Chemical process development of Sorel cement from seawater bitterns using
TRIZ methodology by
Charles W. Lipp, Lake Innovation LLC, Lake Jackson, Tx USA
Musad Ranna, MCC Bangladesh, Bogra, Bangledesh, India
Abstract:
The primary goal of the project was to develop a replacement with a lower carbon dioxide footprint than Portland cement for use in building construction in Bangledesh. The MCC process concentrates and purifies the bitterns to produce a magnesium chloride solution that is dehydrochlorinated to produce magnesium oxide. The TRIZ toolbox proved invaluable in accelerating the development of a magnesium oxide process. Analysis of the proven spray reactor technology identified complications. After the initial chemical reactor concept was radically changed, it was demonstrated with pilot plant testing. Analysis shows this process has a significantly smaller carbon dioxide footprint than Portland cement. Functional analysis proved to be a critical tool along with others in TRIZ tools.
Charles W. Lipp is a Principle Consultant at Lake Innovation, LLC. He was a Technical Leader in the Engineering and Process Development department of The Dow Chemical Company. During his career at Dow Chemical, he developed technology for process mixing, atomization, and coal gasification. His expertise areas include process scale-up, static mixing, agitated tank mixing, tank jet mixing, two phase flow, Excel VBA based engineering design tools, and systematic problem solving (TRIZ). This has resulted in numerous patents and technical presentations. He authored the Sprays article for Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology 5th ed, a Chemical Engineering Magazine article in 2008 and taught the Atomization and Spray Technology short course for the University of Wisconsin Center for Professional Development. He serves as a Board of Directors member for ILASS Americas (Institute for Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems) and a member of AIChE.
