Dissolving Or Leaching Of Iron Patents (Class 423/86)
  • Patent number: 9896742
    Abstract: A method for processing vanadium-titanium magnetite finished ores by using a wet process. The method comprises the steps: extracting vanadium from vanadium-titanium magnetite finished ores and processing, by using the vanadium extraction method, obtained leaching residue by using a wet process, so as to obtain titanium; and calcining the remaining liquid extracted during the vanadium extraction, so as to prepare ferric oxide. The flow of the method is short, and the energy consumption is low, thereby avoiding waste of a titanium resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF PROCESS ENGINEERING, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Tao Qi, Lina Wang, Desheng Chen, Hongxin Zhao, Yahui Liu, Tianyan Xue, Jingkui Qu
  • Patent number: 9211526
    Abstract: A composition includes titanium dioxide-containing digestion residue from titanium dioxide production, and at least one further component which is catalytically active. Dimensionally stable, catalytically active solids which are obtained from this composition can be used as catalyst, for example for minimizing nitrogen oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: SACHTLEBEN PIGMENT GMBH
    Inventors: Gerhard Auer, Frank Hipler
  • Patent number: 8728437
    Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (as herein defined) including a step of leaching said titaniferous material with a leachant to form a process solution that includes an acidic solution of titanyl sulfate and iron sulfate, wherein said sulfate process further includes a filtration step comprising filtering said leachant to at least substantially remove titanyl sulfate particles from said leachant prior to supplying said leachant to said leach step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Alan David Stuart, John Andrew Lawson, Christopher Brett Ward, Hong Peng
  • Patent number: 8494107
    Abstract: A formic acid aqueous solution that contains Fe (II) ions is produced by dissolving metal iron in a formic acid aqueous solution. Nitrogen is supplied from a nitrogen supply device to a chemical liquid tank and then discharged from a discharge line to reduce the dissolved oxygen concentration in the aqueous solution. The chemical liquid tank is filled with the formic acid aqueous solution sealed with nitrogen, and is transferred from a factory to a nuclear reactor building designated as radiation-controlled areas. Inside the nuclear reactor building, the chemical liquid tank is installed in a film deposition apparatus connected to a reactor water recirculation pipeline. The formic acid aqueous is supplied from the chemical liquid tank to the inside of the reactor water recirculation pipeline, and then a ferrite film is formed on the inner surface of the reactor water recirculation pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Hosokawa, Makoto Nagase, Satoshi Morisawa, Motoaki Sakashita, Katsuo Yokota
  • Patent number: 8273322
    Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (such as an iron-containing titaniferous material; such as ilmenite) is disclosed. The process includes precipitating titanyl sulfate from a process solution produced in the process. The titanyl sulfate precipitation step includes subjecting the precipitated titanyl sulfate to a shearing action during the course of precipitating titanyl sulfate from the process solution or after precipitation has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Girvan Roche, Philip Ernest Grazier, Alan David Stuart
  • Patent number: 7998430
    Abstract: A reactor 20 has a plurality of tubular downcomers 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and risers 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, joined by sections 86, 88 in a continuous serpentine path the tubes dimensioned to provide substantially plug flow conditions for solid and liquid reagents fed into a first downcomer 24 with the products extracted from final riser 52. The reactor 20 is designed for a desired residence time by the number, height and diameter of the tubes. The downcomers 24, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 may include a bend to improve residence time and to thereby reduce the number of tubes required for a desired overall residence time. The reactor 20 can be used in a leaching operation for producing synthetic rutile, where a pre-treated feedstock including ilmenite, leucoxene or titania slag is leached with hot HCl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Austpac Resources N.L.
