Taurine Production Using Ammonium Salts to Eliminate Corrosive Acids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing taurine using gaseous sulfur dioxide result in a foul smell and involve the use of corrosive acids, posing safety risks and generating undesirable byproducts.
Innovation Solution
The process employs ammonium salts, such as ammonium bisulfite or ammonium sulfite, to react with alkali taurinate, regenerating alkali bisulfite and alkali sulfite, and subsequently using these to produce taurine without foreign acids or bases, thereby avoiding foul smells and safety hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gaseous sulfur dioxide is used to neutralize alkali taurinate, then taurine can be produced, but the final product acquires a foul smell and corrosive substances are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces carbon dioxide as an intermediary substance to replace the direct use of gaseous sulfur dioxide. Carbon dioxide reacts with alkali hydroxide to form carbonic acid, which then reacts with alkali taurinate to produce taurine. This intermediary approach avoids the direct contact between sulfur dioxide and taurine, eliminating the foul smell while maintaining the neutralization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the neutralizing agent from sulfur dioxide (corrosive, foul-smelling gas) to carbon dioxide (non-corrosive, odorless gas). This parameter change transforms the harmful factors into benign properties, allowing the same chemical function (acid neutralization) to be performed without the adverse effects.
2Productivity
If sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid is used to neutralize alkali taurinate, then taurine can be obtained, but corrosive substances damage process equipment and pose safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the neutralizing agent from strong mineral acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid) to a weak carbonic acid system. This parameter change eliminates the corrosiveness and safety hazards associated with strong acids while maintaining the ability to neutralize alkali taurinate and produce taurine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon dioxide as an intermediary to generate carbonic acid in situ, which then performs the neutralization function. This intermediary approach avoids the need to handle and store corrosive strong acids, thereby improving process safety and equipment reliability.
3Productivity
If conventional neutralization methods are used, then taurine can be produced, but undesirable inorganic salt byproducts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the anion component of the neutralizing agent from sulfate (from sulfuric acid) or chloride (from hydrochloric acid) to carbonate/bicarbonate (from carbon dioxide). This parameter change results in the formation of potassium carbonate or bicarbonate instead of undesirable inorganic salts, reducing waste and improving product purity.
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 increases taurine yield, reduces waste, and eliminates the use of corrosive substances, resulting in a cost-effective and safer production process with a pharmaceutical-grade product free of foul odors.
Implementation Method 1
the reaction of alkali taurinates with an ammonium salt, preferably with ammonium bisulfite, ammonium sulfite, or their mixture to yield taurine and to regenerate a mixture of alkali bisulfite and alkali sulfite
Implementation Method 2
sulfur dioxide or sulthrous acid to neutralize alkali taurinate to regenerate alkali bisulfite according to the following reactions
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a process for preparing taurine from alkali taurinate or a mixture of alkali taurinate, alkali ditaurinate and alkali tritaurinate by reacting alkali taurinate with an ammonium salt to yield ammonium taurinate, which is decomposed by heating and removing ammonia to afford taurine. Suitable ammonium salt is selected from the group of ammonium sulfate, ammonium bisulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium bromide, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium carboxylate, ammonium alkyl sulfonate, ammonium aryl sulfonate, and a mixture of two or more thereof.