Silica Agglomeration Composition for Hydrometallurgical Stream Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing colloidal silica in hydrometallurgical process streams are ineffective, as flocculants alone fail to remove fine silica particles, and high molecular weight polyethylene glycols are expensive and not readily available, while lower molecular weight options have limited solubility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A silica agglomeration composition comprising a reaction product of glycerine and alkylene oxide, dissolved in water at a weight ratio of 54% or higher, is used to coagulate silica particles, forming agglomerated particles that can be removed through filtering or settling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high molecular weight linear polyethylene glycol is used for silica coagulation, then coagulation effectiveness is improved, but cost and availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polyethylene glycol from high (1 million) to lower ranges (7,000 to 102,000), achieving effective silica coagulation at more affordable molecular weights that are commercially available and easier to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive high molecular weight polyethylene glycol with cheaper lower molecular weight alternatives that are commercially available, reducing cost while maintaining coagulation effectiveness
2Ease of manufacture
If lower molecular weight polyethylene glycol is used, then cost and availability improve, but solubility and coagulation efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter to specific ranges (7,000 to 102,000) where both solubility and coagulation efficiency are adequate, balancing cost-effectiveness with performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite formulations combining lower molecular weight polyethylene glycol with other coagulants or additives to enhance coagulation efficiency while maintaining cost advantages
3Device complexity
If flocculant alone is used for silica removal, then process simplicity is improved, but removal effectiveness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges polyethylene glycol coagulation with flocculant processes, where PEG first coagulates colloidal silica and then flocculants aggregate the coagulated particles, achieving effective removal while maintaining relative process simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies polyethylene glycol as a preliminary coagulation step before flocculation, preparing the colloidal silica particles for subsequent effective removal by flocculants and filtration
4Reliability
If membrane filter of appropriate fineness is used, then silica particle removal effectiveness is improved, but processing time and expense worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coagulation and flocculation as preliminary actions before filtration, aggregating fine silica particles into larger clumps that can be removed by less restrictive filters, reducing processing time while maintaining removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local aggregation of silica particles through coagulation and flocculation, concentrating particles into removable clumps rather than attempting to filter individual fine particles, enabling faster processing
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 silica agglomeration composition effectively coagulates and removes colloidal silica, reducing downstream processing issues and improving solubility and handling costs compared to traditional polyethylene glycol methods.
Implementation Method 1
Linear polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules can be used for coagulation and agglomeration of colloidal silica particles in hydrometallurgical process streams
Implementation Method 2
forming agglomerated particles that can be removed through filtering or settling
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of chemical compounds, compositions and processes. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions having a high-loading capacity in an aqueous medium and to compositions, processes and uses thereof as silica coagulants in hydrometallurgical process streams.