Rare earth extraction saponification device
By designing a multi-stage tank-connected mixing chamber and clarification chamber structure in the rare earth extraction saponification device, the direct contact of the alkali liquid with blank organic phase is avoided, and the emulsification problem caused by unstable alkali liquid flow is solved, the continuity and stability of rare earth extraction is achieved, and the separation efficiency is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422553225.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-22
AI Technical Summary
In the existing rare earth extraction saponification device, the direct contact between the alkali liquid and the blank organic phase leads to unstable flow and uneven concentration, which triggers local saturation emulsification of organic and impurity reactions to produce organic emulsification, affecting the continuity and stability of extraction and separation.
A rare earth extraction saponification device is designed, and the multi-stage tank body is connected in series. Each tank body includes a connecting mixing chamber and a clarification chamber. The mixing chamber and the clarification chamber are connected through an overflow port. The lye inlet is arranged adjacent to the aqueous overflow port to avoid direct contact between the alkali and the blank organic phase, and realize step-by-step mixing and neutralization of the alkali and rare earth material liquid.
It effectively avoids organic local saturation emulsification and impurity reaction caused by unstable alkali flow and concentration, ensures the continuity and stability of the extraction and separation process, and improves the efficiency and purity of rare earth extraction.
Smart Images
Figure CN223214152U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of hydrometallurgy, and in particular relates to a rare earth extraction and saponification device. Background Art
[0002] Rare earth elements have similar atomic structures and are often tightly bound and coexist in the same minerals, presenting considerable challenges in the extraction and separation of individual rare earth elements. Currently, rare earth elements are separated using solvent extraction, a method that exploits the different distribution characteristics of substances between two immiscible phases. The P507 rare earth extraction and separation process, in particular, typically utilizes a combination of continuous saponification technology in a box-type extraction tank, rare earth saponification extraction, rare earth washing, and diversion techniques. This process includes an organic phase saponification stage, rare earth saponification, extraction, washing, stripping, and a diversion mechanism, enabling continuous and stable extraction and separation of high-quality rare earths.
[0003] In the P507 rare earth extraction and separation process, P507, as a phosphate extractant, releases hydrogen ions after extracting rare earth ions. However, excessive hydrogen ions can inhibit the extraction process. Therefore, during the extraction and separation process, the existing extraction and saponification device structure is used to directly contact and saponify the blank organic phase with a certain proportion of alkali solution (such as sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, ammonia water, etc.) to form organic salts. However, during this process, P507 is often affected by one or more of the following factors: unstable alkali solution flow rate and concentration, and incomplete reverse extraction of the blank organic phase. This can lead to localized saturated emulsification of the organic phase and precipitation of ionic salts to form organic emulsions, which prevents the extraction and separation from running continuously and stably.
[0004] Therefore, how to improve the structure of the existing extraction and saponification device to prevent direct contact between the alkali solution and the blank organic, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of local saturated emulsification of the organic due to unstable alkali solution flow and concentration, or the phenomenon of organic emulsification caused by the reaction of impurities in the organic with the alkali solution. Utility Model Content
[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a rare earth extraction saponification device, which can achieve the goal of alkali solution without direct blank organic contact, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of local saturated emulsification of organic due to unstable alkali solution flow and concentration, or the phenomenon of organic impurities reacting with alkali solution to produce organic emulsification.
[0006] This application provides a rare earth extraction and saponification device, which includes a multi-stage tank body connected in series in sequence, and each stage of the tank body includes a mixing chamber and a clarification chamber that are interconnected; the mixing chambers in the tank bodies at both ends are respectively provided with a blank organic phase inlet and a rare earth liquid inlet, and the clarification chambers in the tank bodies at both ends are respectively provided with a wastewater outlet and a loaded organic phase outlet, and the blank organic phase inlet and the wastewater outlet, and the loaded organic phase outlet and the rare earth liquid inlet are respectively arranged on the tank body of the same level; the clarification chamber of the upper level is connected to the mixing chamber of the lower level through an organic phase overflow port, and the clarification chamber of the lower level is connected to the mixing chamber of the upper level through a water phase overflow port, and each of the clarification chambers is provided with an alkali solution inlet, and the alkali solution inlet is arranged adjacent to the water phase overflow port.
