Separation columns for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation

Abstract

Separation columns and methods for PFAS removal from water resources. Each column comprises perforated trays, level-controlled gates and air spargers placed on the top of each tray. Air bubbles of optimum size injected on the surface of each tray rise to the top of each tray, separating PFAS, thus creating a PFAS-enriched foam at the top. The amount of air or other gas injected at each stage of the column is optimally determined to increase the gas-water contact time and decrease enriched foam production. The foam is collected from the surface and undergoes a simple low-pressure evaporation process to break the bubbles. Multi-stage air injection using a sparger or distributer to inject air or other gas bubbles in each tray produces higher turbulence on each tray and more fresh and small bubbles of controlled size along the column height, thus enhancing contaminant removal and reducing operating costs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.