Abstract: Methods described herein generally relate to the treatment of carbonaceous materials with ozone to facilitate the subsequent recovery of metal species (e.g., precious metals) from the carbonaceous material. In some cases, the method may involve exposure of a carbonaceous material to a relatively low amount of ozone. In some cases, the carbonaceous material may be subjected to oxidizing conditions, e.g. by autoclaving or bio-oxidation, prior to ozone treatment. Such embodiments may allow for more simplified and cost-effective methods for metal recovery.

Abstract: A method for treating a waste product from a chemical processing plant. Chemical processing plants such as oil refineries produce sour water waste that includes ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The sour water is typically steam stripped to form a vapor stream including water, the ammonia and the hydrogen sulfide. The vapor stream is converted into a concentrated ammonium sulfide solution using a scrubber unit that includes a cooling and quenching column. Concentrating the byproducts provides for more efficient transportation of the concentrate from several refineries to a remote, centralized purification facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating waste products produced by chemical processing plants. Steam stripping waste sour water results in a vapor including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. A scrubber unit including a quenching column produces a concentrated ammonium sulfide solution. The concentrated ammonium sulfide allows for more efficient transfer from more than one refinery to a centralized purification facility for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating waste products produced by chemical processing plants. Steam stripping waste sour water results in a vapor including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. A scrubber unit including a quenching column produces a concentrated ammonium sulfide solution. The concentrated ammonium sulfide allows for more efficient transfer from more than one refinery to a centralized purification facility for further processing.

Abstract: A method for treating a waste product from a chemical processing plant. Chemical processing plants such as oil refineries produce sour water waste that includes ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The sour water is typically steam stripped to form a vapor stream including water, the ammonia and the hydrogen sulfide. The vapor stream is converted into a concentrated ammonium sulfide solution using a scrubber unit that includes a cooling and quenching column. Concentrating the byproducts provides for more efficient transportation of the concentrate from several refineries to a remote, centralized purification facility.