using this technology to build and operate a residential total water treatment package, to produce totally pure water for the entire household consumption. It is another objective of this invention to reveal a list of applications of this product, together with a compendium of the fractions that follow. The additional objects and advantages of the present invention will either be stated in the description that follows, be obvious from the descriptions, or can be learned by practicing the invention. The object and advantages of the invention can be obtained by means of the apparatus and method particularly indicated in the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the principles of the present invention as encompassed and as widely described herein, a method for generating and applications for a variety of inorganic polymer electrettes in a colloidal state and with particular reference is described. a method and apparatus for generating a highly concentrated silica colloid that is converted to a crystalloid having broad applications particularly in the treatment of water for human use and consumption. Silica colloids can also be generated in a more dilute concentration and a smaller particle size for different applications. The active device, which contains a series of three-dimensional, graduated, three-dimensional field gradients, which is effective in generating a colloidal silica particle that is bipolar in the sense that it is positively charged in the nucleus, and negatively charged on the outer surface, which gives a net negative charge to the particle. Another important aspect of this invention is the ability to control the size, charge, uniformity, consistency, hydration and three-dimensional structure of the particle. The inorganic colloidal polymer is formed by the addition of potassium to the generating fluid, which helps in the configuration of the particle. The particle is a charged three-dimensional surface, this charge is generated by means of a special method to generate an electrostatic field current that charges the colloid as it is synthesized. The solution is mixed in such a way that the colloidal particles are charged electrostatically by circulating the charged solution through a countercurrent apparatus at a controlled rate and at a controlled range of pH adjustment of the solution. As the pH is reduced, the particle (polymer) as it is being loaded. Multiple layers of fluid travel in a countercurrent chamber, such that each layer generates an electrostatic charge in the adjoining layer of fluid. The generation rate is improved by the use of an enhancement on an apparatus such as in U.S. Patent No. 4,888,113, when that apparatus is placed in the countercurrent chamber. The device is constructed of multiple thin-walled pipes, one inside the other, with conduit means at each end to allow the fluid to flow in the opposite direction by flowing through the conduit element into the next one. camera towards the other pipe (that is, the chamber formed between concentric pipes). The generator is made of, but is not limited to, stainless steel or thin-walled plastic. This thin wall will allow the magnetic field generated by each of the fluid layers to generate an electrostatic charge on the adjacent column of countercurrent fluid as the silica colloid (semiconductor) in the adjacent chambers flows in the opposite direction. This generator of the invention can be used to generate many different organic and inorganic colloids of both net negative and positive net charge. The current application of the invention, as described herein, is for the synthesis and curing of a silica colloid that is converted to a crystalloid having wide applications, particularly in the treatment of water for human and animal use and consumption. The generator of the invention is used to synthesize a solution of 500 ppm to 350,000 ppm (but not limited to) of silica colloid in which the stability depends on, among other factors, the internal K + bond. Holcomb described a method for making a more dilute colloidal silica in U.S. Patent Number 5,537,363. That patent describes a method that uses an electromagnetic generator to synthesize a solution of less than 500 ppm and a dominant particle size of 0.6 microns. The current method allows the synthesis of concentrations greater than 300,000 ppm in the form of a thick soluble gel network. The concentrate of the present invention can be further processed and dried in an active solid, or it can be re-diluted to any desired concentration. U.S. Patent Number 5,537,363 did not disclose this ability. The above patent taught the use of a strong acid, HCl, to adjust the pH during synthesis. The present invention presents evidence that the product of the present invention reveals that only a weak, slowly dissociated acid is effective (See Figure 12). Another important factor in the synthesis is the use of a weak acid (acetic acid) to generate the desired product of the invention. This high concentration material is "gel-like" in consistency. Before further processing, 20 volume percent of 500 to 750 ppm of small particle size material can be added to form a more dense final material.

