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Title: Magnetically enhanced phase separation for solvent extraction

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1568472

Briefly, the invention provides a method for magnetically assisting demulsification of extraction phases, the method having the steps of contacting a first solution of a first solvent and a solvated paramagnetic metal ion with a second solvent, where the second solvent is immiscible with the first solvent; mixing the first and second solutions to create an emulsion having a first phase of the first solvent and second phase comprising the second solvent where the phases of the emulsion contain different concentrations of the paramagnetic metal ion; and applying a magnetic field gradient to the first and second phases of the emulsion to accelerate separation of the first phase from the second phase. Also provided is a system for demulsifying phases used in the extraction of paramagnetic moieties from solution having a lumen with an interior region, an interior surface, and exterior surface; and a magnetic field gradient present within the interior region.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
Assignee:
UChicago Argonne, LLC (Chicago, IL)
Patent Number(s):
10,322,417
Application Number:
14/789,108
OSTI ID:
1568472
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 07/01/2015
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (9)

Method and apparatus for breaking emulsions of immiscible liquids by magnetostatic coalescence patent February 1999
Push button switch with sliding contact member patent June 1987
Reagents for magnetizing nonmagnetic materials patent May 1989
Magnetic solvent extraction patent August 1991
Method for measuring stress levels in polymeric compositions patent July 2004
Lignosulfonate composition and process for its preparation patent April 1977
Material interface changing method patent March 1998
Method and apparatus for ink drop trajectory control patent September 1998
Magnetized drive fluids patent April 1986