Tributyl Phosphate Purification Using High-Silica Zeolite Adsorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods are inadequate for efficiently removing n-butanol, dibutyl phosphate, and odor components from tributyl phosphate, which affect the quality and performance of tributyl phosphate in applications such as extraction solvents for rare metals and nuclear fuel reprocessing.

Innovation Solution

Using a hydrophobic aluminosilicate compound with a molar ratio of silica to alumina (SiO2/Al2O3) of 10 or more, such as ZSM-5 or beta-type zeolites, to adsorb and remove impurities from tributyl phosphate, followed by mixing with a hydrocarbon diluent to produce an extractant with low impurity content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional purification methods (alkaline washing, adsorbent treatment) are used to remove dibutyl phosphate, then some dibutyl phosphate is removed, but the removal efficiency is insufficient and product purity is not achieved at satisfactory levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurity of tributyl phosphateVSAvoidremoval efficiency of dibutyl phosphate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter of the aluminosilicate compound - specifically using high-silica aluminosilicate with SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 10 or more (preferably 40-300), which fundamentally alters the adsorption properties and enables effective removal of dibutyl phosphate while maintaining tributyl phosphate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the porous structure of high-silica aluminosilicate compounds to selectively adsorb dibutyl phosphate impurities from the tributyl phosphate solution, achieving effective separation through the material's pore structure and surface properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Manufacturing precision

If vacuum distillation is used to remove n-butanol, then n-butanol can be removed, but alkyl phosphates undergo thermal decomposition when heat is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurity of tributyl phosphateVSAvoidstability of tributyl phosphate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal/mechanical separation method (vacuum distillation requiring heat application) with a chemical adsorption method using high-silica aluminosilicate, eliminating the need for high temperature and preventing thermal decomposition of tributyl phosphate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces high-silica aluminosilicate as an intermediary substance that selectively binds to n-butanol impurities, enabling their removal without directly applying heat to the tributyl phosphate that would cause decomposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If general zeolite or activated carbon is used for impurity removal, then some impurities are adsorbed, but the removal efficiency of n-butanol, dibutyl phosphate and odor components is not sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurity of tributyl phosphateVSAvoidremoval efficiency of impurities

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the composition parameter of the adsorbent by using high-silica aluminosilicate with SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 10 or more, which provides superior adsorption performance for multiple impurity types compared to conventional adsorbents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs high-silica aluminosilicate compounds (such as ZSM-5 or beta-type zeolites) that combine specific silicon-to-aluminum ratios with porous structures, creating a composite material with optimized properties for simultaneous removal of n-butanol, dibutyl phosphate, and odor components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 method effectively reduces impurities like n-butanol and dibutyl phosphate to concentrations below 0.02% and 0.01% by mass, respectively, producing highly purified tributyl phosphate suitable for use as an extractant in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

bringing crude tributyl phosphate into contact with a hydrophobic aluminosilicate compound having a molar ratio of silica to alumina (SiO2/Al2O3) in the zeolite framework of 10 or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4588923A1Method for producing tributyl phosphate, purified tributyl phosphate obtained thereby, and extractant using same

Publication Date: 2025.07.23 REFINE HLDG CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a method for efficiently removing the butanol, dibutyl phosphate, etc., contained as impurities in tributyl phosphate. The technique of the disclosure is a method for producing tributyl phosphate characterized by having a step that brings crude tributyl phosphate into contact with an aluminosilicate compound in which the molar ratio (SiO2/Al2O3) of silica and alumina in the zeolite framework is 10 or more. Also disclosed is a method for producing an extractant that contains tributyl phosphate and, as a diluent, C6 or higher hydrocarbon, wherein the tributyl phosphate is mixed with the diluent after the impurities contained in the component have been removed by contact with an aluminosilicate compound in which the molar ratio of silica and alumina in the zeolite framework is 10 or more.