The material can then be degassed by the use of a vacuum. The material is then heated to 150 ° to 200 ° F, for up to 144 hours. This process produces a product of variable but controllable density and porosity, which works in an outstanding manner for water filtration and softening. This imparts a net negative charge to the incrustation of the water apparatus, including the incrustation in the pipes, for the removal of scale from iron, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and other scale-forming chemicals. The net negative charge on the inlay allows it to repel off of the surfaces. The solution is dehydrated and forms a matrix as crystalline, and then the colloid is leached to soften and descaling when the material is placed in the solid form in a variety of filter containment elements. The medium bed will also absorb or sequester Fe ++, Fe +++ and Ca ++ at its negatively charged surfaces and inactivate (sequester) these substances found in hard water. The colloid that leaches out of the matrix also sequesters cations in solution and inactivates them. In accordance with the principles of the present invention as encompassed and as widely described herein, a method and apparatus for generating a highly concentrated silica colloid that is converted to a crystalloid having broad application in water treatment is disclosed. . One such application is described in the IPC / IPE polymer method and use for rinsing and reactivating and regenerating both anionic and cationic ion exchange resin beds for residential, commercial and industrial applications. In accordance with the principles of the present invention as encompassed and as widely described herein, a method and apparatus for generating a highly concentrated silica colloid that is converted to a dissolvable gel is described, which when fed inside the feeding water line of a reverse osmosis unit, it interacts with the magnesium of calcium, manganese and iron, as well as the reverse osmosis membrane, protecting the membrane and repelling the positively charged cations that cause fouling and the formation of incrustations in the membranes of reverse osmosis. The following is a list of applications of this colloidal material in different concentrations and forms that will each be subject to a divisional patent application: 1. Food quality, food flavor, food texture, humidity of the foods. 2. Improvement and duration of fragrances. 3. Personal care products: a) Cosmetics, b) Soaps, c) oral care products, removal of the tooth plate, toothpaste, mouthwash. 4. Bath products such as shampoo and conditioner. 5. Fermented beverages. 6. Household care: a) Detergents, b) Stain removers, c) Silver, chrome, and stainless steel cleaners, d) Carpet cleaners, e) Bathroom cleaners, f) Kitchen cleaners, g) Miscellaneous cleaners for the house, parking, car, boat, workshop, and garden. 7. Mining and transport of particles: a) Coal, b) Metallic ore, c) petroleum. 8. Crude oil - Improve water flow for improved performance. 9. Agent for the treatment, conditioning and sequestration of water - residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal - for drinking, recreational, and waste water, as well as for the remedy of groundwater and surface water. Regeneration of resin beds of anions and cations that are used for ion exchange. 10. Medical: a) Improvement of taste in oral medications, b) Improvement in speed and efficiency in renal dialysis, c) Debridement and bandaging of burns, d) Mattresses and trauma bed bearings, e) Improved absorption of medical formulations applied locally, f) Healing speeds of unhealed wounds. 11. Agriculture: a) Colloidal minerals to fill the earth with essential minerals for healthier and healthier crops, b) Moisture carrier, c) Nutrient carrier, d) Irrigation - decreased water requirements, e) Improved germination, f) Dairy cleaners, g) Rain cloud seeding. 12. Building materials: a) Concrete, b) Blocks, c) bricks, d) Paints, e) Pastes and glues, f) Insulation. 13. Fuels - Better dispersion and less sedimentation at low temperatures. Clean injectors and clean the carbon from the piston heads. 14. Waste Management - Improvement in biodegradation. 15. Dyes. 16. Pulp and paper industry to control the incrustation in the equipment, and improve the quality of the paper. 17. Water-based paints. 