K-technologies, Inc.

Ocp Sa

Thomas E Baroody

William Wes Berry

Driss Dhiba

Mounir El Mahdi

James M Crawford

In alternative embodiments, provided are methods and processes for the removal of cadmium (Cd) from wet-process phosphoric acid that may contain Cd, including excessive amounts of Cd. The process developed is based on the application of commercially available ion exchange resins with the application of Continuous Ion Exchange (CIX) technology. In alternative embodiments, provided are processes and methods for the recovery and/or the removal of cadmium from wet-process phosphoric acid using a continuous ion exchange approach. In alternative embodiments, use of processes and methods as provided herein allows for the reduction of cadmium metal contaminants with minimal phosphate losses and dilution in order to produce a phosphoric acid that is suitable for the production of fertilizers and phosphoric acid products, such as world-class diammonium phosphate fertilizer (DAP), merchant-grade phosphoric acid, super-phosphoric acid, and other phosphoric acid products.

Processes for the removal and recovery of cadmium from wet-process phosphoric acid

In alternative embodiments, the invention provides processes and methods for the recovery, removal or extracting of, and subsequent purification of uranium from a wet-process phosphoric acid using a continuous ion exchange processing approach, where the uranium is recovered from a phosphoric acid, or a phos-acid feedstock using either a dual or a single stage extraction methodology. In both cases an intermediate ammonium uranyl-tricarbonate solution is formed. In alternative embodiments, in the dual cycle approach, this solution is contacted in a second continuous ion exchange system with a strong anion exchange resin then subsequently recovered as an acidic uranyl solution that is further treated to produce an intermediate uranyl peroxide compound which is ultimately calcined to produce the final uranium oxide product. In alternative embodiments, in the single cycle case, the intermediate ammonium uranyl-tricarbonate solution is evaporated to decompose the ammonium carbonate and produce an intermediate uranium carbonate/oxide solid material. These solids are digested in an acid medium, and then processed in the same manner as the secondary regeneration solution from the dual cycle process to produce an intermediate uranyl peroxide that is calcined to produce a final uranium oxide product.

Processes for the recovery of uranium from wet-process phosphoric acid using dual or single cycle continuous ion exchange approaches

In alternative embodiments, the invention provides processes and methods for extracting and recovering rare earth materials from a wet-process phosphoric acid using one or more continuous ion exchange resin systems. In alternative embodiments, the method is particularly suited for use in extracting and recovering multiple rare earth materials present in low concentrations contained in wet-process phosphoric acid.

Processes for rare earths recovery from wet-process phosphoric acid

Processes for the recovery of uranium from industrial phosphoric acid using dual or single cycle continuous ion exchange approaches

In particular, in alternative embodiments, the invention provides for a method to recover silicofluoride and phosphate species from wastewaters, or barometric condenser waters, that are typically utilized in wet-process phosphoric acid facilities. The species are recovered via a continuous ion exchange approach that allows for economic recovery of the materials and especially with the silicofluoride component allows for the production of valuable industrial materials such as hydrofluoric acid and other fluoride salts as well as industrial-grade precipitated silica materials. Return of the treated waste water to the phos-acid plant allows for optimization of reagent usage.

Processes for the recovery of fluoride and silica products and phosphoric acid from wet-process phosphoric acid facilities and contaminated waste waters

In alternative embodiments, the invention provides processes and methods for the recovery or the removal of the so-called 'Minor Elements' consisting of iron, aluminum and magnesium (expressed as oxides), from wet-process phosphoric acid using a continuous ion exchange approach. In alternative embodiments, use of processes and methods of the invention allows for the reduction of these Minor Elements with minimal phosphate losses and dilution in order to produce a phosphoric acid that is suitable for the production of fertilizer products such as world-class diammonium phosphate (DAP), merchant-grade phosphoric acid, superphosphoric acid, and other phosphoric acid products. Further, use of the invention would allow the use of lower grade phosphate rock or ore, which would greatly expand the potential phosphate rock reserve base for phosphate mining activities, and allow for better overall utilization of resources from a given developed mine site.

Processes for the removal and recovery of minor elements in wet-process phosphoric acid

A method for producing potassium carbonate using a continuous countercurrent exchange system. A continuous ion exchange system with resin in the ammonium form is flushed with a saturated potassium chloride solution which displaces the ammonium ion and replaces it with potassium. Ammonium carbonate is then passed through the ion exchanger to place the ammonium in the reserve form, by displacing the potassium, and produce a concentrated potassium carbonate solution. This process is done in a continuous countercurrent manner which allows maximum recovery of the potassium carbonate as a 15-18% by weight solution with minimum impurities, and at high throughput rates. The potassium carbonate solution is then removed, evaporated, dried, sized and stored for subsequent shipment. The ammonium chloride from the ion exchanger is treated with slaked lime to produce ammonium hydroxide, which in turn is reacted with carbon dioxide (from calcined limestone or an outside source) to regenerate ammonium carbonate for reuse in the ion exchanger. Calcium chloride is a co-product of the overall reaction.

Growing community of inventors

Lakeland, FL, United States of America

Thomas E Baroody