Abstract: A system, device, and method include a cell-powered first electronic device powered using electrical potential imposed across an electrolytic cell. The potential is voltage-boosted to accomplish this task. If the electrical potential imposed the cell is insufficient, the device can also be battery-powered. In any event, this device is in communication with one or more sensors in the electrolytic cell, as well as a second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices wirelessly communicate. More specifically, the first electronic device wireless transmits data signals to the second electronic device, which receives the same. The first and second electronic devices are physically remote from one another, and they communicating over a private or public network, preferably using spread spectrum technology.

Abstract: A system, device, and method include a cell-powered first electronic device for monitoring two or more electrolytic cells is powered using electrical potential imposed across the electrolytic cells. The potential is voltage-boosted to accomplish this task. If the electrical potential imposed across the cells is insufficient, the device can also be battery-powered. In any event, this device is in communication with one or more sensors in the electrolytic cells, as well as a second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices wirelessly communicate. More specifically, the first electronic device wireless transmits data signals to the second electronic device, which receives the same. The first and second electronic devices are physically remote from one another, and they communicate over a private or public network, preferably using spread spectrum technology.

Abstract: For an electrolytic cell, an apparatus and method are described that use one or more sensors to measure magnetic field strength about a conductor carrying electrical current. A processor is in electrical communication with the sensors and determines a compensated magnetic field strength based on the magnetic fields of other conductors that also carry electrical current to or from the electrolytic cell. The processor uses this compensated magnetic field strength to determine the cathode electrical current carried by the conductor and to identify open and short circuits between the anodes and cathodes of the cell. The described apparatus and method account for interactions between the magnetic fields of the neighboring cathodes.

Abstract: A system, device, and method include a cell-powered first electronic device for monitoring two or more electrolytic cells is powered using electrical potential imposed across the electrolytic cells. The potential is voltage-boosted to accomplish this task. If the electrical potential imposed across the cells is insufficient, the device can also be battery-powered. In any event, this device is in communication with one or more sensors in the electrolytic cells, as well as a second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices wirelessly communicate. More specifically, the first electronic device wireless transmits data signals to the second electronic device, which receives the same. The first and second electronic devices are physically remote from one another, and they communicate over a private or public network, preferably using spread spectrum technology.

Abstract: The conventional rapper design is improved to provide longer service without maintenance and easier access at less cost when service is required by, among other things, redesign of the hammer assembly, hammer shaft and lever assemblies, and the hammer assembly housings. Design improvements include the provision of access panels on the housings, a guide and lock mechanism for removing and inserting the hammer assembly out of and into the hammer assembly housing, providing the hammer with a removal, and keyed engagements of hammer shaft assembly components.

Abstract: In a copper converting furnace, the (i) reduction of copper oxide in and the removal of copper metal from the slag, and (ii) conversion of copper sulfide in and the elimination of mineral waste from the blister copper is enhanced by introducing a gas, e.g. nitrogen, into at least one of the blister copper and slag such that the gas increases the turbulence or mixing at the blister copper/slag interface and promotes a lowering of the sulfur dioxide equilibrium pressure within the blister copper and slag phases. In one embodiment, the gas is introduced into both the molten blister copper and slag through a porous-wall injector.

Abstract: Copper matte is processed to anode copper without oxidizing blister copper in an anode furnace. Copper matte, in either molten or solid form, is fed to a continuous copper converting furnace in which it is converted to blister copper and slag. The blister copper and slag collect in the settler region of the furnace and separate into two phases, a blister copper phase and a slag phase (the latter floating upon the former). The converting furnace is equipped with means for stirring or agitating the interface of the blister copper and slag phases such that the sulfur content of the blister copper phase and the copper content of the slag phase are reduced.

Abstract: A metallurgical furnace, preferably a metallurgical furnace for the production of copper, is equipped with a forebay. The forebay is in open communication with the settler of the furnace by a passageway that allows for the continuous removal of both slag and metal product, e.g. matte, blister copper, etc. The slag and metal product maintain their phase-separated relationship as they enter the forebay. The forebay is equipped with a weir that divides the forebay into a slag skimming chamber and a riser chamber. The slag skimming chamber has at least one slag overflow notch on at least one sidewall. The notch is located at an elevation on the sidewall such that only slag enters and is removed from the forebay. The notch is above the top surface of the metal product, i.e. it is above the interface between the slag and metal product layers.

Abstract: Molybdenum trioxide is produced from molybdenite by a pressure oxidation process comprising of the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of molybdenite, pressure oxidizing the slurry to form soluble and insoluble molybdenum species, converting the insoluble molybdenum species to soluble molybdenum species by alkaline digestion, separating the soluble molybdenum species from insoluble residue contaminants (if present), removing the molybdenum species from the aqueous media through solvent extraction, and recovering the molybdenum values as molybdenum trioxide from the organic solvent. Low grade molybdenite concentrates, including concentrator slimes containing talc and sericite, can be used as a feed. The process produces technical grade molybdenum trioxide.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention extract samples of emissions within a stack or duct through the use of a probe. The sample is transported from the probe through a transport device into a mass-monitoring device in which the amount of particulate matter contained in the sample of the emissions is continuously analyzed. The apparatus of the present invention includes a transport device which has a porous inner tube completely sealed inside a solid outer tube. The outer tube of the transport device is supplied with gas through a transpiration port in the outer tube. The gas permeates from the outer tube through the porous inner tube in order to reduce deposition by keeping the particulate matter suspended within the porous inner tube.

Abstract: Metal, e.g. copper, is electrolytically deposited within the recess formed over a plugged hole of a component of a pyrometallurgical vessel, e.g. a cooling block, to form a seamless seal with the surface of the component. The method comprises the steps of inserting a mechanical plug into a channel opening of the component such that a recess is formed between the external surface of the plug and the outer surface of the component; positioning an anode adjacent the recess; providing an aqueous solution containing metallic ions, e.g. a solution of copper sulfate, between the anode and the mechanical plug; and creating an electric potential across the anode and the mechanical plug such that metal is deposited within the recess, preferably until the recess is filled with the electrodeposited metal. In alternative embodiments, the process can be used to secure fittings and the like to the components or to repair ruptured or weakened areas along the perimeter of such fittings.

Abstract: Impurity streams generated during the metallurgy of copper are hydrometallurgically processed at ambient pressure for recovery of primary values in an energy-efficient manner and with the capture and conversion of metallic impurities to states that are acceptable for disposal into the environment. Hallmark features of the various embodiments of this invention include the water leach of flue dust, a controlled acid leach stage in which metal species are solubilized, the extraction of copper as a sulfide, and the ability to operate the various process stages at essentially ambient pressure.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of flue dust from copper and lead smelters includes the steps of subjecting a slurry (10) of water and flue dust to a first caustic leach (12) to form a first liquids soluble sulfate solution (14) and a first solids portion (15), subjecting the solids portion to a second caustic leach (16) to solubilize lead and arsenic in a second liquid portion (22) and, selectively extracting the arsenic from the second liquid portion by precipitation (23).