Abstract: A process of treating metal chloride wastes produced by chlorination of titanium ore comprises the steps of:(a) leaching said metal chloride wastes in a hydrochloric acid (HCl)-containing solution to obtain a solution containing solids and dissolved metals,(b) separating said dissolved metals from said solids present in the solution obtained in step (a) to obtain a liquid and a residue,(c) selectively precipitating the metals as their hydroxides by adding a neutralizing agent to the liquid obtained in step (b),(d) separating the precipitate of metal hydroxides obtained in step (c) from the liquid to obtain a residue, and(e) dewatering the residue obtained in step (d).

Abstract: A powdered admixture of a boron, carbon, nitrogen or silicon derivative of a first metal is combined with a source of a second metal and, optionally, a source of a third metal or an iron-group metal, subjected to densification conditions (heat and pressure), partially reacted and converted to a hard, wear resistant material. The wear resistant material contains an amount of the first metal derivative as well as a material of varying stoichiometry which is the partial reaction product of components of the powdered admixture. The material may also contain residual, unreacted portions of components other than the first metal derivative. Articles formed from this material can be useful as, for example, nozzles in abrasive or nonabrasive waterjet cutting machines and various parts of wire drawing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing vanadium from phosphoric acid includes a precipitator that receives vanadium-containing process-feed phosphoric acid and adds an oxidant to the process-feed phosphoric acid, whereupon precipitates containing phosphorus and vanadium are formed in a phosphoric acid filter feed slurry. The solid precipitate is removed by a filter. The filtrate, after optional further oxidation, is contacted to an ion exchange resin to remove additional vanadium from the filtrate to produce a phosphoric acid product of reduced vanadium content. A first portion of the phosphoric acid product is removed from the apparatus for further use. A reducing agent is added to a second portion of the phosphoric acid product, and the reduced acid is used to strip vanadium from the loaded ion exchange resin. The vanadium-loaded second portion of the phosphoric acid is mixed with fresh phosphoric acid and fed to the precipitator.

Abstract: A powdered admixture of a boron, carbon, nitrogen or silicon derivative of a first metal is combined with a source of a second metal and, optionally, a source of a third metal or an iron-group metal, subjected to densification conditions (heat and pressure), partially reacted and converted to a hard, wear resistant material. The wear resistant material contains an amount of the first metal derivative as well as a material of varying stoichiometry which is the partial reaction product of components of the powdered admixture. The material may also contain residual, unreacted portions of components other than the first metal derivative. Articles formed from this material can be useful as, for example, nozzles in abrasive or nonabrasive waterjet cutting machines and various parts of wire drawing apparatus.

Abstract: Low porosity titania forms containing only a small amount of hydroxyl groups and possessing a high refractive index which are property stable regardless of humidity level and which prohibit electrical and gas leakage and optical loss, are obtained in a sol-gel process by rapidly heating to curing temperature, e.g. at a rate of 8000.degree. C./min. One application provides more stable, longer-lasting sol-gel prepared optical interference filters. Other applications provide capacitors with high capacitance and optical planar waveguides.

Abstract: A powdered admixture of a boron, carbon, nitrogen or silicon derivative of a first metal is combined with a source of a second metal and, optionally, a source of a third metal or an iron-group metal, subjected to densification conditions (heat and pressure), partially reacted and converted to a hard, wear resistant material. The wear resistant material contains an amount of the first metal derivative as well as a material of varying stoichiometry which is the partial reaction product of components of the powdered admixture The material may also contain residual, unreacted portions of components other than the first metal derivative. Articles formed from this material can be useful as, for example, nozzles in abrasive or nonabrasive waterjet cutting machines and various parts of wire drawing apparatus.

Abstract: A process for making metal oxides including niobium or tantalum oxides from ferro and nickel alloys containing these metals involving the multiple steps of hydriding the ferro or nickel alloy selected, under conditions of suitable temperature and pressure to render the alloys friable, subdividing the hydrided product into selected particle sizes, then nitriding with a nitrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures above 500.degree. C. to form the alloy constituent nitrides, thereafter leaching the nitrides formed with aqueous acid to separate the formed ferro or nickel nitride from the acid soluble nitrides from the acid insoluble nitrides, calcining the acid insoluble nitrides with oxygen-containing gas under conditions suitable for the formation of the metal oxide of the acid soluble nitride.

