New Applications for Carnallite

ABSTRACT

Carnallite, a mineral with composition KClMgCl₂·6H₂O, is typically used to produce potash (KCl), but is also sometimes used to produce magnesium and bath salts. The Seeker is seeking new uses and applications for carnallite outside of potash, fertilizer, magnesium metal, or cosmetics and bath salts.

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

 

OVERVIEW

Carnallite is found in evaporite deposits or formed with the evaporation of brines. In pure form it consists of roughly 27% potassium, 33% magnesium chloride, and 40% water with the molecular formula KClMgCl₂·6H₂O. The composition of the raw material is not well defined due to the presence of halite (NaCl) and other impurities such as ammonium, calcium, and trace amounts of other elements. The primary use of carnallite is in the production of potash (KCl) with the remaining magnesium chloride used as a deicer. It can also be used to produce magnesium metal and, after special processing, bathing salt. The Seeker is interested in new uses and applications for carnallite that potentially provide greater value in return than the current use to produce potash.

This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

• There is a guaranteed award.  The award(s) will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $15,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $2,500.

• The Solvers are not required to transfer exclusive intellectual property rights to the Seeker.  Rather, by submitting a proposal, the Solver grants to the Seeker a royalty-free, perpetual, and non-exclusive license to use any information included in this proposal, including for promotional purposes.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 24-Mar-2022.
Late submissions will not be considered.

After the Challenge deadline, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the Winning Solution(s). All Solvers that submit a proposal will be notified on the status of their submissions; however, no detailed evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.

 

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an InnoCentive Ideation™ Challenge?

An InnoCentive Ideation™ Challenge is a broad question formulated to obtain access to new ideas, similar to a global brainstorm for producing a breakthrough idea or market survey which may include ideas for a new product line, a new commercial application for a current product, or even a viral marketing idea to recruit new customers. Ideation™ Challenge submissions are typically about two written pages, and Seekers receive a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use all submissions.

In an Ideation™ Challenge, Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own
• Submit third party information that they have the right to use and further the authority to convey that right and the right to use and develop derivative works to Seekers
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use

Solvers should not reveal any confidential information in their submissions. Often the Ideation™ Challenge will be followed by one or more of the other three Challenge types to further develop the ideas and gain Intellectual Property protection when the concept has been well-defined.