Abstract: Filtration of wet process superphosphoric acid by vacuum filtration is greatly enhanced by the use of a filter aid having a statistically selected distribution of particle sizes.

Abstract: A continuous flow device for separation of particles of differing densities in a centrifugal force field. Very small particles of differing densities that are normally very difficult or impossible to separate in the useful commercial gravity separation devices can be separated because of the increased settling force due to the centrifugal force field and also the buoyant force on the particles of lesser density caused by a thickened slurry layer. A thin film of a slurry of solid particles of differing size and density travels over a revolving surface of such configuration that the slurry flows in a substantially laminar manner. As the thin film of slurry flows along the surface, the particles of greater density tend to concentrate in the region next to the surface. While the particles of lesser density remain in or are forced into the fraction of the film closest to the axis of revolution.

Abstract: A method of geochemical prospecting for buried sulphur mineralization which comprises collecting relatively organic free soil samples and determining the carbon isotope composition of the carbonate fraction.

Abstract: A method of solution mining a bed of soluble ore disposed in a sloping subterranean strata disposed beneath an insoluble stratum by developing contemporaneous multiple cavities through the same borehole.

Abstract: Solution mining method particularly adapted for recovery of potash and the like from multiple beds of relatively thin, inclined strata at substantial depths. Dissolution of each ore strata overlain by an insoluble and impermeable strata takes place through a single borehole in sequential order beginning with the deepest ore strata. Water is injected down a borehole at a predetermined rate and, being much less dense than present brine, flows in an updip direction along the top of the cavity to the forward mining face remote from the drill hole. Loaded, heavy brine flows downdip along the bottom of the cavity to an outflow pipe communicating with the bottom of the cavity.

Abstract: Solution mining method particularly adapted for recovery of potash and the like from relatively thin, inclined strata at substantial depths and involving the dissolution of ore strata, overlain by insoluble strata, while leaving the remainder of the formation in place. Water is injected down a bore hole at a predetermined rate and, being much less dense than present brine, flows in an updip direction along the top of the cavity to a forward mining face remote from the drill hole. Loaded, heavy brine flows downdip along the bottom of the stratum to an outflow pipe communicating with the bottom of the bore hole.

Abstract: A geodetic compass having a mirrored cover that has the dual purpose of providing means for reading the compass needle orientation for geodetic purposes, while at the same time having cross hatch diffractional sighting means incorporated in said cover and mirror for utilizing said mirror for emergency signalling purposes.

Abstract: A method of geochemical prospecting for buried sulphur mineralization which comprises collecting relatively organic free soil samples, desorbing bound sulphur gases from the soil samples, and analyzing the sulphur gases.

Abstract: A shield for a gas sampling probe is disclosed. The shield includes a tubular member which substantially encloses the probe. Openings are provided in the tubular member to permit a gas flow into the shield past the probe.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of wet process phosphoric acid wherein the addition of relatively small amounts of gelatin to the reaction system substantially increases the filtration rate of the calcium sulphate crystals without adversely affecting the quality of the acid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spray metallizing a coating of metal (e.g., zinc) onto one or both sides of a base metal (e.g. steel). One embodiment of the invention comprises melting the metal to be deposited, propelling first and second streams of the melted metal towards the base metal at a point of convergence adjacent to the substrate, and applying a potential difference between the streams to form an electric arc whereby superheated particles are deposited on the base metal. A second embodiment of the invention comprises melting the metal to be deposited, propelling a stream of the melted metal towards the base metal through a nozzle containing a non-consumable stationary electrode, and applying a potential difference between the molten metal and the electrode to form an electric arc whereby superheated particles are deposited on the base metal.

Abstract: A process for treating chromite-bearing ores to obtain useful mineral values, especially platinum group metal, therefrom wherein the ore is separated into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions; the non-magnetic fraction, containing a substantial portion of the platinum group metals, is concentrated and smelted to produce a metal layer containing platinum group metals; and the platinum group metals are then substantially disassociated from the metal layer containing them. The magnetic fraction of the ore may itself be further treated to remove any platinum group metals associated therewith.

Abstract: A process for the improved beneficiation of phosphate ore in which the double float cationic (i.e., amine) floatation step is performed in two stages instead of the standard single stage, and which permits recovery of approximately two-thirds of the phosphate values that were previously lost in the amine tailings of the standard single stage process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spray metallizing a coating of metal (e.g. zinc) onto one or both sides of a base metal (e.g. steel) which comprises melting the metal to be deposited, propelling first and second streams of the melted metal towards the base metal at a point of convergence adjacent to the substrate, and applying a potential difference between the streams to form an electric arc whereby superheated particles are deposited on the base metal.

Abstract: A method of mining substantially horizontal beds of trona ore, such as are found in the vicinity of the town of Green River, Wyoming, in which substantially all the ore within a given area is extracted. Mining is accomplished by driving substantially parallel entries into the trona formation approximately 100 to 200 feet apart, connecting the entries by at least one primary passage which thereby defines a trona panel, supporting the roof of the primary passage by movable roof supporting structures, and mining the exposed short face or wall of the trona panel. The mined material is removed and the roof supporting structures are advanced so that the structures remain essentially adjacent and parallel to the panel face being mined as it recedes. The roof supporting structures are continuously advanced incrementally to effect caving of the previously supported roof and facilitate mining of the exposed short face of the trona panel.

Abstract: Continuous process for the purification of zinc plant electrolyte employing copper arsenate for the removal of cobalt and associated impurities in a four-step treatment comprising:(1) cementation of copper with fine zinc dust,(2) precipitation of the major portion of cobalt by the addition of coarse zinc dust, dilute sulfuric acid and copper arsenate,(3) further addition of coarse zinc dust and dilute acid to precipitate more cobalt and reduce the cobalt level in said electrolyte to about 1.0 ppm, and(4) further addition of coarse zinc dust and dilute acid to reduce the cobalt level in said electrolyte to less than about 0.1 ppm.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to metallurgical processes for the recovery of zinc arsenate from cement copper cake residues, and the use thereof in the purification of impure zinc electrolyte.

Abstract: A process for treating zinc plant leach residues for the recovery of the lead, silver, and tin values contained therein is disclosed. The process includes the treatment of the zinc plant residue with concentrated sulphuric acid followed by water leaching and other hydrometallurgical steps to separately recover the lead, silver and tin.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of soda ash from trona including the steps of sizing the trona, heating the trona to eliminate water and carbon dioxide therefrom, dissolving the trona in an aqueous medium to obtain a solution thereof, removing insoluble solid materials from the solution, crystallizing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the solution, and heating the crystallized sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce soda ash. The improvement of the invention comprises the step of removing insoluble solid materials from the solution of trona by classifying the insoluble solid materials in a plurality of hydroclones.