Copper Electrowinning Electrolyte Foam for Acid Mist Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surfactants used for acid mist suppression in copper electrowinning are not environmentally friendly and lack stability, necessitating the need for alternative biosurfactants that can provide effective foamability and stability at a lower cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of licorice extracts, particularly in the form of reconstituted licorice root extracts, combined with surfactants like VANMIST 210 or MERSOLAT® H95, to suppress acid mist in copper electrowinning processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic surfactants are used for acid mist suppression in copper electrowinning, then acid mist suppression effectiveness is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing synthetic surfactants with biosurfactants derived from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The biosurfactants have different molecular structures and properties that make them environmentally friendly while maintaining foam stability and acid mist suppression effectiveness in copper electrowinning electrolyte solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material approach by combining licorice root extract with traditional surfactants or other complementary agents to create a synergistic formulation. This composite biosurfactant system achieves both environmental friendliness and effective acid mist suppression, resolving the contradiction between eco-friendly characteristics and functional performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If synthetic surfactants are used for acid mist suppression, then foam stability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive biosurfactants derived from licorice root as a cost-effective alternative to expensive synthetic surfactants. The natural extract can be produced at lower cost through extraction processes from readily available plant material, reducing the quantity of substance needed while maintaining adequate foam stability for acid mist suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the source and composition parameters of the surfactant material, transitioning from synthetic petroleum-based chemicals to natural plant-derived biosurfactants. This parameter change results in lower production costs and reduced material expenses while preserving the essential foam stability required for effective acid mist suppression in electrowinning operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If licorice extracts are used alone, then environmental friendliness is improved, but foamability and stability may be insufficient compared to synthetic surfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite formulations by combining licorice root extract with other surfactants or additives to enhance foamability and stability. This composite approach allows the environmentally friendly biosurfactant to achieve the functional performance previously only attainable with synthetic surfactants, resolving the contradiction between eco-friendly properties and reliable foam formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the environmental benefits of licorice extract with the functional effectiveness of traditional surfactant systems. By combining these components synergistically, the formulation achieves both improved environmental friendliness and adequate foam stability, making the biosurfactant-based system reliable for industrial acid mist suppression applications.
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
Licorice extracts, when used alone or in combination with surfactants, effectively suppress acid mist in copper electrowinning, offering synergistic benefits and reducing mist levels by up to 99% with stable foam coverage across the electrolyte solution.
Implementation Method 1
additives capable of producing a stable layer of foam on the surface of the electrolyte solution can mitigate acid mist production. Foaming additives work to suppress acid mist by blanketing the breaking gas bubbles under a foam layer.
Implementation Method 2
Surfactants are known to reduce surface tension of aqueous solutions and, in some cases, provide foam having various surface coverage, thickness, and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of acid mist suppression in copper electrowinning is described. In various embodiments, at least one liquid licorice root extract, powdered licorice root extract, or reconstituted licorice extract is added in an amount sufficient to the acidic electrolyte solution of the copper electrowinning process to suppress acid mist from the acidic electrolyte solution during the copper electrowinning process. In various embodiments, combinations of licorice extract and surfactant show synergies in acid mist suppression during copper electrowinning.