Non-Salt Polyether Amine Silica Agglomeration in Mineral Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing silica from mineral processing streams are inefficient due to the fine particle size of colloidal silica, which passes through conventional filters, increasing process times and costs, and existing compositions using quaternary amines can have adverse effects in hard water systems and reverse agglomeration.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a non-salt polyether amine and a polyalkylene glycol is used to agglomerate silica particles, with the non-salt polyether amine acting as a co-coagulant to promote initial agglomeration, differing from quaternary amines that function as flocculants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters are used to remove silica particles, then filtration is performed, but the fine colloidal silica particles pass through the filters and process times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding coagulation agents (polyalkylene glycol and non-salt polyether amine) to the mineral processing stream before filtration. These agents cause colloidal silica particles to agglomerate into larger particles that can be effectively captured by conventional filters, thus preparing the particles in advance for successful filtration and avoiding the need for extended process times or specialized filter media.
2Reliability
If quaternary amines are used to agglomerate silica particles, then silica removal is achieved, but the process fails in hard water systems and may redisperse agglomerated particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by substituting quaternary amines with non-salt polyether amines that have different chemical properties. The non-salt polyether amine maintains effective silica agglomeration across various water conditions including hard water, without causing redispersion. This chemical parameter substitution resolves the contradiction between agglomeration effectiveness and adaptability to different water compositions.
3Reliability
If high molecular weight polyalkylene glycols are used to remove silica by agglomeration, then silica removal is achieved, but the materials are not readily available and are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining polyalkylene glycol with non-salt polyether amine in a synergistic formulation. This combination allows the use of lower molecular weight polyalkylene glycols (which are more readily available and less expensive) while achieving effective silica agglomeration through the cooperative action of both components, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and ease of manufacture.
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
The composition effectively agglomerates silica particles, improving their size and facilitating removal from aqueous mineral process streams, reducing process times and costs, and maintaining effectiveness in various water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a non-salt polyether amine and a polyalkylene glycol... to agglomerate silica particles... the non-salt polyether amine acting as a co-coagulant to promote initial agglomeration
Data Source
AI summary
This idea relates to the use of polyalkylene glycols and non-salt polyether amines to improve the effectiveness of silica removal by coagulation and agglomeration of colloidal silica particles in aqueous mineral process streams.