Boron Extraction from Organic Solution Using Alkali Hydroxide
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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 strain water resources and evaporation pond capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving combining an alcohol, an organic solvent, and boron with an aqueous solution containing alkali hydroxide at specific ratios and temperatures to separate boron into an aqueous layer, reducing the need for water and eliminating multistage re-extraction, allowing for efficient boron extraction and recovery as sodium borate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multistage countercurrent liquid-liquid extraction operations are used to remove boron from concentrated brine, then boron removal efficiency is improved, but water consumption increases and generates large volume tailwater waste stream
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts boron from the organic solution using a small volume of aqueous caustic solution. The boron is selectively transferred from the organic phase to the aqueous phase, achieving efficient boron removal while using minimal water (volume ratio of organic solution to aqueous solution is 10:1 to 25:1).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by using aqueous caustic solution (3 wt.% to 25 wt.% alkali hydroxide) instead of pure water for re-extraction. The molar ratio of alkali hydroxide to boron is controlled at 0.5 to 2.0, which enhances boron extraction efficiency while minimizing water consumption.
2Manufacturing precision
If multistage re-extraction operations are performed with water or diluted caustic, then boron is recovered from organic solution, but process complexity and water usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs a single-stage extraction of boron from the organic solution using aqueous caustic solution, eliminating the need for multistage re-extraction operations. This simplifies the process while maintaining effective boron recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the re-extraction and boron recovery steps into a single operation. The aqueous caustic solution both extracts boron from the organic phase and provides a concentrated boron-containing stream ready for further processing or disposal.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional solvent extraction process is used with volumetric ratio of water to concentrated brine greater than 1.3:1, then boron is removed from brine, but tailwater waste stream volume increases straining evaporation pond capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the extraction parameters by using a small volume of concentrated aqueous caustic solution (3-25 wt.% alkali hydroxide) instead of large volumes of dilute water. The volume ratio of organic solution to aqueous solution is maintained at 10:1 to 25:1, which minimizes waste stream volume while achieving effective boron removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite approach by combining the organic solvent system with a concentrated aqueous caustic solution. This composite extraction system achieves superior boron removal efficiency with minimal water consumption, producing a small volume of concentrated boron-containing waste stream that is easier to handle and dispose of.
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 significantly reduces water consumption and waste stream volume, enabling efficient boron extraction and recovery as sodium borate, thus overcoming the limitations of existing commercial methods.
Implementation Method 1
combining in a container (i) a combination comprising an alcohol, an organic solvent, and boron; and (ii) an aqueous solution comprising about 3 wt. % to about 25 wt. % of an alkali hydroxide... the aqueous layer comprises greater than about 95% of the boron from the combination
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.