U.S. patent application number 15/341826 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for compressed absorbing medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is Patti D. Rubin. Invention is credited to Patti D. Rubin.
Application Number | 20170050169 15/341826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36407456 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170050169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rubin; Patti D. |
February 23, 2017 |
Compressed Absorbing Medium
Abstract
An absorption medium includes compressed coir particles having
been compressed from an uncompressed state at a volume to volume
ratio of greater than 3:1, but less than 15:1, and having been
ground to a grind size of 1/25 inches to 1/2 inch.
Inventors: |
Rubin; Patti D.; (Aventura,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rubin; Patti D. |
Aventura |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
36407456 |
Appl. No.: |
15/341826 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14014129 |
Aug 29, 2013 |
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15341826 |
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13628777 |
Sep 27, 2012 |
8544206 |
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14014129 |
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13348239 |
Jan 11, 2012 |
8316581 |
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13628777 |
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12368216 |
Feb 9, 2009 |
8256160 |
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13348239 |
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10993599 |
Nov 19, 2004 |
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12368216 |
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62249837 |
Nov 2, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 15/08 20130101;
A01C 23/02 20130101; B01D 2252/205 20130101; B01J 20/26 20130101;
B01J 20/3021 20130101; B01J 20/24 20130101; A01G 27/04 20130101;
B01D 2252/2053 20130101; B01J 20/16 20130101; A01G 24/50 20180201;
Y02A 40/21 20180101; C05F 5/002 20130101; B01J 20/3035 20130101;
Y02P 20/145 20151101; C12N 1/20 20130101; B01J 20/106 20130101;
A01G 24/00 20180201; Y02A 40/20 20180101; C09K 3/32 20130101; B01J
20/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01J 20/24 20060101
B01J020/24; A01C 23/02 20060101 A01C023/02; A01G 27/04 20060101
A01G027/04; B01J 20/10 20060101 B01J020/10; C12N 1/20 20060101
C12N001/20; B01J 20/16 20060101 B01J020/16; B01J 20/26 20060101
B01J020/26; B01J 20/30 20060101 B01J020/30; C09K 3/32 20060101
C09K003/32; B01D 15/08 20060101 B01D015/08; B01J 20/14 20060101
B01J020/14 |
Claims
1. An absorption medium, comprising: compressed coir particles
having been compressed from an uncompressed state at a volume to
volume ratio of greater than 3:1, but less than 15:1, and having
been ground to a grind size of 1/25 inches to 1/2; wherein the
compressed coir particles including coir dust and coir fibers where
the coir fibers have a length between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch.
2. The absorption medium of claim 1, wherein the compressed coir
particles have a characteristic of having been compressed with an
oil absorbent.
3. The absorption medium of claim 2, wherein the oil absorbent is
kenaf.
4. The absorption medium of claim 2, wherein the oil absorbent is
perlite, cotton, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, pumice, or
combinations thereof.
5. The absorption medium of claim 1, wherein the compressed coir
particles are admixed with an uncompressed oil absorbent.
6. The absorption medium of claim 5, wherein the uncompressed oil
absorbent is kenaf.
7. The absorption medium of claim 1, wherein the compressed coir
particles having a characteristic of having been compressed with
superabsorbing polymer.
8. The absorption medium of claim 1, wherein the compressed coir
particles having a characteristic of having been compressed with
spagham peat moss.
9. The absorption medium of claim 1, wherein the compressed coir
particles having a characteristic of having been compressed with
eating microbes.
10. A method of making an absorption medium, comprising:
compressing coir from an uncompressed state at a volume to volume
ratio of greater than 3:1, but less than 15:1; and grinding the
compressed coir into ground coir with to a grind size of 1/25
inches to 1/2 inch; wherein the ground coir particles includes coir
dust and coir fibers where the coir fibers have a length between
1/4 inch and 1/2 inch.
11. The absorption medium of claim 10, wherein compressing the coir
includes compressing the coir with an oil absorbent.
12. The absorption medium of claim 11, wherein the oil absorbent is
kenaf.
13. The absorption medium of claim 11, wherein the oil absorbent is
perlite, cotton, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, pumice, or
combinations thereof.
14. The absorption medium of claim 10, further including admixing
the ground coir with an uncompressed oil absorbent.
15. The absorption medium of claim 14, wherein the uncompressed oil
absorbent is kenaf.
16. The absorption medium of claim 10, wherein compressing the coir
includes compressing the coir with a superabsorbing polymer.
17. The absorption medium of claim 10, wherein compressing the coir
includes compressing the coir with spagham peat moss.
18. The absorption medium of claim 10, wherein compressing the coir
includes compressing the coir with eating microbes.