    Inventor: John Winter
  • Publication number: 20090311154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a zero-waste process for extraction of alumina from different types of bauxite ores and red mud residues and of titanium dioxide from ilmenite. Iron oxide is first reduced to metallic iron above the melting point of C-saturated cast iron alloy which yields a high-C iron alloy and an Al and Ti metal oxide rich slag which is then treated with alkali carbonate to form alkali aluminates and titanates. The alkali aluminates are separated by water leaching from which the hydroxide of alumina is precipitated by bubbling CO2. The residue from water leaching is treated with sulphuric acid and TiO2 is precipitated via a hydrolysis route. The process recovers most of the metal values and generates only small quantities of silicious residues at pH4-5 which can be used for soil conditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Urquhart-Dykes & Lord LLP
    Inventors: Animesh Jha, Pailo Antony Malpan, Vilas Dattatray Tathavadkar
  • Patent number: 7485269
    Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes leaching the titaniferous material and producing a leach liquor, separating titanyl sulfate from leach liquor, hydrolysis of the extracted titanyl sulfate, and thereafter calcining the solid phase produced in the hydrolysis step. The process is characterized by multiple stage leaching of the titaniferous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Girvan Roche, Alan David Stuart, Philip Ernest Grazier
  • Patent number: 7485268
    Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes leaching the titaniferous material and producing a leach liquor, separating titanyl sulfate from leach liquor, hydrolysis of the extracted titanyl sulfate, and thereafter calcining the solid phase produced in the hydrolysis step. The process is characterised by controlling the hydrolysis step and forming a selected particle size distribution of hydrated titanium oxides from titanyl sulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Girvan Roche, Alan David Stuart, Ernest Philip Grazier, Houyuan Liu
  • Publication number: 20090003509
    Abstract: A method of suppressing deposition of radionuclides on components of a nuclear power plant comprises forming a ferrite film by contacting a first chemical including iron (II) ions, a second chemical for oxidizing the iron (II) ions to iron (III) ions, and a third chemical for adjusting the pH of a processing solution containing a mixture of the first and second chemicals to be 5.5 to 9.0 with the metal member surface in a time period from a finishing stage in decontamination step of removing contaminants formed on the surface of metal member composing the nuclear power plant, and suppressing deposition of radionuclides on the metal member by the ferrite film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Hitachi-GE NUCLEAR ENERGY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Hosokawa, Makoto Nagase, Kazushige Ishida, Yoichi Wada, Naoshi Usui, Motohiro Aizawa, Motomasa Fuse
  • Patent number: 7429364
    Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes leaching the titaniferous material and producing a leach liquor, precipitating iron sulfate from the leach liquor, solvent extraction of titanyl sulfate from leach liquor, hydrolysis of the extracted titanyl sulfate, and thereafter calcining the solid phase produced in the hydrolysis step. The process is characterised by using at least part of the raffinate from the solvent extraction step as at least part of the leach solution in the initial leach step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Girvan Roche, Alan David Stuart, Philip Ernest Grazier
  • Patent number: 7404937
    Abstract: A reactor 20 has a plurality of tubular downcomers 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and risers 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, joined by sections 86, 88 in a continuous serpentine path the tubes dimensioned to provide substantially plug flow conditions for solid and liquid reagents fed into a first downcomer 24 with the products extracted from final riser 52. The reactor 20 is designed for a desired residence time by the number, height and diameter of the tubes. The downcomers 24, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 may include a bend to improve residence time and to thereby reduce the number of tubes required for a desired overall residence time. The reactor 20 can be used in a leaching operation for producing synthetic rutile, where a pre-treated feedstock including ilmenite, leueoxene or titania slag is leached with hot HCl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Austpac Resources N.L.
    Inventor: John Winter
  • Publication number: 20080159933
    Abstract: Provided are processes for the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite. In these processes, ilmenite is digested with aqueous ammonium hydrogen oxalate. Iron from the ilmenite precipitates as a hydrated iron oxalate and is removed by filtering, leaving a titanium-rich solution. The titanium-rich solution can be further processed to form titanium dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: E. I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: DAVID RICHARD CORBIN, THOMAS PAUL GRIFFIN, KEITH W. HUTCHENSON, SHENG LI, MARK BRANDON SHIFLETT, CARMINE TORARDI, JOSEPH J. ZAHER
  • Patent number: 7326390
    Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes precipitating titanyl sulfate from leach liquors containing acidic solutions of titanyl sulfate. The process is characterised by: (a) multiple stage leaching to produce leach liquors containing acidic solutions of titanyl sulfate; (b) using depleted leach liquor from a titanyl sulfate precipitation reactor in the leach steps; and (c) controlling acid concentration in the leach steps to avoid premature hydrolysis and premature precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Girvan Roche, Alan David Stuart, Philip Ernest Grazier, Sarah Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6942728
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in high performance p-type thermoelectric materials having enhanced thermoelectric properties and the methods of preparing such materials. In one aspect of the invention, p-type semiconductors of formula Zn4?xAxSb3?yBy wherein 0?x?4, A is a transition metal, B is a pnicogen, and 0?y?3 are formed for use in manufacturing thermoelectric devices with substantially enhanced operating characteristics and improved efficiency. Two methods of preparing p-type Zn4Sb3 and related alloys of the present invention include a crystal growth method and a powder metallurgy method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thierry Caillat, Alexander Borshchevsky, Jean-Pierre Fleurial