18. Clay products. 19. Commercial and industrial cleaners: a) Automotive (washing of cars), b) Airlines, buses, trains, c) other surfaces, d) laundries. 20. Aquaculture - Shrimp and catfish - better flavor and faster growth. 21. Dew for fruit trees, vegetables, and other crops to protect them from frost. 22. Dyes and printing inks - Better dispersion. 23. Natural herbal sweeteners. 24. Improved flow of liquids, semi-liquids, slurries, and granular media in pipes, from tanks, or in or from other containment devices. 25. Sequestrant for chemical warfare agents, for chemical spills, and in chemical processing. 26. Wetting agent for residential, commercial and industrial applications, and as an aid in fire suppression. 27. De-alkalization and descaling of pipes, tanks, boilers, and other articles in contact with hard water. 28. Reactivation of ion exchange beds. 29. Carbon replacement in steel production. 30. Control of more taste and smell in water and other systems. 31. Sequestration (selective and non-selective) of cations and anions in water and other systems. 32. Reduce the friction of boat hulls and boats with water. 33. Antifreeze coolant for sedimentation control at temperatures < -100 ° F (below zero). Decreases viscosity and de-crusts refrigerant surfaces while controlling corrosion. 34. Method to burn the upper sulfur coal economically, without polluting the environment. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the currently preferred embodiment of the invention, and serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the invention in real practice is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a representation of the chemical equation for the manufacture of sodium silicate. Figure 2 is the putative polymerization of Si (0H) 4 when titrated with HAC. Formation of the silica polymer. Figure 3 is the assumed evolution of the polymer in the generator of the invention, with a gradient magnetic field stepped with K + ions in the core, and stabilized by means of K + and bound water. Figure 4 is water bound in a typical colloidal particle made by standard activation techniques. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the assumed polymerization behavior of the silica. Figure 6 are photomicrographs of silica particles made by standard activation techniques, compared to photomicrographs of electrons of colloid 5a of the invention. Figure 7 is a complete schematic drawing of the generator of the invention. Figure 8 is a cover of the schematic drawing of the generator of the invention, showing the three magnetic quadrupole generators. Figure 9 is a detailed schematic drawing of the magnetic quadrupole generator that partially demonstrates its uniqueness. Figure 10 is a schematic view of the degassing / drying ovens of the invention that are required. Figure 11 is a schematic view of the healing bins that are required to cure the product of the invention. Figure 12 is a schematic representation of the preferred embodiment of the technology for use in hard water with bad odor and bad taste. Figure 13 is the pH of the titration curve with time at constant speed of the HAC infusion during the generation of the product. Figure 14 is the figure of the ion exchange resin mode that is employed in this invention, or that is applied to the current salt regenerated ion exchange units, in which the salt has been replaced with Cristaloid bags of Inorganic Polymer Figure 15 is the figure of a more compact and efficient ion exchange unit, which uses stored deionized water and a counter-current scrubber to circulate deionized Inorganic Polymer Electret loaded water through the ion beds to increase efficiency . Figure 3a is a schematic of the counter current scrubber of the invention. Figure 17 represents the process of sequestration by means of which the Inorganic Polymer Electret inactivates the cations. Figure 18 is a representation of a spiral wound module for reverse osmosis (courtesy of Degremont, 183 Avenue de Juin 1940 - 92508 Rucil Malmaison CEDEX-France). Figure 19 represents the graphic description of the protective mechanism of the Inorganic Polymer Electret for the charged membranes of reverse osmosis units. Figure 20 represents a schematic diagram of a water purification system using reverse osmosis in Orange County, CA (Waterworks 21).

