Patents Assigned to Worsley Alumina Pty. Limited
  • Patent number: 5314806
    Abstract: A method and system for the biological disposal of oxalate is described in which a biological reactor having an alkalophilic oxalate-degrading aerobic micro-organism in aqueous solution is employed. The biological reactor comprises a vessel containing the aqueous solution and having an input for receiving dissolved oxalate from a dissolver tank. Sodium oxalate, as a by-product or the Bayer process in an alumina refinery, can be introduced into the dissolver tank in solid form together with trace elements and nutrients for biological growth. The system operates as a continuous feed process with dissolved oxalate being pumped from the dissolver tank into the biological reactor vessel continuously in a controlled manner. The biological reactor further comprises an aerator, including an oxygen probe for monitoring the level of dissolved oxygen in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Worsley Alumina Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Robert A. Morton, Michael J. Dilworth, Barbara Wienecke