The symbiosis of science and engineering: when challenges become solutions

Scientists at the National Center on Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials of the Republic of Kazakhstan have developed an effective solution for the selective extraction of rhenium from process solutions containing organic impurities. A key feature of these solutions is their production from recycled materials, which significantly complicates the processing process.

As Associate Professor Feruza Berdikulova notes, traditional, expensive ion-exchange resins extract the rare metal along with organic impurities. As a result, the sorbents quickly become saturated, reducing their effectiveness.

As an alternative, Kazakh scientists have proposed a unique composition of carbon sorbents of mineral and plant origin. The development has been successfully tested in a pilot plant using a cascade of sorption columns connected in series.

Testing on solutions from copper production lead cake leaching with rhenium contents ranging from 40 to 460 mg/dm³ and organic impurities ranging from 46 to 760 mg/dm³ confirmed the high efficiency of the technology. The recovery rate of the target metal exceeded 90%, while selective separation of rhenium and organic compounds was achieved.

According to project leader Professor Svetlana Efremova, the key advantage of the development is its integrated approach. Recycled resources are used at all stages of the process chain – from the production of rhenium-containing solutions to the manufacture of finished products. Moreover, some of the waste possesses the necessary functional properties and is used without additional processing, significantly reducing costs.

Byproducts also have practical applications. For example, the silicate solution formed during the production of the active carbon sorbent can be used as an alternative to commercial liquid glass, which is used in the manufacture of high-temperature materials.

According to Professor Baimakhan Satbaev, the developed composition allows for the production of lightweight materials with high thermal stability, capable of withstanding numerous heating and cooling cycles. Tests conducted at the furnace section of the Zh. Abishev Chemical and Metallurgical Institute under the supervision of Professor Alibek Baisanov confirmed the material's potential for use as an internal lining and thermal insulation layer.

Young researchers Nurgali Shalabayev and Askhat Kablanbekov, who are preparing to defend their PhD dissertations, are playing a key role in the project's implementation. The development has also received international recognition: its results have been presented in scientific publications and at international conferences.

The scientists' practical experience demonstrates that the symbiosis of science and engineering enables effective solutions to pressing challenges – from waste recycling to reducing dependence on imported materials—while simultaneously achieving economic and environmental benefits.

Source: www.gov.kz/memleket