Tributyl Phosphate Purification Using High-Silica Zeolite Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing tributyl phosphate are inadequate in removing impurities such as n-butanol, dibutyl phosphate, and odor components, which affect the quality and efficiency of tributyl phosphate used as an extractant in applications like nuclear fuel reprocessing and solvent extraction.
Innovation Solution
Using a hydrophobic aluminosilicate compound with a molar ratio of silica to alumina (SiO2/Al2O3) of 10 or more, particularly ZSM-5 or beta-type zeolites, to adsorb and remove impurities from tributyl phosphate, followed by mixing with a hydrocarbon diluent to enhance purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vacuum distillation is used to remove n-butanol, then removal efficiency is improved, but thermal decomposition of alkyl phosphates occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the purification parameter from thermal-based (vacuum distillation) to adsorption-based (contacting with crystalline hydrous aluminosilicate). This parameter change allows removal of n-butanol at lower temperatures, avoiding thermal decomposition while achieving high purity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces crystalline hydrous aluminosilicate as an intermediary substance that selectively adsorbs n-butanol from tributyl phosphate. This intermediary enables selective removal without direct thermal processing of the alkyl phosphate
2Ease of manufacture
If alkaline washing is used to remove dibutyl phosphate, then removal process is simple, but removal efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the removal mechanism from chemical reaction (alkaline washing) to physical adsorption (crystalline hydrous aluminosilicate). This parameter change enables effective removal of dibutyl phosphate while maintaining process simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses crystalline hydrous aluminosilicate with porous structure that selectively adsorbs dibutyl phosphate. The porous nature provides high surface area for adsorption, achieving effective removal without complex chemical processes
3Quantity of substance
If conventional zeolites are used to remove impurities, then adsorption capability is provided, but removal efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the zeolite parameter by using high-silica zeolites with SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 10 or more. This parameter change increases hydrophobicity and selective adsorption capability for n-butanol and dibutyl phosphate, achieving superior removal efficiency
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 achieves highly purified tributyl phosphate with impurity concentrations below 0.02% by mass for butanol and 0.01% by mass for dibutyl phosphate, suitable for use as an effective extractant in solvent extraction processes.
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
Data Source
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.