Method for production of aluminum chloride derivatives

Abstract

Aluminum chlorohydrate products comprise particles of aluminum chlorohydrate in fractured crystal form, the particles having a basicity in the range of 0% to about 85.6%, and a surface area to weight ratio of about 295 to about 705 m.sup.2/kg, inclusive of both endpoints and all numerical values therebetween, where the ratio is measured by laser diffraction. Methods of producing such products are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for producing aluminum chloride hydrate particles of a desired basicity, said method comprising: applying a heated gas stream to a circular mill to establish and maintain a circulating gas stream within the mill at an operating temperature in a range of between 200 F. and 400 F.; feeding aluminum chloride hexahydrate crystals into the circular mill, wherein aluminum chlorohydrate particles are formed and the resulting particles are separated based on particle density, the particles having a basicity that is a function of the operating temperature; and collecting dried aluminum chlorohydrate particles as the particles exit the circular mill.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dried particles collected from the mill have a basicity range of 0 to 85.6%.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating temperature is in the range of between 220 and 240 F.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the collected dried particles comprise Al.sub.2Cl.sub.6 and have a basicity of 0 to 5%.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating temperature is in the range of between 260 and 280 F.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the collected dried particles comprise Al.sub.2(OH)Cl.sub.5 and have a basicity of 14 to 18%.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating temperature is in the range of between 300 and 310 F.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the collected dried particles comprise Al.sub.2(OH).sub.2Cl.sub.4 and have a basicity of 31 to 35%.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating temperature is in the range of between 340 and 350 F.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the collected dried particles comprise Al.sub.2(OH).sub.3Cl.sub.3 and have a basicity of 38 to 52%.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating temperature is in the range of between 350 and 360 F.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the collected dried particles comprise Al.sub.2(OH).sub.4Cl.sub.2 and have a basicity of 64 to 68%.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating temperature is in the range of between 380 and 400 F.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the collected dried particles comprise Al.sub.2(OH).sub.5Cl and have a basicity of 81 to 85%.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the gas stream comprises ambient air and steam.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said dried particles have a bulk density of 40 to 65 pounds per cubic foot.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the collected dried particles have a surface area of greater than about 300 square meters per kilogram and less than about 700 meters per kilogram, as measured by laser diffraction.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the collected dried particles have a surface area of greater than 500 square meters per kilogram and less than 600 meters per kilogram, as measured by laser diffraction.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the collected dried particles have a mean particle size in the range of about 10 microns to about 15 microns.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for the production of aluminum chloride of various basicities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a one embodiment of a system for the production of aluminum chloride hydrates of various basicities in accordance with the method of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a graph (A) showing results of particle size distribution analysis of aluminum chloride particles produced by milling (first peak), spray drying (second peak), or using a fluid bed dryer (third peak). Also shown is a table (B) showing numerical values of the particle size distributions. The aluminum chloride particles produced by milling were produced in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and have a basicity of about 83%. The particles produced by spray drying were produced by prior art methods. Similarly the particles produced using a fluid bed dryer were produced by prior art methods.

(5) FIG. 4 shows results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the prior art aluminum chloride particles produced by spray drying (which particles are also a subject of FIG. 3), the SEM picture including particle size markings.

(6) FIG. 5 shows results of scanning electron microscopy of the prior art aluminum chloride particles produced in a fluid bed dryer (FBD) (which particles are also a subject of FIG. 3), the SEM picture including particle size markings.

(7) FIG. 6 shows results of scanning electron microscopy of the aluminum chloride particles produced by milling according to an embodiment of the present invention (which particles are also a subject of FIG. 3), the SEM picture including particle size markings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

(8) Definitions. As used in this description and the accompanying claims, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context otherwise requires:

(9) Polyaluminum Chlorides: Polyaluminum chlorides are products of aluminum chloride hydroxide, AlCl(OH).sub.2, AlCl.sub.2 (OH), and Al.sub.2 Cl(OH).sub.5. A representative formula is: Al.sub.2Cl.sub.6-n(OH).sub.n, where n=2.7 to 5 for products formed via the process disclosed herein. It is thought that, when these products are diluted, polymeric species such as: Al.sub.13O.sub.4 OH).sub.24 (H.sub..2O)12+7Cl are formed.

(10) Basic Aluminum Chlorides: These are compounds having the formula: Al.sub.2(OH).sub.n (Cl).sub.6-n where n is greater than zero and less than or equal to 1.5. It is believed that solutions of these compounds contain: Al(H.sub.2O).sub.6+3Cl; Al.sub.2(OH).sub.2 (H.sub.2O).sub.8+4Cl; and Al(OH)(H.sub.2O).sub.5+2Cl.

