Abstract: The present disclosure broadly relates to a process for recovering magnesium as magnesium oxide and fibrous amorphous silica from serpentinite feedstocks. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to metallurgical and chemical processes for recovering magnesium oxide and fibrous amorphous silica from serpentinite feedstocks. The process broadly comprises applying a sufficient amount of shear deformation force to the serpentine feedstocks to produce a particulate material of reduced size; subjecting the particulate material to magnetic separation to produce a primary magnetic separation product and iron-reduced tailings; and digesting the iron-reduced tailings into nitric acid, producing a magnesium-rich pregnant solution and insoluble solids. The process further comprises adjusting the pH of the pregnant solution to values ranging from about 5.0 to about 7.0.

Abstract: An integrated method and apparatus to continuously produce purified Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) from a continuous supply of solid carbon powder fed to an induction plasma torch. The apparatus includes a reactor body disposed to maintain laminar flow of gases with the torch body and coupled to a quenching body where temperature and residence time is controlled. Conveniently, functionalization may take place in the quenching body. The torch is operated with an argon carrier gas, an argon stabilizing gas and a helium sheath gas. Solid carbon reactants are preferably mixed with at least two metal catalysts containing nickel and cobalt with additional metal oxides of yttrium and cerium being desirable.

Abstract: An integrated method and apparatus to continuously produce purified Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) from a continuous supply of solid carbon powder fed to an induction plasma torch. The apparatus includes a reactor body disposed to maintain laminar flow of gases with the torch body and coupled to a quenching body where temperature and residence time is controlled. Conveniently, functionalization may take place in the quenching body. The torch is operated with an argon carrier gas, an argon stabilizing gas and a helium sheath gas. Solid carbon reactants are preferably mixed with at least two metal catalysts containing nickel and cobalt with additional metal oxides of yttrium and cerium being desirable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for the treatment of wastewater solutions containing cyanide and other dissolved organic material, having an elongated tube having an entrance (28) and an exit (32), and an energy source (22) for the tube, preferably positioned adjacent the exit. The energy source generates intense energy such that a cyanide/organic material-containing solution can be treated by passing it through the tube to expose it to said energy so that the solution absorbs sufficient energy from the energy source to degrade the cyanide and/or dissolved organic material contained therein. The source of intense energy is preferably a plasma, e.g. a plasma generated by a plasma torch or a DC electric arc. The invention also relates to a process of treatment of such a wastewater solution by passing it through such a reactor.