Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is exposed to microwave/millimeter wave energy in order to differentially heat the first and second group of particles, thereby increasing differences in magnetic susceptibility between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through a magnetic field gradient, which causes the particles to separate into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is exposed to microwave/millimeter wave energy in order to differentially heat the first and second group of particles, thereby increasing differences in magnetic susceptibility between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through a magnetic field gradient, which causes the particles to separate into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions.

Abstract: A system for separating constituents from a base material using RF energy which is coupled to a reaction chamber by way of a windowless transmission line. By eliminating the need for a window, traditional limitations placed on the maximum power delivered to the resonating cavity are eliminated. Thus, the only practical limitation on the RF energy which can be delivered to a resonating cavity are the ability of RF energy source to produce that energy and the ability of the resonating cavity to manage that energy.

Abstract: A condensation chamber and method for condensing a metal connate from a metal rich gaseous mixture. The condensation chamber includes top and sidewall surfaces that together define a central bore. A gas supply is received in the bore, and as the gas begins to cool, a metal connate condensate forms on the surfaces of the condensation chamber. A moveable surface is received in the bore for removing the connate from the surfaces adjacent the bore. To facilitate removal of the connate, the surfaces adjacent the bore are heated to ensure that the connate remains substantially in the liquid state while in the condensation chamber. The moveable surface helps direct the connate into a cooling chamber supported by the condensation chamber. In the cooling chamber, the connate is cooled to a plastic state. The cooled connate may be formed into pellets and stored for later use.

Abstract: A system for separating constituents from a base material using RF energy which is coupled to a reaction chamber by way of a windowless transmission line. By eliminating the need for a window, traditional limitations placed on the maximum power delivered to the resonating cavity are eliminated. Thus, the only practical limitation on the RF energy which can be delivered to a resonating cavity are the ability of RF energy source to produce that energy and the ability of the resonating cavity to manage that energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the elimination of unwanted impurities and inclusions from a variety of non-conductive base materials by the application of high power, variable frequency RF energies in selective of rarefied atmospheres. Refined natural quartz is a product acquired by the method using the apparatus herein described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the elimination of unwanted impurities and inclusions from a variety of non-conductive base materials by the application of high power, variable frequency RF energies in selective or rarefied atmospheres. Refined natural quartz is a product acquired by the method using the apparatus herein described.