Multi-Element Recovery from Aqueous Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering elements from aqueous streams focus on isolating a single high-value element, neglecting the potential value of other elements, which can lead to suboptimal recovery strategies and increased costs, particularly for elements like radium that are considered waste due to radioactivity or toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to recover multiple elements from an aqueous stream, optimizing the process to minimize costs and maximize value by using techniques such as filtration, nanofiltration, ion-exchange, and crystallization, while also considering the use of renewable energy sources and machine learning for process design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-element recovery methods are used, then the recovery process is simple and cost-effective for high-value elements, but the overall value of recovered materials is maximized only for that single element while neglecting other elements with potential value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single integrated recovery system that can simultaneously extract multiple elements (lithium, bromine, radium, boron) from aqueous streams using one set of processing units, rather than requiring separate recovery processes for each element. This allows the system to serve multiple recovery functions while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple element recovery operations into a unified process flow where filtration, extraction, and separation steps are combined into a single integrated system. The recovered elements are separated into different streams (permeate and retentate) that can be processed simultaneously, combining multiple recovery functions into one cohesive operation.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple elements are recovered simultaneously, then the overall value of recovered materials increases, but the process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aqueous stream into different phases (permeate and retentate) through filtration, with each phase targeted for specific element recovery. Lithium and boron are recovered from the permeate while radium is recovered from the retentate, allowing simultaneous multi-element recovery through divided processing paths that manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary substances and processes such as selective resins, solvents, and membrane filters that facilitate the separation and recovery of different elements. These intermediaries enable selective extraction of specific elements from complex aqueous streams, managing the complexity of multi-element recovery through targeted intermediate steps.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If elements like radium are considered waste and disposed of, then disposal costs are incurred and environmental hazards remain, but the potential value of these elements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste element radium into a valuable recovered material by implementing specific recovery processes for radium from the retentate stream. Instead of disposing of radium as a hazardous waste requiring costly treatment, the system extracts and recovers it, transforming an environmental liability into an economic asset.
4Measurement precision
If traditional separation methods are used, then individual elements can be separated, but the recovery cost increases and the process becomes less economically viable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes such as adjusting pH levels, using selective resins with specific affinity characteristics, and controlling filtration parameters to optimize element separation. These parameter adjustments enable effective separation of multiple elements while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using simple, scalable processes rather than complex multi-step procedures.
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 approach allows for the simultaneous recovery of multiple elements, enhancing the overall value of the recovery operation and making previously unviable elements like radium economically extractable, thereby increasing the efficiency and profitability of the process.
Implementation Method 1
One example is filtration (including nanofiltration), in which an aqueous stream is passed through a filter or membrane
Implementation Method 2
Another technique of separating elements in an aqueous solution is liquid-liquid extraction. This process separates a solute from a solution by mixing with another liquid solvent
Implementation Method 3
In selective adsorption, one or more compounds of a mixture are adsorbed into a solid material
Implementation Method 4
In cation exchange, metal ions in a solution bind to functional groups in a stationary phase such as a resin. In this manner, other cations that were previously bound to the resin are displaced
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of extracting elements from an aqueous stream are described herein. The method includes designing a process to extract at least two elements from the aqueous product stream. The at least two elements have different commercial values. The process is optimized to minimize a cost of extracting the at least two elements and to maximize a value of extracting the at least two elements. The method further includes extracting the at least two elements according to the process.