[0007] Compared to the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: multiple tanks with interconnected mixing chambers and clarification chambers are connected in series, with the upper clarification chamber connected to the lower mixing chamber via an organic phase overflow port, and the lower clarification chamber connected to the upper mixing chamber via an aqueous phase overflow port; each clarification chamber is provided with an alkali inlet, and the alkali inlet is adjacent to the aqueous phase overflow port. After the blank organic phase entering through the blank organic phase inlet and the rare earth feed liquid entering through the rare earth feed liquid inlet are extracted in the mixing chamber, the rare earth concentration in the aqueous phase decreases and becomes acidic. After clarification in the clarification chamber, the aqueous phase is fully mixed with the alkali solution, and the hydrogen ions in the aqueous phase are neutralized by the alkali solution. The aqueous phase then flows into the upper mixing chamber and mixes with the organic phase until all the rare earths in the water are extracted. The aqueous phase is then discharged from the wastewater outlet, while the loaded organic phase outlet flows out through the loaded organic phase outlet. Through the above-mentioned extraction and saponification process, the alkali solution can be achieved without direct contact with the blank organic phase, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of local saturated emulsification of the organic phase due to unstable alkali solution flow and concentration, or the phenomenon of organic impurities reacting with the alkali solution to produce organic emulsions.
[0008] Preferably, the inner cavity of the tank body at each stage is divided into the mixing chamber and the clarifying chamber by a partition.
[0009] Preferably, the inner cavity of each mixing chamber is provided with a mixing and stirring device and a mixing latent chamber box, and the mixing and stirring device is located above the mixing latent chamber box.
[0010] Preferably, the inner cavity of each clarification chamber is provided with at least one buffer plate, the buffer plate is led out from the top of the trough body, and the height of the buffer plate is smaller than the depth of the trough body.
[0011] Preferably, the inner cavity of each clarification chamber is provided with an alkali solution latent chamber box, and the alkali solution inlet is provided in the alkali solution latent chamber box.
[0012] Preferably, each of the clarification chambers is provided with a water phase stirring device, and the water phase stirring device is located above the alkali solution latent chamber box.
[0013] Preferably, the flow rates of the organic phase overflow port and the aqueous phase overflow port are both controlled by adjustable valves.
[0014] Preferably, the height of the organic phase overflow port is greater than the height of the aqueous phase overflow port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or descriptions of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.
[0016] Figure 1 A simplified top view of a rare earth extraction and saponification device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the mark A;
[0018] Figure 3 A simplified side view of a rare earth extraction and saponification device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of B is shown.
[0020] Description of reference numerals:
[0021] 10-tank body, 11-partition plate;
[0022] 20-mixing chamber, 21-blank organic phase inlet, 22-rare earth liquid inlet, 23-mixing and stirring device, 24-mixing chamber box;
[0023] 30-clarification chamber, 31-loaded organic phase outlet, 32-wastewater outlet, 33-organic phase overflow port, 34-aqueous phase overflow port, 35-buffer plate, 36-alkali solution latent chamber box, 37-alkali solution inlet, 38-aqueous phase stirring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0025] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.
[0026] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on specific circumstances.
[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a rare earth extraction and saponification device comprising multiple stages of trough bodies 10 connected in series. Each stage of the trough bodies 10 includes a mixing chamber 20 and a clarification chamber 30 that are interconnected. Specifically, the inner cavity of each stage of the trough bodies 10 is divided into the mixing chamber 20 and the clarification chamber 30 by a partition 11. In this embodiment, the trough bodies 10 are designed using brickwork to form a rectangular trough-shaped structure, with the trough opening typically covered by a cover. The mixing chamber 20 and the clarification chamber 30 are arranged in a front-to-back relationship along the flow direction of the organic phase fluid. In practice, to reduce the overall space utilization of the rare earth extraction and saponification device, adjacent trough bodies are positioned adjacent to each other along their long sides. This reduces the number of pipes required and further reduces the manufacturing cost of the device. It should be noted that to clearly illustrate the positional relationships between the various components of the device, this embodiment uses the flow direction of the organic phase fluid as the forward direction and the flow direction of the aqueous rare earth fluid as the reverse direction, thereby defining the front-to-back relationship of the multiple stages of the trough bodies.
