Leaching, Dissolving, Or Extracting Prior To Synthesis Patents (Class 205/580)
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Patent number: 10480088Abstract: The invention relates to a combined electrolytic system for precipitating different types of metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, cobalt, silver, gold) and regenerating reagents for the leaching of metal sulphurs from solutions from leaching in a sulphuric-oxidising or hydrochloric-oxidising environment, including a process that permits the combining of the current reduction processes followed by oxidising processes which are complex and potentially dangerous from an environmental point of view, thereby preventing the risky transportation of dangerous substances, loading and unloading operations, storage and manipulation of toxic materials, and reducing the environmentally contaminating waste, producing a commercial-quality cathodic product and a solution that is re-used in the leaching process.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: PROTECH SPAInventor: Jaime Roberto Simpson Alvarez
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Patent number: 9322079Abstract: The invention relates to a method whereby copper is recovered from a copper sulphide ore containing pyrite. According to the method the ore is ground and leached into a solution containing sulfuric acid in atmospheric conditions by means of trivalent copper. As the copper sulphide leaches out, the trivalent iron is reduced to divalent and is oxidized back to trivalent by means of oxygen during leaching. Leaching is carried out in a closed reactor, where the undissolved gas rising from the solution in the supper section of the reactor is circulated back into the suspension of solution, solids and gas. leaching is performed in the presence of both divalent and trivalent iron and preferably with the dissolved copper acting as a catalyst to promote leaching. The conditions are adjusted to be such that the pyrite of the ore essentially does not dissolve.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Outotec OyjInventors: Stig-Erik Hultholm, Leif Rosenback, Mika Haapalainen
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Patent number: 9234259Abstract: A process for recovering copper from an acid aqueous solution containing cupric chlorides and alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal chlorides by a solvent extraction with a cation-exchange extractant, comprising the step of processing a solvent extraction in the presence of sulfate ions.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: JX NIPPON MINING & METALS CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshifumi Abe, Hiroshi Hosaka, Kazuaki Takebayashi, Akira Yoshimura, Takeshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 9023129Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for recovering metals from bottom ash from incineration plants, such as municipal waste incineration plants. The process includes directing a feed containing ash into an oxidizing unit, wherein at least part of the metals is oxidized in the presence of one or more acids and at least one oxygen donor, thus producing a stream comprising metal ions. From this stream the metals of interest are selected and converted into metallic form.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Elemetal Holding B.V.Inventors: Jeroen Pieter Netten, Silvan Johan Thus
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Publication number: 20140260807Abstract: Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and a leach medium comprising ammonia and ammonium carbonate, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce an loaded aqueous stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATIONInventors: Joanna M. Robertson, Thomas R. Bolles, Dennis D. Gertenbach
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Publication number: 20140023572Abstract: A method of selectively leaching a metal such as nickel from an ore or ore processing intermediate comprising the metal and cobalt. The ore or ore processing intermediate is contacted with an acidic leach solution comprising an amount of an oxidising agent sufficient to oxidise a major portion of the cobalt to thereby cause it to be stabilised in the solid phase while a major portion of the metal is dissolved for subsequent recovery.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLANDInventors: James Vaughan, William Hawker
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Publication number: 20140010705Abstract: Copper or a copper alloy characterized in having an ?-ray emission of 0.001 cph/cm2 or less. Since recent semiconductor devices are produced to have higher density and higher capacity, there is greater risk of soft errors caused by the influence of ? rays emitted from materials positioned near semiconductor chips. In particular, there are strong demands for achieving higher purification of copper and copper alloys which are used near the semiconductor device, such as copper or copper alloy wiring lines, copper or copper alloy bonding wires, and soldering materials, and materials reduced in ?-ray emission are also demanded. Thus, the present invention elucidates the phenomenon in which ? rays are emitted from copper or copper alloys, and provides copper or copper alloy reduced in ?-ray emission which is adaptable to the demanded material, and a bonding wire in which such copper or copper alloy is used as its raw material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: JX NIPPON MINING & METALS CORPORATIONInventor: Gaku Kanou
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Publication number: 20130001093Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for recovering metal values from a metal-bearing materials, and more specifically, a process for recovering copper and other metals through leaching, electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and the synergistic addition of ferrous iron to the leach step.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATIONInventors: John O. Marsden, James D. Gillaspie, John C. Wilmot
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Patent number: 8273237Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for recovering metal values from a metal-bearing materials, and more specifically, a process for recovering copper and other metals through leaching, electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and the synergistic addition of ferrous iron to the leach step.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O. Marsden, James D. Gillaspie, John C. Wilmot
