Hydroxide Salt Mediator for Supercritical Reactor Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercritical hydrothermal processes face limitations due to the precipitation of inorganic salts, leading to reactor clogging and corrosion issues, particularly in treating aqueous fluids containing high concentrations of inorganic species, which restricts the range of treatable products and requires frequent process interruptions for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adjust the concentration of hydroxide salt in contact with inorganic salts under supercritical conditions to solubilize and prevent precipitation, using a conduit with amorphous carbon filters to manage salt flow and concentration, thereby reducing corrosion and clogging risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If supercritical hydrothermal processes are used to treat aqueous fluids, then high temperature stability and efficient oxidation are achieved, but inorganic salts precipitate and cause reactor clogging
Solution Approach 1:
A molten hydroxide salt is introduced as an intermediary substance to dissolve precipitated inorganic salts. The hydroxide salt acts as a mediator between the supercritical water and the inorganic salt deposits, forming a molten eutectic mixture that solubilizes the salts and prevents reactor clogging while maintaining high temperature operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the system by introducing hydroxide salt that undergoes phase change to molten state at process temperatures. This parameter change creates a new phase (molten salt) with different solvation properties that can dissolve inorganic salts which are insoluble in supercritical water, thereby preventing precipitation and clogging.
2Quantity of substance
If the concentration of inorganic salt in the aqueous fluid is increased, then the range of treatable waste is expanded, but salt deposition on reactor walls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The molten hydroxide salt serves as an intermediary that selectively dissolves inorganic salts from the aqueous stream. By controlling the amount of hydroxide salt added, the system can handle higher inorganic salt concentrations in the feed without causing deposition, as the hydroxide salt continuously solubilizes the inorganic salts in the molten phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the solubility parameters of the system by utilizing the unique properties of molten hydroxide salts at elevated temperatures. The molten salt phase has different solvation characteristics compared to liquid or supercritical water, enabling dissolution of inorganic salts at concentrations that would otherwise cause precipitation and deposition.
3Reliability
If molten salts are used to solubilize inorganic salts at high temperature, then salt deposition is prevented, but corrosion of reactor components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using pure molten salt which would cause severe corrosion, the invention uses a controlled amount of hydroxide salt in aqueous solution that partially transitions to molten state. This partial action approach provides enough molten salt to prevent deposition while limiting the total volume and concentration of molten salt to reduce corrosion effects on reactor components.
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 approach effectively solubilizes inorganic salts, extends the treatable waste range beyond 10 g/L, reduces corrosion, and prolongs process operation times by minimizing reactor clogging and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the inorganic salt with an aqueous stream containing a hydroxide salt to obtain an aqueous fluid mixture containing an inorganic salt and a hydroxide salt, the concentration or quantity of the hydroxide salt being adjusted according to the concentration or quantity of the inorganic salt in order to solubilize at least part of the inorganic salt
Implementation Method 2
The conduit is provided with a filter, preferably composed of amorphous carbon beads of micrometric size, suitable for retaining precipitated inorganic salts
Implementation Method 3
heating and pressurization means suitable for bringing water into near-supercritical or supercritical conditions
Implementation Method 4
heating and pressurization means suitable for bringing water into near-supercritical or supercritical conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a process comprising: - the entry into a device of an aqueous fluid containing at least one inorganic salt, the water of the aqueous fluid being under supercritical conditions or conditions close to the supercritical range in the device, - measuring the concentration or the amount of inorganic salt in the device, this measurement preferably being carried out before the inorganic salt enters the device, - bringing the inorganic salt into contact with an aqueous stream containing at least one hydroxide salt in order to obtain, in the device, an aqueous fluid mixture containing an inorganic salt and a hydroxide salt, - adjusting the concentration or the amount of hydroxide salt as a function of the concentration or the amount of inorganic salt in order to at least partly dissolve the inorganic salt, and - preferably measuring the concentration or the amount of inorganic salt leaving the device.