  • Patent number: 6803024
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating titania slag to increase the leachability of impurities from the slag consisting of the steps of sizing the titania slag to a particle size from 75 to 850 &mgr;m; oxidizing the sized slag particles at a temperature from about 700° C. to below about 900° C. causing the iron present in the slag to concentrate at the exposed surfaces of the slag particles and/or causing an anatase phase to stabilize in the slag, causing a major portion of the iron in the Fe(II) state to convert to the Fe(III) state, and causing the titanium in the Ti(III) state to be converted to the Ti(IV) state; and reducing the oxidized slag in a reducing atmosphere from about 700° C. to about 950° C. to convert a major portion of the iron in the Fe(III) state to the Fe(II) state. The invention also relates to a method of beneficiating titania slag to increase the TiO2 content thereof wherein the above treated slag is leached with acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ipcor NV
    Inventors: Jacobus Philippus Van Dyk, Nanne Mattheus Vegter, Cornelia Petronella Visser, Thomas De Lange, John David Winter, Ernest Alan Walpole, Johannes Nell
  • Patent number: 6699446
    Abstract: A method for the production of titanium metal from titanium-bearing ore. The method comprises leaching said ore or a concentrate thereof with an aqueous solution of a hydrogen halide; separating solids from the leach solution, to provide a leachate solution. The leachate solution may be subjected to extraction with an immiscible organic phase to selectively remove iron values to provide high purity iron products. Titanium may be separated from raffinate as TiO2 or solvent extract and thermal stripping. TiO2 may also be separated in the initial leach solution. Preferably, the titanium halide is titanium tetrachloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Vaikuntam Iyer Lakshmanan, Ramamritham Sridhar, Marc Murray Rishea, Robert Joseph de Laat
  • Publication number: 20030198591
    Abstract: Processes for the efficient and economical beneficiation of titaniferous ore are provided. A unique process for beneficiating ore comprising pretreatment of the ore by oxidation and reduction, followed by acid leaching with sulfuric acid has been developed. The acid used in this process may be recycled, which will thereby increase the efficiency of the process. Preferably the ore treated according to the present invention is ilmenite ore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Millennium Inorganic Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Smith, Michael Robinson, Kirit Talati
  • Patent number: 6608001
    Abstract: A method for producing small spherical particles that are especially useful as catalysts and catalyst supports employed in chemical processes is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method includes impregnating a porous support with a metal or metal oxide and dissolving the support to release spherical particles. In certain embodiments the support that is employed in the method comprises a number of spherical voids which determine the size of the spherical particles, and preferably have micrometer range diameters. One embodiment of an attrition resistant Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprises a plurality of micrometer size spherical metal and/or metal oxide particles that are prepared according to the above-described method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Joe D. Allison
  • Patent number: 6471743
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are efficient methods for leaching minerals from ores using an acidic solution such as sulfuric acid. Additional factors which can improve mineral recovery include the use of an alkali metal halide, grinding the ore, addition of a carbon source, and/or, adjustment of the temperature at which the process is carried out. Minerals such as titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, silver and gold may be recovered by the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: MBX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau
  • Patent number: 6468483
    Abstract: A method for processing alumina-bearing ores such as bauxite to recover iron, aluminum, silicon and titanium metal values therefrom the method comprising the steps of adding the alumina-bearing ores to a digester containing an acid to provide a mixture of acid and alumina-bearing ores and heating the mixture to dissolve soluble compounds of at least one of iron, aluminum, silicon and titanium to provide a digest containing dissolved salts of the soluble compounds and to provide a gas component. Thereafter, the digest is treated with water to dissolve water soluble salts therein to provide a slurry comprised of a liquid containing water and the dissolved soluble salts and a solid component comprised of silica. The solid component is separated from the liquid and the pH of the liquid is adjusted to form an aluminate and an iron-containing precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Goldendale Aluminum Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Patent number: 6375923
    Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process is provided for producing pigment grade TiO2 from titaniferous mineral ores, and in particular from ilmenite ore. The ore is leached with a hydrochloric acid, preferably a recycled solution at high hydrochloric acid concentration, to form a leachate containing titanium and iron chloride and a residue. The leachate may be filtered to separate the leachate from the residue. The leachate is cooled to a temperature sufficient to form crystals of FeCl2, which are separated from the leachate. The leachate may be subjected to a reduction step to reduce Fe+3 to Fe+2, before crystallizing. The leachate is subjected to a first solvent extraction to form a pregnant strip solution containing titanium and ferric ions and a raffinate containing ferrous ions. This strip solution is subjected to a second solvent extraction to form a second strip solution containing ferric ions and a raffinate containing titanium ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Altair Nanomaterials Inc.