Abstract: Improved solvent extraction recovery of tantalum and niobium oxides from an acid solution of raw materials containing such oxides wherein the charged organic solvent [e.g., MIBK] is washed out (a) with 8-16N sulfuric acid and then (b) with water or dilute HF. This avoids the use of a second mineral acid addition after digestion by HF of raw materials (and avoids problems attendant to use a second mineral acid).

Abstract: Fluorine content of tantalum and niobium hydroxides is reduced to under 0.5 weight % by washing such hydroxide precipitates (as obtained by HF digestion and solvent extraction) with dilute ammonia (1 to 10%) and then water in two washing stages. The first washing stage includes a partial neutralization and the used wash water of the second stage is advantageously recycled, after adjustment of its ammonia concentration, for use as the first stage washing liquid.

Abstract: A process for preparing metal oxides from ferrometal and nickel metal alloys is disclosed comprising first providing a ferrometal or nickel metal alloy containing an oxide forming metal, hydriding the alloy to an effective temperature and pressure with hydrogen containing gas, subdividing then carbiding the hydrided product at a temperature above about 500.degree. C. to form carbides, then employing an aqueous acid leach to dissolve the iron or nickel carbide and separating the acid soluble from the acid insoluble carbides. The acid insoluble carbides are reacted with oxygen at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to form the metal oxides of said carbides.

Abstract: The chromic anhydride contained in soluble form (chromic acid) in exhausted, polluted chromium plating baths is recovered by alkalizing the exhausted chromium plating liquid to a pH comprised between 3 and 7 at a temperature of 70.degree. C. with a commercial sodium hydroxide solution, keeping the mass in reaction at this temperature for an hour and filtration separating the precipitate obtained. The filtered solution having a specific gravity of 1.25 kg/l, contains CrO.sub.3 (22% in weight) which is then reduced with sulphur dioxide to obtain a solution containing basic chromium sulphate and sodium sulphate, suitable for use as a tanning bath; in this manner pollution is avoided and the waste chromium is exploited. The solution containing CrO.sub.3 can also be introduced into a hexavalent chromium salt production cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corrosion preventive pigment consisting essentially of(a) a phosphorus compound which generates phosphate ions in the presence of water and oxygen, selected from the group consisting of a phosphorous pentoxide, an orthophosphoric acid, a condensed phosphoric acid, and alkaline earth metal or transition metal phosphate, or an alkaline earth metal or transition metal condensed phosphate, and(b) a vanadium compound which generates a vanadate ion in the presence of water and oxygen, selected from the group consisting of vanadium (V) oxide, a vanadyl compound, an alkaline earth metal or transition metal vanadate, a baked condensate of alkaline earth metal or transition metal vanadates, or a heterocondensate of alkaline earth metal or transition metal vanadates;and which has a pH value of from 5 to 9.

Abstract: Compositions of the formula MX.sub.2 :Y, wherein MX.sub.2 is a layer type transition metal dichalcogenide, M is a metal selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum, molybdenum and tungsten, X is a chalcogen selected from the group consisting of sulfur and selenium and Y is a material located between layers of MX.sub.2. The compositions may be prepared by the steps of first forming a suspension of the MX.sub.2 in a body of water. A liquid which is immiscible with water is added to the suspension. The suspension and immiscible liquid are agitated together to form a temporary emulsion. The emulsion is allowed to rest until the water and the liquid separate with an interface therebetween. A sheet-like composition of MX.sub.2 :Y forms at the interface. Preferably, the MX.sub.2 is in exfoliated, singular molecular thickness layers suspended in the water.

Abstract: Cleaning baths for the removal of a coating containing niobium on a substrate, consisting of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and of alkali metal hydroxide. The coating is treated with the bath, to remove it from the substrate by dissolving.

Abstract: The process for preparing zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, tantalum, or niobium metal comprising providing in first vessel means a eutectic solution of a chloro, bromo or iodo salt of zirconium or hafnium in a molten thermal body of one or more alkali or alkaline earth metal halides at a non-vaporizing temperature, transferring said eutectic solution to second vessel means, maintaining said second vessel means at a temperature sufficient to vaporize said salt, transferring the salt vapor independently to a bank of separately fed reduction crucibles, the supply of said eutectic solution to said second vessel means being maintained such that said salt vapor can be supplied substantially continuously to said crucibles in a selective manner dependent upon the operating status of each crucible.