Detailed Description of the Invention Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference characters are used to designate the same elements. The versatile colloid of this invention comprises an aqueous solution with a wide range of stable active concentrations. The colloid can be converted to an active solid by means of two methods which will be described in detail. One produces a spongy white powder, and the other a hard crystallized matrix with wide applications in the treatment and conditioning of water. The colloid may also be effective for the formulation of different drug salts to change their pharmacological behavior.

Aqueous Colloid (Inorganic Polymer Electrette) Silica is commonly found in waters across the United States at levels from about 0 to over 100 ppm ("Water Treatment Fundamentals" WQA). The activated but unstable sodium silicate is used in drinking water as a coagulant, for the control of corrosion and as a stabilizing / sequestering agent for iron and manganese. The U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) does not regulate sodium silicate as a contaminant for drinking water. The USEPA list of acceptable drinking water additives includes different sodium silicate products. There are no published or regulated upper limits. Silica in public water systems in the 100 largest cities in the United States ranges from near zero to 72 ppm, with an average level of 7.1 ppm (National Academy of Science "Drinking Water and Health"). Hard water that is defined as more than 7 grains per gallon is found in drinking water supplies of more than 90 percent of the United States. Currently, only about 10 percent of that market uses water softeners. It appears that the low utilization is due to the embarrassing nature of the available systems, and the fact that there are ion exchange resin systems that release large amounts of sodium into the residential water supply. Clearly there is a need for alternative water conditioning and water softening. The present invention softens water by releasing an active silica colloid into water, which sequesters calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese, as well as other charged contaminants. The colloid also cleans, protects against corrosion and descaling pipe lines as well as attachments and appliances. Water improves hydration of the skin, it is better to cook and. wash frets and clothes. Detergent needs decrease dramatically, up to half as much in most cases. The preferred embodiment is a solid crystalloid matrix that releases the active colloid as the water flows through the media bed. The IPC (Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid) is not completely solubilized in a filter cylinder. The soluble form is in equilibrium with a hydration layer that is in equilibrium with the crystalloid colloid. When the water flow begins, the silica colloid is measured outside the hydration layer. A medium bed of one to two pounds will supply an average house with 40 grains per gallon of hardness, three to four months, without filling the bed. A bed of similar medium of Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid can be used in place of sodium chloride or potassium permanganate to reactivate the beds of ion exchange medium. The media bed is attached to the side of the ion exchange resin tank and, for about 20 minutes a day, the resin is rinsed with the silica colloid of the Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid filter bed. If a bed of mixed medium (ie, cationic and anionic) is used, it will remove Ca ++, Mg ++, S042, N03 +, Fe2 + and Mn2 +. Iron and manganese are removed by placing the Inorganic Polymer Cristaloid filter on the line, after the resin bed. The Cristaloide of Inorganic Polymer sequesters Fe ++ and Mn2 +. The mixed resin bed will remove the undesired Ca ++, Mg ++, S04 +, and N03 +. The rinsing of the resin bed will reactivate the cationic sites due to the high affinity that the silica colloid has for Ca ++ and Mg ++. In addition, So4 + and N03 + will be rinsed out in the waste due to the high affinity of the colloid for the anion sites in the beef bed. The negative sites that are available such as Ca ++, Mg ++ and iron are sequestered, attract and fix hydrogen ions (H +) that are in the water, and hydrogen ions are also contributed by the sequestered acid that is sequestered as the titration occurs during the synthesis of.1 Cristaloide of Inorganic Polymer. As noted in Figure 1, the process of this invention is initiated by dissolving silicon dioxide (sand) in a strong alkaline solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide. If potassium hydroxide is used, a more tightly bonded product is formed. Sand, alkali and water are heated to >1000 ° C. The mixture is approximately 27 weight percent silicate in 3 to 4 molar alkalis (NaOH or KOH). The active ingredient is Si (OH) 4. As noted in Figure 2, the particle formed by the silica colloidal polymer is stabilized by the addition of tripotassium citrate to the reaction mixture. If one uses sodium citrate in place of potassium citrate in this invention, the result is a poorly active and unstable product. Potassium is important in the synthesis of the three-dimensional colloid of the invention. The concentration in the final solution is ~ 0.01 mol / liter of potassium citrate in a solution of 5,000 ppm. If KOH is used in the reaction mixture, the result is a solid, more stable material. Figure 3 is illustrative of this versatile and extremely active colloid. Figure 4 represents the typical double layer of water that is bound in a typical silica colloid. It is estimated that the colloid of the invention has about twenty layers of bound water. