TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Next-Generation Sustainable Water Treatment: Acid Recovery Through DME-Driven Water Extraction (DME-WE)

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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Next-Generation Sustainable Water Treatment: Acid Recovery Through DME-Driven Water Extraction (DME-WE)

An innovative water treatment technology that uses pressure-enhanced fractional crystallization to recover salts and achieve zero liquid discharge, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

Overview: Industrial processes often use hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, which can result in high costs for purchasing reagents and treating wastewater. Traditional hydrometallurgical processes involve expensive and reagent-intensive neutralization steps. This new, solvent based water treatment method developed at INL has minimizes waste generation and provides a cost-effective solution for acid recovery across a range of industrial applications.

Description: This innovative process, known as Dimethyl Ether driven Water Extraction (DME-WE), selectively removes water and acid from industrial process waters. This increases the pH and enables the precipitation of individual solutes. Unlike traditional methods, DME-WE does not require base neutralization, which helps conserve materials and reduce costs. The technology can concentrate salts and regenerate acids for reuse in different industrial processes. It is applicable to various sectors, such as mineral processing, biomass production, and oil refining.

[RMB1] [MOU2]

Benefits:

• Cost Reduction: Significantly lowers expenses related to reagent purchase and wastewater treatment.


• Efficiency: Streamlines acid recovery and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with chemical processes.


• Environmental Sustainability: Reduces wastewater discharge and conserves resources.


• Cost-Effectiveness: Recapturing acids can save hundreds of dollars per m³ treated.[RB3]


• Versatility: Applicable across multiple industries, from mineral processing to biomass production.

Applications:

• Hydrometallurgical Processes: Mineral and phosphate production, refining operations.


• Chemical Industry: For processes involving acid-based cleaning and other acid-utilizing reactions.


• Wastewater Treatment: In industrial settings where acidic process water needs treatment.


• Remote Industrial Operations: Where transportation of reagents is costly.

Development Status: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5: Laboratory/bench scale, validated in a relevant environment.

Partner with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for Access to Pioneering Technology and Mutual Growth

Managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, INL offers unique opportunities for businesses to access and license advanced technology. Our agreements are tailored to provide flexibility and affordability, particularly supporting small businesses in their growth and innovation endeavors. By licensing our intellectual property, you not only gain access to groundbreaking technology but also contribute to economic development and public welfare. We invite you to explore our technology portfolio, designed to give your organization a competitive edge in the market. Learn more about our licensing opportunities and the support we provide at: https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment. For specific discussions on how your business can benefit, please contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.

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