Tanja Ðekic Zivkovic

Title: Tanja Ðekic Zivkovic: Innovator in Carboxylic Acid Extraction

Introduction

Tanja Ðekic Zivkovic is a notable inventor located in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. With a total of four patents to her name, she has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the extraction of carboxylic acids.

Latest Patents

Among her latest patents is a groundbreaking method for isolating a carboxylic acid from an aqueous solution. This innovative process involves several key steps: firstly, an aqueous mixture containing carboxylic acid and a minimum of 5 wt. % dissolved magnesium chloride is subjected to a forward extraction step using a selected organic solvent from the group of C5+ ketones. This results in an organic carboxylic acid solution alongside aqueous waste containing magnesium chloride. Subsequently, the organic carboxylic acid solution undergoes a back extraction process to yield an aqueous carboxylic acid solution. Lastly, the remaining aqueous waste liquid undergoes thermal decomposition at temperatures exceeding 300°C to break down magnesium chloride into magnesium oxide and HCl.

In addition to the aforementioned patent, Tanja has developed a method for recovering polycarboxylic acid from an aqueous mixture. This method entails providing an aqueous solution that includes polycarboxylic acid and at least 5 wt. % dissolved halide salt, and then extracting the acid into a first organic liquid composed of ketones and ethers. The resulting organic solution is further treated to obtain an aqueous polycarboxylic acid solution. This method allows for a combined purification and concentration step, providing an efficient means of processing polycarboxylic acids.

Career Highlights

Tanja is currently employed at Purac Biochem Bv, where she has been pivotal in advancing the company's capabilities in the chemical processing field. Her focus on effective extraction methods aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Tanja has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as André Banier De Haan and Jan Van Krieken. Together, they contribute to innovative projects aimed at enhancing chemical extraction processes and improving overall product quality.

Conclusion

Tanja Ðekic Zivkovic stands out as a prominent inventor in the realm of carboxylic acid extraction. Her latest patents demonstrate her commitment to developing methodologies that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering and collaborative efforts with notable professionals, Tanja continues to drive innovation in her field.