Abstract: A process of making a lithium cell with a positive electrode that comprises a niobium chalcogenide (e.g., NbSe.sub.3) active material. The process comprises forming the active material by a procedure that comprises forming a layer of Nb powder on an inert substrate (e.g., an alumina plate), and reacting the powder with selenium or sulfur vapor such that the desired (fibrous) chalcogenide is formed. The powder layer typically is formed by depositing (e.g., by spraying) a layer of slurry on the substrate, with the slurry comprising a liquid such as propylene glycol and Nb powder, and removing the liquid from the deposited slurry. The resulting layer of Nb powder can be of uniform thickness, advantageously is less than 0.1 mm thick, and adheres relatively well to the substrate. In preferred embodiments reacting the Nb powder with Se vapor comprises a two-stage heat treatment, the first stage comprising maintaining the powder in contact with Se vapor for at least four hours at a temperature in the range 520.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing accumulated metals, particularly vanadium and nickel, from particulate aluminosilicate materials and aluminosilicate materials that are obtained by the process. The process may advantageously be used to remove accumulated metals from spent aluminosilicate contact materials used in selective vaporization processes of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,128. The process of this invention yields materials suitable for effective recycling to a selective vaporization unit or for ecologically-acceptable disposal, as well as, optionally, recovery of metals in saleable form.

Abstract: Metal values including those of cobalt, vanadium, aluminum, molybdenum and tungsten are recovered from spent petroleum refining catalyst by acid leaching the metal values except those of molybdenum or tungsten, separating the resulting solution from the leach residue and selectively recovering the cobalt, vanadium and aluminum values from the solution and recovering the molybdenum and tungsten values from the leach residue.

Abstract: Ultra-fine spherical particles of a metal oxide having an average particle diameter of 40 nm or smaller can be prepared by a method in which a vaporizable metal compound is vaporized and decomposed under heating to give ultra-fine particles of a metal oxide followed by immediate cooling down to a temperature at which coalescence of the fine particles are prevented from coalescence. The fine particles have characteristics such as an excellent power of ultraviolet scattering.

Abstract: Novel single layer materials of the form MX.sub.2, where MX.sub.2 is a layer-type dichalcogenide such as MoS.sub.2, TaS.sub.2, WS.sub.2, or the like, exfoliated by intercalation of an alkali metal, and immersion in water, are disclosed. MoS.sub.2 has been exfoliated into monolayers by intercalation with lithium followed by reaction with water. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the exfoliated MoS.sub.2 in suspension is in the form of one-molecule-thick sheets. X-ray patterns from dried and re-stacked films of exfoliated MoS.sub.2 indicate that the layers are randomly stacked. By adsorbing monolayers or precipitating clusters of various species such as compounds of Co, Ni, Pb, Cd, Al, Ce, In and Zn, on MoS.sub.2 while the sulfide is suspended as single layers and then recrystallizing, a new group of inclusion compounds can be formed. In the re-crystallized or re-stacked materials, the inter-layer spacing can be expanded or contracted compared to MoS.sub.2.

Abstract: A method is described for recovering vanadium from residues from the combustion of petroleum fractions, wherein the residues, such as ash and soot, are leached with aqueous H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 to extract vanadium and any additional polyvalent cations contained therein. The acid leaching solution, after oxidation of the extracted cations, is treated with a complexing agent, in particular EDTA or salts thereof, and then with ammonia to selectively precipitate vanadium as highly pure ammonium polyvanadate.

Abstract: Hazardous waste containing inorganic compounds which contain heavy metals or particular hazardous anionic groups or which are hazardous halides or non-metal oxides or sulfides is contacted with molten aluminum to provide reduction to lower less hazardous oxidation state.