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the assumed polymerization behavior of silica in the standard activation process. The colloid of the present invention is much more closely linked with more extensive branching of the polymer. Figure 6 represents electron micrographs showing the aggregation steps of millimicra particles. Figure 6a is an electron micrograph of the colloid of the invention, which reveals a high degree of bound water. In Figures 7 and 8 the generator of the invention is visually displayed. The operation of the generator of the invention links a pump (1) that collects the fluid of the invention 5 that is contained in the containment element 3, and flows through the conduit 2 and through the pump 1. The pump 1 generates a speed from 4 to 10 gpm and a pressure of 20 pounds per square inch. The fluid at these pressure and velocity mentioned above flows through conduit 6 and enters conduit element 7. The fluid flows through the conduit element 7 and exits through the holes 8 within the conduit element 13 (1"pipe), then the fluid flows in the opposite direction, then it exits through the holes 9 and reverses the direction again through conduit element 14 (1.5"pipe). The fluid leaves the duct element 14 through the holes 10 inside the duct element 15, this fluid enters the chamber 11 and leaves the generated one through the duct 12, and is brought back to the containment element 5 through the conduit element 4. Figure 8 illustrates the function and location of the magnetic intensifying units of the invention. The prolonged flow at high speed through the countercurrent device of the invention will generate the colloid of the invention, due to the countercurrent charge effect that generates multiple bidirectional magnetic fields that generate an electrostatic charge on the charged colloidal particles that move adjacent to each other. the process against the current. If one adds the magnetic intensifying units of Figure 8 (units A, B and C), the electrostatic charge accumulates in the colloid much faster. As can be seen from Figure 9, there are multiple gradients inside the pipe line on the z axis, these gradients also exist on the x and y axes. The effect of multiple gradients is responsible for the dramatic electrostatic charge that accumulates in the particle as the generator continues to process the material. The detailed manufacture of the product causes the following, but is not limited to: Eight gallons of distilled water are placed within the containment element 5. The water is circulated through the generator circuit at 4.5 to 5 gpm and 20 pounds / square inch for one hour. The sodium silicate is placed in the generator as it continues to operate at 4.5 to 5 gpm. This silicate is titrated for 20 minutes (a total of 5, 000 ppm of silicate based on the weight of SI02) on a weight basis in a 27 percent solution of 4.0 molar NaOH. After all the sodium silicate is in the system, the generator continues to run for one hour. Approximately 2,000 gms of tripotassium citrate is added as a slurry to the mixture for 20 minutes. The generator runs for an additional hour under the same conditions. At this point the pH is >; 10.0. The solution continues to run through the generator at 4.5 to 5.0 gpm as the mixture is titrated with 2.0 molar acetic acid at a rate of 10 cc / minute. The mixture is titrated to a final pH of 7.6 and then continues to run through the generator for an additional hour. At this point the material is a nebulous, very dense colloid (Electret of Inorganic Polymer). The Inorganic Polymer Electret is pumped into 2"X 18" X 24"stainless steel trays, the trays are placed inside 150 ° F to 175 ° F ventilated drying ovens (Figure 10). for 3 days, the resulting product is a whitish crystalloid with a density of ~ 1.1 to 1.2, its solubility in distilled water is 6 ppm, water bound> 50 percent, no odor, no flavor. The material, such as an organic polymer crystalloid (IPC), is allowed to cure in plastic bags at 70 ° F and 40 to 60 percent humidity, but is not limited to this temperature and humidity. in controlled temperature and humidity curing hoppers if the material is in large quantity for commercial or municipal use as in Figure 11. A preferred embodiment of the technology is in combination with other medium beds in the treatment of a broad spectrum of water bad with hardness, iron, bad taste and smell (see Figure 12). The preferred sequence is the inward flow of raw water through the conduit 20 into the container 21. The water flows down into the water containing element 22 and through the pores of the wound cord filter (20 microns) 23. The water with the removed particles flows out through the conduit 24 into the container 25 down through the containment element 26 and up through the carbon bed 27. Some odor, flavor and insecticides and organic pesticides are removed. The water then flows out through the conduit 28 into the container 29 containing a natural zeolite, the water flows down the containment element 30 into the medium containment element 31, and through the bed 32 of zeolite. The external flow has had some removal of nitrites, ammonium compounds and hardness. The water flows out through the conduit 33 and into the container 34, and down into the containment element 35, and through the center of the cartridge 36, and up through the center of the IPC filter bed. The core is formed by attaching a fine mesh filter screen around a plastic cylinder skeleton. As the water flows through, the IPC of the filter core dissolves and pulls across the screen as IPE. A water concentration of 1 ppm of silica colloid will bind a high percentage of calcium, magnesium and iron as well as other ions (+). This sequestration can not be broken by the EDTA titration. Therefore, if the EDTA method of calcium titration is used to measure calcium, the method does not detect all calcium. The contaminants of bad smell and taste are also sequestered. The improved performance of the ion exchange polymers can be obtained by replacing the salt rinse with an inorganic polymer electret (IPE), or by using leaching of its solid form (IPC). Although much has been written about "hard water", there is a lack of finite definition. The "hardness" of water can be commonly recognized when foam is formed around the bath tub. For convenience and communication, "hardness" is measured by the level of calcium and magnesium bicarbonates in water, and together they represent total hardness (TH). Usually, water with hardness above three grains (52 ppm) per gallon is labeled "hard." To establish a uniform degree of hardness, the water quality association and the American Society of Agricultural Engineers have adopted the hardness levels in the following Table.

