Patents by Inventor Pertti Pekkala

Pertti Pekkala has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9010548
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for separating two solutions mixed in dispersion into two solution phases in a liquid-liquid extraction separation cell. A lighter solution phase placed on the heavier solution phase is forced to flow as a thin overflow layer over the top edge of a front panel such that the dispersion thickens A rear panel is essentially parallel with the front panel so that in between the front panel and the rear panel, there is formed an uptake shaft along which the thickened dispersion can rise and be compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Pertti Pekkala, Hannu Laitala, Rami Saario
  • Patent number: 8858799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for separating two solutions mixed in dispersion into two solution phases in a liquid-liquid extraction separation cell. The arrangement includes a first guide wall extending along the whole width of the cell with respect to the vertical direction at an inclined angle. The first guide wall includes a bottom edge, which is located at a distance from the cell bottom, so that a clearance gap is formed between the bottom edge and the cell bottom. The arrangement also includes a second guide wall essentially parallel with the first guide wall and placed at a distance therefrom. Between the first guide wall and the second guide wall an uptake shaft is formed extending diagonally upwards at the inclined angle. The second guide wall is pressed tightly against the cell bottom, and includes a number of vertical slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Pertti Pekkala, Hannu Laitala, Rami Saario
  • Patent number: 8435442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system used in the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, enabling the amount of organic solution required in the various stages of extraction to be significantly reduced. In accordance with the invention, the settler unit of one step belonging to an extraction system is selected to function also as the organic solution storage and pumping tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Timo Saarenpää, Hannu Laitala, Pertti Pekkala
  • Publication number: 20110303619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for separating two solutions mixed in dispersion into two solution phases in a liquid-liquid extraction separation cell (1). The arrangement includes a first guide wall (4), which is arranged at a distance from that end wall (15) of the cell (1) that is located on the side of the feed end (2), in order to extend along the whole width of the cell with respect to the vertical direction at an inclined angle (?). The first guide wall includes a bottom edge (5), which is located at a distance (H1 . . . H2) from the cell bottom, so that in between the bottom edge (5) and the cell bottom (3), there is left a clearance gap (6) widening from the center towards the cell sides. The second guide wall (7) is essentially parallel with the first guide wall (4) and placed at a distance (L1) therefrom, so that in between the first guide wall (4) and the second guide wall (7), there is formed an uptake shaft (8) extending diagonally upwards at an inclined angle (?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Pertti Pekkala, Hannu Laitala, Rami Saario
  • Publication number: 20110284462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for separating two solutions mixed in dispersion into two solution phases in a liquid-liquid extraction separation cell (1). The shut-off element (3, 4, 5) comprises a front panel (8) that extends along the whole width of the cell. The front panel (8) includes a bottom edge (9), which is arranged at a distance (H1, H2, H3) from the cell bottom (7), so that the front panel (8) allows an unobstructed flow of the heavier solution phase directly forwards underneath the bottom edge (9). In the vertical direction, the front panel extends to such a height that it forces the lighter solution phase placed on the heavier solution phase to flow as a thin overflow layer over the top edge (12) of the front panel (8) and forces the dispersion to thicken in front of the front panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Pertti Pekkala, Hannu Laitala, Rami Saario
  • Patent number: 8020710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions form the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Pertti Pekkala, Juhani Lyyra, Launo Lilja, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Publication number: 20110068520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system used in the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, enabling the amount of organic solution required in the various stages of extraction to be significantly reduced. In accordance with the invention, the settler unit of one step belonging to an extraction system is selected to function also as the organic solution storage and pumping tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Timo Saarenpää, Hannu Laitala, Pertti Pekkala
  • Patent number: 7731853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment with which an organic solution extraction solution is purified from entrainment of aqueous solution and impurities during hydrometallurgical liquid-liquid extraction. The method treats an organic extraction solution, which is loaded with a valuable metal or valuable substance from the aqueous solution. The purpose is to carry out the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic extraction solution simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Eero Ekman, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Bror Nyman, Jussi Vaarno
  • Patent number: 7704398
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus with which the aqueous solution from liquid-liquid extraction in the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals is purified from droplets of organic extraction solution. The aqueous solution is treated in a settling tank, where it is made to flow through a flow channel area with a reduced cross-section that extends over the width of the tank at least at one point. The flow channels are located in the lower section of the droplet coalescer according to the invention, with the upper section of the device being mainly solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Juhani Lyyra, Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman
