Solvent Extraction Pretreatment for Faster Phase Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solvent extraction processes face challenges with prolonged phase disengagement times and the accumulation of solids known as 'crud', which affect efficiency and increase operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The methods involve contacting the aqueous phase with a phase disengagement agent before or after mixing with the organic phase, and using a crud reducing agent to remove silica from the aqueous phase, facilitating faster separation and reducing crud formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If solvent extraction is performed without crud removal, then the process is simpler and requires fewer steps, but phase disengagement time increases and crud accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing crud (silica) from the aqueous phase before the solvent extraction process begins. This pre-treatment step prevents crud accumulation during extraction, thereby reducing phase disengagement time without adding complexity during the main extraction operation. The crud removal is performed upstream, so the extraction equipment operates with clean phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful component (crud/silica) from the aqueous phase before extraction. By removing the crud that causes emulsion stability and phase disengagement issues, the system achieves faster separation without complicating the extraction equipment itself. The crud is taken out in a separate pre-treatment step.
2Reliability
If crud is removed frequently from the settler, then phase separation improves, but plant shutdown time increases and operational losses rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs crud removal as a preliminary action before extraction begins, rather than as a maintenance task during operation. This upfront removal prevents crud accumulation that would otherwise require shutdowns for cleaning. The system is prepared in advance to maintain reliable phase separation throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary treatment step (crud removal) that separates the harmful crud from the aqueous phase before extraction. This intermediary step prevents crud from interfering with phase separation during operation, eliminating the need for shutdowns to remove crud and maintaining continuous productivity.
3Productivity
If silica is present in the aqueous phase, then the process requires fewer treatment steps, but emulsion stability increases and phase disengagement is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts removes silica (crud) from the aqueous phase before extraction. By taking out the silica that stabilizes emulsions, the system achieves faster phase disengagement and improved throughput without compromising the extraction process. The emulsion stability issue is eliminated by removing the stabilizing agent (silica).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of silica (emulsion stabilization that delays separation) into a benefit by removing it beforehand. The silica that would otherwise cause problems is eliminated in a pre-treatment step, transforming a potential source of delays into an opportunity for streamlined operation with faster phase disengagement.
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 approach reduces phase disengagement times and eliminates or minimizes crud, leading to lower environmental impact and operational costs, while enhancing plant capacity utilization.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the aqueous phase and a phase disengagement agent (i) before the contacting of the aqueous phase and the organic phase, or (ii) after the contacting of the aqueous phase and the organic phase; and separating the aqueous phase and the organic phase
Implementation Method 2
contacting the aqueous phase and a crud reducing agent; and removing at least a portion of the first amount of silica from the aqueous phase
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of solvent extraction are provided, including methods that exhibit improved phase disengagement times or reduced crud. The methods may include contacting an aqueous phase with a phase disengagement agent. The phase disengagement agent may improve a phase disengagement time. The methods may include contacting an aqueous phase with a crud reducing agent.