19. A method of using an absorption medium, comprising: adding an
absorbing medium onto a liquid material, where the absorption
medium includes compressed coir particles having been compressed
from an uncompressed state at a volume to volume ratio of greater
than 3:1, but less than 15:1, and having been ground to a grind
size of 1/25 inches to 1/2 inch; wherein the compressed coir
particles includes coir dust and coir fibers where the coir fibers
have a length between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch.
20. The method of claim 19, further including removing the
absorbing medium after the liquid material is at least partially
absorbed into the absorbing medium.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/014,129 filed on 29 Aug. 2013,
which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/628,777 filed on 27 Sep. 2012, which application was a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/348,239 filed
Jan. 11, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,581; which application
was a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/368,216 filed Feb. 9, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,160,
which application was a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/993,599 filed Nov. 19, 2004, each entitled "COMPRESSED
GROWING MEDIUM." This application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/249,837, which was filed on 2
Nov. 2016 and titled "An Absorbing Medium." Each of these
applications are incorporated herein by reference for all that they
disclose.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Solidifiers are composed of tiny pellets that can either
absorb or adsorb. Solidifiers are sometimes used to clean up oil
spills. In this situations, the solidifier is added to the spilled
oil. Solidifiers then adsorb or absorb the oil or other type of
liquid. Removal of the solidified oil is performed by removing the
solidifiers which takes the oil with it. Some solidifiers are
relatively non-toxic to aquatic and wild life and suppress harmful
vapors commonly associated with hydrocarbons. The reaction time for
solidification of oil is controlled by the surface area or size of
the polymer or dry pellets as well as the viscosity and thickness
of the oil layer.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, an absorption medium includes compressed
coir particles having been compressed from an uncompressed state at
a volume to volume ratio of greater than 3:1, but less than 15:1,
and having been ground to a grind size of 1/25 inches to 1/2 inch.
The compressed coir particles includes coir dust and coir fibers
where the coir fiber have a length between 1/4 inch and 1/2
inch.
[0004] The compressed coir particles may have the characteristic of
having been compressed with an oil absorbent.
[0005] The oil absorbent may be kenaf.
[0006] The oil absorbent may be perlite, cotton, diatomaceous
earth, vermiculite, pumice, or combinations thereof.
[0007] The compressed coir particles may be admixed with an
uncompressed oil absorbent.
[0008] The uncompressed oil absorbent may be kenaf.
[0009] The compressed coir particles may have the characteristic of
having been compressed with superabsorbing polymer.
[0010] The compressed coir particles may have the characteristic of
having been compressed with spagham peat moss.
[0011] The compressed coir particles may have the characteristic of
having been compressed with eating microbes.
[0012] In one embodiment, a method of making an absorption medium
includes compressing coir from an uncompressed state at a volume to
volume ratio of greater than 3:1, but less than 15:1, and grinding
the compressed coir into ground coir with to a grind size of 1/25
inches to 1/2 inch. The ground coir particles includes coir dust
and coir fibers where the coir fiber have a length between 1/4 inch
and 1/2 inch.
[0013] Compressing the coir particles may include compressing the
coir with an oil absorbent.
[0014] The oil absorbent may be kenaf.
[0015] The oil absorbent may be perlite, cotton, diatomaceous
earth, vermiculite, pumice, or combinations thereof.
[0016] The method may also include admixing the ground coir an
uncompressed oil absorbent.
[0017] The uncompressed oil absorbent may be kenaf.
[0018] Compressing the coir particles may include compressing the
coir with a superabsorbing polymer.
[0019] Compressing the coir particles may include compressing the
coir with spagham peat moss.
[0020] Compressing the coir particles may include compressing the
coir with eating microbes.
[0021] In one embodiment, a method of using an absorption medium
adding an absorbing medium onto the harmful material, where the
absorption medium includes compressed coir particles having been
compressed from an uncompressed state at a volume to volume ratio
of greater than 3:1, but less than 15:1, and having been ground to
a grind size of 1/25 inches to 1/2 inch. The compressed coir
particles includes coir dust and coir fibers where the coir fiber
have a length between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch.
[0022] The method may include removing the absorbing medium after
the harmful material is at least partially absorbed into the
absorbing medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present system and method and are a part of the specification.
The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present
system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a method of making an
absorption medium in accordance with the principles described
herein.
[0025] FIG. 2 depicts an example of a method of using an absorption
medium in accordance with the principles described herein.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts an example of an absorbing medium in
accordance with the principles described herein.
[0027] FIG. 4 depicts an example of an absorbing medium in
accordance with the principles described herein.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts of a commercially available medium.