[0028] Furthermore, the clarification chamber 30 of the previous stage is connected to the mixing chamber 20 of the next stage via an organic phase overflow port 33, and the clarification chamber 30 of the next stage is connected to the mixing chamber 20 of the previous stage via an aqueous phase overflow port 34, wherein the height of the organic phase overflow port 33 is greater than the height of the aqueous phase overflow port 34. In practice, the aqueous rare earth phase in the clarification chamber of the next stage overflows through the aqueous phase overflow port into the mixing chamber of the previous stage for mixing and extraction, and the organic phase in the clarification chamber of the previous stage overflows through the organic phase overflow port into the mixing chamber of the next stage for mixing and extraction. Through this multi-stage treatment method, the rare earth liquid is processed by the rare earth extraction and saponification device, achieving complete extraction of the rare earth-loaded organic phase and complete separation of the aqueous phase. It should be noted that in order to facilitate control of the flow direction and ratio of the rare earth-loaded phase and aqueous rare earth liquid, the organic phase overflow port 33 and the aqueous phase overflow port 34 in this embodiment are both controlled by adjustable valves to control the flow rate.
[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mixing chamber 20 in the uppermost tank body is provided with a blank organic phase inlet 21, and the clarification chamber 30 therein is provided with a wastewater outlet 32; the mixing chamber 20 in the lowermost tank body is provided with a rare earth liquid inlet 22, and the clarification chamber 30 therein is provided with a loaded organic phase outlet 31. Specifically, the blank organic phase inlet 21 is provided on the outside of the mixing chamber 20 in the uppermost tank body, the wastewater outlet 32 is provided on the outside of the clarification chamber 30 in the uppermost tank body, the loaded organic phase outlet 31 is provided on the outside of the clarification chamber 30 in the lowermost tank body, and the rare earth liquid inlet 22 is provided on the outside of the mixing chamber 20 in the lowermost tank body.
[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner cavity of each mixing chamber 20 is equipped with a mixing and stirring device 23 and a mixing chamber box 24, with the mixing and stirring device 23 located above the mixing chamber box 24. Specifically, the rare earth liquid and the organic phase mix in the mixing chamber, undergoing a chemical reaction that extracts the rare earths from the rare earth liquid into the organic phase, allowing the organic phase to load the rare earths. At this point, the rare earth concentration in the aqueous rare earth liquid decreases and becomes acidic. During the extraction process, the mixing and stirring device located above the mixing chamber box can accelerate the efficiency of extraction and separation. In this embodiment, the mixing chamber box 24 at the bottom is designed as a semi-integral structure. This structure increases the internal space of the mixing chamber box, thereby increasing the stirring area within the mixing chamber box, improving stirring efficiency, and thereby increasing the purification and separation speed. In practice, a partition can be provided at the bottom of the mixing chamber, with a cover plate attached to the upper end of the partition. The partition, cover plate, and side wall of the mixing chamber form a semi-box structure.
[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the inner cavity of each clarification chamber 30 is provided with at least one buffer plate 35, and the buffer plate 35 is drawn out from the top of the tank body 10, and the height of the buffer plate 35 is less than the depth of the tank body 10. In practice, the fluid in the mixing chamber is in a stirred state after being processed by the mixing chamber box, and the vortex of the fluid can be slowed down by the buffer plate. In this embodiment, the inner cavity of each clarification chamber 30 is provided with three buffer plates 35, which can further slow down the flow rate and enhance the clarification effect. In addition, the buffer plate 35 is connected to the inner wall of the clarification chamber 30, which can play a role in reinforcing the tank body.
[0032] like Figure 1 、 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each clarification chamber 30 is provided with an alkali inlet 37, which is located adjacent to the aqueous phase overflow port 34. Furthermore, each clarification chamber 30 is provided with an alkali latent chamber box 36 and an aqueous phase stirring device 38 within its interior. In this embodiment, the alkali inlet 37 is provided within the alkali latent chamber box 36, and the aqueous phase stirring device 38 is located above the alkali latent chamber box 36. In practice, the acidic aqueous rare earth feed liquid exiting the mixing chamber, after being clarified by the clarification chamber of the same level, enters the alkali latent chamber box, where it reacts with the alkali liquid entering the alkali inlet and is thoroughly mixed by the aqueous phase stirring device. The hydrogen ions in the aqueous rare earth feed liquid are neutralized by the alkali liquid, and the feed liquid then flows into the mixing chamber of the next level, where it is stirred, mixed, and extracted with the organic phase within the mixing chamber. This process repeats repeatedly, gradually reducing the concentration of the aqueous rare earth feed liquid until it is completely extracted. Finally, the loaded organic phase flows out of the loaded organic outlet, while the rare earth-free aqueous phase becomes wastewater and is discharged from the wastewater outlet.