    Inventors: Willem P. C. Duyvesteyn, Bruce James Sabacky, Dirk Edmund Victor Verhulst, Paul George West-Sells, Timothy Malcome Spitler, Andrew Vince, James R. Burkholder, Bernardus Josephus Paulus Maria Huls
  • Patent number: 6346223
    Abstract: A process for the production of titanium concentrates from anatase ores with high utilization of the iron contents of the raw ore involving the steps of calcining mechanically treated ore in the presence of an alkali metal carbonate followed by dilute leachings in both alkaline and acid media. No reducing agents are employed during calcination, avoiding the iron contents of the ore to be solubilized in the leaching steps. The final concentrate, which is rich in titanium and iron and has a low content of impurities, can be used as a raw material for the production of titanium slag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Companhia Vale Do Rio Doce
    Inventors: Marcelo De Matos, Lino Rodrigues De Freitas, Ronaldo De Moreira Horta
  • Publication number: 20010051120
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for concentrating highly impure titanium ore, such as anatase, with the main purpose of obtaining a final concentrate having a chemical composition similar to that of ilmenite. The proposed process is based on the utilization as best as possible of the iron contents of the raw ore, in such a way that the final concentrate obtained can be used as an intermediate raw material for the production of titanium slag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: MARCELO DE MATOS, LINO RODRIGUES DE FREITAS, RONALDO DE MOREIRA HORTA
  • Publication number: 20010051121
    Abstract: A method for processing alumina-bearing ores such as bauxite to recover iron, aluminum, silicon and titanium metal values therefrom the method comprising the steps of adding the alumina-bearing ores to a digester containing an acid to provide a mixture of acid and alumina-bearing ores and heating the mixture to dissolve soluble compounds of at least one of iron, aluminum, silicon and titanium to provide a digest containing dissolved salts of the soluble compounds and to provide a gas component. Thereafter, the digest is treated with water to dissolve water soluble salts therein to provide a slurry comprised of a liquid containing water and the dissolved soluble salts and a solid component comprised of silica. The solid component is separated from the liquid and the pH of the liquid is adjusted to form an aluminate and an iron-containing precipitate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Patent number: 6248302
    Abstract: A method for processing red mud to recover iron, aluminum, silicon and titanium metal values therefrom the method comprising the steps of adding the red mud to a digester containing an acid to provide a mixture of acid and red mud and heating the mixture to dissolve soluble compounds of at least one of iron, aluminum, silicon and titanium to provide a digest containing dissolved salts of the soluble compounds and to provide a gas component. Thereafter, the digest is treated with water to dissolve water soluble salts therein to provide a slurry comprised of a liquid containing water and the dissolved soluble salts and a solid component comprised of silica. The solid component is separated from the liquid and the pH of the liquid is adjusted to form an aluminate and an iron-containing precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Goldendale Aluminum Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Patent number: 5900040
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of introducing one or more reagents into a rotary and/or elongate kiln in which titaniferous material is being treated eg upgraded wherein the reagent(s) is introduced (I) at a plurality of locations along the length of the kiln and/or (II) at or adjacent to a discharge end of the kiln. The reagents may comprise one or more of chlorine-containing compounds, sulphur, sulphur-containing compounds, magnesium compounds, manganese compounds, fluxes and glass-forming reagents, including a borate salt or mineral. The reagent may be mixed with the discharge end coal or introduced separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: RGC Mineral Sands Limited
    Inventors: Harold Robert Harris, Ian Edward Grey
  • Patent number: 5830420
    Abstract: A method is disclosed including: (a) sizing a titania slag to a particle size range of from 75 microns to 850 microns; (b) oxidizing the sized titania slag by contacting the sized titania slag with an oxygen containing gas at a temperature of at least about 950.degree. C. for a period of at least about 20 minutes such that a substantial portion of the iron oxide is converted to a ferric state, such that the reduced titanium oxides are converted to a tetravalent state, and such that at least a major portion of the glassy silicate phase is decomposed; (c) reducing the oxidized titania slag in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 700.degree. C. for a period of at least about 30 minutes such that the ferric state iron oxide is converted to a ferrous state; (d) leaching the reduced titania slag with mineral acid at a temperature of at least 125.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: QIT-Fer et Titane Inc.