[0029] FIG. 6 depicts of a commercially available medium.
[0030] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] A system and method for absorbing liquids is disclosed. It
will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the
present products and methods may be practiced without these
specific details. Reference in the specification to "one
embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance
of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0032] According to one embodiment, the absorbing medium comprises
a bulking agent in combination with a water retentive polymer and
other components as described below.
[0033] A hydrophilic fibrous bulking agent forms the majority of
the absorbing medium. Generally, the bulking agent ranges from
about 50% to about 98% of the absorbing medium. Examples of the
bulking agent include coir, peat, cotton, mineral wool, paper pulp,
peat bark, birch bark, wool and/or hair. In one embodiment the
bulking agent comprises coir dust with coir fibers, and possibly
other parts of the coconut that might enhance drainage and growth.
Coir fibers assist in drainage of water while the coir dust
enhances the expansion of the absorbing medium.
[0034] The grind size of the bulking agent helps to control the
structural integrity of the absorbing medium even when wet, and
also affects the expansion process. Generally, the grind size of
the bulking agent depends on various factors of the absorbing
medium, such as its size in compressed form, and the amount of
water drainage needed. Thus, the grind size is influenced by the
location of use of the absorbing medium since the atmospheric
conditions of locations vary from arid to humid. Generally, the
bulking agent grind size range from being able to pass through an
approximately 1/2 inch mesh screen to being able to pass through an
approximately 1 inch mesh screen.
[0035] Before grinding, the coir fibers may be several inches long.
After grinding, coir fibers ranging from the original length of
several inches long to very short fibers may be included in the
ground, yet compressed absorbing medium. In some examples, at least
a subset of the coir fibers that remain intact after grinding may
be between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length.
[0036] The bulking agent may also include any added natural porous
substrate that enhances the bulking agent, such as by adding
beneficial nutrients or improving water drainage. Examples of
suitable natural porous substrates include, but are not limited to,
pine bark, fir bark, redwood bark, hardwood bark, polystyrene foam,
sawdust, rock wool, perlite, vermiculite, pumice, scoria, composted
organic materials, shale rock, calcined clay pellets and volcanic
pumice. These porous substrates enhance the rate of water
percolation or drainage pulled by gravity and the quantity of water
stored after drainage.
[0037] The absorbing medium also includes one or more
water-retentive polymers. These polymers, also called
superabsorbing polymers (SAP's), are hydrophobic materials that can
absorb fluid and retain it under pressure without dissolution in
the fluid being absorbed. The materials used are generally all
synthesized by one of two routes. In the first, a water soluble
polymer is cross-linked so that it can swell between cross-links
but not dissolve. In the second, a water-soluble monomer is
co-polymerized with a water-insoluble monomer into blocks.
Generally, the water-retentive polymer is a non-foamed polymer.
Suitable water-retentive polymers include, but are not limited to,
saponified starch graft polyacrylonitrile copolymers, polyacrylic
acid, polymalsia anhydride-vinyl monomer superabsorbents,
starch-polyacrylic acid grafts, polyacrylonitrile based polymers,
cross-linked polyacrylamide, cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene,
cross-linked n-vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl pyrrolidone-acrylamide
copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol superabsorbents. These polymers
absorb many times their own weight in aqueous fluid. Additional
suitable water-retentive polymers include, but are not limited to
sodium propionate-acrylamide, poly (vinyl pyridine), polyethylene
imine, polyphosphates, poly (ethylene oxide), vinyl alcohol
copolymer with acrylamide, and vinyl alcohol copolymer with acrylic
acid acrylate. Combinations of the above polymers may also be used,
depending on the intended use of the absorbing medium, and the
desired absorption and release rates of water and nutrients.
[0038] In one exemplary embodiment the water-retentive polymer is a
potassium- or sodium-based polymer, such as a synthetic
polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymer. Like many absorbent
polymers, it can absorb many hundred times its weight in water. In
an embodiment, the absorbent polymer is acrylamide/potassium
acrylate copolymer. Potassium-based polymers are non-toxic and do
not cause harm to the environment. Additionally, potassium is a
nutrient that promotes plant development. Generally, the
water-retentive polymer used ranges up to about 25% by dry weight
of potassium acrylate acrylamide copolymer, more preferably in an
amount from about 2% to about 15% by dry weight of the absorbing
medium.
