Chelating Agent Production Process Corrosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for manufacturing chelating agents like methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) using stainless steel reaction apparatuses face corrosion issues, necessitating a method that can be performed in stainless steel equipment without significant wear or corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A process involving steps (a) providing a compound according to formula (IIa), (b) contacting it with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution, and (c) reacting to form a chelating agent of the general formula (I), with specific conditions to minimize corrosion and optimize chelating agent production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stainless steel reaction apparatuses are used for manufacturing chelating agents, then equipment durability and ease of cleaning are improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to remarkable corrosion from reaction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - a chelating agent - that mediates between the stainless steel equipment and the corrosive reaction conditions. This chelating agent forms protective complexes with metal ions, preventing direct contact between the corrosive saponification mixture and the stainless steel apparatus, thereby protecting the equipment while maintaining the desired manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the reaction system by introducing specific chelating agents that change the chemical environment. These chelating agents alter the reaction conditions to be less corrosive toward stainless steel, enabling the use of stainless steel equipment while maintaining product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
2Reliability
If special steels other than stainless steel are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the stainless steel equipment with more complex special steels, the patent introduces a chelating agent as an intermediary that protects the stainless steel from corrosion. This approach maintains the simplicity and availability of stainless steel equipment while achieving the desired corrosion resistance through chemical protection rather than material substitution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs chelating agents that can be easily introduced and removed from the system, acting as temporary protective agents during the manufacturing process. These chelating agents provide the necessary corrosion protection without requiring permanent changes to the equipment material, allowing the use of simple, inexpensive stainless steel apparatuses throughout the operation.
3Productivity
If conventional saponification processes are used, then chelating agent production is achieved, but corrosion damage to equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces chelating agents as intermediary substances that mediate the saponification process. These chelating agents form protective complexes with metal ions in the reaction mixture, preventing the corrosive action of the saponification by-products on the stainless steel equipment, thereby enabling continuous production without significant corrosion damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful corrosive effects of the saponification process into beneficial protective complexes. By introducing chelating agents that bind metal ions, the process transforms what would be corrosive free metal ions into protected chelated forms, thereby protecting the equipment while maintaining the saponification reaction for chelating agent production.
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 effectively produces chelating agents with excellent chelating power while reducing corrosion in stainless steel equipment, allowing for the use of stainless steel in the reaction apparatuses and minimizing the presence of inorganic basic salts.
Implementation Method 1
The inventive process relates to the manufacturing of a chelating agent... for the saponification
Data Source
AI summary
Process for making a chelating agent according to the general formula (I), R1-CH(COOX1)-N(CH2COOX1)2 wherein R1 is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, CH2OH, and CH2CH2COOX1, X1 is (ΜχΗ1-χ), M being selected from alkali metal, x is in the range of from 0.6 to 1, said process comprising the following steps: (a) providing a solid, a slurry or a solution of a compound according to general formula (II a) R1-CH(COOX2)-N(CH2CN)2 wherein X2 is (MyH1-y), M being selected from alkali metal, y is in the range of from zero to 1, (b) contacting said solid or slurry or solution with an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide, wherein the molar ratio of alkali metal ions to nitrile groups is in the range of from 0.6:1 to 0.95:1, (c) reacting said compound according to general formula (II a) with said alkali metal hydroxide.