Continuous Slag Leaching for Controlled Metal Compound Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting metal compounds from slag are limited to batch processes, which pose risks of contamination and environmental hazards, require significant operational effort, and lack control over extraction time, hindering efficient recycling of valuable metals.
Innovation Solution
A continuous method and unit for extracting metal compounds from a slag stream using a leaching reactor, where a slag stream is continuously introduced with an acidic washing fluid, allowing for the chemical reaction to form soluble compounds, followed by continuous removal and exchange of the washing fluid to maintain active substance levels, ensuring controlled extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch processing is used with rotatable containers, then metal compounds can be extracted from slag, but the process requires significant operational effort for positioning containers and cannot be run continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous processing by replacing batch-mode rotatable containers with a continuous conveyor system that continuously transports slag through the leaching reactor, eliminating the need to repeatedly load and unload containers while maintaining continuous metal compound extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system of rotatable containers with a conveyor belt system that automatically transports slag through the processing zone, reducing manual operational effort while enabling continuous processing
2Ease of manufacture
If batch processing with open containers is used, then metal compounds can be extracted, but contamination risks and environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent covers the leaching reactor with a closed housing that prevents contact between the acidic washing fluid and the external environment, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining the chemical extraction process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled enclosed environment within the reactor housing that isolates the acidic washing fluid and slag from the external atmosphere, preventing uncontrolled reactions and environmental hazards
3Adaptability or versatility
If batch processing is used, then metal extraction can be performed, but the extraction time cannot be precisely controlled or defined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of extraction time by adjusting the conveyor belt speed, which determines the residence time of slag in the reactor, allowing precise control over the extraction process duration to optimize efficiency
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 continuous process reduces environmental risks, minimizes operational effort, and achieves a defined extraction process with reduced metal content in the slag stream, promoting efficient recycling of valuable metals.
Implementation Method 1
the washing fluid, preferably the acidic washing fluid chemically reacts with the metal compounds and/or other contaminations in the slag to obtain soluble metal compounds and/or soluble other contaminations
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for continuously extracting metal compounds and/or other contaminations from a slag stream a unit for continuously extracting metal compounds and/or other contaminations from a slag stream, and use of the method and/or the unit as described above or below for continuously extracting metal compounds and/or other contaminations from a slag stream.