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Publication number: 20120118110Abstract: A system and method for recovering a metal value from a metal-bearing ore material are provided. A metal-bearing ore can be mixed with certain substances and to form an agglomerated ore. In an intermediate state, between agglomeration and heap formation, bacteria can be added to the metal-bearing ore material to produce an augmented ore. The augmented ore can then be formed into a heap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATIONInventors: John Lawrence Urie, Gabe Bowman, Cristian Alejandro Caro Matus, Percy Mayta, Scott Hoenecke, Manuel Chavez
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Patent number: 8062614Abstract: Processes for metal leaching/solvent extraction are described which comprise: (a) providing a first aqueous leach pulp which comprises a mixture of leached solids and an aqueous leach solution comprising a metal, a leaching agent and water; (b) subjecting the first aqueous leach pulp to a first solid-liquid separation to provide a first clarified aqueous leach solution and a second aqueous leach pulp, wherein the second aqueous leach pulp comprises the leached solids at a % solids level greater than the first pulp; (c) subjecting the first clarified aqueous leach solution to a first solvent extraction prior to any significant dilution, whereby a first aqueous raffinate is obtained; (d) subjecting the second aqueous leach pulp to a second solid-liquid separation with dilution via an aqueous stream to obtain a second clarified aqueous leach solution; and (e) subjecting the second clarified aqueous leach solution to a second solvent extraction whereby a second is aqueous raffinate is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Cognis IP Management GmbHInventors: Gary A. Kordosky, Andrew Nisbett
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Patent number: 8012318Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O Marsden, Robert E Brewer, Susan R Brewer, Joanna M Robertson, David R Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans
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Patent number: 8003064Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: Barbara J. Savage, David G. Meadows, Wayne W. Hazen
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System and method for producing copper power by electrowinning in a flow-through electrowinning cell
Patent number: 7736486Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using conventional electrowinning chemistry (i.e., oxygen evolution at an anode) in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes and/or direct electrowinning.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: Antonioni C Stevens, Stanley R Gilbert, Scot P Sandoval, Timothy G Robinson, John O Marsden -
Patent number: 7736487Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and/or other metal values from a metal-bearing ore, concentrate, or other metal-bearing material using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially acid-autogenous process for recovering copper from chalcopyrite-containing ore using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning in combination with a leaching, solvent/solution extraction and electrowinning operation. In accordance with one aspect of the process, at least a portion of the residue from the pressure leaching operation is directed to a heap, stockpile or other leaching operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O. Marsden, John C. Wilmot, Christy Green, Wayne W. Hazen, David R. Baughman
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Patent number: 7736488Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and/or other metal values from a metal-bearing ore, concentrate, or other metal-bearing material using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially acid-autogenous process for recovering copper from chalcopyrite-containing ore using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning in combination with a leaching, solvent/solution extraction and electrowinning operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O Marsden, Robert E Brewer, Susan R Brewer, Joanna M Robertson, David R Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans
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Patent number: 7722756Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O Marsden, Joanna M Robertson, Robert E Brewer, Susan R. Brewer, legal representative, David R Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans
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Publication number: 20100058894Abstract: A system and method for recovering a metal value from a metal-bearing ore material are provided. A metal-bearing ore can be mixed with certain substances and to form an agglomerated ore. In an intermediate state, between agglomeration and heap formation, bacteria can be added to the metal-bearing ore material to produce an augmented ore. The augmented ore can then be formed into a heap.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: John Lawrence Uhrie, Gabe Bowman, Cristian Alejandro Caro Matus, Percy Mayta, Scott Hoenecke, Manuel Chavez
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Patent number: 7666371Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, metal-containing pregnant leach solutions from pressure leaching operations need not be significantly diluted to facilitate effective metal recovery using solvent extraction and electrowinning.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O Marsden, Robert E Brewer, Joanna M Robertson, Wayne W Hazen, Philip Thompson, David R Baughman
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Publication number: 20090183997Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for recovering metal values from a metal-bearing materials, and more specifically, a process for recovering copper and other metals through leaching, electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and the synergistic addition of ferrous iron to the leach step.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: PHELPS DODGE CORPORATIONInventors: John O. Marsden, James D. Gillaspie, John C. Wilmot
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Publication number: 20090101518Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and/or other metal values from a metal-bearing ore, concentrate, or other metal-bearing material using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially acid-autogenous process for recovering copper from chalcopyrite-containing ore using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning in combination with a leaching, solvent/solution extraction and electrowinning operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: PHELPS DODGE CORPORATIONInventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Susan R. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, David R. Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W. Hazen, Christel M.A. Bemelmans
