Utilization of Brines Using Liquid Glass

Abstract

Highly concentrated salt solutions (brines) formed during mining, seawater desalination and industrial processes pose a serious environmental problem. Traditional disposal methods, such as discharge into water bodies or injection into underground formations, are expensive and environmentally unsafe. In this regard, the search for alternative methods of processing brines to obtain useful products is becoming relevant. The paper examines the possibility of utilizing brines using liquid glass (sodium and potassium silicates) and studying the properties of the resulting reaction products. Liquid glass solutions with different moduli were used for the experiments. The brine was passed through a layer of liquid glass, which led to the formation of gel-like flakes. The solid phase was separated from the liquid, after which its composition was analyzed using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy. The processes of hydrolysis, polymerization and formation of porous structures were also studied. It has been established that the interaction of liquid glass with brines results in the formation of poorly soluble silicate materials with a developed porous structure. These materials demonstrate high adsorption capacity with respect to NaCl ions and other impurities. It has been shown that the properties of the resulting products depend on the type of silicate (sodium or potassium), its concentration and reaction conditions. The resulting solid phases can be used in the construction industry. The study confirms the scientific novelty of the proposed method for the utilization of brines, which allows not only to reduce the environmental load, but also to obtain useful materials. The results of the work open up prospects for the practical application of silicate products formed as a result of brine treatment with liquid glass in industry.