[0039] The absorbing medium may also include a non-ionic surfactant
or emulsifier that wets the dry hydrophilic bulking agent and
decreases surface tension that would otherwise prevent water take
up. Thus, the surfactant increases the rate at which the bulking
agent absorbs water. Suitable surfactants include, but are not
limited to polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block co-polymers;
alkanol amides, betamol derivatives; block co-polymers comprising a
series of condensates of ethylene oxide with hydrophobic bases
formed by condensing propylene oxide with proylene glycol;
ethyoxylated compounds comprising alcohols, alkyl phenols, amines
and amides, alkylphenol ethoxylates, fatty alcohol polyglycol
ethers, oxo-alcohol polyethylene glycol ethers,
alkylphenol-ethoxylates, fatty or oxo-alcohol polyethylene glyco
ethers, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic block copolymers. In one
embodiment the non-ionic surfactant is
polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer in an amount from
about 0.001% to about 3.5% by dry weight of the total matrix.
[0040] The absorbing medium is also free of a water soluble binder
material. Conventional absorbing media having a water-retentive
polymer also contain a water soluble binder material, such as
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl acetate or a polyacrylate, to
bind an absorbing medium together when wet and help to maintain the
structural integrity of the absorbing medium. However, the
compressed absorbing medium described herein does not require a
binder material to maintain its structural integrity, and thus
contains no PVA or other binder material.
[0041] A compressed absorbing medium typically uses a water
retentive polymer that has a water absorbtivity from about 50 to
about 600 times its weight. At such absorption levels, the entire
composition upon exposure to rainfall or watering is converted to a
wet, gas-permeable gel.
[0042] The compressed absorbing medium may also contain a
fertilizer. The majority of the added fertilizer is in
water-insoluble granular form, and may be either organic or
inorganic. The fertilizer also usually does not inhibit the water
absorption or release functions of the water-retentive polymer. The
specific fertilizer used in the compressed soil is specifically
targeted to a particular plant or plants and geographical region,
since different regions and plants can be benefited by different
fertilizers. The fertilizer is preferably configured and chosen to
contain nutrients that are effective for up to about 8 weeks.
Examples of suitable fertilizers include, but are not limited to,
manures, bone meals, blood meals, cottonseed meal, fish emulsion,
sewage sludge, compost, urea, ureaform, isobutylidene diurea,
slow-release fertilizers, sulfur-coated urea, oxamide, melamine,
calcium nitrate, ammonium bicarbonate, nitrate of soda, calcium
cyanamide, ammonium sulphate (sulphate of ammonia), calcium
ammonium nitrate (limestone ammonium nitrate), ammonium chloride,
ammonium sulphate nitrate, nitrogen solutions, ammonium nitrate,
anhydrous ammonia, basic slag, single superphosphate, rock
phosphate (raw), dicalcium phosphate, triple superphosphate,
kainit, potassium magnesium sulphate (sulphate of potash magnesia),
potassium chloride (muriate of potash), potassium sulphate
(sulphate of potash), mono (di)-ammonium phosphate, ammoniated
superphosphates, ammoniated polyphosphates, nitrophosphates,
potassium nitrate, potassic slag, potassic superphosphates,
compound fertilizers, complex fertilizers, mixed fertilizers, bulk
blend and combinations thereof.
[0043] The compressed absorbing medium may also contain other
components, such as nutrients, pesticides, insecticides,
fungicides, plant growth enhancers, or other beneficial components
known to those of skill in the art. These components are absorbed,
stored and released by the water-retentive polymer(s) on a
consistent level as needed by the plants.
[0044] In an exemplary method of making a compressed absorbing
medium, the bulking agent is decompressed to a volume-to-volume
ratio of about 3:1 or less. The absorbing medium components,
including the bulking agent, the water-retentive polymer and any
other additional components, are then blended together with a
blender or other mixer. The mixture is then transported by an auger
(screw type conveyer) to a hopper that feeds a press. The auger
takes air out of the mixture and keeps the mixture blended, which
could separate if left standing for a period of time.
[0045] The absorbing medium is then compressed at a
volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 2:1 to about 10:1 in
order to provide a compressed absorbing medium suitable for
packaging, shipment and sale. Preferably the absorbing medium is
compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 5:1 to
about 10:1, and more preferably from about 7:1 to about 8:1. The
absorbing medium is typically compressed into bricks, slabs,
wafers, pellets, cubes, triangles and any other shape. The terms
"wafer" and "pellet" as used herein are not limited to any one
shape, but may include shapes that are spherical, elliptical,
egg-shaped, square, rectangular, crescent, convex, concave, flat or
any other regular or irregular shape. The compressed bricks, slabs,
wafers and pellets may then be packaged in pouches, grow-bags,
cans, canisters, jars, boxes, and other packages known to those of
skill in the art.
