Amorphous Silicate Production via Regenerated Ammonium Fluoride
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing amorphous silicates and salts often result in the accumulation of hydrogen fluoride, and there is a need for materials suitable for use in cementitious materials that can efficiently produce these compounds without significant hydrogen fluoride production.
Innovation Solution
The method involves combining ammonium fluoride and/or ammonium bifluoride with a material comprising silicates at specific temperatures and pressures, either in aqueous or anhydrous conditions, to produce amorphous silicates and salts without accumulating substantial amounts of hydrogen fluoride. This process can regenerate the ammonium fluoride and/or ammonium bifluoride, making it efficient and sustainable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods are used to produce amorphous silicates and salts, then the production of silicates and salts is achieved, but hydrogen fluoride accumulates in the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful hydrogen fluoride byproduct into a beneficial cyclic process by using ammonium fluoride and ammonium bifluoride as reagents that regenerate during the reaction cycle. The harmful HF is transformed into useful ammonium fluoride compounds that continue to catalyze the silicate transformation without accumulating, turning a harmful byproduct into a sustainable process feature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and regenerates the ammonium fluoride and ammonium bifluoride reagents during the reaction process. Instead of discarding them as consumed materials, the system recovers these compounds to continue catalyzing the transformation of silicates into amorphous forms, eliminating the need for continuous addition and preventing HF accumulation
2Productivity
If ammonium fluoride and ammonium bifluoride are combined with silicate materials at high temperatures, then amorphous silicates and salts are produced efficiently, but hydrogen fluoride production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters by conducting the process at controlled temperatures (10-250°C) and specific pH conditions to maximize the efficiency of amorphous silicate formation while minimizing hydrogen fluoride generation. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing harmful HF production
3Reliability
If conventional methods are used, then silicate transformation is achieved, but the process lacks sustainability due to reagent consumption and HF accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous cyclic process where ammonium fluoride and ammonium bifluoride are regenerated and reused throughout the reaction. This continuous useful action eliminates the need for continuous reagent addition and prevents the accumulation of harmful byproducts, making the silicate transformation process sustainable and reliable over extended periods
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
This method effectively produces amorphous silicates and salts suitable for use in cementitious materials, ensuring high reactivity and efficiency while minimizing hydrogen fluoride production, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
combining ammonium fluoride and/or ammonium bifluoride with a material comprising silicates to produce amorphous silicate and/or a salt
Implementation Method 2
combining ammonium fluoride and/or ammonium bifluoride with a material comprising silicate in an aqueous combination
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are silicates and/or salts and methods of production and uses thereof. For example, methods of producing an amorphous silicate and/or a salt from materials comprising silicates are disclosed. As another example, use of silicates and/or salts in the formation of cementitious materials is also disclosed.