Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Metal oxides are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies. Reacted sorbent may be removed from the reaction action zones for recycling or recycled or regenerated with useful and marketable by-products being recovered during regeneration.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Metal oxides, such as oxides of manganese, are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The metal oxides are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: Systems and process for wet and combinations of wet and dry removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, and oxides of carbon from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. In wet removal, oxides of manganese are mixed in a slurry which is introduced into reaction zones of the system. In dry removal, the oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with at least one of the reaction zones being a wet scrubber. A variety dry scrubber may be utilized in combination wet and dry removal systems.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: Metal values are solubilized from ore by a lixiviant having a pH from 5 to 8, comprising an aqueous solution of a chloride salt and a hypochlorite salt. Cyanuric acid may be added to retard decomposition of the lixiviant. In one alternative embodiment, any remaining hypochlorite ions are then eliminated by adding hydrogen peroxide or a reducing agent to the pregnant lixiviant. Metal values are recovered by reduction using carbon, electrowinning, or other conventional techniques. In an alternative embodiment for extraction of gold or silver, the steps are combined by using finely ground ore containing sulfides or carbonaceous material to both reduce any remaining hypochlorite ions and precipitate the metal values from the lixiviant. The lixiviant can then be regenerated either by electrolysis or addition of hypochlorite salt.

Abstract: A method of isolating a contaminated geological formation or aquifer is disclosed in which the formation is encapsulated by impermeable barriers. A grid of wells is drilled into the formation. A horizontal barrier is formed below the contaminated formation by creating an overlapping pattern of horizontally-oriented fractures filled with polymer radiating from each of these wells. A horizontal barrier may also be formed above the top surface of the contaminated formation if necessary. A ring of boundary wells may also be drilled surrounding the contaminated formation. The strata around each boundary well are fractured, and a polymer is then injected to form a vertical barrier around the periphery of the contaminated formation. In addition, water may be injected under pressure into guard wells between the contaminated formation and the vertical and/or horizontal barriers to further reduce any migration of pollutants into neighboring formations.

Abstract: A method of in-situ leaching is disclosed in which the ore body is incapsulated by impermeable barriers. A grid of injection and production wells are drilled into the ore body. Horizontal barriers are formed at the top and bottom of the ore body by creating an overlapping pattern of horizontally-oriented fractures filled with polymer, above and below the ore body, radiating from each of the injection and production wells. A ring of boundary wells may also be drilled surrounding the ore body. The strata around each boundary well is fractured and a polymer is then injected to form a vertical barrier around the periphery of the ore body. The lixiviant is then introduced to extract the desired mineral values. In addition, water may be injected under pressure into guard wells between the ore body and the vertical and/or horizontal barrier wells to further reduce any migration of lixiviant into neighboring formations.

Abstract: A permeable region adjacent a well bore used in an acidic in situ leaching system can be repaired by introducing a non-acidic liquid for displacing acidic leach liquid from the permeable region, introducing into the well bore a basic composition including a polymeric material that gels under acidic conditions, and applying sufficient pressure to the well bore to displace at least a portion of the basic composition and polymeric material from the well bore into the permeable region adjacent the well bore. Liquid flow in the well bore is then discontinued for a sufficient time for acid remaining in the subterranean formation adjacent the well bore to contact such polymeric material and cause gelation of the polymeric material in the permeable region. The introduction of acidic leach liquid can then continue.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for introducing finely divided gas bubbles into a lixiviant used for in-situ mining of minerals containing metal values, such as copper values. The lixiviant is supplied to a plurality of porous tubes formed of sintered powdered metal while a gas is supplied under pressure about the tubes to cause the gas to penetrate into the interior of the tubes in the form of fine bubbles which are wiped from the interior of the tubes by the lixiviant passing therethrough.The method and apparatus can be advantageously employed in situations where it is desirable to perform in-situ mining with an oxidizing lixiviant. In these cases oxygen is supplied under pressure about the tubes.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the permeability of a subterranean igneous rock formation penetrated by at least one well where a hydraulic fluid is injected into the formation at a pressure sufficient to cause diffusion into the natural fractures thereof and thus increase the cross-sectional area thereof, maintaining the pressure and injecting a second fluid which results, by the use thereof, in substantially maintaining the increased cross-sectional area after the pressure is reduced.

Abstract: A circulation tubing string is disposed about the lixiviant return tubing string in the production hole of an in situ minefield. The circulation string extends from the surface to a point near a packer which defines the top of the leaching interval. A fluid coupler provides a fluid flow path between the annular cross-section regions between the production hole casing and the circulation string, and between the circulation string and the lixiviant return string. A flow of cooling fluid is maintained from the surface through the circuital path defined by the annular cross-section regions and the fluid coupler, particularly including the exterior surface of the production tubing string. The fluid is maintained at a temperature and flow rate so that the pregnant leach liquor flows in the production tubing string between the leaching interval and the surface is characterized by a predetermined temperature drop.

Abstract: An environmentally compatible, industrially safe, and potentially economic means for recovering copper and/or nickel from deep-seated deposits without resorting to extensive underground development. A two-phase ammoniacal leach solution containing oxygen bubbles is forced under high pressure through an injection hole several thousand feet deep into a leaching interval of a deep lying deposit containing copper or nickel or copper and nickel. The two-phase leach solution travels through the leaching interval of the deep lying deposit and is pumped out of withdrawal holes spaced apart from the injection hole.The two-phase leach solution under high pressure (more than 500 psi) penetrates the deposit through cracks, fissures and fractures, leaching copper and/or nickel along the way. Under a controlled pressure gradient, the leaching solution migrates over a period of time to receiving holes from which the pregnant leaching solution is withdrawn.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for in-situ mining of copper from a subterranean ore body characterized, at least in part, by the presence of a sulfidic ore and by natural, microscopic fracture openings. The process comprises forcing a stable, two-phase lixiviant comprising an aqueous phase, a multiplicity of gaseous, oxygen-containing bubbles having a size sufficient to pass through the natural fracture openings in the ore body, and a surfactant for enhancing the formation of the bubbles and for minimizing bubble coalescence through the ore body to leach copper.The aqueous and gaseous phases of the lixiviant are mixed at the surface and injected into the leaching interval through an injection hole, or preferably, are mixed in a subterranean sparger within the hole above the leaching interval. The pregnant liquor is recovered through one or more production holes and, after the copper is recovered, the lixiviant may be reconstituted and recirculated.