Abstract: A method of regulating the amount of reducing agent added, especially NH.sub.3 in the case of the catalytic reduction of NO.sub.x of flue gases which originate from a combustion installation which is fired with fossil fuels. The adjustment value for the quantity to be added is determined in response to a prescribed reducing agent/NO.sub.x stoichiometry factor from the quantity of combustion air supplied to the combustion installation or from the exiting quantity of flue gas, and from the NO.sub.x concentration downstream ahead of the catalyzer. Regulation is effected by influencing the stoichiometry factor. The NO.sub.x concentration downstream after the catalyzer is returned to the regulation process as the primary correction value, and the reducing agent concentration downstream after the catalyzer, and the flue gas temperature ahead of the catalyzer, are returned to the regulation process as the secondary correction values.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of a spent catalyst used in the upgrading of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks comprises roasting a spent natural iron base catalyst contaminated with carbon, sulfur and vanadium at a temperature of not more than 400.degree. C. in the presence of a carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, and mixtures thereof so as to eliminate carbon from the catalyst and obtain a roasted product containing iron oxide and water soluble salts of sulfur and vanadium. The roasted product is thereafter water leached so as to dissolve the soluble salts of sulfur and vanadium. The regenerated catalyst is thereafter separated from the leaching liquor so as to obtain a catalyst substantially free of carbon and sulfur.

Abstract: Metal values and alumina are recovered from spent, usually oily, catalysts by oxygen pressure leaching with sodium hydroxide and/or sodium aluminate to dissolve molybdenum, vanadium and/or tungsten and provide a solid, filterable residue containing alumina and cobalt and/or nickel, the residue is digested with sodium hydroxide to give a sodium aluminate solution and a residue enriched in nickel and/or cobalt, alumina is recovered from the sodium aluminate solution as a solid and the remaining supernatant solution is recycled to the oxygen pressure leaching step wherein the alumina content of the aluminate solution is precipitated and a bleed for metals in the aluminate solution is provided.

Abstract: Metal ions are reduced from a higher to a lower oxidation stage using ferrophosphorus as the reductant.

Abstract: Spent hydrodesulfurization catalysts containing alumina, at least one metal from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium and at least one metal from the group consisting of nickel and cobalt, sulfur, and, usually, residual oil are oxygen pressure leached at a temperature of at least about 400.degree. F. with a base from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide and sodium aluminte in at least stoichimetric amount to yield a solution having a pH between about 7 and 9 containing dissolved molybdenum, vanadium and any tungsten which may be recovered and a readily filterable residue containing aluminum, nickel and cobalt which may be worked up to recover the valuable constituents, with overall processing being accomplished in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering rare metals from the combustion residues of various coals, in particular brown coals. The recovery is performed by digestion, more particularly by aqueous and/or dilute alkaline and/or dilute acidic digestion, where two or three of these steps can be combined in any desired order or they may be carried out separately. During digestion the concentration of the solution is monitored and the subsequent digestion steps are terminated at a desired concentration. The solid and liquid phase are then separated and the rare metals are isolated from the liquid phase while the solid phase, optionally after neutralization and/or washing can be utilized for example as a source of energy.

Abstract: A method of treating high vanadium solid petroleum residues which tend to become environmental pollutants when disposed of in landfills in which the residue is fused with sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate and/or sodium chloride and the resulting melt material is treated with an aqueous phase which can contain sodium carbonate to form a vanadate solution from which ammonium polyvanadate, sodium ammonium vanadate or ammonium metavanadate can be precipitated.

Abstract: A process for enhancing recovery of metals, especially cobalt, from spent hydroprocessing catalysts when the spent catalyst particles are first roasted at between 400.degree. C. and 600.degree. C. and then contacted with a first aqueous solution of ammonia and an ammonium salt to recover nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium. The once-leached spent hydroprocessing catalysts are again leached by contacting them with a second aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate at a pH of 1 to 4.

Abstract: A slurry hydroconversion process is provided in which a carbonaceous chargestock such as a hydrocarbonaceous oil or coal comprising a catalyst containing vanadium or molybdenum or mixtures thereof, is converted to a hydroconverted oil product. A heavy oil portion comprising metal-containing solids is separated from the oil product and partially gasified to produce a carbon-free metal-containing ash which is extracted with oxalic acid. The resulting metal-containing oxalic acid extract is recycled to the hydroconversion zone as catalyst precursor.

Abstract: A method for precipitating vanadium from vanadium bearing liquors comprises adjusting the pH of the vanadium bearing liquor with a precipitating agent selected from the hydroxides of Na, K and Ca to a range of about 5.5 to 6.5, preferably 6.0 to 6.2 so as to precipitate vanadium in the trivalent and tetravalent states. Remaining traces of vanadium are then cemented by additions of calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide or mixtures thereof. The dried precipitate is then heated in the presence of air and Na and/or K so as to form a reaction product in the form of a water soluble salt which, when dissolved in water, results in vanadium in its pentavalent state.

