Thermosensitive Ternary Extraction for Selective Tantalum Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating tantalum and niobium, which share similar physical and chemical properties, are inefficient due to high viscosity in solvent phases, low flash-points of extractants, and poor miscibility, necessitating a more effective and selective extraction process.
Innovation Solution
A thermosensitive ternary system comprising an aqueous acidic solution, an organic solvent not miscible with water, and a thermosensitive hydrotropic agent is used to create a biphasic structure for selective extraction of tantalum and optionally niobium, utilizing a pre-Ouzo zone with dynamic aggregates and ethoxy groups, allowing for efficient separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional binary mixture extraction is used for separating tantalum and niobium, then separation capability is achieved, but viscosity of solvent phase increases strongly and flash-point decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the extraction system by introducing a ternary mixture comprising a carboxylic acid extractant, a ketone co-extractant, and a specific diluent (cyclohexanone or cyclopentanone). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving effective Ta/Nb separation while maintaining acceptable flash-point and viscosity characteristics through the synergistic interaction of the three components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite extraction system by combining three different chemical compounds in specific proportions. The ternary mixture of carboxylic acid, ketone co-extractant, and cyclohexanone/cyclopentanone diluent forms a composite solvent system that achieves separation capability while mitigating the adverse effects of high viscosity and low flash-point associated with binary mixtures.
2Measurement precision
If conventional binary mixture extraction is used for separating tantalum and niobium, then separation capability is achieved, but miscibility of solvent components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the compositional parameters by selecting specific diluents (cyclohexanone or cyclopentanone) that are miscible with both the carboxylic acid extractant and ketone co-extractant. This parameter optimization ensures complete miscibility of all ternary mixture components while maintaining effective separation capability through the coordinated action of the three compounds.
3Ease of operation
If extraction process is simplified, then operational complexity decreases, but productivity and separation efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single ternary mixture system. The combination of carboxylic acid extractant, ketone co-extractant, and cyclohexanone/cyclopentanone diluent in one solvent system achieves both effective separation and acceptable operational characteristics, eliminating the need for complex multi-stage processes or multiple different solvents while maintaining high productivity.
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 process achieves high separation coefficients and efficient extraction of tantalum and niobium, even from complex ores and waste materials, with improved miscibility and reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
said ternary mixture of step i) is in a phase boundary pre-Ouzo zone, said pre-Ouzo zone being characterized as an ultra-flexible surfactant-free micro-emulsion comprising aggregates of about 20 to 300 molecules linked together in dynamic aggregates
Implementation Method 2
heating said ternary mixture at a second temperature T2 at which said mixture presents a biphasic structure consisting of an aqueous phase and an organic phase enriched in at least tantalum, wherein T2 is comprised between 40 and 75° C., is superior to the critical temperature of said ternary mixture
Implementation Method 3
said hydrophilic part of said hydrotropic agent comprises at least one ethoxy group
Data Source
AI summary
A process and an installation wherein a ternary system including an aqueous acidic solution, an organic solvent not miscible with water and a thermosensitive hydrotropic agent is used to selectively extract tantalum and optionally niobium by cycling extraction between low-temperature single-phase and high temperature two phase regions in the ternary phase prism far from the critical point.