(11) Aluminum Salt Concentration of Reaction Products: The concentration of aluminum salt stated as present in a reaction product refers to the amount of aluminum oxide that would have been necessary to make the product. Thus, products are described as having a certain percentage of Al.sub.2O.sub.3 even though the aluminum oxide may not actually be present in the product. This is common practice in the art and allows products to be compared based upon their chemistry.

(12) Laser diffraction: Laser diffraction is a method of determining, among other things, surface area per unit of weight, using optical diffraction as described in ISO 13320:2009 Particle Size AnalysisLaser Diffraction Methods.

(13) Basicity: Aluminum chloride has the general chemical formula of Al.sub.n(OH).sub.mCl.sub.3n-m. Basicity is the ratio of

(14) $\frac{m}{3n}$
where m is less than or equal to 5.2.

(15) The invention summarized above may be better understood by referring to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims listed below. The description embodiments, set out below to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

(16) An optimized method for the production of aluminum chloride hexahydrate crystals is shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 1, and includes the following steps: (1) Evaporation/Crystallization 200, (2) Crystal recovery 220, (3) Crystal drying and/or decomposition 230, and (4) Crystal Collection and Processing 240.

(17) (1) Evaporation/Crystallization 200

(18) Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, crystals are created from an aluminum chloride solution, with evaporation of unwanted water with heat in the general range of 230-250 degrees Fahrenheit. One method of performing the evaporation/crystallization step 200 is in a batch system.

(19) In an embodiment, a standard commercially available aluminum chloride solution at a concentration of 10.7% Al.sub.2O.sub.3 or 28.0% Al.sub.2Cl.sub.6 is charged to an agitated process tank. The solution is circulated through an external heat exchanger where process steam is used to raise the temperature of the solution to near boiling (between 230 F. and 235 F.). The heated liquid is drawn through a venturi and back into the process tank where vacuum from an induced draft fan causes localized boiling and evaporation of water from the system. The removal of water from the solution causes the concentration of aluminum chloride to increase to the saturation point of 12.4% Al.sub.2O.sub.3 or 32.4% Al.sub.2Cl.sub.6. When the solution concentration exceeds the saturation concentration, aluminum chloride hexahydrate (HEX) crystals begin to form. This process is continued until the volume of crystals in the recirculating solution exceeds 30 percent by volume.

(20) Once the 30 percent by volume crystal concentration is reached, the steam flow is stopped and the solution is transferred into an agitated collection tank where it is cooled to between 160 F. and 180 F. to allow the crystals to mature and grow in size to nominally between 30 and 40 Tyler mesh. This step facilitates removal of the mother liquor from the crystals in the recovery step that feeds the crystal recovery step. The evaporator system is re-charged with aluminum chloride solution and the process is repeated.

(21) (2) Crystal Recovery 220

(22) In the second step 220 of one preferred embodiment of the process, the aluminum chloride solution containing the HEX crystals is fed to a plate and frame filter where the crystals are separated from the solution. The solution is returned to the aluminum chloride storage tank that feeds the evaporator system. Once the filter chambers are full of crystal, the mother liquor contained in the cake is blown out of the crystal cake using compressed dry air at between 10 to 20 PSIG. The crystals are then discharged from the filter are collected in a feed hopper equipped with a variable rate feeder.

(23) (3) Crystal Drying and/or Decomposition230

(24) In a third step of the process 230, the variable rate feeder discharges de-agglomerated aggregates into a flash energy drying/grinding mill 540. The drying/grinding mill 540 is a circular tube. In some embodiments the tube is elongated as shown in FIG. 2, however, it is contemplated that other circular shapes may be utilized, but in all applications of this technology a system that applies centrifugal or gravitation forces to induce particle separation based on density is required.

(25) The drying/grinding mill 540 has an intake 585 through which the HEX from step 2 is introduced. The feed rate is varied to maintain a constant exit temperature from the mill. This is important since basicity of the product is a time and temperature dependent reaction and is based on the amount of energy that can be absorbed by the HEX. Since the contact time inside the mill is short and consistent (5-10 seconds), maintaining the exit temperature of the mill 540 coupled with the gas supply temperature assists in producing the desired product.

