Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing dissolved metal ions from an onium hydroxide and/or salt solution, including providing a weak acid ion exchange medium; providing a solution comprising magnesium ions; forming a magnesium-loaded ion exchange medium by contacting the ion exchange medium with the solution comprising magnesium ions; contacting the magnesium-loaded ion exchange medium with an onium hydroxide and/or salt solution containing a first quantity of dissolved metal ions, wherein at least a portion of the dissolved metal ions are removed from the onium hydroxide and/or salt solution; and collecting the onium hydroxide and/or salt solution after the contacting, wherein the solution collected contains a second quantity of dissolved metal ions smaller than the first quantity. The onium hydroxide and/or salt may be tetramethylammonium hydroxide and/or salt, and the metal content may be reduced to about 1 part per billion or less by the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for wetting particulate material comprising a tank (1) that has an outlet (2) at its lower end and an inlet (3) at its upper end, into which is mounted a container (4) comprising a number of individual internal chambers (5) having horizontal baffles (6) which each have an orifice (7), a stirring rod (8) which is substantially coaxial with the tank passes through each orifice, and one or more impeller(s) (9) and one or more collar(s) (10) are attached to the stirring rod above each orifice and the apparatus additionally comprises a hopper (11) connected to a feeding device (12) which in turn is connected to an eductor (13) that is coupled to a water supply (24) and the inlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for wetting powdered material so as to promote subsequent uniform distribution of the wetted material throughout bulk water.