[0046] In one embodiment, compressed wafers and pellets are made by
first blending together the absorbing medium components in the
manner described above. The mixture is then compressed at about
room temperature to form a compressed absorbing medium. The
compression can be carried out by means of a pressing device, such
as a compactor or two form cylinders rotating in opposite
directions. The pressure or tonnage used may vary. In one
embodiment, the absorbing medium is compressed with concurrent
agitation, such as by an auger, in order to thoroughly mix all
components of the absorbing medium and prevent settling of heavier
components, such as the water-retentive polymers and/or other
constituents. The compressed absorbing medium may then be molded,
shaped or formed into wafers and/or pellets. The wafers and/or
pellets are then packaged, as will be described in further detail
below.
[0047] In another embodiment, a compressed absorbing medium wafer
is made by first preparing an absorbing medium from the
above-described components. This absorbing medium is then pressed
at high pressures (approximately 7500 psi). The pressure usually
varies, depending on the shape of the compressed absorbing medium.
In one embodiment the absorbing medium cavities are plugged with a
paste composed of 50% by dry weight dry peat and 50% by dry weight
of an aqueous solution containing 11.25% by dry weight PVA and
0.125% by dry weight non-ionic surfactant. The compressed absorbing
medium is then formed into wafers and pellets and then packaged for
sale.
[0048] In another embodiment, compressed pellets are formed by
first preparing an absorbing medium. The absorbing medium is then
contacted with the granulation pan and the mixture is granulated in
the granulation pan to form pellets.
[0049] Other methods for forming compressed pellets include
spraying while rotating in a mixer, the use of drum coaters,
fluidized bed techniques, Wurster air suspension coating processes,
pan coaters and spouted beds.
[0050] As illustrated in the exemplary methods mentioned above, the
compressed absorbing medium wafers and pellets can be packaged for
storage and transport. Since many factors can affect the absorbing
medium, such as ambient moisture, proper temperature, ample oxygen,
and light, many methods are available to alter these factors during
storage and transport. Maintaining humidity and/or oxygen levels at
the lowest possible levels in the packaging may be employed.
Suitable methods for producing a packaging include vacuum-packing,
pillow packing, controlled atmosphere packing, modified atmosphere
packing, desiccant packing, and other methods known to those of
skill in the art.
[0051] In one embodiment, the compressed absorbing medium wafers
and pellets are vacuum-packed. Vacuum packing is a process whereby
air and/or the water in it are evacuated from a storage bag or
container, thus decreasing the oxygen content and humidity in and
around the soil mixture. Generally, the vacuum-packing process may
be carried out by any process or apparatus known to those of skill
in the art. Conventional vacuum-sealing or vacuum-packing machinery
may be used, such as external clamp pouch machines, external clamp
snorkel machines (also known as retractable nozzle machines) and
chamber machines.
[0052] In other embodiments, the wafers and pellets are packaged by
pillow packing, controlled atmosphere packing or modified
atmosphere packing. In these methods, after the absorbing medium is
vacuum-packaged a gas or combination of gases is injected into the
package to yield a package that has substantially all atmospheric
oxygen removed but is not drawn down tight around the absorbing
medium. Suitable gases include, but are not limited to nitrogen,
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and inert gases
such as helium, argon, xenon and neon. These anoxic packages
contain little to no oxygen, while permitting a higher moisture
content to help maintain the integrity of the absorbing medium
structure. In another embodiment, the compressed absorbing medium
is vacuum freeze dried before packing.
[0053] In yet another embodiment, the absorbing medium is packaged
with a desiccant to reduce the ambient humidity. Suitable
desiccants include, but are not limited to, silica gel, clays,
calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, molecular sieves,
charcoal, alumina, alumino silicate, calcium fluoride, lithium
chloride, starches, a zeolite, barium oxide, magnesium perchlorate,
glycerin, calcium hydride, phosphoric anhydride, phosphoric acid,
potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, ethylene glycol, barium oxide,
sodium sulfate and combinations thereof. In another embodiment,
inert gas may also be introduced into the package to replace air
and/or moisture. Including a desiccant or inert gas significantly
reduces humidity.
[0054] The packages used for packaging the absorbing medium
according to the above methods include, but are not limited to
jars, cans, plastic pouches, standard flat vacuum pouches, and
other packages known to those of skill in the art. In one
embodiment the package comprises vacuum pouches made of
multi-layered nylon and polyethylene. In another embodiment the
package comprises plastic cans such as tennis ball cans. Since the
vacuum-packing and other methods of packing described above are
used to produce substantially anoxic packages, other methods of
packing known to those of skill in the art that do not reduce
humidity or oxygen content can be used for a compressed absorbing
medium that is not pre-seeded.
