Ionic Liquid Catalyst Disposal via Controlled Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Used ionic liquid catalysts, containing anhydrous metal halides, are water reactive and pose safety risks during disposal, as they can violently react with moisture, releasing toxic gases and posing explosion hazards, making existing disposal methods unsafe and costly.
Innovation Solution
A process involving hydrolysis of the used ionic liquid catalyst with a basic solution at controlled temperatures and pressures to produce a non-water-reactive aqueous phase, a hydrocarbon phase, and a solid phase, where the hydrogen halide gas is captured and neutralized, allowing for safe and cost-efficient disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If used ionic liquid catalyst is disposed of without treatment, then disposal is simple and cost-effective, but safety risks increase due to water reactivity and toxic gas release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the used ionic liquid catalyst with a basic solution before disposal to neutralize its water reactivity. The hydrolysis step is performed in advance to convert the hazardous anhydrous metal halide into non-hazardous products, eliminating safety risks prior to final disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful water reactivity of the ionic liquid catalyst into a beneficial process by utilizing controlled hydrolysis. The reaction that would normally be dangerous is instead harnessed to neutralize the catalyst's hazards, transforming a harmful property into a useful treatment mechanism.
2Productivity
If hydrolysis is performed at higher temperatures, then hydrolysis rate increases, but safety risks increase due to toxic gas evolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a basic solution as an intermediary substance that mediates the hydrolysis process. This intermediary allows the reaction to proceed at controlled temperatures by buffering the process, preventing runaway reactions and toxic gas evolution while maintaining acceptable hydrolysis rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to an optimized range (−20°C to 90°C) that balances hydrolysis rate with safety. By controlling the temperature within this specific range and using a basic solution to manage the reaction exotherm, the process achieves productive hydrolysis without excessive toxic gas evolution.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If basic solution is used for hydrolysis, then safety is improved by neutralizing hydrogen halide, but cost increases due to reagent consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by separating the hydrolyzed products into different phases. The aqueous phase containing neutralized salts is disposed of or recovered, while the hydrocarbon phase is recovered for further refining use. This recovery approach reduces the net loss of valuable materials and offsets the cost of the basic solution consumed.
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 effectively neutralizes the hazardous properties of the used ionic liquid catalyst, converting it into environmentally friendly materials that can be disposed of safely and economically, with the hydrocarbon phase recoverable for further refining use and the solid phase suitable for non-hazardous waste handling.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolyzing the used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide with a basic solution at a temperature from −20° C. to 90° C. to produce a hydrolyzed product
Implementation Method 2
evolve a hydrogen halide gas, and dissolve the hydrogen halide gas into the basic solution
Data Source
AI summary
We provide a process and apparatus for preparing a used ionic liquid catalyst for safe disposal, comprising hydrolyzing the used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide with a basic solution at a temperature from −20° C. to 90° C. to produce a hydrolyzed product, evolve a hydrogen halide gas, and dissolve the hydrogen halide gas into the basic solution.