Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method for producing sodium bicarbonate from a nahcolite deposit comprising injecting water or other aqueous solution at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the deposit, dissolving sodium bicarbonate in the hot water to form a production solution and subjecting the production solution to multiple stages of crystallization. The sodium bicarbonate crystals may be dewatered and dried to form a commercial sodium bicarbonate product.

Abstract: A method for producing sodium bicarbonate from a nahcolite deposit comprising injecting water or other aqueous solution at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the deposit, dissolving sodium bicarbonate in the hot water to form a production solution and subjecting the production solution to multiple stages of crystallization. The sodium bicarbonate crystals may be dewatered and dried to form a commercial sodium bicarbonate product.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering a saline mineral from an ore containing the saline mineral and impurities. In one aspect, the process generally includes the steps of separating a first portion of impurities from the ore by density separation, electrostatically separating a second portion of impurities from the ore, and magnetically separating a third portion of impurities from the ore. The process can further include the steps of crushing the ore and dividing the crushed ore into a plurality of size fractions before the above-referenced separating steps. In another aspect, the process includes the steps of calcining the ore and subsequently separating a first portion of impurities by density separation. Indirect heating may be utilized for the calcining process and, preferably, calcining gases are recycled and utilized for heating fluidizing another portion of ore. Water vapor may be condensed from the calcining gas and utilized for other purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals from uncalcined trona ore. The process include contacting trona ore with a saturated sodium carbonate solution at a temperature of at least about 117.degree. C. to form a brine solution comprising anhydrous sodium carbonate crystals. The temperature of the brine solution is reduced to form sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals and the crystals are separated from the brine solution. The process can include maintaining the concentration of bicarbonate in the brine solution at a low level to promote the formation of only anhydrous sodium carbonate at temperatures above about 117.degree. C. and to promote the formation of sodium carbonate monohydrate at temperatures below about 109.degree. C.

Abstract: A television dish antenna which is directed toward the geosynchronous satellite orbit must be properly supported so that the antenna dish maintains position for satisfactory television viewing. In addition, the disc must be moved in the proper path so that it may be pointed at other geosynchronous satellites. The dish supporting structure includes a base frame which can be secured to a horizontal surface. The base provides a strong support for pivot bearings carried thereon which permit dish antenna motion along the correct path.