[0055] Generally, the compressed absorbing medium, whether in
bricks, slabs, wafers and pellets, cubes or other shapes can be
used anywhere a conventional soil or absorbing medium is used,
including sports fields, parks, home lawns, gardens, indoor pots,
outdoor pots, greenhouses, nurseries, farms, forests, and other
agricultural, forest, commercial and home uses. The compressed,
packaged absorbing medium is also easier to transport and handle,
being roughly 10% of the weight or a traditional planting
medium.
[0056] The wafers and pellets can be deposited according to any
method known to those of skill in the art, such as by hand or with
machinery. After depositing the wafers and pellets, water is added
to the soil mixture. Approximately one inch of rain is required to
activate the preferred capsule matrix; however, water requirements
can be varied in light of local climate conditions, and resulting
proportions of matrix components. The resulting gel-like structure
permits the exchange of oxygen and the retention of water. It also
forms a mechanical barrier to predators. In addition, the
encapsulating process permits the optional inclusion of nutrients,
fertilizers and fungicides selected to address local conditions. In
other embodiments the soil mixture includes commercial fungicides
such as Banlate.TM. at levels to 5000 ppm, Ridamil.TM. at levels to
50 ppm, and Thiaram.TM. at levels up to 25 ppm without toxic
effect, the polymers or the nutrients that might be added.
[0057] Precise ratios of ingredients affect the most advantageous
characteristics of the absorbing medium. The particular use made of
the absorbing medium and local absorbing conditions will dictate
the ratios chosen. Generally the absorbing medium, when wetted,
holds sufficient water, but not a deleterious amount of water. The
combination of component characteristics in the absorbing medium
yields a product that has qualities of performance, convenience and
cost-effectiveness.
[0058] The principles described herein can also be applied to
cleaning harmful and/or liquid materials, like those materials that
are spilled during an accident, pose a threat from flooding, or
other types of harmful materials. In some examples, the harmful
material may be weather related water that poses an erosion risk.
In other examples, the harmful materials are from oil spills, water
spills, bodily fluid spills, salt spills, flooding, other sources,
or combinations there. The harmful material may be water based
and/or oil based materials.
[0059] In some examples, the absorbing medium includes kenaf, which
may have the capability of absorbing oil based materials. Thus, in
situations like an oil spill, the kenaf in the absorbing medium may
remove the oil from the surface on which the oil is deposited. As
the oil is absorbed, the kenaf is enlarged and spreads, which can
carry the oil farther away from the surface. In the enlarged state,
the absorbing medium can be removed from the scene. In some
examples, the absorbing medium can be removed through shoveling the
material up. In other examples, the enlarged absorbing medium may
be pushed away from the sensitive scene. In yet other examples, the
enlarged absorbing medium may be blasted away from the scene with a
power washer, hose, or another type of removal mechanism.
[0060] The absorbing medium may include compressed coir. For
example, the coir may be compressed from an uncompressed state to a
volume to volume ratio of at least 3:1. Thus, the volume of the
coir may be reduced to one third or less of the volume that the
coir was while in an uncompressed state. In some examples, the coir
particles are compressed at a ratio of 4-6:1. The compressed coir
may include coir fiber, coir pith, coir dust, other forms of coir,
or combinations thereof. In some examples, the compressed coir is
compressed with other constituents. For example, an oil absorbent,
kenaf, peat moss, superabsorbing polymers, pesticide, fungicides,
fertilizers, deodorizers, fragrances, coloring dies, and so forth
may be compressed with the coir.
[0061] After compression, the coir and whatever other constituents
are added are melded together to function as a single material.
Further, in the compressed state, the compressed coir has a
characteristic of being able to expand more than the coir would
have otherwise been capable of expanding while in the uncompressed
state.
[0062] In the compressed state, the coir and the other melded
together constituents are ground to a grind size. The absorption
medium may be ground to any appropriate grind size. In some
examples, the grind size is between 1/25 inches and 1/2 inch.
[0063] In some examples, other constituents are added to the
absorption medium after the coir is ground. In one particular
example, uncompressed kenaf is admixed with the ground coir
particles.
[0064] The coir can absorb the water. Thus, the kenaf can be used
to absorb the oil contaminants, and the coir can be used to absorb
the water based contaminants. Thus, the same absorbing medium can
be used in multiple types of applications.
[0065] The kenaf may be processed to be kenaf fiber and/or kenaf
coir. The coir may be processed to be coir dust and/or coir
fiber.
