Abstract: The method of recovering copper from sulfide ores with copper and iron, comprises the steps of reacting, in a reaction vessel, a copper-containing sulfide ore with sulfur dioxide gas to form elemental sulfur, an iron oxide and a copper sulfide, separating the solids comprising the iron oxide and copper sulfate from a liquid phase of the reaction mixture, leaching the dried solids with an aqueous solution comprising water or dilute sulfuric acid and solubilizing the copper sulfate, and recovering copper from the solubilized copper sulfate.

Abstract: An electrochemical reaction device includes: a first electrolytic solution tank having a first storage part and a second storage part; a second electrolytic solution tank having a third storage part and a fourth storage part; a first reduction electrode layer immersed in a first electrolytic solution; a first oxidation electrode layer immersed in a second electrolytic solution; a first generator electrically connected to the first reduction electrode and the first oxidation electrode layer; a second reduction electrode layer immersed in a third electrolytic solution; a second oxidation electrode layer immersed in a fourth electrolytic solution; a second generator electrically connected to the second reduction electrode and the second oxidation electrode layer; and at least one flow path out of a first flow path connecting the first storage part and the fourth storage part and a second flow path connecting the second storage part and the third storage part.

Abstract: High strength, low salt solutions of alkali hypochlorite (e.g. sodium hypochlorite) can advantageously be produced in a system comprising a subsystem in which alkali hydroxide solution and chlorine are reacted to produce alkali hypochlorite and salt solids in a crystallizer, while drawing a vacuum in the crystallizer. In a system comprising a chlor-alkali plant, the alkali hydroxide solution and chlorine can be directly obtained (i.e. without concentrating) from the electrolyzer in the plant. A net energy savings in the system can be achieved and water consumption in the chlor-alkali plant can be substantially decreased by returning chlorinated condensate from the crystallizer to the recycle line in the chlor-alkali plant. Salt can be efficiently recovered by redissolving the salt solids produced in depleted brine and returning it directly to the electrolyzer. As a result, high strength, low salt hypochlorite can be produced without the need to evaporate caustic.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium battery includes a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1: In Chemical Formula 1, each of k, l, and m is independently an integer of 0 to 20, n is an integer of 1 to 7, and k, l and m are selected such that the compound of Chemical Formula 1 has an asymmetrical structure. The compound of Chemical Formula 1 may be included in the positive electrode, the negative electrode, or the electrolyte of the rechargeable lithium battery.

Abstract: In a hydrogen producing device, an electrolyte flow path between a plurality of hydrogen producing cells is disposed in a hydrogen production side and in an oxygen production side, separately. Further, an electrolyte flow path is formed through which the electrolyte flows downward from the top between the plurality of hydrogen producing cells, and on the other hand the electrolyte flows upward from the bottom within each hydrogen producing cell. Moreover, a contact point with a produced gas or an atmosphere is provided in a pathway of the electrolyte flow path.

Abstract: A series of inventions leading to the production of specific aluminum alloys (especially aluminum beverage can sheet product) through novel approach of introducing, selectively partitioning and managing alloying elements. This invention also enables manufacturing practices to enhance the performance characteristics of aluminum alloys produced. The selected elements can be derived from carbon anodes made from calcined petroleum coke with high metallic contents (such as nickel and vanadium). Alloying elements can also be introduced and managed from other raw material such as alumina and bath constituents added during aluminum smelting process. Additionally, cell operating parameters, such as cell temperature, off gas flow rate, aluminum tapping rate and impurity partition characteristics can also be manipulated to produce low cost aluminum alloys and facilitate utilization of high metallic content calcined petroleum coke.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating low pressure hydrogen gas from fuel solutions (i.e., alcohols) without the use of an external power source or external heat source. The apparatus comprises (a) a first chamber for fuel storage having an aperture, (b) a second chamber for the temporary storage of hydrogen gas generated having an aperture, (c) a first electrochemical cell (Cell-1) and (d) a second electrochemical cell (Cell-2). Cell-2 is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber so that its anode is in fluid communication with the first chamber and its cathode is in fluid communication with the second chamber. Cell-1 is disposed on the opposite side of the first chamber from Cell-2 so that the anode therein is in fluid communication with the first chamber, and the cathode therein is in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent. The first chamber is sandwiched between Cell-1 and Cell-2.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrochemical cell stack may include arranging a plurality of electrochemical cells into an electrochemical cell stack, the electrochemical cell stack including at least a first substack and a second substack; connecting the first substack and second substack such that reactant fluid flows in series from the first substack to the second substack; and coupling the first substack to a first electrical control device such that the first electrical control device selectively electrically reconfigures the first substack to operate in series and in parallel with the second substack.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrolysis apparatus 10 adapted to produce oxygenated and hydrogenated fluid, formed during the electrolysis of an electrolytic solution passed into the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a first and second outer end members 12 and 14 and first and second permeable electrodes 16 and 18 spaced from one another. Each permeable electrode 16 and 18 are of a foraminous or perforated material. An inlet chamber 20 has two inlets 26 for allowing electrolytic solution to pass into said chamber 20. The apparatus 10 also has an oxygen outlet 28 as well as a hydrogen outlet 30. The flow of electrolytic solution through the permeable electrodes 16 and 18 will carry with it the oxygen and hydrogen gasses generated on the positive and negative (first and second) permeable electrodes respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fuel cell elements including at least one electronically conductive layer and an ion conductive layer. The fuel cell elements can have a tubular cross-section or an enclosed cross-section of another shape. Also disclosed is an assembly of fuel cell elements to form cell tubes and stacks of such fuel cell elements or cell tubes. Fuel cell elements, or cell tubes, or stacks thereof can also be used as an electrolyser. Further disclosed are methods of making such fuel cell elements, cell tubes and stacks thereof, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A microbial electrolysis cell having a brush anode is described. A method of producing products, such as hydrogen, at the cathode of the microbial electrolysis cell is also provided. The microbial electrolysis cell is configured in a cylindrical shape having an anode, cathode and anion exchange membrane all disposed concentrically. A brush anode spirally wound around the outside of the cylindrical microbial electrolysis cell is described. The method may include sparging the anode and/or cathode with air in some cases. In addition, CO2-containing gas may be injected into a cathode chamber to reduce pH is some cases.

