Approach in controlling DSP scale in bayer process
US8029752B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC01F7/47
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention provides a method of controlling silica in the liquor circuit of the Bayer process. The method involves addition of a promoter material to enhance the precipitation of DSP and includes adding one or more silica dispersion materials or dry silica forms to those parts of the circuit where precipitation of DSP and removal of silica from solution is desirable; for example the desilication stage of a Bayer process plant. The removal of DSP from solution reduces silica concentration in the liquor and thereby enables better control of process issues such as silica contamination in alumina product and DSP formation in later stages of the process where precipitation as scale onto vessel walls and equipment is problematical. As a result, the invention provides a significant reduction in the total cost of operating a Bayer process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.