[0066] In some cases, the other constituents are added to the coir
during the compression stage, in which the added constituents are
compressed and ground with the coir. But, in other examples, the
other constituents are added to the coir after grinding. In this
type of example, the other constituents are mixed with the ground
coir in an uncompressed state. These additional materials may
include superabsoring polymers, spagham peat moss, peat, cotton,
mineral wool, paper pulp, peat bark, birch bark, wool and/or hair,
oil absorption medium s, eating microbes, perlite, cotton,
diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, pumice, minerals, fragrances,
deodorizers, pesticides, fungicides, other types of materials, or
combinations thereof.
[0067] The absorbing medium may be poured into the harmful material
to absorb the harmful material's contents. The liquid portions of
the harmful material may be carriers that transport the solid
portions of the harmful material into the absorption medium. As the
liquid of the harmful material is absorbed into the absorbing
medium, the absorbing medium enlarges, which makes the removal of
the absorbing medium easier. When the enlarged absorbing medium is
removed, the liquid and solid portions of the harmful material is
removed with the absorption medium.
[0068] In some cases, the harmful material may be a salt. In some
situations, water can be added to the salt before adding the
absorbing medium so that the salt can dissolve in the water, which
is then absorbed into the absorbing medium for removal. In other
situations, the absorbing medium is added to the dry salt first,
and then water is added to the absorbing medium so that the
absorbing medium is moist which also dissolves the salt for
absorption into the absorbing medium. In yet other examples, water
is added to the absorbing medium before being added to the salt. In
this situation, the moisture that dissolves the salt is already
contained in the absorption medium. In even additional examples,
the salt spill may have occurred in a moist environment or the salt
was spilled with a liquid. In these situations, the moisture in the
environment may be sufficient to absorb the salts into the
absorption medium. In some cases, salt destroying agents may be
used to destroy the salt when the salt is absorbed into the
absorption medium.
[0069] In flooding situations, such as in a basement of a home, the
absorbing medium can be added directly to the damp areas in the
home. In cases where the basement has a concrete floor, the
absorbing medium with the absorbed harmful material can be removed
through shoveling. In cases like flooding, the harmful material may
just be water. But, the water is harmful because stagnant water in
the basement, wall, carpet, and so forth may mildew and result in
unhealthy living conditions. In some cases, the absorbing medium
may be placed on a carpet and absorbed water that is underneath the
carpet. In yet other examples, the absorbing medium may be placed
adjacent to joints between the wall and floor, cracks in the wall,
soggy portions of the wall, or other hard to reach areas, and the
absorbing medium may absorb at least some of the moisture from
these hard to reach places.
[0070] The absorbing medium may also include microbes that process
at least a portion of the harmful material. For example, oil eating
microbes may be mixed into the absorbing medium that eat the oil
that is absorbed into the absorption medium. In some cases, the
microbes are part of the kenaf.
[0071] The coir and the kenaf may have different particle sizes. In
some cases, the kenaf particular sizes are relatively larger than
the coir particle sizes. In one particular example, the coir
particles are compressed and the kenaf is uncompressed.
[0072] The absorbing medium may be added to parks, fields, streets,
race tracks, tennis courts, sport arenas, chicken coops, farms,
horse stalls, barns, and so forth to minimize flooding damage or
minimize a swampy characteristics of the area. The absorption
medium may be carried by emergency and/or health personnel. For
example, first responders can carry the absorption medium to clean
up spills involving bodily fluid, blood, urine, vomit, paint,
liquids, water, oils, other biomedical hazards, or combinations
thereof.
[0073] In some cases, the absorption medium may go through an
extraction process, which may include applying external pressure to
the absorbing medium to extract the absorb the liquid material. In
cases where oil is spilled, the oil may be extracted from the
absorbing medium for energy, making products, lubrication, or for
other types of reuse.
[0074] The absorption medium may be significantly lighter than
conventional sand. In this situation, the absorption medium may be
lighter than the conventional sand bags used to control the flow of
water during a flooding situation. The absorption medium may be
added to bags and used as a replacement to the sand bags. These
bags have advantages to the conventional sand bags in that they are
lighter, which means that they are easier to carry and transport.
But, when the bag comes into contact with the water, the absorption
medium absorbs the water causing both an increase in the bag's size
and weight, which is sufficient to cause the bags to operate in at
least a similar manner to the conventional sand bags.
[0075] FIG. 1 is an example of a method (900) of making an
absorption medium including compressing (902) coir from an
uncompressed state to a volume to volume ratio of greater than 3:1,
but less than 30:1, and grinding (904) the compressed coir into
ground coir with a grind size of 1/25 inch to 1/2 inch.