Abstract: This invention relates to the desulfurization of a hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting said feedstock with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution, thus resulting in a desulfurized feedstock and an aqueous metal sulfide stream. In the present invention, the aqueous metal sulfide stream is split into at least three fractions and each fraction is passed to a different electrochemical cell, connected in series to regenerate the metal hydroxide required in the desulfurization process and recover sulfur, metal hydroxide, and hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the metal hydroxide that is produced in the electrochemical metal hydroxide regeneration process of the present invention is recycled for use in the process for desulfurizing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method utilizing Cylindrical Electrolysis cells for the generation of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) solutions having excellent sanitizing properties and a shelf life of 24 months when bottled. The electrolysis cells consist of at least two cylindrical electrodes with at least one cylindrical ion-selective membrane arranged co-axially between them. A cation-selective or anion-selective membrane separates the cathode chamber from the anode chamber allowing only selective ions to move from one chamber to another. A three section end piece facilitate the assembly of the cylindrical electrolysis cell and enables easy inspection and replacement of the ion-selective membranes. The method allows production of different concentrations of Hypochlorous Acid solutions with a pH value ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 and an Redox Oxidation Potential between +700 and +1200 mV when an aqueous sodium chloride or potassium chloride solution is treated.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an electrochemical reactor (1, 13), in particular but not exclusively for vatting sulphur dye or vat dye as well as to methods of using such a reactor and to uses of such a reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for electrical connection between the successive cells (pots) arranged in series for the production of aluminium by electrolysis of alumina dissolved in molten cryolite, by the Hall-Heroult process. The invention is applied to series of cells arranged transversely to the axis of the series (line) and operating at a current greater than 300 kA and possibly above 600 kA. The present invention combines the different advantages of known design concepts into effective novel technical solutions for large pots. The solution optimises the resulting magnetic field and busbar performance parameters like voltage drop, weight, current distribution, distribution and average levels of magnetic field, inter-row distance, anode riser solutions and physical space for the busbar requirements.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrochemical conversion system (40) for energy management which includes multi-electrochemical cells. The system 40 includes a conduit system (41), an electrical system (42), first electrochemical cell (43), a second electrochemical cell (44), a third electrochemical cell (45), a first recuperative heat exchanger (RHX) (46), and a second recuperative heat exchanger (47). The conduit system, electrical system (42), heat exchangers, and electrochemical cells are all constructed and function in the same manner as previously described. The system (40) also includes an additional, second recuperative heat exchanger (47) (RHX) to thermally isolate the third electrochemical cell from the other two. As shown, the electrochemical cells are electrically and pneumatically connected in series so that the electrical current flow and the proton flow through the electrochemical cells are balanced.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent/solution extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution in multiple electrowinning stages, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent/solution extraction prior to electrowinning.

Abstract: This invention relates to the desulfurization of a hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting said feedstock with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution, thus resulting in a desulfurized feedstock and an aqueous metal sulfide stream. In the present invention, the aqueous metal sulfide stream is split into at least three fractions and each fraction is passed to a different electrochemical cell, connected in series to regenerate the metal hydroxide required in the desulfurization process and recover sulfur, metal hydroxide, and hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the metal hydroxide that is produced in the electrochemical metal hydroxide regeneration process of the present invention is recycled for use in the process for desulfurizing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: A series of inventions leading to the production of specific aluminum alloys (especially aluminum beverage can sheet product) through novel approach of introducing, selectively partitioning and managing alloying elements. This invention also enables manufacturing practices to enhance the performance characteristics of aluminum alloys produced. The selected elements can be derived from carbon anodes made from calcined petroleum coke with high metallic contents (such as nickel and vanadium). Alloying elements can also be introduced and managed from other raw material such as alumina and bath constituents added during aluminum smelting process. Additionally, cell operating parameters, such as cell temperature, off gas flow rate, aluminum tapping rate and impurity partition characteristics can also be manipulated to produce low cost aluminum alloys and facilitate utilization of high metallic content calcined petroleum coke.

