3-Hydroxypropionic Acid Recovery via Crystal Precipitation and Wash Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recovering 3-hydroxypropionic acid face challenges in achieving high purity and yield due to its high hydrophilicity and reactivity with water, leading to difficulties in separation and purification, and the need for additional processes to convert organic acid salts, with methods like reactive extraction facing issues of low efficiency and emulsion formation.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the formation of 3-hydroxypropionate crystals in the presence of alkali metal or earth metal salts, followed by stirring with an acid to create a precipitate, which is then washed using a reusable washing liquid, allowing for high recovery rates and purity through controlled particle size and moisture content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional extraction methods (electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, organic solvent extraction) are used to separate organic acids from fermentation liquor, then separation can be achieved, but the product is obtained as organic acid salt requiring additional conversion processes and has low purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the organic acid by reacting it with a specific reagent to form a precipitate with distinct physical properties (low solubility in water). This parameter change enables direct isolation of the free acid form through filtration, eliminating the need for subsequent conversion steps and achieving high purity in one operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the organic acid from the fermentation liquor by transforming it into an insoluble precipitate that can be separated from the liquid phase. This extraction method directly obtains the free acid form rather than salt form, removing the need for additional conversion processes and reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If reactive extraction method using amine or alcohol diluents is used to extract organic acid, then selective extraction can be achieved with high extraction efficiency, but emulsion phenomenon occurs during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specific reagent as an intermediary substance that reacts with the organic acid to form a precipitate. This intermediary approach avoids the emulsion problem of traditional reactive extraction by using a reagent that forms an insoluble product rather than creating a stable emulsion between organic and aqueous phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by converting the soluble organic acid into an insoluble precipitate form. This phase change from dissolved state to solid precipitate enables clear separation between the organic acid product and the aqueous phase, eliminating emulsion issues while maintaining high extraction efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If washing liquid is discarded after use in precipitate washing process, then simple operation is maintained, but 3-hydroxypropionic acid is lost and recovery rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by capturing the washing liquid that initially appears to be waste. The washing liquid contains dissolved 3-hydroxypropionic acid that is recovered through filtration and reused in the process, transforming what would be discarded material into a valuable resource and preventing substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by reusing the washing liquid in subsequent washing operations. Instead of discarding the washing liquid after its initial use, it is continuously circulated and reused to wash the precipitate, maintaining the useful action of removing impurities while preventing loss of the dissolved organic acid.
4Manufacturing precision
If large amount of washing liquid is used to remove impurities from precipitate, then purity is improved, but 3-hydroxypropionic acid is lost in washing liquid and recovery rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the washing liquid that would otherwise be discarded after use. The washing liquid contains dissolved 3-hydroxypropionic acid that is captured through filtration and reused in the washing process, preventing substance loss while maintaining the purity benefits of extensive washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring and reusing the washing liquid in subsequent operations. The washing liquid is not simply discarded but is fed back into the system for continued use, allowing the process to maintain high purity through repeated washing while preventing loss of the organic acid through recovery and reuse.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process enables high-concentration recovery of 3-hydroxypropionic acid with reduced loss and increased yield by reusing washing liquids, facilitating filtration and reducing impurities, thus enhancing the overall recovery rate and purity.
Implementation Method 1
stirring an acid and the solution containing 3-hydroxypropionate crystal to form a precipitate
Implementation Method 2
forming a 3-hydroxypropionate crystal in a concentrate containing 3-hydroxypropionic acid in the presence of an alkali metal salt or an alkali earth metal salt
Implementation Method 3
forming a 3-hydroxypropionate crystal in a concentrate containing 3-hydroxypropionic acid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process of recovering 3-hydroxypropionic acid, comprising: forming a 3-hydroxypropionate crystal in a concentrate containing 3-hydroxypropionic acid in the presence of an alkali metal salt, preparing a solution containing 3-hydroxypropionate crystal separated from the concentrate, stirring an acid and the solution containing 3-hydroxypropionate crystal to form a precipitate, and subjecting the precipitate to a first washing, and a slurry composition comprising a precipitate prepared in the process of recovering 3-hydroxypropionic acid and 3-hydroxypropionic acid.