Polynuclear Iron Compound Stabilization via Pressure Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for preparing polynuclear iron compounds stabilized by carbohydrates and/or humic acid face inefficiencies in washing, filtering, and concentrating steps, leading to high water consumption, energy inefficiency, and significant iron loss, making them unsuitable for industrial-scale production.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the mixing of an aqueous basic solution with an iron salt to form a suspension, followed by pressure-driven filtration across a membrane for desalination and simultaneous concentration with continuous agitation, then adding carbohydrates and/or humic acid to form a hydrogel, which is subsequently dried and optionally granulated, optimizing permeate flux and iron content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional pressure-driven filtration and centrifugation methods are used for washing and concentrating iron salt suspension, then desalination can be achieved, but filter cake blocking and equipment clogging occur leading to high water consumption and energy inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiron concentration in suspensionVSAvoidfiltration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding a dispersant to the iron salt suspension before filtration. This dispersant prevents filter cake formation and equipment clogging in advance, ensuring smooth filtration process and high productivity without the need for repeated washing cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the suspension by introducing a dispersant that modifies the surface properties of iron particles. This parameter change prevents aggregation and filter cake formation, maintaining high filtration efficiency and reducing water consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple washing cycles are performed to remove halide salt by-products, then purity increases, but iron loss and water consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurity of iron compoundVSAvoidiron loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dispersant as an intermediary substance that facilitates the removal of halide salt by-products. The dispersant forms a protective layer around iron particles, preventing their loss during washing while allowing efficient removal of impurities in a single washing cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful halide salt by-products from the suspension in a single efficient washing cycle. The dispersant enables selective removal of salts while retaining iron compounds, minimizing iron loss and reducing water consumption compared to multiple washing cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional filtration methods are used, then halide salt removal is achieved, but the process requires considerable time and cleaning efforts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval of halide salt by-productsVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding a dispersant before filtration to prevent filter cake formation. This eliminates the need for time-consuming cleaning operations and allows continuous filtration process, significantly reducing total process time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dispersant enables continuous filtration operation without interruptions for cleaning or maintenance. The filtration process can proceed continuously with high efficiency, removing halide salts effectively while minimizing downtime and increasing overall productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enhances the efficiency of the washing and filtration steps, reducing iron loss and sodium content, achieving a higher iron concentration and purity, making the process suitable for industrial-scale production with reduced water and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

washing the suspension and removing the halide salt by-product comprised in the permeate by means of pressure-driven filtration across at least one membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

steps c) and d) are carried out simultaneously with continuous agitation of the suspension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAgitation: Stirring

Implementation Method 3

mixing an aqueous basic solution with a solution of an iron salt to form a suspension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS20230174568A1Manufacturing Method for Polynuclear Iron Compounds Stabilized by Carbohydrates and/or Humic Acid
Publication Date: 2023.06.08 VIFOR FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE RENAL PHARMA LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to a new method of preparation of a polynuclear iron compound stabilized by carbohydrates and/or humic acid or forming a complex with carbohydrates and/or humic acid using a pressure-driven filtration process.