Semipermeable Membrane Device for Microbial Metal Ion Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of acidophilic microorganisms for metal extraction from primary and secondary raw materials with high carbonate content or organic bitumen-like materials is inefficient due to suboptimal environmental conditions, leading to complex separation processes and the formation of biofilms or passivation layers, which reduce yield.
Innovation Solution
A device with a semipermeable membrane separates microorganisms from raw materials, using heterotrophic microorganisms to release complexing agents like organic acids, allowing spatial separation and preventing biofilm formation, enabling the biohydrometallurgical recovery of metals without additional sulfur and iron compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If acidophilic microorganisms are used for metal extraction from raw materials with high carbonate content or organic bitumen-like materials, then metal extraction can be performed, but the extraction efficiency is reduced due to suboptimal environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (organic acid or complexing agent) that mediates between the microorganisms and the raw materials. This intermediary enables metal extraction from difficult substrates by facilitating metal ion release without requiring the microorganisms to directly interact with or adapt to the challenging raw material composition, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and adaptability.
2Productivity
If microorganisms are used for metal extraction, then metal ions can be mobilized, but complex separation processes are required to separate metals from biomass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional component (organic acid or complexing agent) from the microorganism system and applies it directly to the raw materials. This eliminates the need for living microorganisms and their associated biomass, thereby simplifying the separation process while maintaining metal ion mobilization effectiveness.
3Productivity
If microorganisms are used for metal extraction, then metal ions can be released, but biofilms and passivation layers form on the material surface, reducing yield
Solution Approach 1:
The organic acid or complexing agent acts as an intermediary that performs the metal ion release function without forming biofilms or passivation layers. This intermediary substance achieves the desired metal extraction while avoiding the harmful side effects associated with direct microorganism-material contact.
4Productivity
If additional sulfur and iron compounds are added to enhance bioleaching, then metal extraction can be improved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs organic acids or complexing agents that naturally occur or can be produced through simple biological processes, eliminating the need for additional sulfur and iron compound additions. The system achieves enhanced metal extraction through the inherent properties of the organic acid/complexing agent without requiring complex supplemental chemistry.
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 effectively mobilizes divalent and trivalent metal ions from non-sulfide ores, reducing the complexity and cost of the process while preventing biofilm formation and passivation, allowing for efficient separation of metals from resources with toxic ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a semipermeable membrane separates microorganisms from raw materials
Implementation Method 2
using heterotrophic microorganisms to release complexing agents like organic acids
Implementation Method 3
release complexing agents like organic acids, allowing spatial separation and preventing biofilm formation, enabling the biohydrometallurgical recovery of metals
Implementation Method 4
This method effectively mobilizes divalent and trivalent metal ions from non-sulfide ores
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and to a method for obtaining metals from primary and secondary raw materials based on utilizing organic acids and other microbial metabolites. 2- and/or 3-valent metal ions are obtained from primary and/or secondary raw materials by means of a device having two compartments. The first compartment contains a heterogeneous mixture of one or a plurality of primary and/or secondary raw materials with an aqueous solution. The second compartment is separated from the first compartment by a membrane and contains micro-organisms, or a culture supernatant, or one or more complexing agents.