[0076] FIG. 2 is an example of a method (1000) of using an
absorption medium includes adding (1002) an absorption medium onto
harmful material where the absorption medium includes compressed
coir particles having been compressed from an uncompressed state at
a volume to volume ratio greater than 3:1, but less than 30:1, and
having been ground to a grind size of 1/25 inches to 1/2 inch.
[0077] In some examples, the method may also include removing the
absorbing medium after the harmful material is at least partially
absorbed into the absorbing medium. For example, the absorbing
medium may be placed on an oil spill in a mechanic garage and
absorb at least a portion of the oil. As the oil is absorbed, at
least some of the constituents of the oil is absorbed causing the
absorbing medium to expand. In the expanded state, the absorbing
medium can be shoveled up, swept away, push away, or otherwise
removed from the scene. As the absorption medium is removed, the
absorbed portions of the harmful material are so removed.
[0078] In other examples, the absorbing medium is left in place and
is not intended to be removed. For example, if an oil pipeline
traveling through a forest were to have a spill, the absorbent
medium may be placed on the forest floor. The oil may be at least
partially absorbed into the absorbing medium. In those examples
where the absorbing medium includes microbes, the microbes can eat
the absorbed oil thereby removing the oil from the environment. The
coir and other components of the absorbing medium are
environmentally friendly and may also include nutrients that
promote growth on the forest floor. Thus, adding the absorption
medium may be a one-step remediation process.
[0079] FIGS. 3-6 depict a comparison of absorbing capabilities of
an example of an absorbing medium ("Product 1") in accordance with
the principles in the present disclosure and a commercially
available medium ("Product 2") made of primarily coir dust. The
commercially available medium may be purchased under the name Canna
Coco through Canna Continental, which has a place of business at
11400 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite #200, Los Angeles, Calif.,
U.S.A.
[0080] Product 1 includes compressed coir particles that have a
4-6:1 compression ratio. In some examples, no more than 25 percent
of the coir particles include coir dust. The remainder of the coir
particles include coir fibers. At least some of these coir fiber
may range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch long. In contrast, Product 2 is
not compressed and all the coir particles are coir dust or short
coir fibers that are shorter than 2 mm.
[0081] In this comparison, one cup of Product 1 was placed in a
first tray and another single cup of Product 1 was placed in a
second tray. Each of the single cups of Product 1 weighed about 99
grams. Additionally, one cup of Product 2 was placed in a third
tray and another single cup of Product 2 was placed in a third
tray. Each of the cups of Product 2 weigh about 30 grams. While the
volume of Product 1 and Product 2 are both a single cup, Product 1
is heavier because Product 1 has a greater density resulting from
the compression.
[0082] FIG. 3 depicts an example of Product 1 disposed within a
tray 1100. In this example, three quarters of a cup of 10w40 oil
was added to Product 1. As can be seen in FIG. 3, oil containing
portions 1102 of Product 1 absorbed the entire amount of oil.
[0083] FIG. 4 depicts an example of Product 1 disposed within
another tray 1200. In this example, three cups of water were poured
into the Product 1. The entire amount of water was absorbed into
Product 1. In this example, the water caused Product 1 to expand,
which is in contrast to the results of the Product 1 depicted in
FIG. 3 where the oil did not cause Product 1 to expand. Thus in the
example, water is absorbed into Product 1 and caused Product 1 to
expand while oil was absorbed into Product 1, but did not expand
Product 1.
[0084] FIG. 5 depicts an example of Product 2 disposed with a tray
1300. In this example, three quarters of a cup of 10w40 oil was
poured into Product 2. But, the oil spread portions of Product 2
and was not absorbed. For example, oil is depicted as pooling in a
first corner 1302 and a second corner 1304 of the tray 1300. The
movement of the oil also pushed portions of Product 2 along causing
Product 2 to spread out within the tray 1300.
[0085] FIG. 6 depicts an example of Product 2 disposed within a
tray 1400. In this example, just two cups of water was poured into
Product 2. Little to no water was absorbed by Product 2. Rather,
the water did not mix with Product 2 and spread throughout the tray
1400. The water carried Product 2 with it as the water spread out,
thereby causing Product 2 to spread out as well. In this example,
Product 2 is depicted as floating on top of the water.
[0086] As can be seen, Product 1, which is an absorbing material
based on the principles described herein, absorbs both oil and
water significantly more than Product 2, which is a material that
includes primarily coir dust and short coir fibers under 2 mm long.
Additional experiments that included Product 1 mixed with kenaf
material resulted in similar absorption results for water. But, the
absorption rates for Product 1 mixed with kenaf resulted in better
oil absorption rates than just Product 1 alone.
[0087] The preceding description has been presented only to
illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the present system
and method. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
system and method to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the system and method be defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *