Sustainable brine mining and carbon capture

Abstract

A system for sono-electrochemistry induced precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine or seawater. The system includes a first reactor (21), receiving the brine (22); a second reactor (30), receiving partially demineralized brine; a CO2 sprayer (23), spraying CO2 to the first reactor (21) and the second reactor (30); a power supply (24); an ultrasonic probe (25); a graphite electrode (26); a metal auxiliary electrode (27); and a chlorine gas product (28), whereby a solid precipitate (29) is produced; a valve (31) to collect the solid precipitate (29) and to control transfer of brine (22) between the reactors (21) and (30); a collection cup (33) connected to the valve (31) to collect solid precipitate (29); slides (34) to enhance vortex mixing of brine (22) inside reactors (21, 30); tubes (35) embedded inside the slides (34) to allow pumped brine (22) to return into reactors (21, 30); and a reference electrode (36).

Description

[0001] SUSTAINABLE BRINE MINING AND CARBON CAPTURE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates in general to methods and devices useful in the blue economy, and in particular to brine mining and treatment and carbon capture.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Brine mining is the extraction of useful materials (chemical elements or compounds), which are naturally dissolved in the brine.

[0006]

[0003] During the traditional mining and production of minerals there is a high environmental footprint, generally due to energy intensive processes or through land abuse. Further, most of the current production and supply chain is based in China, using centralized production that often results in high freight expenses, and associated with a lack of environmental regulations during production.

[0007]

[0004] In the case of desalination, brine waste is generally not fully treated. Desalination brines are typically discharged back to the sea, usually without treatment. A few companies offer evaporation-based solutions to minimize brine volume, but do not produce valuable commodities from the waste brine. In the case of industrial brines, some solutions for recovery of specific elements, and minimal treatment, may be applied, and the rest is typically discharged to the sea.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009]

[0005] There is provided, in accordance with a examples of the present invention, a system and method to provide a sequential extraction of carbonate minerals from desalination brines, industrial brines, or seawater (herein after “brine’). In this process, wastewater in the form of brine may be turned into environmentally positive materials for clean mining and carbon capture.

[0010]

[0006] The system for facilitating sono-electrochemistry induced precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine 22, includes: a first reactor 21 , which receives the brine 22; a second reactor 30, which receives partially demineralized brine; a CO2 sprayer 23 for spraying CO2 to the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30; a power supply 24; an ultrasonic probe 25; a graphite electrode 26; a metal auxiliary electrode 27; and a chlorine gas product 28, whereby a solid precipitate 29 is produced; a valve 31 to control collection of the solid precipitate 29 without interrupting the continuous process and to control transfer of brine 22 between the reactors 21 and 30; a collection cup 33 connected to valve 31 to collect solid precipitate 29; slides 34 to enhance vortex mixing of brine 22 inside reactors 21 , 30; tubes 35 embedded inside the slides 34 to allow pumped brine 22 to return into reactors 21 , 30 while inducing vortex mixing; and a reference electrode 36.

[0011]

[0007] The method for facilitating sono-electrochemistry induced precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine 22, comprising the steps of: filling the brine 22 into a first reactor 21 and a second reactor 30; flowing or bubbling CO2 into the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30; powering electrodes and ultrasound in the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30; degassing chlorine gas that is formed at the cathode electrode 26; producing solid precipitate 29 at an anode electrode 27; removing the solid precipitate 29 that have fallen to the bottom of the reactors 21 and 30; closing a valve 31 , above a collection cup 33, in order to take out the solid precipitate 29 without interrupting the process; removing, emptying, and returning the collection cup 33; opening the valve 31 ; transferring the treated brine to a second reactor 30 is to be set up similarly, but with the relevant electrochemical setting (electrode type, voltage and ultrasound frequency and power); and flowing the brine 22 into, out of, and between the reactors 21 and 30.

[0012]

[0008] Non-limiting examples of the present invention include a system and method for processing brine waste in an environmentally friendly process that sequentially extracts high (commercial) grade minerals, some to be used on site in circular use, and others to be sold in the market. In some examples, the process significantly reduces brine salinity, thus making wastewater available for agriculture or industry. According to some examples, the process is carbon negative, potentially offsetting the carbon footprint of the relevant industry, for example, when used in desalination.

[0013]

[0009] In some examples, in regard to the desalination industry, the system and method produce high quality minerals from treated wastewater of almost any desalination plant. This saves the need to import materials required for post desalination water treatment, as typically required by health authorities. In some examples, the process requires significantly less energy than traditional production, and local production saves the need for sea shipment and other transportation of materials. This reduces the price, makes the supply more reliable and reduces the environmental footprint. Further, in some examples, the invention generates more water available for agriculture and industry and captures atmospheric carbon.

[0014]

[0010] There is provided, in accordance with examples of the present invention, a system and method to process wastewater at the discharge point of seawater desalination plants, or where seawater or brine is accessible, by utilizing dissolved salts in seawater and brine into commodities for industry and making more water available for agriculture or industrial use, while discharging less harmful water.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]

[0011] The principles and operation of the invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings, and the following description, it being understood that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting, wherein:

[0017]

[0012] Fig. 1 is a front view depicting components of a system for enabling sono-electrochemistry induced precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine or seawater, according to examples of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 2 is perspective view showing an example of a prototype apparatus for enabling sono-electrochemistry induced precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine or seawater, according to examples of the present invention.

[0018]

[0014] Fig. 3 is a process flow diagram for the precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine or seawater, according to examples of the present invention.

[0019]

[0015] Fig. 4 is a side view depicting an example of special purpose design plates, to enhance brine mixing and homogenization without the aid of an engine, according to examples of the present invention.