Term Grains / Gallon Mg / Liter Soft Less than 1.0 Less than 17.0 Slightly Durable 1.0 to 3.5 17.1 to 60 Moderately Hard 3.5 to 7.0 60 to 120 Dura 7.0 to 10.5 120 to 180 Very Hard 10.5 and more 180 and more The softener of the present invention (Figure 14) consists of a pressure vessel (tank) 3 containing a bed of cation exchange resin 4 that removes calcium and magnesium, and by the same does the softening, a separate vessel. for storing the IPC 11 and providing the apparatus for shaping the IPE solution necessary for regeneration, and the control value 1 which directs the flow of IPE charged water through the regeneration and service cycle. Currently the cation exchange resin of sulfonated polystyrene copolymer is used almost exclusively in residential and business water softeners. The experience of units that are currently in service and that are the subject of this patent, reveals that the media beds generated by IPC, in water of 74 grains contaminated with sulfur (H2S), work longer and with better quality water. what the beds regenerated by salt do. The representation of molecules of Figure 1 represents the charged inorganic polymer of the invention. • The very strong net negative charge of the IPE allows the rinse water to sequester calcium, magnesium and iron, allowing it to contain the hardness factors in the rinse water, reactivating the same polymer. The calcium ions are replaced by the potassium and hydrogen ions of the IPE at the active resin sites. Figure 15 depicts a more compact ion exchange softener. Water flows through the pipe (12) flow inward, through the bed (23), then the (22) and the (21). The IPE hijacks 40 percent of the cations. Therefore, the passage through three small columns will remove 94 percent of the cations, therefore the outward flow (20) will be 94 percent free of hardness ions. The deionized reserve tank (17) will be filled until the floating valve (18) stops the flow. This reserve tank, when it is full, will begin to leach the IPE of the insert (15) and be ready for regeneration. When the regeneration cycle begins, the valve (29) closes, the valve (25) closes, the valve (27) closes, (28) closes and (24) opens. The pump (19) starts pumping the deionized water loaded with IPE as a return flow, through the resin beds. The beds are flooded with 1/3 of the reservoir water and discharged out of the discharge port (30). The second phase of the regeneration involves leaving the valve (29) closed, leaving the valve (25) closed, opening the valves (26), (27) and (28). Then turn on the pump (19) to circulate the IPE through three beds of resin. The fluid passes through the scrubber countercurrently (Figure 16) to keep it free of cations during the regeneration process. The water loaded with IPE enters the scrubber through the conduit (33). This then flows past the purified outflow water in the conduit (32), which is a porous conduit coated with a semipermeable membrane of a pore size of less than 10 A °. This countercurrent flow allows the purification of hard water by means of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane (permeable to Ca ++ and Mg ++, but not to IPE) and the countercurrent flow. Figure 17 represents the sequestration of calcium ions by means of IPE. The IPE joins the calcium incrustation, imparting a negative charge to the incrustation by means of the same. The negatively charged scale is then repelled away from the surface of the apparatus or pipe. Due to the progressive pollution of water in the land and the age of current water technology, there is a need for a reliable, fast and relatively inexpensive method for the total purification of water at the point of use., as well as for industrial and municipal use. The treatment technology of the present invention employs technology consisting of hard water and standard reverse osmosis (RO) membranes (Figure 18). The reverse osmosis units are modified in the sense that an injection port and a chemical feed pump are added to the IPE, immediately before the normal feed water inlet port. For a detailed description of a pilot version of the modality, see the appendix "Use of a Proprietary Additive -" IPE "(Inorganic Polymer Electrette) for the improvement of the operation of the RO membrane (reverse osmosis). illustration of the basic principles of reverse osmosis and the mechanism by which the IPE protects the membrane from incrustation.The incrustation is secondary to the binding of calcium carbonate and / or magnesium carbonate to the membrane (mainly on the side of the feed water.) IPE sequesters calcium and therefore presents a negative charge to the negatively charged membrane, avoiding the same incrustation, and descaling any accumulated scale Figure 20 is an illustration of a proposed placement of a line of power for the IPE in an industrial reverse osmosis plant.

