Production of silicate solutions and their uses
AssigneeTotal Alchemy Solutions, LLC
InventorsPaul W. Fairchild, Scott Blue
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An aqueous orthosilicate solution comprising m[SiO44−]+nX1+ in an aqueous solution wherein X is an alkali metal cation selected from the group consisting of sodium or potassium; and wherein n is four to five times greater than m. The aqueous orthosilicate solution is made by adding silicon particles of less than about 3 cm and water to a pressure vessel followed by adding a molar excess of alkali caustic to the pressure vessel containing the silicon particles. The temperature in the vessel is maintained not to exceed about 190° F. while an aqueous orthosilicate solution is formed. Upon cooling the formed aqueous orthosilicate solution is recovery. Aluminum or CuO can be added during the initial heating.
Claims8
A method for making an orthosilicate solution, which comprises the steps of:
- (a) first, adding pure elemental silicon particles and water to a pressure reaction vessel comprising a pressure relief valve, wherein the silicon particles are added to the pressure reaction vessel in two size types comprising:
- (1) 0 to 10% rock having a size up to 2 to 3 centimeters, and (2) 90% to 100% fine powder with sizes ranging from 100 mesh to at least two millimeters;
- (b) subsequently adding a molar excess of alkali caustic to the pressure reaction vessel containing the silicon particles to initiate a chemical reaction, wherein rate of addition of alkali caustic is 5% to 10% of a total weight amount of substances in the reaction pressure vessel per 1 to 5 minutes;
- (c) closing the pressure reaction vessel upon completion of the addition of alkali caustic to the pressure reaction vessel and allowing the temperature within the pressure reaction vessel to rise as a result of the chemical reaction without the application of external heat to a temperature ranging from 160° F. to 190° F.;
- (d) controlling and maintaining the pressure in the pressure reaction vessel to be below 50 pounds per square inch (psi) through use of the pressure release valve to allow hydrogen gas (H2) and water vapor to escape;
- (e) controlling and maintaining the temperature in the pressure reaction vessel to not exceed about 190° F. over a period of time that is four hours or less while an aqueous orthosilicate solution is formed, wherein all of the silicon within the pressure reaction vessel is reacted to form the aqueous orthosilicate solution;
- and,
- (f) cooling the formed aqueous orthosilicate solution for its recovery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.