  • Patent number: 7695625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus with which an organic solution that is slightly soluble in water is scrubbed of aqueous entrainment and impurities. In particular, the organic solution may be the organic extraction solution of liquid-liquid extraction used in connection with the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals. The purpose is to perform the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic solution simultaneously. This occurs by routing the solution to be purified in the settling tank through at least one flow plate cassette of reduced cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: OutoTec Oyj
    Inventors: Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Eero Ekman, Bror Nyman
  • Publication number: 20100078380
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions form the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Pertti Pekkala, Juhani Lyyra, Launo Lilja, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7678275
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions form the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Pertti Pekkala, Juhani Lyyra, Launo Lilja, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7615100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the leaching of oxidized ores and in particular zinc ores. The ore, wherein the valuable metals are at least partially in silicate form, are routed to an acidic leaching stage in conditions where the silicate decomposes and the valuable metal ion comes into the solution. During leaching the silicate ion first dissolves, but simultaneously decomposes and is precipitated as silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Sigmund Fugleberg, Pertti Pekkala, Panu Talonen, Marja Riekkola-Vanhanen
  • Patent number: 7517461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled separation of a dispersion of two liquids formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction into their own phases in the separation section of the extraction. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals. In accordance with the method the dispersion band remaining between the separated phases is dammed up using at least one revert member for said purpose located in the separation section. The equipment according to the invention comprises at least one revert member, which is in turn made up of at least two separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7465402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding a dispersion of two liquids formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction along the longitudinal axis of the separation section in the feed end of an extraction separation section. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals. In accordance with the method the dispersion to be fed into the separation section is guided so that it spreads evenly over the cross-section of the separation section using a directional member placed so as to obtain a vertical flow. The equipment in accordance with the invention consists of a directional member, which is in turn made up of at least two separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7390420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling and compressing a dispersion formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction. The compression of the dispersion is achieved by reducing the cross-section of the separation section in the direction of flow and by equipping the separation section with a dispersion-damming member. The equipment according to the invention thus comprises a settler, which is essentially trapezoid in shape so that its cross-section is wider at the feed end of the settler and gets smaller towards the rear end of the settler, from whence the separated solutions are discharged from the settler, and the settler is equipped with at least one device to dam up the dispersion. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7390468
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the stabilization of the production capacity of an extraction plant extracting metals in a process, where the metal content of the feed solution varies. For the stabilization of capacity, the extraction cells and their piping are constructed and situated in such a way, that the extraction stages can be connected in different combinations, either in parallel or in a series. The method is especially suitable for the copper extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Pertti Pekkala, Bror Nyman, Juhani Lyyra, Raimo Kuusisto, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman
  • Publication number: 20070246418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus with which an organic solution that is slightly soluble in water is scrubbed of aqueous entrainment and impurities. In particular, the organic solution may be the organic extraction solution of liquid-liquid extraction used in connection with the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals. The purpose is to perform the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic solution simultaneously. This occurs by routing the solution to be purified in the settling tank through at least one flow plate cassette of reduced cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: Outokumpu Technology OYJ
    Inventors: Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Eero Ekman, Bror Nyman
  • Publication number: 20070210000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus with which the aqueous solution from liquid-liquid extraction in the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals is purified from droplets of organic extraction solution. The aqueous solution is treated in a settling tank, where it is made to flow through a flow channel area with a reduced cross-section that extends over the width of the tank at least at one point. The flow channels are located in the lower section of the droplet coalescer according to the invention, with the upper section of the device being mainly solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Outokumpu Technology OYJ
    Inventors: Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Juhani Lyyra, Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman
  • Publication number: 20070029254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions from the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section as two separate streams. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: OUTOKUMPU TECHNOLOGY OY
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Pertti Pekkala, Juhani Lyyra, Launo Lilja, Raimo Kuusisto