    Inventors: Krzysztof Borowiec, Alfonso E. Grau, Michel Gueguin, Jean-Fran.cedilla.ois Turgeon
  • Patent number: 5826162
    Abstract: A process for facilitating removal of one or more impurities from titaniferous material containing the impurities in a form which is highly soluble in acid. The material is in turn leached with a sulphuric acid solution and with a hydrochloric acid solution in either order. To enhance the susceptibility of the impurities to removal, the hydrochloric acid leach is augmented by one or more of the following: (i) addition of an effective amount of an added chloride salt; (ii) pre-treatment of the titaniferous material with a solution of an effective amount of a carbonate salt, preferably an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate; and/or (iii) pre-treatment of the titaniferous material with a solution of an effective amount of a hydroxide, preferably an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: RGC Mineral Sands Limited
    Inventors: Halil Aral, Warren John Bruckard, David Edward Freeman, Ian Edward Grey, Martin Richard Houchin, Kenneth John McDonald, Graham Jeffrey Sparrow, Kaye Patricia Hart, Harold Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 5637281
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the removal of iron oxide coatings from zirconiferous material including a first step of heat treating the zirconiferous material at a temperature, not greater than 450.degree. C. and for a period sufficient to activate the coatings for enhanced ease of removal. The product of the first step is thereafter subjected to a leach and/or attritioning treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: RGC Mineral Sands, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keith P. Mayes, Douglas W. Selby, Steven K. Gilman
  • Patent number: 5601630
    Abstract: A process for removal of iron from reduced titanium ores involves hydrometallurgical treatment with an aqueous solution through which an oxidising gas including oxygen and/or ozone is passed to oxidise metallised iron present within said reduced titanium ore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: The Commonweath Industrial Gases Limited
    Inventor: Walter Hoecker
  • Patent number: 5427749
    Abstract: The specification describes a process for producing synthetic rutile from a titaniferous ore or concentrate. The process involves three basic steps which are reduction, removal or iron by leaching or aeration and removal of other impurities by leaching in a solution of a strong mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid. The conditions of reduction are controlled to promote the formation of metallic iron, a major rutile phase and a minor impurity bearing phase. The minor impurity phase may be a metatitanate, an anosovite or a pseudobrookite. However, formation of a metatinatate is normally preferred. Suitable reductants include carbonaceous materials or hydrogen bearing gases such as natural gas or synthesis gas. The process is capable of removing more than 80% of each of the contained iron magnesium and manganese remaining as oxides after reduction. Substantial proportions of contained aluminum can also be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Wimmera Industrial Minerals Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hollitt, Brian A. O'Brien, Ian E. Grey
  • Patent number: 5186920
    Abstract: The iron content of the TiO.sub.2 -containing precursor is subjected to a direct reduction to effect a metallization of at least 90%. The reduced product is separated into magnetic and nonmagnetic fractions by magnetic separation. To oxidize the metallic iron, the magnetic fraction is subjected to an oxidation in an acid medium with agitation at a pH value below 2, under a pressure of 12 to 24 bars, and at a temperature from 150.degree. to 210.degree. C. with a supply of an oxygen-containing gas that contains at least 90% oxygen. When the suspension has been pressure-relieved, the hematite which has been formed is separated from the TiO.sub.2 concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Heng, Walter Koch, Ali-Naghi Beyzavi
  • Patent number: 5085837
    Abstract: Process for purifying TiO.sub.2 ore consisting essentially of subjecting the ore to two or more leaching treatments, said leaching treatments alternating between use of an aqueous solution of a mineral acid and an aqueous solution of an alkali metal compound selected from the group consisting essentially of alkali metal carbonates, hydroxides or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Tze Chao, George H. Senkler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5053144
    Abstract: The method of the invention is advantageously applicable to realize a multistage chemical process during which liquid clarifiers suitable for the purification of water and sewage, furthermore, fine-disperse pulverulent solid products utilizable as pait pigments and fillers may be recovered. Each final product of the multistage chemical processes is a useful material, so the whole technology is waste free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Aquatech Kernyezeteedelmi
    Inventors: Endre Szirmai, Sandor Babusek, Gezz Balogh, Atilla Nedves, Gyula Horvath, Zoltan Lebenyi, James Pinter
  • Patent number: 5011666
