Phosphoric Acid Purification via Phase Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying phosphoric acid from mixtures containing organic compounds and solvents, such as those derived from pulping processes, are inefficient and energy-intensive, as they fail to effectively remove organic impurities and polymers, leading to contamination and high energy costs in industrial biorefineries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the adjustment of the molar ratio of phosphoric acid to ether compounds with a secondary carbon atom attached to an alkoxy group, followed by heating to induce phase separation, allowing for the separation of a light organic phase and a heavy complex layer containing purified phosphoric acid, which can be further processed for recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional purification methods are used to remove organic impurities from phosphoric acid, then phosphoric acid can be recovered, but the process is energy-intensive and fails to effectively remove organic compounds and polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase separation between aqueous and organic phases to purify phosphoric acid. By adjusting pH and adding a water-miscible organic solvent, the system transitions from a homogeneous mixture to separated phases, enabling efficient removal of organic impurities without energy-intensive distillation or evaporation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water-miscible organic solvent as an intermediary substance that facilitates phase separation. This solvent acts as a mediator between the aqueous phosphoric acid phase and organic impurities, enabling selective partitioning and removal of contaminants while maintaining phosphoric acid purity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple purification steps are implemented to remove diverse impurities, then phosphoric acid purity improves, but the process complexity and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single purification step that simultaneously addresses multiple types of impurities (monomeric and polymeric organic compounds, solvents, and inorganic contaminants) through one phase separation process, eliminating the need for multiple specialized purification steps
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional extraction methods are used, then some organic solvents can be removed, but they fail to effectively handle diverse organic impurities and polymers from pulping processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the phosphoric acid solution to control the distribution of organic impurities between aqueous and organic phases. By adjusting pH to specific ranges, the method optimizes the partitioning behavior to effectively remove diverse organic compounds and polymers while maintaining phosphoric acid recovery efficiency
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 significantly improves energy efficiency by enabling the recovery of high-purity phosphoric acid from complex mixtures, integrating seamlessly with subsequent hydrolysis, precipitation, and fermentation steps, and allows for the reuse of ether compounds, reducing waste and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
heating to induce phase separation, allowing for the separation of a light organic phase and a heavy complex layer containing purified phosphoric acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for purifying phosphoric acid from a mixture which comprises organic compounds and water. In particular the present invention relates to a method for purifying phosphoric acid from a pulping slurry, containing or consisting of phosphoric acid, one or more organic compounds and water, comprising or consisting of the following steps:i) providing a mixture containing or consisting of phosphoric acid, one or more substance(s) S having at least one secondary carbon atom attached to an alkoxy group, one or more (further) organic compounds and water, andadjusting (if necessary) the molar ratio of phosphoric acid to the total of one or more substance(s) S, having at least one secondary carbon atom attached to an alkoxy group, in the mixture to be in the range of from 1:0.4 to 1:10, preferably to be in the range of approximately 1:0.6 to 1:4, especially preferably to be approximately 1:0.85 to 1:2,ii) heating the mixture to 25° C. or more until phase separation occurs,iii) removing the light phase, andiv) separating the phosphoric acid from the heavy phase.