(26) Variations in free moisture of the feed to the mill affect the production rate of the product produced. As moisture increases, more energy is consumed to evaporate the moisture. With less energy present, the feed to the mill needs to be adjusted so that the ratio of dry HEX to energy absorbed is maintained to perform the decomposition reaction.

(27) Because of the short residence time the feed is exposed to the thermal energy inside the mill, constant adjustments to the feed rate must be made to adjust for any variability of the feed stock, in order to maintain a constant exit temperature from the system. This is accomplished by use of a feedback control loop with the mill exit temperature 546 being the control variable, and the speed of the feeder 550 being the control element. Typical product basicity in association with the mill 540 exit temperature of each product is shown below in Table 1.

(28) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Mill Operating Temperature Ranges for Various Products Temperature Operating Range* Product Percent Basic Degrees Fahrenheit Al.sub.2Cl.sub.6 0 to 5 220 to 240 Al.sub.2(OH)Cl.sub.5 14 to 18 260 to 280 Al.sub.2(OH).sub.2Cl.sub.4 31 to 35 300 to 310 Al.sub.2(OH).sub.3Cl.sub.3 48 to 52 340 to 350 Al.sub.2(OH).sub.4Cl.sub.2 64 to 68 350 to 360 Al.sub.2(OH).sub.5Cl 81 to 85 380 to 400 *Dependent on gas supply temperature to mill

(29) The energy is applied convectively in the mill and comes from heated air and/or superheated steam through tangential nozzle(s) 542, 543, 544. The addition of steam to the supply gas was found to increase the production rate. In an embodiment, a portion of the air can be replaced with a condensable gas to ease the volume of HCl-laden gas on the recovery system. In a preferred embodiment, however, steam is used. This mixture is supplied to the mill between 400 F. and 1,200 F. and produces velocities inside the mill of between 3000 and 6000 feet per minute.

(30) As the particles of HEX dry and/or decompose, they lose bulk density due to the removal of water and HCl from the particle, making the crystal lattice more porous. It is this porosity on the surface of the particle that causes the internal portion of the particle to be insulated from the applied heat and thus resist decomposition. Collisions with other particles in the mill and impingement against the walls of the mill prevent the crystals from agglomerating as the particles circulate around the inside of the mill. Such collisions and movement also serve to scour finished product from the surface of the particles exposing wetter and/or less decomposed material to the energy in the system. Such exposure presents a distinct and unexpected advantage over prior known processes and makes the present process more beneficial over other known methods of manufacturing the desired products. Without this scouring and/or grinding in the mill, the outer surface of the particle will become over-decomposed, while the interior remains under-decomposed. Over-decomposed products become insoluble and thus useless products and/or produce highly viscous solutions that are difficult to use or perform poorly in product applications.

(31) Decomposition processes as described here and in prior art will produce dilute acid solutions during production or when cleaning equipment. An important aspect of the products produced by the process described herein is that these products can be made at higher than 83% basicity. The high basicity product can be diluted with the above acidic solutions produced by decomposition, and still generate a liquid ACH with a basicity above 83%. To our knowledge, this is not possible with any prior known product, as material produced at an above average of 83% basicity will contain over-decomposed product in the exterior of the particle and under-decomposed material in the center. This will generate insoluble material that is extremely difficult to filter and result in loss of raw materials.

(32) Currently commercial products of dry ACH are made by reacting aluminum chloride, basic aluminum chloride or hydrochloric acid with metallic aluminum. This generates a 50% solution of ACH which is then spray dried. This is an energy intensive process for all the water must be evaporated and production of metallic aluminum is energy intensive as well. The product of this spray drying process is spherical crystals of aluminum chlorohydrate dihydrate of which 90 percent are less than 71 microns. See FIG. 3. Laser Light Diffraction has determined that these products have a specific surface area of less than 100 square meters per kilogram. The small specific surface area may be limiting in the usefulness of the product as a dry chemical reactant. The two waters of hydration also prohibit the use as a dry reactant in that the ACH dihydrate dissolves rapidly in cold water.

(33) Products of the earlier Fluid Bed Dryer Technology also have small specific surface areas of less than 100 square meters per kilogram. They are long crystalline cylinders which 90 percent of the material is less than 369 microns. See FIG. 4. These products contain less than two waters of hydration but lack the specific surface area for good reactivity as dry reactant. The small surface area may cause longer reaction times which may be problematic in some reactions.