[0033] Furthermore, a pH meter is installed at the aqueous phase overflow port 34 to measure the pH value of the acidic aqueous rare earth feed solution after neutralization with the alkali solution. It should be noted that the pH value after neutralization is measured to prevent excessive alkali solution flow from the alkali solution inlet, which could cause the pH to be too high and lead to rare earth precipitation, hindering rare earth extraction. In practice, the pH value is controlled within the range of 3.5 to 4.5. Excessively high or low pH values can be adjusted by controlling the alkali solution flow rate. In other words, a valve is installed at the alkali solution inlet to control the amount of alkali solution entering, i.e., if the pH is too high, the alkali solution flow rate is reduced, and if the pH is too low, the alkali solution flow rate is increased. In practice, the pH value can be adjusted through an interlocking control device consisting of a pH transmitter, an electronic flowmeter, and an electric control valve, wherein the electric control valve is used to control the amount of alkali solution flowing in. This interlocking control device eliminates the need for manual inspection; based on the pH meter's detection results, the electric control valve automatically controls the flow rate of the liquid alkali control valve.
[0034] In summary, in this embodiment, the clarification chamber of the previous level is connected to the mixing chamber of the next level through the organic phase overflow port, and the clarification chamber of the next level is connected to the mixing chamber of the previous level through the aqueous phase overflow port, and the alkali solution latent chamber box is set in the clarification chamber and connected to the alkali solution inlet, so that the alkali solution and the blank organic phase do not directly contact each other. After the blank organic phase and the rare earth liquid are extracted in the mixing chamber, the rare earth concentration in the aqueous phase decreases and becomes acidic. After clarification in the clarification chamber, it is fully mixed with the alkali solution. The hydrogen ions in the aqueous phase are neutralized by the alkali solution, flow into the previous mixing chamber and mix with the organic phase until all the rare earths in the water are extracted and discharged from the wastewater outlet, while the loaded organic outlet flows out through the loaded organic phase outlet. Through the extraction and saponification treatment of the rare earth extraction and saponification device of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve alkali solution without direct contact with the blank organic phase, thereby eliminating the disadvantages of unstable alkali solution flow and concentration caused by direct contact between alkali solution and the blank organic phase in the existing extraction and saponification device, resulting in local saturation emulsification of organic matter, or the disadvantage of organic impurities reacting with alkali solution to produce organic emulsification.
[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A rare earth extraction and saponification device, comprising a plurality of stages of tanks connected in series, wherein each stage of the tank comprises a mixing chamber and a clarifying chamber that are interconnected; characterized in that: The mixing chambers in the trough bodies at both ends are respectively provided with a blank organic phase inlet and a rare earth liquid inlet, and the clarification chambers in the trough bodies at both ends are respectively provided with a wastewater outlet and a loaded organic phase outlet. The blank organic phase inlet and the wastewater outlet, and the loaded organic phase outlet and the rare earth liquid inlet are respectively arranged on the trough body at the same level; the clarification chamber of the upper level is connected with the mixing chamber of the lower level through the organic phase overflow port, and the clarification chamber of the lower level is connected with the mixing chamber of the upper level through the water phase overflow port. An alkali solution inlet is provided in each of the clarification chambers, and the alkali solution inlet is arranged adjacent to the water phase overflow port.
2. The rare earth extraction and saponification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity of the tank body at each stage is divided into the mixing chamber and the clarifying chamber by a partition.
3. The rare earth extraction and saponification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity of each mixing chamber is provided with a mixing and stirring device and a mixing latent chamber box, and the mixing and stirring device is located above the mixing latent chamber box.
4. The rare earth extraction and saponification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity of each clarification chamber is provided with at least one buffer plate, which is drawn out from the top of the trough body, and the height of the buffer plate is less than the depth of the trough body.
5. The rare earth extraction and saponification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity of each clarification chamber is provided with an alkali solution latent chamber box, and the alkali solution inlet is provided in the alkali solution latent chamber box.
6. The rare earth extraction and saponification device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A water phase stirring device is provided in each of the clarification chambers, and the water phase stirring device is located above the alkali solution latent chamber box.
7. The rare earth extraction and saponification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow rates of the organic phase overflow port and the aqueous phase overflow port are both controlled by adjustable valves.
8. The rare earth extraction and saponification device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The height of the organic phase overflow port is greater than the height of the aqueous phase overflow port.