Abstract: A method for sorbing metal values from a slurry containing the same is disclosed. The slurry is advanced through a plurality of vessels arranged in series while countercurrently directing a sorbent through the vessels. Metal values are sorbed from the slurry in each of the vessels by mixing the pulp to achieve homogeneity with the pulp being maintained at a predetermined level in the vessel. A portion of the homogeneous pulp is directed into an interstage screening system disposed within the vessel and at least partially submerged beneath the predetermined pulp level, whereby the sorbent is separated from the slurry. The separated sorbent is primarily returned to the vessel while a portion of the sorbent is removed from the interstage screening system.

Abstract: A sorption vessel including a tank for retaining a pulp of an aqueous slurry and a sorbent at a predetermined liquid pulp level therein; and an interstage screening system disposed within the tank and at least partially submerged beneath the predetermined pulp level. The interstage screening system includes a housing for isolating the system from the pulp, thereby providing a hydraulic differential between the predetermined pulp level and the screening system; a conduit for selectively introducing the pulp onto the screen member, the pulp being urged through the conduit by the hydraulic differential; and at least one screen member disposed within the housing for selectively and continuously separating the sorbent from the pulp.

Abstract: A vertical pump for transferring a dispersion of solids in a liquid comprising an upper chamber for receiving the dispersion; an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the upper chamber and including an outlet nozzle for discharging the dispersion; and a lower chamber in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber and including an impeller for inducing a vortex in the intermediate chamber. The dispersion is discharged from the outlet nozzle without deleteriously affecting the solids of the dispersion thereby transferring the dispersion independently of direct contact with the impeller. Generally, the solids are a friable sorbent, such as active carbon, and this pump can be used in combination with a screening apparatus which separates the solids from another liquid prior to delivering the solids to the upper chamber of the pump for forming the dispersion therein.