Abstract: A method for the removal and recovery of vanadium from a vanadium bearing material by leaching the vanadium bearing material in the presence of a leach promoter and removing the vanadium so leached from the leaching solution by precipitation. The leaching promoter forces the vanadium present in the vanadium bearing material into solution.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing high purity tantalum oxide from impure tantalum oxide. The starting tantalum oxide is dissolved in a hydrofluoric acid solution and insolubles are removed. The hydrofluoric acid solution containing the tantalum values is adjusted to a pH of from about 6.0 to about 8.0 with a base to precipitate tantalum which is separated from the mother liquor. The tantalum precipitate is then dissolved in an oxalic acid solution, the pH adjusted to from about 5.1 to about 5.5, and the resulting solution digested to precipitate a high purity tantalum compound which is separated. The high purity tantalum compound is then digested in hydrochloric acid to dissolve the compound and then precipitate pure optical grade tantalum oxide which is then separated from its mother liquor.

Abstract: Vanadium values are recovered from sulphur-containing cokes and ashes derived from heavy oils by a novel process comprising heating in the presence of alkali metal carbonate, contacting the resulting solid residue with water to form a leach and recovering the vanadium values dissolved therein. The heating step solubilizes only alkali metal vanadate and thus the leach solution is substantially free of contaminating substances.

Abstract: A method for treating waste fluids to remove selected chemicals such as minerals and metals wherein a bacterial culture that will attach to a selected chemical is transferred to a nutrient medium for a time period sufficient to produce satisfactory bacterial cell growth. The bacterial cells are then attached to a porous fiber webbing supported in a suitable container and the nutrient medium is then withdrawn from the container and waste fluid introduced into the container for a period of time sufficient to attach the chemical to the bacterial cells. The waste fluid is then removed from the container and the chemical separated from the fiber webbing.

Abstract: In the fluidized bed chlorination of oxidic materials, for example minerals such as bauxite, tantalite, columbite, wolframite or scheelite, the separation of metal values giving vaporous chlorides at the reaction temperature is enhanced by maintaining a zone substantially free of chlorine in the fluidized bed, for example a zone at least 0.25 m in depth measured from the expanded bed surface. A high aspect ratio bed and counter current movement of the bed matter and the chlorine within the bed are preferably used.

Abstract: A process for recovering the metal values from spent hydroprocessing catalyst particles. The metal values will include at least one metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table and at least one metal of Group Vb or Group VIb of the Periodic Table. The spent catalyst particles are first roasted at between 400.degree. C. and 600.degree. C. and then contacted with a first aqueous solution of ammonia and an ammonium salt forming a first pregnant liquor. The once-leached spent hydroprocessing catalysts are contacted with a second aqueous solution of sulfur dioxide forming a second pregnant liquor. The metal values are precipitated from the second pregnant liquor with hydrogen sulfide and the precipitate is roasted with unroasted spent hydroprocessing catalysts. The metal values of Group Vb and Group VIb in the first pregnant liquor are transferred into a first organic solution by liquid ion exchange.

Abstract: Tantalum is recovered from an impure source containing niobium, tungsten, titanium, iron, and other impurities by a process comprising mixing the impure source with an alkali metal carbonate, drying the resulting mixture, heating the dried mixture to convert the tungsten to a soluble form, leaching to solubilize the tungsten, digesting the resulting leached solids containing tantalum in hydrochloric acid to solubilize iron values and a portion of the titanium values, dissolving the leached solids containing tantalum values in hydrofluoric acid, adjusting the pH of the resulting solution to form a first tantalum precipitate, dissolving the first tantalum precipitate in oxalic acid adjusting the pH to form a second tantalum precipitate, dissolving and digesting the second tantalum precipitate in hydrochloric acid solution to form a third tantalum precipitate of high purity.

Abstract: Niobium and tantalum containing pyrochlore is recovered from high silicate gangue content ore with good selectivity and yield employing collectors of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently 8 to 16 carbon straight or branched chain alkyl groups, at pH 1.5 to 6.5.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a high purity tantalum precipitate from an impure source by dissolving in a first hydrofluoric acid solution and digested to form a first precipitate of tantalum which dissolved in hydrochloric acid. The resulting solution is heated to form a second precipitate of tantalum which is dissolved in another hydrofluoric acid solution and digested to form a third precipitate of tantalum. The third precipitate of tantalum is then dissolved in an oxalic acid solution with the pH being adjusted to form another tantalum precipitate which is converted to tantalum oxide.

