Elevated Solvent Extraction Settler Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent extraction plant designs, such as mixer-settlers, face challenges with obstructed access below the equipment, extensive site excavation, and variability in site work quality, which complicates installation and limits flexibility and productization.
Innovation Solution
The solvent extraction settler is designed with self-supporting modules that conform to shipping container standards, supported by pillars with compatible lashing fittings, allowing for elevated installation, easy transport, and flexible configuration, enabling unobstructed access and reduced site work, while allowing for modular expansion and efficient piping arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If settlers are built on-site using traditional construction methods, then the settler tank can be constructed with required capacity, but access below the settler is obstructed and extensive excavation work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The settler is divided into multiple standardized modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each module has dimensions conforming to shipping container standards, allowing for simplified support structures (pillars) that do not require extensive excavation. The modular design enables access below the settler while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional ground-level or heavily excavated support methods to elevated support using vertical pillars. This dimensional change (from horizontal ground plane to vertical elevation) provides unobstructed access below the settler while reducing the need for extensive ground excavation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If settlers are customized for each project with unique layouts, then the specific project requirements are met, but productization and standardization are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The settler system is segmented into standardized modules that can be combined in different configurations to meet various project requirements. The modules have fixed dimensions conforming to shipping container standards, enabling productization and standardized manufacturing while maintaining adaptability through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modules are designed to be universal components that can serve multiple projects with different capacity and layout requirements. By using universal module designs that conform to shipping container standards, the system achieves productization while maintaining versatility through flexible modular assembly.
3Device complexity
If settlers are manufactured as large non-modular tanks, then the structure is simple, but transportability and assembly flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The settler is divided into multiple modules with dimensions conforming to shipping container standards, enabling easy transport using standard equipment while maintaining relatively simple structural design within each module. The modular segmentation provides transportability and assembly flexibility without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the settler configuration to be dynamically adjusted by adding or removing modules based on project requirements. The standardized corner fittings and lashing points enable flexible assembly and disassembly, providing adaptability while keeping individual module structures simple.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~9
AI summary
A solvent extraction settler (1) comprising a foundation (2). The solvent extraction settler (1) comprises self-supporting modules (3) each having the exterior dimensions, strength and corner fittings (4) conforming to shipping container standards. The foundation (2) comprises a plurality of pillars (5) on which the modules (3) are supported at a height above the ground level, thereby providing a space for piping and access below the settler. The pillars (5) comprise shipping standard compatible container lashing fittings (6, 7) to which the corner fittings (4) of the modules (3) can be connected.