    Abstract: Process for purifying TiO.sub.2 ore consisting essentially of subjecting the ore to two or more leaching treatments, said leaching treatments alternating between use of an aqueous solution of a mineral acid and an aqueous solution of an alkali metal compound selected from the group consisting essentially of alkali metal carbonates, hydroxides or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Tze Chao, George H. Senkler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4578252
    Abstract: A method for preparing ultra-pure metal tetrafluorides in which 3d such as Fe impurities are separated from impure material by a combined vaporization-electrolytic separation procedure. Sublimation and distillation methods are disclosed in combination with electrolytic separation by both emf-series displacement (ESD) and direct melt electrolysis (DME).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Ricardo C. Pastor, Morton Robinson
  • Patent number: 4552730
    Abstract: A method of recovering titanium from perovskite by leaching with a strong sulfuric acid solution is disclosed. The leaching produces a sulfate solution containing titanium and a calcium sulfate residue when the time and temperature of leaching are controlled as a function of the grind size of the perovskite and concentration of the sulfuric acid. The titanium-containing solution and the calcium sulfate residue are then separated. The titanium in the leach solution is precipitated by heating, as a mixture of titanium sulfates, which are then redissolved in water or dilute acid solution. Titanium dioxide may then be prepared by hydrolysis of the titanium in the resulting aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: Monte B. Shirts, Dale A. Martin, Allan E. Petersen
  • Patent number: 4416693
    Abstract: Titanium metal values may be recovered from a metal-bearing source containing titanium and iron by subjecting the source to an oxidation treatment and a reductive roast. After having crushed the source to a desired particle size, the reduced source is then leached by treatment with a halogen-containing compound to form soluble halides, following which the soluble titanium halide is precipitated as titanium dioxide by treatment with an iron oxide such as ferric oxide and recovered. The amount of titanium dioxide which is recovered may be optimized by utilizing a reductant such as hydrogen or carbon monoxide in an amount in the range of from about 1.5 to about 4.5 times the stoichiometric amount required to reduce the iron oxide to metallic oxide during the reductive roast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: UOP, Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Tolley
  • Patent number: 4395384
    Abstract: A process for the treating of zircon to remove a coating which contains iron from the surface of individual grains to make them move amenable to electrostatic and magnetic separation, wherein the method comprises coating the zircon grains with a strong basic reagent, calcining the coated grains and treating the calcined grains to remove the calcined impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Allied Eneabba Limited
    Inventor: Corbett J. Poynton
  • Patent number: 4384883
    Abstract: A reduction process for the metallization of ferrotitaniferous materials comprising a partial metallization at a low temperature with hydrogen followed by a high temperature reduction with a carbonaceous reductant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: ICI Australia Limited
    Inventor: Donald J. Fensom
  • Patent number: 4364908
    Abstract: A process is provided for removing impurities from a slurry of titanyl hydrate. The titanyl hydrate is separated from the slurry, washed, and reslurried with water to make the resulting titanyl hydrate slurry fluid. The reslurried titanyl hydrate slurry is then treated by the addition of a trivalent titanium compound in an amount between about 0.01 grams and about 0.7 grams trivalent titanium compound measured as TiO.sub.2 per 100 grams titanyl hydrate as calcined TiO.sub.2 in the absence of additional acid values. The titanyl hydrate is then separated from the treated slurry, washed and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Rahm, Ivan B. Lampe
  • Patent number: 4361542
    Abstract: Zircon, ZrSiO.sub.4, is retrieved from zircon sand comprised of ZrSiO.sub.4 crystals and contaminants including SiO.sub.2 and iron by comminuting an aqueous slurry of the sand with iron means exposing the contaminants, admixing the resulting comminuted sand slurry with concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids producing ferric chloride in solution thereby removing its iron component, admixing the resulting suspension with a flocculating agent agglomerating the suspended particles, admixing the resulting agglomerated mass with concentrated hydrofluoric acid to dissolve its SiO.sub.2 component, recovering the resulting ZrSiO.sub.4, washing it with water and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald H. Arendt
  • Patent number: 4321236
