Multi-column sequenced separation for hydrometallurgical metal derivatives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current metal separation processes in hydrometallurgy require excessive amounts of resin, water, and regenerant, making them economically and environmentally unsustainable, especially in desert mining regions, and lack the capability for continuous processing cycles.

Innovation Solution

A multi-column sequential separation process with a fixed bed of selective resin, utilizing a series of zones with controlled fluid flow and periodic movement of fronts to optimize resin and water usage, allowing for simultaneous or staggered steps like adsorption, rinsing, and desorption, and incorporating a circulation loop to manage fluid distribution efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional continuous chromatography processes (SMB) are used, then complete continuity of circulation is achieved, but a very significant number of columns are required and the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuity of circulationVSAvoidnumber of columns

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chromatographic system is divided into multiple discrete columns (first column, second column, third column, etc.), each capable of performing different operations (adsorption, rinsing, regeneration) at different times. This segmentation allows the system to achieve continuous processing while using a manageable number of columns by cycling through different operational modes in each column over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic switching of fluid connections between columns, where the mobile phase is directed to different columns at different time intervals. This periodic action enables continuous overall processing while each individual column operates in discrete cycles of adsorption, rinsing, and regeneration, reducing the total number of columns needed compared to traditional SMB systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If batch processes are used with optimal rates for fixing and desorption kinetics, then separation quality is improved, but processing capacity and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation qualityVSAvoidprocessing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous processing by having multiple columns operating in different phases of the cycle simultaneously. While one column is in adsorption mode, another is in rinsing mode, and a third is in regeneration mode. This continuous cycling through different operational stages maintains high productivity while preserving separation quality through controlled kinetic conditions in each stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary adsorption in the first column before the mobile phase is switched to the second column for rinsing and regeneration. This preliminary action ensures that the separation process is already underway with optimal kinetics established, while subsequent columns prepare for their respective operations, maintaining both quality and continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional processes are used, then separation is achieved, but excessive quantities of water and regenerant are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidwater and regenerant consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system recovers and reuses the mobile phase by cycling it through multiple columns in sequence. The fluid that exits one column is directed to another column, allowing the water and regenerant to be reused multiple times before final discharge. This recovery approach significantly reduces the total consumption of water and regenerant while maintaining separation effectiveness through controlled contact with the stationary phase in each column.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 process reduces the consumption of resin and water, enhances processing capacity, and enables more economically and environmentally friendly metal derivative separation, achieving high yields while minimizing ecological impact.

Implementation Method 1

The ionic metal derivative injected into the liquid phase establishes one or several interactions of various natures with the stationary phase as is the case in ion exchange chromatography

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

each sequence comprising at least one step chosen from an adsorption step, a rinsing step, a desorption step

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentUS7959812B2Multi-column sequenced separation process for separating an ionic metal derivative

Publication Date: 2011.06.14 NOVASEP PROCESS SOLUTIONS

AI summary

The subject of the present disclosure is a multi-column sequenced separation process and a drive for implementing this process. The disclosure applies particularly to the separation of metal derivatives such as uranium, nickel, copper, cobalt and other precious metals present in leaching effluents in hydrometallurgical processes.