[0020]

[0016] Fig. 5 is a cut-away view depicting an example of a special purpose gas sprayer, to enhance gas dissolution and control homogeneous dispersion in brine during the process, according to examples of the present invention.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022]

[0017] The following detailed description of examples of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings referred to above. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and similar parts.

[0023]

[0018] The term "sono-electrochemistry” as used herein refers to the combined effects and applications of ultrasonic waves and electrochemical processes.

[0024]

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a system for the processing of wastewater, according to some examples of the invention. The system includes: input of brine 22; CO2 gas sprayer 23, such as a sprayer; to generate carbon saturated brine created by bubbling carbon dioxide gas into a sealed first reactor 21 (e.g., vessel or tube) containing the brine 22, with minimal headspace, as to avoid air / gas accumulation; standard features including a power supply 24 with three electrodes: a working electrode 26, an auxiliary electrode 27, and a reference electrode 36, wherein the working and auxiliary electrode 27 are made of graphite or metal-oxide, for example TiO2, depending on the desired precipitate. An ultrasonic probe 25 is attached to the metal auxiliary electrode 27.

[0025]

[0020] When a sequential process is applied, if flow is not continuous, a standard peristaltic pump (not shown) may be required to control the flow between the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30. Collection vessels or collection cups 33 for the solid products or solid precipitate 29 (e.g. the minerals CaCO3 and MgCO3) and chlorine gas products 28, depending on the required form and logistics, are included.

[0026]

[0021] Fig. 2 shows an example of the system for executing wastewater processing, showing a lab-scale prototype, including the components described in Fig. 1.

[0027]

[0022] Fig. 3 is an example of a flow diagram of the process by which brine is processed. When both brine and CO2 are present in the aqueous phase in the appropriate conditions, they can react to form the carbonate minerals. Carbonate minerals consist of metal cations and carbonate anions.

[0028]

[0023] In step 300, the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30 are assembled with all the necessary components. In step 305, the first reactor 21 and second reactor 30 are filled with brine 22. In step 310, CO2 gas is bubbled into the reactor. In step 315, the electrodes and ultrasound are powered. In step 320, chlorine gas starts to form and degas at a cathode electrode 26. In step 325 the solid mineral particles may be observed at an anode electrode 27. In step 330 the solid precipitate 29 will fall to the bottom of the reactors 21 , 30. In step 335, in order to take out the precipitate without interrupting the process, a valve 31 above a collection cup 33 is closed, the cup is taken off and emptied, and returned. In step 340 the valve 31 is opened; in step 345. To transfer the partially treated brine to the next step, the second reactor 30 is to be set up similarly, but with the relevant electrochemical setting (electrode type, voltage and ultrasound frequency and power); in step 350, a pump, or gravity, generates the flow into, out of, and between the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30.

[0024] Fig. 4 depicts an example of special purpose design slides 34. Designed slides 34 may be used inside the reactors 21 , 30 to aid in mixing without a stirrer. For example, the brine 22 may be continuously pumped out of the second reactor 30 for monitoring processes, and returned through tubes 35, embedded inside the slides 34. The momentum created by this design aids in efficient continuous mixing of the treated brine.

[0029]

[0025] The gas sprayer valve 31 is designed to fit at the bottom of the apparatus, just above valve 31 . Fig. 5 shows an example of a special purpose gas sprayer 23. The gas sprayer 23, is designed so that the gas is efficiently dispersed, but the solid precipitates can still fall into the collection cup 33 or vessel below, without clogging the gas sprayer 23; and enhance gas dissolution and controls homogeneous dispersion in brine during the process.

[0030]

[0026] In some examples, the industrial brines may be processed to recover valuable metals and reduce waste concentration and volume.

[0031]

[0027] The foregoing description of the examples of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the full scope of the invention.

[0032]

[0028] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and that there are various examples of the present invention that may be devised, mutatis mutandis, and that the features described in the abovedescribed examples, and those not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable combination; and the invention can be devised in accordance with examples not necessarily described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system for facilitating sono-electrochemistry induced precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine 22, comprising: a first reactor 21 , which receives the brine 22; a second reactor 30, which receives partially demineralized brine; a CO2 sprayer 23 for spraying CO2 to the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30; a power supply 24; an ultrasonic probe 25; a graphite electrode 26; a metal auxiliary electrode 27; and a chlorine gas product 28, whereby a solid precipitate 29 is produced; a valve 31 to control collection of the solid precipitate 29 without interrupting the continuous process and to control transfer of brine 22 between the reactors 21 and 30; a collection cup 33 connected to valve 31 to collect solid precipitate 29; slides 34 to enhance vortex mixing of brine 22 inside reactors 21 , 30; tubes 35 embedded inside the slides 34 to allow pumped brine 22 to return into reactors 21 , 30 while inducing vortex mixing; and a reference electrode 36.

2. A method for facilitating sono-electrochemistry induced precipitation of carbonate minerals from brine 22, comprising the steps of: filling the brine 22 into a first reactor 21 and a second reactor 30; flowing or bubbling CO2 into the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30; powering electrodes and ultrasound in the first reactor 21 and the second reactor 30; degassing chlorine gas that is formed at the cathode electrode 26; producing solid precipitate 29 at an anode electrode 27;removing the solid precipitate 29 that have fallen to the bottom of the reactors 21 and 30; closing a valve 31 , above a collection cup 33, in order to take out the solid precipitate 29 without interrupting the process; removing, emptying, and returning the collection cup 33; opening the valve 31 ; transferring the treated brine to a second reactor 30 is to be set up similarly, but with the relevant electrochemical setting (electrode type, voltage and ultrasound frequency and power); and flowing the brine 22 into, out of, and between the reactors 21 and 30.

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