Reducing aluminosilicate scale in the bayer process

US8889096B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Nalco Company LLC · US

Inventors

• Timothy La · Fremantle, AU
• John D. Kildea · Mandurah, AU
• Kevin O'Brien · Westport, US
• Everett C. Phillips · Batavia, US
• Kailas B. Sawant · Mars, US
• David H. Slinkman · Lombard, US
• Frederick J. Swiecinski · Algonquin, US
• Ji Cui · Bolingbrook, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 25, 2011
• Grant date: Nov 18, 2014
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01F7/47
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention provides a method of inhibiting the accumulation of DSP scale in the liquor circuit of Bayer process equipment. The method includes adding one or more particular silane based small molecules to the liquor fluid circuit. These scale inhibitors reduce DSP scale formation and thereby increase fluid throughput, increase the amount of time Bayer process equipment can be operational and reduce the need for expensive and dangerous acid washes of Bayer process equipment. As a result, the invention provides a significant reduction in the total cost of operating a Bayer process.