Microplastics separation using stainless steel mini-hydrocyclones fabricated with additive manufacturing
Lin Liu1, Yian Sun2, Zeth Kleinmeyer3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163318, PR China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, USA.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 16, 2022
Summary
Mini-hydrocyclones (MHCs) effectively remove microplastics from water, achieving over 80% efficiency for particles larger than 20 μm. Staged MHC systems further enhance separation for diverse microplastic types in wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastic contamination is a pervasive issue in aquatic environments, necessitating efficient removal strategies.
- Mini-hydrocyclones (MHCs) show promise for separating fine particles from liquid phases.
- 3D printing enables precise fabrication of custom MHC devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate 3D-printed stainless steel mini-hydrocyclones (MHCs) for microplastic separation.
- To evaluate the separation efficiency of single-stage and series MHC configurations.
- To optimize MHC performance by analyzing operational parameters like split ratio and feed pressure.
Main Methods:
- Three stainless steel MHCs were fabricated using 3D printing technology.
- Separation efficiency tests were conducted using microplastics with densities both lower and higher than water.
- Experiments involved single-stage and series MHC setups in a closed hydraulic circuit, evaluating parameters such as split ratio, feed pressure, flow rate, and solid concentration.
- MHCs were also tested with synthetic stormwater containing specific microplastic types (LDPE and PA).
Main Results:
- A single-stage MHC achieved over 80% removal efficiency for microplastics >20 μm at tested concentrations, with peak efficiency at a 35% split ratio.
- Series MHC configurations improved separation efficiency for microplastics of the same density and enabled separation of microplastics with different densities.
- In synthetic stormwater, MHCs achieved 84% separation efficiency for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and 98.1% for polyamide (PA).
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed mini-hydrocyclones demonstrate significant potential for microplastic removal from various water matrices.
- Optimized MHC configurations, including series arrangements, can effectively address diverse microplastic contamination challenges.
- The study highlights the feasibility of MHCs for large-scale industrial and municipal wastewater treatment applications.
