Rare Earth Ore Decomposition Device with Bidirectional Propeller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing rare earth concentrate ores result in radioactive pollution, waste of thorium, and difficulty in recycling fluorine and sulfur, with calcination and acidolysis processes being either non-continuous or environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A device with a bidirectional propeller and heat preservation chamber for continuously decomposing rare earth concentrate ore, using concentrated sulfuric acid at low temperatures to enhance decomposition efficiency and facilitate continuous production, while managing heat and steam generation to improve reaction rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature calcination process is used to decompose rare earth concentrate ore, then decomposition efficiency is improved, but radioactive pollution is generated and thorium is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature calcination to low temperature acidolysis process, using concentrated sulfuric acid at temperatures below 100°C to decompose the rare earth ore, thereby avoiding the formation of radioactive thorium pyrophosphate while maintaining effective decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful high temperature process into a beneficial low temperature process by using chemical energy from acid-sulfate reactions to achieve decomposition without thermal energy, thereby eliminating radioactive pollution while maintaining decomposition efficiency
2Productivity
If continuous calcination process is used for processing, then large scale production is achieved, but exhaust gas containing fluorine and sulfur cannot be recycled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by recycling the exhaust gas containing fluorine and sulfur back into the process system, where these gases are absorbed and reused as reagents in the acidolysis process, closing the material loop and preventing loss of valuable substances
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the exhaust gas as waste, the patent recovers the fluorine and sulfur compounds by absorbing them into the liquid phase, where they are regenerated and reused, thereby converting a waste stream into a valuable resource
3Ease of manufacture
If acidolysis process is used to process bastnasite ore, then cost is reduced, but the process cannot be performed in a continuous manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acidolysis process into distinct functional zones within a continuous reactor system, including reaction zones, separation zones, and recycling zones, allowing different stages of the low-cost acidolysis process to occur simultaneously in a continuous flow configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by implementing continuous circulation of reactants and products through the system, with flowing slurry and recirculating liquid phases that enable the batch acidolysis chemistry to occur continuously, maintaining low cost while achieving continuous production
4Device complexity
If thorium and fluorine are not recycled from slag and wastewater, then processing simplicity is maintained, but environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waste treatment function with the main processing function by integrating thorium and fluorine recovery operations into the acidolysis process flow, where waste streams are combined with fresh reagents and processed together, adding pollution control capability without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary absorption liquid as a mediator between the solid slag/waste water and the final product streams, where this liquid phase absorbs and transports thorium and fluorine compounds, facilitating their recovery while maintaining relatively simple processing equipment
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 device efficiently and continuously decomposes rare earth concentrate ore, significantly increasing decomposition rates and ensuring continuous production while minimizing environmental pollution by effectively managing thorium and fluorine recycling.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional propeller provided in the body and extending along a length direction of the body, including: a rotating shaft including a first shaft section and a second shaft section, a first spiral blade disposed on the first shaft section of the rotating shaft, and a second spiral blade disposed on the second shaft section of the rotating shaft
Implementation Method 2
a heat preservation chamber provided inside a side wall of the body, in which the material inlet is located in the middle of the top of the body
Implementation Method 3
an existing industrial method for processing such an ore is a calcination process with concentrated sulfuric acid
Implementation Method 4
The device efficiently and continuously decomposes rare earth concentrate ore, significantly increasing decomposition rates
Implementation Method 5
one of the two liquid inlets is located at a first side of the material inlet and the other one of the two liquid inlets is located at a second side of the material inlet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for continuously decomposing a rare earth concentrate ore. The device includes a body, a bidirectional propeller and a driving assembly. The body has a material inlet, two liquid inlets and two exhaust gas outlets disposed at the top of the body, two material outlets disposed at the bottom of the body and a heat preservation chamber provided inside a side wall of the body. The bidirectional propeller is provided in the body and extends along a length direction of the body. The driving assembly is connected to the rotating shaft.