Method and Apparatus for Separation of Fluorinated Hydrocarbons from an Aqueous Phase

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This patent describes a method and device for removing fluorinated hydrocarbons, particularly fluorinated surfactants such as PFOS and PFOA, from water. The process involves acidifying contaminated water to convert these substances to their neutral form and then extracting them using light alkanes or alkenes (like propane, butane, or ethane). The extracted substances can then be separated and recovered in a pure form, and the cleaned water is neutralized before discharge. The device includes apparatuses for acidification, extraction, and separation of these chemicals from the water.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Treatment of wastewater at airports where firefighting foams containing PFOS/PFOA have been used.
• Remediation of contaminated groundwater or surface water affected by fluorinated surfactants.
• Industrial wastewater treatment in facilities that use or produce fluorinated compounds, such as textile manufacturing, electroplating, or polymer production.
• Treatment of municipal wastewater containing per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS).
• Recovery and recycling of valuable fluorinated surfactants from waste streams.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly effective removal of hazardous fluorinated hydrocarbons (PFAS) from aqueous environments, addressing a major environmental and health concern.
• Does not require the use of large amounts of adsorbents or generate secondary waste.
• Allows for the potential recovery and reuse of fluorinated surfactants in high purity, offering an economic benefit.
• Process can be adapted to varying contamination levels and suitable for industrial-scale operation.
• Minimizes the introduction of additional pollutants since the extraction solvents are easily separated and can be recycled.
• Improves regulatory compliance for industries and municipalities facing strict limits on PFAS discharge.
• Adaptable for use with existing water treatment infrastructure.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for separating at least one fluorinated hydrocarbon from an aqueous phase, said hydrocarbon having at least one functional group that exists in an anionic state under neutral pH conditions, and said method comprising the following steps: a) acidifying the aqueous phase containing the at least one fluorinated hydrocarbon to a pH value at which the at least one functional group of the fluorinated organic hydrocarbon exists in a protonated state; and b) extracting the at least one fluorinated hydrocarbon from the acidified aqueous phase using at least one organic extractant selected from the alkane class having the general formula CnH2n+2 and/or from the alkene class having the general formula CnH2n, where n = 1-12, preferably 1-7, particularly preferably 2-4. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.