Copper Sulphide Sorbent Preparation via Pre-formed Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing copper sulphide sorbents using hydrogen sulphide can result in inhomogeneous products and impaired physical properties, and pose safety risks due to the toxicity of hydrogen sulphide, necessitating safer and simpler alternatives for efficient heavy metal removal from fluid streams.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mixing particulate copper sulphide with a support material and binders, shaping, and drying to form a sorbent, where copper sulphide is sourced commercially or produced through various methods, and the sorbent is tailored with specific composition and structure for enhanced heavy metal removal capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sulphiding methods using hydrogen sulphide are used to form copper sulphide in sorbents, then the sorbent can achieve effective heavy metal removal capacity, but the product becomes inhomogeneous and physical properties are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming copper sulphide particles through controlled sulphiding processes before incorporating them into the sorbent matrix. This ensures uniform distribution and consistent reactivity, avoiding the inhomogeneity problems that occur when sulphiding is performed after sorbent formation. The copper sulphide is prepared in advance with controlled particle size and distribution, then mixed with the support material and binder to create a homogeneous final product.
2Reliability
If conventional sulphiding methods using hydrogen sulphide are used to form copper sulphide in sorbents, then the sorbent can achieve effective heavy metal removal capacity, but safety risks increase due to hydrogen sulphide toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hazardous sulphiding step from the final sorbent preparation process. Instead of using toxic hydrogen sulphide gas during sorbent manufacturing, the method uses pre-formed copper sulphide particles that can be sourced commercially or prepared separately under controlled conditions. This separates the sulphiding operation (performed when safety measures are in place) from the sorbent formulation process, eliminating the need for toxic gas handling in the main production line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs commercially available copper sulphide particles as a disposable precursor material. These pre-formed particles serve as the copper source, eliminating the need for on-site generation of copper sulphide through toxic sulphiding reactions. The commercial particles are simply mixed with support materials and binders to create the final sorbent, replacing a hazardous chemical process with a simple physical mixing operation.
3Reliability
If conventional sulphiding methods are used to form copper sulphide in sorbents, then the sorbent can achieve effective heavy metal removal capacity, but the process complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using pre-formed copper sulphide particles that already possess the required reactive properties for heavy metal removal. These commercial particles are prepared by manufacturers using optimized processes, and the end user simply incorporates them into the sorbent matrix without needing to perform complex sulphiding reactions. The copper sulphide particles self-provide the necessary chemical functionality, eliminating the need for complex gas delivery systems, temperature control, and safety monitoring infrastructure.
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 method produces a sorbent with improved homogeneity and physical properties, effectively removing heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and antimony from fluid streams, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional sulphiding methods.
Implementation Method 1
one or more binders
Implementation Method 2
drying the shaped mixture
Implementation Method 3
copper sulphide containing sorbents are useful in removing heavy metals from fluid streams
Implementation Method 4
By 'sorbent' we include absorbent and adsorbent
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for preparing a sorbent including the steps of:(i) mixing together a particulate copper sulphide material, a particulate support material and one or more binders,(ii) shaping the mixture, and(iii) drying the shaped mixture to form a dried sorbent.