Closed-Loop Lanthanide Extraction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and processing lanthanides are inefficient and environmentally risky due to the use of chemicals in open environments, leading to contamination and low recovery rates, with existing closed systems being basic and batch-oriented rather than continuous.
Innovation Solution
A completely closed and continuous system for extracting and processing lanthanides involves reception and conditioning of raw material, desorption with a countercurrent stream of desorbent agent, separation of fine solids, precipitation of secondary minerals and rare earth carbonates, and calcination to produce oxides, with a secondary process for further processing residual mineral and recirculation of desorbent solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If in situ desorption or heap leaching methods are used, then extraction cost is reduced, but environmental contamination and low recovery rates occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop system where the leaching process occurs in a controlled environment with waterproofing measures. The lixiviant solution is recirculated within a contained system, preventing environmental contamination while maintaining extraction efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by creating an inert containment environment that eliminates harmful external effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and recirculates the lixiviant solution multiple times through a closed-loop system. Instead of discarding the solution after single use, it is filtered, treated, and reused, thereby reducing environmental discharge and improving recovery rates while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If in situ desorption is used, then extraction process is simplified, but groundwater contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent constructs waterproof containment structures and uses a closed-loop recirculation system that prevents lexi vant solution from contacting groundwater. The controlled environment isolates the chemical processes from the surrounding ecosystem, eliminating contamination risk while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heap leaching process is used, then groundwater contamination is avoided, but large surface area and topography changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leaching process from the open heap leaching method and transfers it to a controlled, contained system. By taking out the chemical reactions from the open environment and placing them in a closed-loop reactor system, the patent eliminates the need for large surface areas and topography modifications while preventing groundwater contamination.
4Device complexity
If conventional batch processing is used, then equipment requirements are reduced, but extraction efficiency and recovery rates are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous processing system where ore is continuously fed, leached, and processed through the system. The closed-loop recirculation of lixiviant solution and continuous operation eliminate idle time between batches, significantly improving extraction efficiency and recovery rates while maintaining reasonable equipment requirements through systematic design.
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 approach enhances extraction efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and minimizes waste by allowing recirculation of desorbent solutions and reducing equipment size, while improving recovery rates and minimizing sulfate and soil losses.
Implementation Method 1
desorption of valuable product through a series of mixing and reaction stages, wherein the raw material is contacted in countercurrent with a stream of a desorbent agent
Implementation Method 2
separation of fine solids
Implementation Method 3
precipitation of secondary minerals through the use of a first reactive solution
Implementation Method 4
precipitation of rare earth carbonates through the use of a second reactive solution
Implementation Method 5
calcination of the carbonates to obtain rare earth oxides
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method for the processing of minerals containing the lanthanide series and the production of rare earth oxides, which allow a completely closed and continuous treatment of the different materials and desorbent agents involved in the process, thus improving the efficiency in the extraction and avoiding environmental risks associated. The method comprising the steps of: reception and conditioning of the raw material; desorption of valuable product through a plurality of mixing and reaction stages in which the raw material is contacted in countercurrent with a stream of desorbent solution; separation of fine solids; precipitation of secondary minerals through the use of a first reactive solution; precipitation of rare earth carbonates through the use of a second reactive solution; and drying and roasting of the rare earth carbonates to obtain rare earth oxides; wherein the method further comprises a secondary process that allows further processing of the residual mineral, and a dewatering and washing step wherein the residual mineral from the desorption step is washed and a lanthanide-containing liquid is recovered.