(34) The products of this invention are fractured crystals of which 90 percent are less than 17 microns. A specifically unique feature of these products is the large surface area of the particles formed. See FIG. 6. The specific surface area of these products, at 83% basicity, based on laser diffraction analysis, is in the range of about 575 to about 700 square meters per kilogram. Since more water and hydrochloric acid are released from the hexahydrate crystal as basicity increases, it can be demonstrated that the lower basicity products would have a smaller surface area than the higher basicity products. Table 2 below demonstrates what can be expected.

(35) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 % Basic Versus Surface Area Percent Basic Operating Temperature F. Surface Area (m.sup.2/kg) 50% 345 295 72% 365 452 83% 395 607 85% 400 705

(36) If appropriate conditions are not maintained, the average of the decompositions may be the desired value, but the standard deviation will be wide producing a product that may not have the desired properties or stability. The centrifugal forces inside the mill cause the material inside to separate based on particle density. The more dense material (wetter/less decomposed) will migrate to the outer radius of the mill and away from the mill discharge 590 and are retained longer, while the less dense (drier/more decomposed) travel towards the inner radius of the mill and exit the system through the mill discharge 590 as the desired product. The decomposition releases water and hydrogen chloride in gas form from the particles as they decompose.

(37) The waters of hydration will vary with the basicity of the product produced. Material of about 70% basicity have two waters of hydration, 83% basicity has about half a water of hydration and the product becomes totally anhydrous at over 85% basicity. Commercially available ACH (83% basicity) has two waters of hydration.

(38) (4) Crystal Collection and Processing

(39) In a final step 240 crystals of the appropriate basicity are collected and processed. The product exits from the mill discharge 590 and also contains hydrogen chloride and water in a gaseous form. Primary separation is performed by a cyclone separator 570. The discharged material from the cyclone will still contain hydrogen chloride gas and water vapor. Before these components have an opportunity to condense and be absorbed by the product they are stripped from the system by passing air through the product in a fluidized bed or by operating the cyclone under vacuum conditions. Once the product is separated from the gas stream it is conveyed to a storage bin. Once in the storage bin the product is either packaged as is or sent to additional processing to produce a liquid product.

(40) One advantage over this process over previous designs with Fluid Bed Dryer (FBD) technology is the heavier bulk density of the product. The heavier bulk density allows for less storage bin space and will require less volume when shipped. The bulk density of ACH made from this process can range from 55 to 60 pounds per cubic foot while material from a FBD system can range 18 to 25 pounds per cubic foot.

System Components

(41) In one embodiment, a system for the production of aluminum chlorides of various basicities is shown in FIG. 2. In the system, aluminum chloride hexahydrate crystals are put in a variable rate crystal feeder 550. The variable rate crystal feeder is connected to the grinding mill 540 by a conduit 501 that attaches to the mill's intake 585. Air, steam, or gas is supplied to the grinding mill 540. Ambient air is provided through an air supply blower 520 that is connected to an air heater 530. Steam is supplied through a steam supply source and a steam flow meter 510 measures the initial flow of steam into the system. Steam supply flow is controlled by a steam flow control valve 511. Steam or gas and ambient air are mixed and delivered to mixed gas supply header 541. Mixed air pressure and temperature are measured at the blower and heater through a mixed supply pressure meter 531 and a mixed gas supply temperature meter 532.

(42) Mixed air is then divided into a number of mixed gas feed nozzles, 543, 543, 544. It is contemplated that the number of nozzles may vary depending on the size of the grinding mill 540. The product exits the mill 540 at the mill discharge 590 which connects to a product conveying line 560. Exit temperature and pressure are measured at the mill discharge 590 or product conveying line 560 by a grinding mill exit pressure meter 545 and a grinding mill exit temperature meter 546.

(43) The product conveying line 560 delivers the product to the air/solid separating cyclone 570. The air/solid separating cyclone 570 is connected to a system induced draft fan 580. The system induced draft fan 580 assists in recovering excess air, water, and HCl. The air/solid separating cyclone 570 deposits dry aluminum chloride product to the product air lock 572 and the product can then be collected.

(44) Commercially available ACH is made by elemental digestion of aluminum in HCl or aluminum chloride solutions. The dried product is then commonly made by spray drying ACH solutions, which is an expensive process. When using such a system, it is advantageous to process particles of less than 100 microns in order to prevent clogging of aerosol sprayers. The aluminum chlorohydrate products produced as described herein are produced in a manner that eliminates the expensive spray drying step, yet yields small particles with a high surface area and at desired basicity.

(45) The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in any appended claims.

(46) The published patents and applications, and other published documents referenced in this description are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.