Electrolytic Oxidation Stabilizes Iron Salt Solution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aqueous solutions of iron salts, such as those based on meso-tartaric acid (FeMTA), used as non-caking agents for sodium chloride, face instability due to the low solubility of the ferrous component, leading to precipitation and reduced effectiveness over time.

Innovation Solution

The solution is stabilized through electrolytic oxidation, which converts ferrous ions (Fe2+) to ferric ions (Fe3+) within the aqueous solution, preventing precipitation of the ferrous salt and maintaining the solubility of the iron salt, particularly by using an electrolytic cell with an anode and cathode in an electrolyte, optimizing the electric potential to maximize Fe2+ oxidation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If Fe2+ is present in the aqueous solution of FeMTA, then the solution can be prepared with desired concentration and pH, but Fe2+ precipitates as Fe(II)mesotartrate due to low solubility, reducing the concentration of dissolved FeMTA over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration of dissolved FeMTAVSAvoidstability of FeMTA solution

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by oxidizing Fe2+ to Fe3+, fundamentally changing the oxidation state parameter of the iron component. This transformation converts the insoluble Fe(II)mesotartrate into soluble Fe(III) compounds, thereby maintaining the concentration of dissolved FeMTA and stabilizing the solution composition over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs strong oxidation methods, including electrolytic oxidation using anodic oxidation cells and chemical oxidation using oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide or sodium chlorite. These strong oxidants accelerate the conversion of Fe2+ to Fe3+, preventing precipitation and maintaining solution stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Productivity

If Fe2+ is present in the solution, then the initial concentration can be adjusted, but Fe2+ is continuously removed by precipitation, requiring replenishment and reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness as non-caking agentVSAvoidstorage time of solution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ before the precipitation problem becomes critical. Through continuous or periodic oxidation treatments, the solution maintains its effectiveness as a non-caking agent throughout the storage period, extending the duration of action without requiring frequent replenishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By using strong oxidants to rapidly convert Fe2+ to Fe3+, the patent prevents the gradual loss of effectiveness that would otherwise occur over storage time. This ensures the solution maintains its productivity and effectiveness as a non-caking agent throughout the intended storage and usage period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Stability of the object's composition

If oxidation methods are used to convert Fe2+ to Fe3+, then FeMTA concentration is stabilized, but additional equipment or chemicals are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of FeMTA solutionVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through electrolytic oxidation where the Fe2+ in the solution itself serves as the substrate for oxidation at the anode. The system uses the solution's own components, requiring only electrical energy input rather than additional chemical agents, thereby stabilizing FeMTA concentration with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces chemical oxidation methods (which would require adding chemical oxidants) with electrolytic oxidation using electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for additional chemical reagents and simplifies the system by using only electrical power and electrode components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 stabilizes the FeMTA concentration, maintaining its effectiveness as a non-caking agent by keeping the iron salt in solution for a longer period, reducing the risk of precipitation and degradation.

Implementation Method 1

The solution is stabilized through electrolytic oxidation, which converts ferrous ions (Fe2+) to ferric ions (Fe3+) within the aqueous solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolytic oxidation: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

electrolytic oxidation, which converts ferrous ions (Fe2+) to ferric ions (Fe3+)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9988574B2Stabilization of an aqueous solution of an organic iron salt

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 AKZO NOBEL CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL BV

AI summary

Process and station for stabilizing an aqueous solution of an iron salt of an organic acid with a ferric component and a ferrous component of less solubility than the ferric component, such as the aqueous solution based on the Fe3+ salt of meso-tartaric acid. To stabilize the content of the dissolved ferric salt, the solution is at least partly subjected to electrolytic oxidation.