Boron Re-Extraction from Organic Solution with Single-Stage Caustic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial methods for extracting boron from lithium-containing brines face limitations due to high water consumption and the need for multistage re-extraction processes, which can overwhelm evaporation pond capacity and generate significant boron-enriched waste streams.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the combination of an alcohol, an organic solvent, and boron with an aqueous solution containing alkali hydroxide, followed by heating to separate an organic and aqueous layer, where the aqueous layer contains greater than 95% of the boron, significantly reducing water usage and eliminating the need for multistage re-extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multistage re-extraction operations are used to remove boron from organic solution, then boron removal efficiency is improved, but water consumption increases and evaporation pond capacity is overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts boron from the organic solution using a single-stage re-extraction process with aqueous caustic solution, eliminating the need for multiple re-extraction stages. The boron is transferred from the organic phase to the aqueous phase in one operation, achieving effective removal without the water consumption and operational complexity of multistage processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the re-extraction process by using aqueous caustic solution with specific concentration ranges (3-25 wt% alkali hydroxide) and controlling the molar ratio of alkali hydroxide to boron (0.5-2.0). These parameter optimizations enable high boron removal efficiency in a single stage, avoiding the need for multiple extraction operations that would increase water consumption
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional solvent extraction process is used to extract boron from brine, then boron extraction is achieved, but significant boron-enriched waste stream is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the boron-loaded organic solution, which would otherwise be a waste stream requiring disposal, into a valuable resource by re-extracting boron from it. The re-extracted boron can be recovered and utilized, transforming a harmful waste product into a beneficial material stream
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers boron from the organic solution that has become saturated during the extraction process. By performing re-extraction with aqueous caustic solution, the boron is recovered from the organic phase and transferred to the aqueous phase, where it can be further processed or utilized, preventing it from becoming discarded waste
3Manufacturing precision
If evaporation ponds are used to concentrate brine, then lithium concentration is improved, but the pre-established capacity limits the output expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts boron from the organic solution using re-extraction with aqueous caustic solution, producing a boron-enriched aqueous stream that can be separately managed. This separation allows the evaporation ponds to focus on lithium concentration without being overwhelmed by boron-containing waste streams, effectively increasing the productive capacity of the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the waste stream management by separating boron recovery into a distinct re-extraction process. This creates independent streams: one for lithium concentration in evaporation ponds and another for boron recovery from organic solution, allowing each process to operate at optimal capacity without constraining the other
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 separates boron from the organic solution with reduced water consumption and waste generation, allowing for efficient recovery of boron as sodium borate, which can be sold as a byproduct, thus minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
extracting boron from the organic solution by contacting it with an aqueous solution containing an alkali hydroxide
Implementation Method 2
heating content of the container to a temperature in the range of from about 20° C. to about 100° C. until the content comprises an organic layer and an aqueous layer
Data Source
AI summary
One or more methods are described for extracting boron. The one or more methods include combining a combination comprising an alcohol, an organic solvent and boron, with an aqueous solution comprising an alkali hydroxide so as to form an organic layer and an aqueous layer. The aqueous layer may be separated from the organic layer.