Continuous Solvent Extraction of Energetic Paste Fillers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting solid fillers from energetic materials on an industrial scale are inefficient, as existing solvent extraction processes can only treat small quantities and involve heating, which is not compatible with sensitive energetic materials, and do not allow for continuous treatment.
Innovation Solution
A continuous solvent extraction process using a static mixer to mix the paste with a suitable liquid solvent, allowing partial solubilization of the solid fillers, followed by separation of the solution and residue, which can be recycled for further extraction, optimizing the extraction of oxidizing charges like perchlorates and explosive fillers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional solvent extraction processes are used to extract solid fillers from energetic materials, then extraction capability is provided, but the processes can only treat small quantities and require heating which is incompatible with sensitive energetic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from heated conditions to ambient or low temperature conditions, making the extraction process compatible with sensitive energetic materials while maintaining extraction effectiveness through optimized solvent selection and mixing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces thermal energy input with mechanical mixing energy input using high-shear mixers or ultrasonic devices, enabling effective extraction without heating that could compromise the stability of energetic materials
2Productivity
If traditional solvent extraction processes are used, then extraction of solid fillers is achieved, but continuous treatment is not allowed and processing is limited to batch operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the batch extraction process into a continuous process by implementing a flow system where paste and solvent continuously pass through mixing and separation stages, enabling uninterrupted extraction operations and significantly increased productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous extraction process is segmented into distinct functional modules (mixing section, separation section, solvent recovery section) that can operate independently in series, allowing continuous treatment while maintaining process control and flexibility
3Quantity of substance
If industrial-scale extraction is implemented, then processing capacity is increased, but efficiency and cost-effectiveness decrease compared to small-scale operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs hydraulic or pneumatic mixing systems that provide intense mixing action throughout the paste-solvent mixture, ensuring efficient mass transfer and extraction even at industrial scale where diffusion distances are larger
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses ultrasonic vibration or high-frequency mechanical agitation to enhance mass transfer and extraction efficiency at industrial scale, overcoming the reduced efficiency that typically accompanies scaling up by maintaining intense mixing conditions throughout the processing volume
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 enables efficient, quick, and cost-effective extraction of solid fillers from energetic materials, reducing waste and making the residual paste inert, suitable for industrial-scale processing without the need for crosslinking or high-temperature treatments.
Implementation Method 1
mixing, in a static mixer, of the paste with a liquid solvent, solvent of said at least a part of said solid charge (C), with a view to the solubilization, at least partial, of said at least a part of said solid charge in said solvent
Implementation Method 2
mixing, in a static mixer, of the paste with a liquid solvent
Implementation Method 3
the recovery, at the end of said mixing, of a two-phase system comprising on the one hand, a solution containing at least a fraction of said at least a part of said solid charge, solubilized in said solvent and on the other hand, a solid residue of said paste; and the separation of said solution and said residue of said paste
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The main subject of the present invention is a process for processing a paste (5) containing a solid filler (C) with a view to extracting at least one part of said solid filler (C). Said method comprises continuously: mixing, in a mixer (8), said paste (5) with a liquid solvent (3), a solvent for said at least one part of said solid filler (C), with a view to dissolving, at least partially, said at least one part of said solid filler (C) in said solvent; recovering, after said mixing, a biphasic system (15) comprising, on the one hand, a solution (30) enclosing at least one fraction of said at least one part of said solid filler (C), dissolved in said solvent (3), and on the other hand, a solid residue (50) of said paste (5); and then, separating said solution (30) and said solid residue (50) from said paste (5).