Use of an Owner Additive - "IPE" (Electreto de Inorganic Polymer) for the Improvement of RO Membrane Functioning (Reverse Osmosis) Introduction: This report is a presentation of the limited evaluation of two different reverse osmosis membrane elements for the potential application to improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of reverse osmosis in the water market place.

Technology Background: The technology used in this experiment is the IPE, a proprietary inorganic polymer that is colloidal in nature with a net charge that can be manipulated. The technology can and has been effective in the improvement of reverse osmosis membranes that are active and passive in function.

Materials and Methods: a) Installation of the Test and Methods for PSRO The tests were carried out in a series 250 reverse osmosis system equipped with PSRO type elements (reverse osmosis polysufona). Feeding water was obtained by processing well water containing approximately 1300 milligrams / liter of calcium carbonate at a level of 3.33 to 4.0 milligrams / liter of calcium carbonate. The feed water is then fed to the Series 250 system by means of an external pump. The Series 250 system was modified in the sense that an injection port and a chemical feed pump have been added to the IPE, immediately before the normal feed water inlet port. The system was operated with the recovery valve in the maximum recovery position with an inflow of between 2.05 and 2.25 gallons per minute. System operating pressures for both pump and reject varied between 180 psi during the IPE feed, and 195 psi during the non-power IPE periods. Samples were collected approximately every 15 minutes for both feed and produced waters. The conductivities were measured using a Myron L EP conductivity meter. Calcium carbonate levels were obtained by the EDTA titration method for the "Standard Methods" 314 B. Immediately before starting the PSRO test, the membranes were regenerated using 15 liters of 5 percent NaCl solution. The IPE injection started at approximately the 70 minute mark, without any adjustment to any other parameter. The IPE injected into the feed stream was injected at a rate of approximately 10 milliliters per minute. The IPE concentration was 15,000 ppm of active material that equals 17.8 ppm in the water that reached the membrane. b) Installation of the Test and Methods for TFC The tests were carried out in a Series 250 reverse osmosis system equipped with TFC Polyamide elements.

(US Filter No. CDRC 025 SI & SH). Feeding water was obtained from a well with calcium carbonate levels up to 1300 milligrams / liter (hardness of 76 grains). After this water was diluted with processed water to obtain different levels of hardness. Feed water was fed to the Series 250 system by means of an external pump with pressures of 40 to 60 psi. The Series 250 system was modified in the sense that an injection port and a chemical feed pump were added to the IPE, immediately before the normal feed water inlet port. The system was operated with the recovery valve in the maximum recovery position with an inflow of between 2.1 and 3.2 gallons per minute. System operating pressures for both pump and reject varied between 180 and 195 psi during non-IPE periods and fell as low as 175 during IPE feeds. Samples were collected at intervals of both the feed and the product waters. The conductivities were measured using a Myron L E conductivity meter. Calcium carbonate levels were obtained by the EDTA titration method for the "Standard Methods" 314 B. The hardness water of 20 to 76 grains was used for the test. The IPE was injected normally at different speeds but mostly at 10 milliliters / minute, and bolus up to 500 milliliters. Due to the apparent adequacy of small bolus injections, no continuous feeding was used for most of the test. The IPE concentration was 5,000 ppm of active material.

Results: The results of these two experiments are presented in the form of a table and graph. a) Results of the PSRO Membrane Figure 1 represents selected data points reduced to graphical form, of the tests described in the Methods section. As can be seen from the curve in the feedwater, the feed calcium concentration was 4 milligrams / liter. The concentration fell to 3.33 milligrams / liter just before the addition of the IPE. It is believed that this change was due to mixing inside the large mixing tank that was used. The rejection of the conductivity was 9_2 percent just after the membrane was regenerated with a 5 percent solution of sodium chloride. This high rejection percentage persisted for approximately 27 minutes at a feed water flow of 2.25 gpm. After the membrane began to fail and the rejection of conductivity fell by 57. percent for 50 minutes. When the IPE was added at 17.8 ppm, the rejection fraction returned to 8_3 percent for 80 minutes, and maintained that rejection fraction. After regeneration of the membrane with the 5 percent NaCl solution, the calcium rejection was 67 percent. When the membrane failed, calcium rejection fell to 23 percent. When IPE was added, the rejection of calcium returned to 85 percent. As the membrane failed, the recovery fell but returned to the original recovery for 90 minutes. Table 1 presents the data points selected to demonstrate membrane failure and online regeneration and protection through IPE. Table 2 is a comprehensive list of all the data points of the experiment. b) Results of the TFC Membrane Figure 2 is a representation of the pressure required to drive a flow of 3.2 gpm on a membrane that has been loaded with IPE, and then exposed to a 500 milliliter bolus of 5,000 ppm IPE . The feed water was not softened and contained 72 grains of hardness (1231 mg / 1 Ca). Figure 3 is a graphic representation of the data of the same membrane loaded with IPE, which processes the same feed water with a hardness of 72 grains. When an IPE bolus was exposed to the membrane, the milligrams / liter of Ca ++ dropped from 6.6 to 2.2. Therefore, as noted in Figure 4, the calcium rejection percentage increased from about 99.5 to about 99.8.