Abstract: There is provided a method by which various compounds (1) having a carboxyl group in the molecule have the carboxyl group converted to a (dioxolenon-4-yl)methyl ester at low cost, in a simple way and at high yield. The process for producing compounds of formula (3) according to the reaction scheme shown below comprises reacting carboxylic acids of formula (1) with 4-chloromethyldioxolenone compounds of formula (2) in a solvent in the presence of both a phase transfer catalyst and a metal iodide: [where Q represents an organic group, M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or a transition metal, R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted (C1-6 alkyl group or phenyl group)].

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the gas generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.

Abstract: A galvanic cell system (50) in fluid communication with a dewatering system (40) of an inhibited oxidation scrubber (20) removes an oxidation catalyst, i.e., solution phase iron (98), from the process liquor (42) produced by the dewatering system (40) and replaces the iron (98) with magnesium (104) in an oxidation-reduction reaction. An electrolytic cell system (154) in fluid communication with a dewatering system (144) of a forced oxidation scrubber (128) removes an oxidation inhibitor, i.e., solution phase aluminum (174), from the process liquor (146) produced by the dewatering system (144) and replaces the aluminum (174) with iron (170) in an oxidation-reduction reaction. The process liquor (42, 146) is subsequently returned to the scrubber (20, 128) with the solution phase metal (98, 174) selectively removed, thereby enhancing the scrubbing efficiency of the scrubber (20, 128).

Abstract: An improved electrochemical generator is disclosed. The electrochemical generator includes a thin-film electrochemical cell which is maintained in a state of compression through use of an internal or an external pressure apparatus. A thermal conductor, which is connected to at least one of the positive or negative contacts of the cell, conducts current into and out of the cell and also conducts thermal energy between the cell and thermally conductive, electrically resistive material disposed on a vessel wall adjacent the conductor. The thermally conductive, electrically resistive material may include an anodized coating or a thin sheet of a plastic, mineral-based material or conductive polymer material. The thermal conductor is fabricated to include a resilient portion which expands and contracts to maintain mechanical contact between the cell and the thermally conductive material in the presence of relative movement between the cell and the wall structure.

Abstract: An improved electrolyzer is disclosed herein. The electrolyzer includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet at a common end. Within the housing are disposed electrode elements, and a passageway that connects the inlet to the outlet. In accordance with the improvement disclosed and claimed herein, a divider is disposed in the fluid flow passageway between the inlet and outlet. It serves to cause fluid entering the inlet to flow through one section of the passageway, and then through another section of the passageway before exiting through the outlet.

Abstract: A reactor for removing impurities by electrochemcial means from liquids, such as aqueous solutions, and in which the liquid is passed through series of plateshaped reaction electrodes electrically insulated against each other with a liquid speed above a minimum to prevent dissociation into constituent gases, but sufficient to ensure interaction with an electrical current passing between the plateshaped electrodes. The latter has corrugated forms and/or their surfaces provided with embossed relief patterns to enhance the electrochemical effect between the electrodes. The reactor comprises one more interconnected units (A, B, C, D) with a series of plateshaped electrodes (1, 2) valve means (8) and holes (5, 6) in the plates for redirecting the liquid flow into and through the series of reaction electrodes (1, 2).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of making a catalytic film comprising: applying an electric current to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode and a solution comprising a film forming compound and a nitrate ion source thereby forming the catalytic film.

Abstract: Prevention of degradation of ion exchange membranes and/or system hardware in electrolytic systems, during system shutdown, is effected by applying a reverse potential to the electrolytic system during shutdown of operation.

Abstract: A process for producing one or more metals from a mineral feedstock (12) is defined. The mineral is fed to a leaching apparatus (10) wherein it is contacted with electrolyte (14). The leaching apparatus has zones of decreasing oxidation potential (17, 18, 19, 20) respectively. A stream of electrolyte (14A) is removed from zone (20) and is treated to remove impurities and unwanted metals in treatment unit (25A), prior to metal recovery by electrolysis. The electrolyte after electrolysis is then returned to the leaching unit (10). A second electrolyte stream (14B) may be removed from zone (19) for recovery of additional metals. The electrolyte (14B) is treated to remove impurities and any unwanted metals in treatment unit (25B), prior to metal recovery by electrolysis. The electrolyte after electrolysis is returned to leaching unit (10). The process enables the leaching of difficult to leach minerals, including gold, and can produce one or more metals of high purity.