Licorice Extract Electrolyte Foam for Copper Electrowinning Mist Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surfactants used for acid mist suppression in copper electrowinning are not environmentally friendly and lack stability, necessitating the need for alternative, cost-effective biosurfactants that can provide similar foamability and stability as synthetic surfactants.
Innovation Solution
Licorice extracts, particularly in the form of reconstituted licorice root extracts, are used in combination with surfactants like VANMIST 210 and MERSOLAT® H95 to suppress acid mist in copper electrowinning, forming a stable foam layer on the electrolyte solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic surfactants are used for acid mist suppression, then foamability and stability are improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing synthetic surfactants with natural licorice root extracts, maintaining foam stability while improving environmental compatibility. The extract concentration is optimized at 1-10% w/v to achieve effective acid mist suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a natural, biodegradable alternative (licorice root extract) that is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, replacing expensive synthetic surfactants. The extract can be easily replenished and does not persist in the environment.
2Reliability
If synthetic surfactants are used for acid mist suppression, then foamability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses licorice root extract, a cost-effective natural product, as an alternative to expensive synthetic surfactants. The extract is derived from an abundant plant source and can be produced at lower cost while maintaining effective foam generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The licorice root extract provides multiple functions: it generates foam for mist suppression, acts as a natural surfactant, and can be easily integrated into existing electrowinning processes without requiring complex delivery systems or specialized handling equipment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If licorice extract is used alone, then environmental friendliness is improved, but acid mist suppression effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite system by combining licorice root extract with synthetic surfactants, achieving synergistic effects that enhance acid mist suppression effectiveness while maintaining better environmental compatibility than synthetic surfactants alone. The combination leverages the advantages of both natural and synthetic components.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If foaming additives are used to blanket gas bubbles, then acid mist production is suppressed, but solution surface coverage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface tension parameters of the electrolyte solution by introducing licorice root extract, which modifies the foam formation characteristics. This allows effective acid mist suppression with appropriate foam stability and surface coverage at optimized extract concentrations.
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
Licorice extracts, when combined with surfactants, demonstrate synergistic acid mist suppression, effectively reducing mist levels by up to 99% and providing a stable foam layer across the electrolyte surface.
Implementation Method 1
Surfactants are known to reduce surface tension of aqueous solutions and, in some cases, provide foam having various surface coverage, thickness, and stability.
Implementation Method 2
additives capable of producing a stable layer of foam on the surface of the electrolyte solution can mitigate acid mist production. Foaming additives work to suppress acid mist by blanketing the breaking gas bubbles under a foam layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of acid mist suppression in copper electrowinning is described. In various embodiments, at least one liquid licorice root extract, powdered licorice root extract, or reconstituted licorice extract is added in an amount sufficient to the acidic electrolyte solution of the copper electrowinning process to suppress acid mist from the acidic electrolyte solution during the copper electrowinning process. In various embodiments, combinations of licorice extract and surfactant show synergies in acid mist suppression during copper electrowinning.