Rare Earth Oxide Reduction Using Induction Heating and Cold Traps
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a more efficient process to generate elemental rare earths from rare earth oxides.
Innovation Solution
A rare earth purification apparatus and method that involves dissociating rare earth oxide and hydrogen gas in a reaction chamber by inductively heating to greater than 2000° K, removing water vapor through condensation and freezing on a cold trap surface, and monitoring the reaction process to control the generation of rare earth and water using a control system for continuous/semi-continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to generate rare earths from rare earth oxides, then the process is established and reliable, but the efficiency and cost-effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical reaction conditions, specifically using a carbon monoxide-based reduction process at controlled temperatures (700-900°C) instead of conventional methods. This changes the reaction parameters to achieve both higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness in rare earth metal production from oxides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the carbon monoxide reduction process, where carbon monoxide gas reacts with rare earth oxides to produce rare earth metals and carbon dioxide gas. The controlled thermal phases enable efficient conversion while managing operational costs
2Productivity
If the reaction process is monitored continuously for control, then the generation of rare earth and water is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the reaction process between rare earth oxides and carbon monoxide, measuring parameters such as temperature, gas flow, and reaction progress. This feedback enables continuous optimization of rare earth metal generation while maintaining manageable system complexity through controlled measurement and adjustment
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 process effectively extracts rare earth elements from oxides at a cost lower than the differential price, achieving a cost-effective generation of elemental rare earths.
Implementation Method 1
dissociating the rare earth oxide and hydrogen gas in a reaction chamber by inductively heating the reaction chamber to greater than 2000° K
Implementation Method 2
removing the water vapor from the reaction chamber by condensing and freezing the water vapor on a first cold trap surface
Implementation Method 3
condensing and freezing the water vapor on a first cold trap surface as water ice
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for generating a rare earth from a rare earth oxide, comprising the steps of: (1) dissociating the rare earth oxide and hydrogen gas in a reaction chamber by inductively heating the reaction chamber to greater than 2000° K to form the associated rare earth and water vapor in a reaction process; (2) driving the reaction process forward by removing the water vapor from the reaction chamber by condensing and freezing the water vapor on a first cold trap surface as water ice, where the reaction comprises: RE2O3+3H2→2RE+3H2O, where REO is a rare earth oxide and RE comprises a rare earth in the rare earth oxide; and/or (3) monitoring the reaction process by monitoring generation of at least one of the rare earth and the water in a control system designed for continuous/semi-continuous operation.