Clathrate Hydrate Salt Separation from Brine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high energy costs associated with treating salt brine from solution mining processes make it necessary to develop alternative methods for separating salt from aqueous solutions to produce high-purity dry salt efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of clathrates by contacting an aqueous solution with a clathrate former, followed by separation of the clathrate and solute streams, and recycling the aqueous solution to enhance the concentration of solute, utilizing a clathrate forming unit and decomposition reactor to continuously produce high-purity salt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional evaporation methods are used to separate salt from brine, then high-purity dry salt can be produced, but energy consumption is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water into clathrate hydrates when contacted with clathrate formers (CO2, N2, or CH4) under specific temperature and pressure conditions. This phase change allows water to be removed from brine as solid clathrates, which are then decomposed to release pure water and leave concentrated salt solution, ultimately producing dry salt without requiring high-energy evaporation
Solution Approach 2:
The process changes physical parameters (temperature and pressure) to control clathrate formation and decomposition. By operating at temperatures below 32°F and specific pressures, water forms clathrates with gas molecules. Subsequent decomposition at different parameters releases pure water and concentrates salt, achieving separation without traditional thermal evaporation
2Use of energy by moving object
If clathrate formation method is used to separate salt from brine, then energy consumption is reduced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the salt separation process into distinct segments: (1) clathrate formation by contacting brine with gas formers, (2) solid-liquid separation of clathrates from brine, (3) clathrate decomposition to release water, and (4) salt crystallization. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall process control
Solution Approach 2:
Clathrate formers (CO2, N2, or CH4) serve as intermediary substances that facilitate water removal. These gases form temporary clathrate structures with water molecules, enabling separation without direct thermal or mechanical intervention. The intermediaries are regenerated during decomposition and can be recycled
3Productivity
If continuous operation is implemented, then productivity increases, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation where brine continuously flows through the clathrate formation reactor, and clathrates continuously decompose in the decomposition reactor. This continuous process eliminates batch processing interruptions, maintains steady-state operation, and maximizes salt production rate while keeping system complexity manageable through standardized reactor designs
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 reduces energy consumption by promoting the formation and separation of clathrates, allowing for the efficient production of high-purity dry salt with reduced energy costs and minimal impurities, enabling continuous operation and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the first aqueous solution with a clathrate former or formers under conditions sufficient to form clathrates
Implementation Method 2
decomposing the clathrates into the clathrate former and a second aqueous solution
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is method for separating solute from an aqueous solution comprising providing a first aqueous solution substantially saturated with solute, contacting the first aqueous solution with a clathrate former under conditions sufficient to form clathrates and to precipitate the solute from the first aqueous solution, separating solute from the clathrates by removing a first stream comprising clathrates and solute, and removing a second stream comprising solute, decomposing the clathrates into the clathrate former and a second aqueous solution, the second aqueous solution comprising solute in a concentration less than the concentration of solute in the first aqueous solution, and recycling the second aqueous solution by contacting said solution with a source for the solute to form a third substantially saturated aqueous solution for use as, or in combination with, the first aqueous solution, wherein the method is continuous.