Selective Extraction of Sedimentogenic Strontium and Barium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing Sr/Ba ratios in terrigenous elastic sediments are inadequate for distinguishing between marine and continental sedimentary environments due to the interference of non-sedimentogenic Sr and Ba, which are not effectively separated from sedimentogenic components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the collection and low-temperature baking of sediments, followed by crushing to 100-mesh size and treatment with an acetic acid or acetic acid-acetate solution to selectively extract sedimentogenic Sr and Ba, allowing for accurate measurement and calculation of the Sr/Ba ratio using ICP-OES or ICP-MS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If whole-rock chemical analysis or bulk sample analysis is used to measure Sr and Ba in terrigenous elastic sediments, then the total amounts of Sr and Ba can be determined, but the results cannot distinguish between sedimentogenic Sr and Ba and non-sedimentogenic Sr and Ba, leading to unsatisfactory discrimination of marine or continental sedimentary environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total Sr and Ba content into two distinct components: sedimentogenic Sr and Ba (from elastic minerals reflecting source region geology) and non-sedimentogenic Sr and Ba (from other sources). This segmentation is achieved through selective extraction using acetic acid or acetic acid-acetate buffer solutions, which specifically target and extract the sedimentogenic fraction while leaving non-sedimentogenic components in the residue. The extracted and non-extracted fractions are then analyzed separately to obtain distinct Sr/Ba ratios that can discriminate between marine and continental sedimentary environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies extraction by selectively removing the sedimentogenic Sr and Ba fraction from the total sample using acetic acid or acetic acid-acetate buffer solutions. This extraction process separates the sedimentogenic component (which reflects marine or continental sedimentary environment) from the non-sedimentogenic component (which reflects source region characteristics). The extracted fraction is then analyzed to obtain the sedimentogenic Sr/Ba ratio, providing accurate environmental discrimination.
2Measurement precision
If conventional acid digestion or fusion methods are used, then complete dissolution of all elements is achieved, but the sedimentogenic Sr and Ba cannot be selectively extracted from non-sedimentogenic sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction solution by using acetic acid or acetic acid-acetate buffer solutions with specific pH values (3-6, preferably 4-5) and controlled acetic acid concentrations (5-50%, preferably 10-30%). These parameter changes create optimal conditions for selective extraction of sedimentogenic Sr and Ba while minimizing dissolution of non-sedimentogenic components. The buffered solution maintains stable pH during extraction, enhancing selectivity and reproducibility.
3Reliability
If the Sr/Ba ratio from whole-rock analysis is used to distinguish marine or continental sedimentary environments, then the analysis is simple, but the discrimination results are unsatisfactory due to interference from non-sedimentogenic Sr and Ba
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary selective extraction of sedimentogenic Sr and Ba using acetic acid or acetic acid-acetate buffer solutions before the final measurement. This preliminary action separates the sedimentogenic fraction from non-sedimentogenic components, ensuring that the subsequent Sr/Ba ratio measurement reflects only the sedimentary environment signal. The preliminary extraction step, while adding a process step, significantly improves the reliability of environmental discrimination by eliminating interference from non-sedimentogenic sources.
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 enhances the resolution and accuracy of distinguishing between marine and continental sedimentary environments by isolating sedimentogenic Sr and Ba, reducing interference from non-sedimentogenic sources, and providing a clear signal for environmental discrimination.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a portion of the sample in a solution containing acetic acid or acetic acid-acetate
Implementation Method 2
the sample is baked at a low temperature and then crushed to a grain size no larger than 100-mesh
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selectively extracting sedimentogenic strontium and barium from terrigenous elastic sediments to reflect the difference between marine and continental sedimentary environments is disclosed. The method comprises collecting loose sediment, removing visible biogenic clasts, baking the sample and crushing the sample to a grain size no larger than 100-mesh. The method further comprises weighing the sample, reacting the sample in acetic acid or acetic acid-acetate solution, stirring or oscillating the sample at room temperature and normal pressure, separating the solid and liquid after reaction and analyzing strontium and barium in the supernatant. The gained Sr/Ba ratio of the supernatant reflects whether the sediments were deposited in a marine or a continental sedimentary environment.