Title of Process/ Know-how/ Product/Design/Equipment
A process of conversion and separation of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and KOH from spent water of isobutyl benzene (IBB) plant as (A) potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and potassium perchlorate, potassium chlorate or potassium bitartrate, sodium
Application/Uses/Problem being addressed
Potassium nitrate is one of the largest sources of non-chloride potassium fertilizer. It is more soluble than potassium sulphate and its use as a fully soluble fertilizer in applications such as fertigation. Potassium chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent that has a wide variety of uses. It has been a component of explosives, fireworks, safety matches, and disinfectants. Potassium perchlorate is used in explosives, flares, rocket propellants, photography, as a medication, and as an agent in automobile safety air bag. Sodium perchlorate is generally used in pyrotechnics. Potassium bitartrate is used as an additive, stabilizer, pH control agent, antimicrobial agent, processing aid, or thickener in various food product. Potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate are most important inorganic compounds used in industry.
Salient Technical Features including Competing Features/ Impact
Cost effective and simple process for various applications from waste generated during production of isobutyl benzene (IBB). The advantages are:
TRL Level & Scale of Development:
4 (for potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and potassium perchlorate, potassium chlorate or potassium bitartrate;
9 (for sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate); Commercial plant is operating at 2500 TPA K2CO3 and 500 TPA Na2CO3 plant capacity
Business scope & opportunity (in terms of scale, cost, market etc.):
Potassium chemicals are imported or produced using imported chemicals. Demand for potassium carbonate has remained in the range of 25,000-tonnes to 30,000-tonnes (2014). Considering the double-digit growth in the pharmaceutical industry and growth in the other segments, annual growth of 7% is anticipated.
Environmental Considerations:
Environmentally friendly and cost-effective process from the effluent generated during production of isobutyl benzene (IBB). IBB manufacturing process results in formation org aqueous stream containing sodium and potassium carbonate/hydroxide mixture due to catalyst destruction step. This stream is evaporated by industry where mixed salt of carbonates are sold or dumped at site. The process is an important tool for generating wealth from the waste with simultaneously abating pollution problems to bring benign environment
Status of Licensing:
Licensed technologyStatus of Commercialization:
Licensed technologyCommercialized; (separation of potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate). Commercial plant is operational
Major Raw Materials Needed
Nitric acid, perchloric acid, tartaric acid etc for potassium chemicals.
Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required
General Process equipment like reactors, filter press, dryer etc.
Techno-Economics
Economically feasible
Technology Package
Technology package is ready and would be provided to the party at the time of technology transfer. License fee and other financial details are available on request