Queen's University at Kingston

Other

Exxonmobil Research and Engineering Company

Greencentre Canada

Sean M Mercer

Philip G Jessop

Tobias Robert

Rui Resendes

R Stephen Brown

Timothy James Clark

Brian Ernest Mariampillai

Michael F Cunningham

Dominik Wechsler

Gregory Paul Rockwell

Michael Cunningham

Kyle J Boniface

Gregory P Rockwell

Resendes Rui,

A method and system for reversibly converting water between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, using a switchable additive, is described. The disclosed method and system can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions. Following extraction of a solute from a medium by dissolving it in water, the solute can then be isolated from the aqueous solution or 'salted-out' by converting the water to a solution having an increased ionic strength. The solute then separates from the increased ionic strength solution as a separate phase. Once the solute is, for example, decanted off, the increased ionic strength aqueous solution can be converted back to water having its original ionic strength and reused. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with CO, CSor COS. Switching from higher to lower ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with air, heating, agitating, introducing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or any combination or thereof.

Water with switchable ionic strength

Methods and systems are provided for two-stage treatment of contaminated particulate material, such as soil, sediment, and/or sludge. The methods and systems utilize a thermal desorption process combined with a smoldering combustion process. The contaminated particulate material is first exposed to thermal desorption at high temperatures (e.g., greater than 150&#xb0; C.) to form a heated contaminated particulate material. Next, a smoldering combustion process is initiated by introducing a combustion-supporting gas. The combined process can take place in the same or different treatment units.

Two-stage remediation of particulate material

Methods and systems for use of switchable water, which is capable of reversibly switching between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, is described. The disclosed methods and systems can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions, desalination, clay settling, viscosity switching, etc. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with C0, CSor COS or treatment with Bronsted acids. Switching from higher to lower ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with air, inert gas, heating, agitating, introducing a vacuum or partial vacuum, or any combination or thereof.

Systems and methods for use of water with switchable ionic strength

The present application provides a composite material that comprises a solid and solid-supported non-polymeric switchable moiety, wherein the switchable moiety comprises a functional group that is switchable between a first form and a second form, said first form being neutral and hydrophobic, and said second form being ionized and hydrophilic. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said second form when the switchable moiety is exposed to COat amounts sufficient to maintain the ionized form. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said first form when COis removed or reduced to an amount insufficient to maintain the ionized form. COis removed or reduced by exposing the composite material to heat and/or a flushing inert gas such as N, Ar, or air. Envisioned uses of these composite materials includes removing water from non-aqueous solvents, removing water vapor from gaseous mixtures, and cleaning industrial reaction vessels and/or pipelines.

Switchable materials, methods and uses thereof

Growing community of inventors

Sarnia, Canada

Sean M Mercer