    Abstract: An improved process for beneficiating titaniferous material whereby formation of fines during leaching of the titaniferous material is minimized. The titaniferous material and mineral acid reactants each are heated to an elevated temperature prior to admixing in the leaching operation. The heated reactants then are admixed in a leaching zone and further heated to a leaching temperature of from about 110.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. The preheating causes at least a portion of the acid-soluble titanium values in the titaniferous material to be hydrolyzed upon dissolution and to form an acid-insoluble precipitate. At least a portion of the precipitate is caused to deposit upon the titaniferous material such that fines or slime formation in the leach liquor is minimized. The leaching is continued for a sufficient time to dissolve most of the acid-soluble impurities contained in the titaniferous material. The solid residue remaining in the leaching zone is recovered as the beneficiated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Edgel P. Stambaugh, David W. Neuendorf
  • Patent number: 4313913
    Abstract: A process for the production of a hydrolyzable titanyl sulphate solution comprising contacting sulphuric acid of about 86% concentration with a mixture of slag and ilmenite, the ratio of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 to TiO.sub.2 in the mixture ranging from about 1.7:1 to 2.2:1 and the mol ratio of Ti(III) to Fe(III) in the mixture ranging from about 25:1 to 1.4:1, the slag having a TiO.sub.2 content of >80% and a Ti(III) content of about 22 to 40% calculated as TiO.sub.2, and the ilmenite having a Fe(III) to Fe(II) ratio from about 1:1 to 10:1, and adding water if necessary to bring the concentration of sulphuric acid to from about 86 to 96%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Panek, Walter Gutsche, Peter Woditsch
  • Patent number: 4288415
    Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of titanium compounds and particularly titanium dioxide wherein excess titaniferous bearing material is reacted with dilute sulfuric acid having a concentration of between about 25% and about 60% by weight at a temperature below about 140.degree. C., and in the presence of a reducing agent which affects the reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron. Thereafter, the titanium sulfate may be recovered or further processed to provide titanium dioxide hydrate accompanied by recycling the spent acid for reaction with the titaniferous bearing material charged to the process. The titanium hydrate may be calcined to provide titanium dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Rahm, Donald G. Cole
  • Patent number: 4288418
    Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigment wherein excess ilmenite ore is reacted with dilute sulfuric acid having a concentration of between about 25% and about 60% by weight and in preferably at least two stages wherein the first stage is maintained at a temperature up to about 140.degree. C. and the second stage is conducted at a lower temperature (than the first stage) which is below about 100.degree. C. to provide a salt solution of titanium and iron. Thereafter, the titanium is hydrolyzed to provide titanium dioxide hydrate accompanied by recycling the spent acid from the hydrolysis for reaction with the ilmenite ore charged to the process. The titanium hydrate is calcined to provide titanium dioxide pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Davis, Joseph A. Rahm
  • Patent number: 4288417
    Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigment wherein excess ilmenite ore is reacted with dilute sulfuric acid having a concentration of between about 25% and about 60% by weight in the presence of an iron reductant, and in preferably at least two stages wherein the first stage is maintained at a temperature up to about 140.degree. C. and the second stage is conducted at a lower temperature (than the first stage) which is below about 100.degree. C. to provide a salt solution of titanium and iron. Thereafter, the titanium is hydrolyzed to provide titanium dioxide hydrate accompanied by recycling the spent acid from the hydrolysis for reaction with the ilmenite ore charged to the process. The titanium hydrate is calcined to provide titanium dioxide pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Rahm, Donald G. Cole
  • Patent number: 4288416
    Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of titanium compounds and particularly titanium dioxide wherein excess titaniferous bearing material is reacted with dilute sulfuric acid having a concentration of between about 25% and about 60% by weight at a temperature below about 140.degree. C. Thereafter, the titanium sulphate may be recovered or processed to provide titanium dioxide hydrate accompanied by recycling the spent acid for reaction with the titaniferous bearing material charged to the process. The titanium hydrate may be calcined to provide titanium dioxide pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Davis, Joseph A. Rahm
  • Patent number: 4275041
    Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of a stable titanyl sulfate solution by diluting a reaction mixture containing iron sulfate and titanyl sulfate with a material selected from water, a titanyl sulfate solution, and mixtures thereof. The titanyl sulfate solution may be recovered or processed to provide titanium dioxide hydrate which may be calcined to provide titanium dioxide pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Waldman, Edgar Klein, Achim Kulling, Joseph A. Rahm