Hydromagnesite Precipitation Process for High Purity Magnesium Oxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing high purity hydromagnesite and magnesium oxide do not efficiently achieve the required high yield and brightness needed for various industrial applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and paper industries, where high purity is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the preparation of a magnesium chloride brine solution, followed by ammoniation and carbonation to form a hydromagnesite precipitate, which is then calcined to produce high purity magnesium oxide, with specific temperature and stirring controls to achieve desired particle sizes and purity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to produce hydromagnesite and magnesium oxide, then production cost is reduced, but purity and brightness are insufficient for high-value applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing calcium sulfate precipitate from the brine solution before the ammoniation and carbonation steps. This pre-cleaning step prevents calcium contamination in the final hydromagnesite product, enabling >99% purity without requiring additional expensive purification steps later in the process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the temperature range (20-60°C) during ammoniation and carbonation steps, and by adjusting the concentration of reagents added to the brine solution. These controlled parameter changes optimize the precipitation process to achieve high purity and brightness while maintaining cost-effectiveness
2Illumination intensity
If conventional production methods are used, then production volume is maintained, but brightness and particle size control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves superior brightness and particle size control by precisely controlling process parameters including temperature (20-60°C), reagent concentration, and addition rates during ammoniation and carbonation. These parameter optimizations produce consistent, high-quality particles with excellent brightness without compromising production volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous production volume through an optimized multi-step process where brine solution is sequentially treated with sulfate salt, then ammoniated, and finally carbonated. This continuous flow approach ensures steady production output while each step contributes to enhancing brightness and particle quality
3Manufacturing precision
If high purity hydromagnesite is produced to replace titanium oxide, then product value is increased, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces process complexity by performing the calcium sulfate removal as a preliminary step before the main ammoniation and carbonation process. This early removal prevents downstream contamination issues, simplifying the overall process while achieving >99% purity suitable for titanium oxide replacement applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages process complexity through optimized parameter control rather than additional process steps. By carefully controlling temperature, reagent concentrations, and addition rates, the patent achieves high purity hydromagnesite using a straightforward sequence of chemical reactions, avoiding the need for complex equipment or multiple processing stages
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 process results in high purity hydromagnesite (>99%) and magnesium oxide products with enhanced brightness and particle size control, suitable for replacing expensive pigments like titanium oxide, and reduces shipping costs by producing a dry, free-flowing powder.
Implementation Method 1
mixing a sulfate salt into said feedstock brine solution to convert said calcium chloride into a calcium sulfate precipitate
Implementation Method 2
ammoniating said brine solution obtained after removal of calcium sulfate, at a temperature range of about 20° C. to about 60° C. to convert magnesium chloride at least partially into magnesium hydroxide
Implementation Method 3
carbonating said magnesium hydroxide while maintaining the reaction temperature at about 20° C. to about 120° C. to form a hydromagnesite precipitate
Implementation Method 4
calcining the dried hydromagnesite precipitate obtained according to the process of the present invention to form the magnesium oxide product
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a process for producing high purity hydromagnesite from a source of magnesium chloride. The process involves preparation of a magnesium chloride brine of a specific concentration, which is ammoniated at a specific temperature range, followed by carbonation, while maintaining the reaction at a specific temperature range to form a hydromagnesite precipitate. The product can be calcined to generate high purity magnesium oxide compounds.