PROOF PSRO Note that the added IPE is not necessarily the optimal dose, but simply an arbitrary amount selected for this particular test.

Table 1 FOOD WATER SOURCE Modified Well Water 4 mg / l Ca NOTES: The IPE feed began at 70 minutes at a flow of 10 milliliters per minute. DATE: 09-19-97 fifteen twenty FIG. 1 TFC Membrane Test: Pressure 10260 10800 11520 11880 12050 12100 Gallons FIG. 2 TFC Membrane Test: Product Calcium 10260 10800 11520 11880 12050 12100 Gallons FIG. 3 TFC Membrane Test: Percentage of Calcium Rejection 10260 10800 11520 11880 12050 12100 Gallons FIG.4

Claims (21)

1. A method and apparatus for generating an electret of inorganic polymer in a colloidal state, which uses a unique magnetic field gradient through which the material passes while it is being generated in the apparatus of the invention.

2. A method and apparatus for the generation of a colloidal silica particle, according to claim 1, which is bipolar in the sense that it is positively charged in the core, and negatively charged on the external surface.

3. A method and apparatus for the generation of a colloidal silica particle, as in claim 1, having a net negative charge on the particle.

4. A method and apparatus for the generation of a colloidal silica particle, as in claim 1, having the ability to control the size, charge, uniformity, consistency, hydration and three-dimensional structure of the particle.

5. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the load can be manipulated in a reproducible manner for a large number of applications.

6. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, for generating a uniform, consistent aqueous composition containing inorganic colloidal silica in the form of an inorganic polymer.

7. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the inorganic polymer is desirably shaped by the addition of potassium to the generating fluid.

8. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, for the generation of a colloidal silica in an aqueous suspension of colloidal silica in which the three-dimensional charged structure is generated by a special method of generating an electrostatic field that charges the particle to As it is synthesized in an electrostatic field.

9. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, for the generation of a colloidal silica in which the solution is mixed in such a way that the colloidal particles are charged electrically by means of circulating the charged solution through an apparatus of countercurrent at a controlled speed and pH adjustment.

10. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the particle (polymer) grows as the pH is adjusted, and it is charged by passing through magnetic fields of graduated gradients.

11. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein multiple layers of charged fluid travel in a countercurrent chamber, such that each layer generates a magnetic flux field and, thereby, generates an electrostatic charge on the magnetic flux. the attached layer of fluid.

12. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the magnetic modality establishes a three-dimensional symmetric field gradient.

13. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the mode prefers round magnets loaded in the center, but is not limited thereto. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, which compresses a plurality of static magnetic bodies charged at the center in each device, having at least two positive magnetic probes and two negative ones substantially in two parallel planes. 15. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the magnetic poles are oriented to define the four vertices of a quadrilateral shape. 16. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the two positive poles define opposite diagonal vertices, and the two negative poles define appropriate diagonal vertices of the quadrilateral form. 17. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each of the magnetic poles are magnetically attracted by the oppositely charged poles, and magnetically repelled by the poles equally charged. 18. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein two of the poles oppositely charged at each end of the device are facing and have surfaces that are parallel. 19. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the configuration generates a magnetic vacuum at the intersection of a line drawn between the opposing diagonal vertices of the invention. 20. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, whereby the null point is essential to generate a stepped symmetric three-dimensional field gradient inside the generator passages. 21. A method and apparatus as in claim 1, which provides a device that can be controlled by computer to regulate the pressure flow and the rate of titration of the acid medium thereto.