Abstract: A process is provided for extracting vanadium values from a vanadium-bearing ore in which a carbonaceous material is added to a salt roast mixture containing ore and an alkali metal salt, e.g., NaCl. The mixture is subjected to roast temperatures (e.g., 825.degree. C.) for a period of time sufficient to burn off substantially all of the carbon in the mixture. The carbonaceous material is preferably a vanadium-containing carbon source, e.g., residue from the combustion of heavy petroleum oil.

Abstract: Vanadium values are recovered from sulphur-containing cokes and ashes derived from heavy oils by a novel process comprising heating in the presence of alkali metal carbonate, contacting the resulting solid residue with water to form a leach and recovering the vanadium values dissolved therein. The amount of alkali metal carbonate used is at least sufficient to convert the vanadium values present in the raw material into alkali metal vanadate, but insufficient to react in addition with all of the sulphur values therein. The heating step solubilizes only alkali metal vanadate and thus the leach solution is substantially free of contaminating substances.

Abstract: Vanadium and nickel values are selectively recovered from a petroleum coke residue by slurrying the coke in an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate providing an excess of the stoichiometric amount of sodium for formation of sodium vanadate and sodium sulfate, and then digesting the slurry at moderately elevated temperature in a pressurized autoclave under an oxygen overpressure supplying at least the stoichiometric amount of oxygen based on the vanadium and sulfur content of the slurry and advantageously sufficient additional oxygen to provide the thermal requirements of the digestion step by oxidation of carbon. In a continuous embodiment, the feed slurry temperature and feed solids content are adjusted according to a substantially inversely correlated relationship. The digestion temperature for a given total pressure and gas flow rate in the autoclave is adjusted to generate a pregnant liquor containing about 20 gpl to about 100 gpl of vanadate (V.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: There is provided an improved process for the chlorination of particulate titaniferous ores using a particulate reactive carbon in a fluidized bed. The particulate reactive carbon is lignite char.

Abstract: A process is described for reacting chlorinated hydrocarbons other than carbon tetrachloride with metal oxides so as to convert essentially all of the carbon atoms to oxides of carbon. This process provides an efficient and economical means for utilizing chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for enhancing recovery of cobalt from spent hydroprocessing catalysts when the spent catalyst particles are first roasted at between 400.degree. C. and 600.degree. C. and then contacted with a first aqueous solution of ammonia and an ammonium salt to recover nickel, cobalt, molybdenum and vanadium. The once-leached spent hydroprocessing catalysts are contacted with a second aqueous solution of sulfur dioxide. The metal values are precipitated with hydrogen sulfide and the precipitate is roasted with unroasted spent hydroprocessing catalysts.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material containing vanadium is reacted with an oxidizing gas in a molten salt pool containing an alkali metal carbonate. Vanadium values present in the carbonaceous material are converted to water-soluble vanadium compounds which are recovered from the melt and reacted with a strong acid to precipitate the vanadium values as insoluble vanadates. The vanadates are recovered as product or optionally further converted to vanadium pentoxide.

Abstract: Metal constituents are recovered from the heavy bottoms produced during the liquefaction of coal and similar carbonaceous solids in the presence of a catalyst containing a metal capable of forming an acidic oxide by burning the heavy bottoms in a combustion zone at a temperature below the fusion temperature of the ash to convert insoluble metal-containing catalyst residues in the bottoms into soluble metal-containing oxides; contacting the oxidized solids formed in the combustion zone with an aqueous solution of a basic alkali metal salt to extract the soluble metal-containing oxides in the form of soluble alkali metal salts of the metal-containing oxides and recycling the soluble alkali metal salts to the liquefaction zone. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottoms are subjected to partial oxidation, pyrolysis, coking, gasification, extraction or a similar treatment process to recover hydrocarbon liquids and/or gases prior to the burning or combustion step.

Abstract: Vanadium values are recovered from cokes and ashes derived from heavy oils by a novel process comprising heating in the presence of alkali metal sulphate, contacting the resulting solid residue with water and recovering the vanadium values dissolved therein.