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Patent number: 7494580Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method for electrowinning copper powder, and more particularly to a method for electrowinning copper powder from a copper-containing solution using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a process for producing copper powder by electrowinning employs alternative anode reaction technology, namely, the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and enables the efficient and cost-effective production of copper powder at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than 50 A/ft2. A copper powder electrowinning process in accordance with the present invention also reduces or eliminates acid mist generation that is characteristic of electrowinning operations utilizing conventional electrowinning chemistry (e.g., oxygen evolution at the anode), which is advantageous.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: Scot P Sandoval, Antonioni C Stevens, Timothy G Robinson, John O Marsden, Stanley R Gilbert
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Patent number: 7485216Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and/or other metal values from a metal-bearing ore, concentrate, or other metal-bearing material using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially acid-autogenous process for recovering copper from chalcopyrite-containing ore using pressure leaching and direct electrowinning in combination with a leaching, solvent/solution extraction and electrowinning operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: John O. Marsden, Susan R. Brewer, legal representative, Joanna M. Robertson, David R. Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W. Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans, Robert E. Brewer
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Patent number: 7479262Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a separation process that enables the efficient separation of selenium, tellurium, and platinum group elements from a material containing selenium/tellurium and platinum group elements. In order to achieve this object, the invention provides a separation process for platinum group elements comprising: a step (A) for treating a material containing selenium/tellurium and platinum group elements with alkali, a step (B) for leaching selenium/tellurium, and a step (C) for separating the platinum group element-containing leaching residue and the selenium/tellurium leachate.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials CorporationInventors: Satoshi Okada, Takahiro Uno, Kazusuke Sato, Shoji Ishiwata
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Patent number: 7476308Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, David R. Baughman, Phillip Thompson, Wayne W. Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans
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Patent number: 7465386Abstract: In a metal-winning method, copper ore or copper-ore concentrates is effectively hydraulically leached in a chloride leach liquor and the resultant leached liquor is diaphragm-electrolyzed. A chloride electrolyte containing Br? ions and the leached metals is subjected to a diaphragm-electrolysis in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode compartment (4) and a cathode compartment (3). A portion of the electrolyte in the anode compartment (4) is withdrawn from below an anode (2) of the anode compartment (4) and is returned to the leaching step so as to increase the oxidation potential of the chloride leach liquor.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignees: Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd., Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Haiki, Kazuhiko Motoba, Hiroshi Oda
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Patent number: 7462272Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: John O. Marsden, Susan R. Brewer, legal representative, Joanna M. Robertson, David R. Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W. Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans, Robert E. Brewer
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Patent number: 7452455Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using either conventional electrowinning or alternative anode reaction chemistries in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes, direct electrowinning, or alternative anode reaction chemistries.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: Scot P Sandoval, Antonioni C Stevens, Timothy G Robinson, John O Marsden, Stanley R Gilbert
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Publication number: 20080156656Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, metal-containing pregnant leach solutions from pressure leaching operations need not be significantly diluted to facilitate effective metal recovery using solvent extraction and electrowinning.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: PHELPS DODGE CORPORATIONInventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, Wayne W. Hazen, Philip Thompson, David R. Baughman
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Patent number: 7378010Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using conventional electrowinning chemistry (i.e., oxygen evolution at an anode) in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes and/or direct electrowinning.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: Antonioni C Stevens, Stanley R Gilbert, Scot P Sandoval, Timothy G Robinson, John O Marsden
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Patent number: 7033480Abstract: The process of the present invention recovers platinum group metal(s), such as platinum and palladium, from PGM-containing materials containing base metals, such as copper and nickel. The process controls sulfur levels by using solvent extraction 306 to remove acid in the nickel recovery circuit. The acid product 326 can then be neutralized and/or recycled as desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Placer Dome Technical Services LimitedInventor: James A. King
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Patent number: 6860983Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering a metal from a feedstock containing a compound of the metal. The process includes an electrowinning step in which a leachate comprising a salt of the metal, dissolved in an aqueous acid solution, is subjected to electrowinning in an electrolytic cell, wherein elemental metal is deposited on the cathodes of the cell and oxygen is generated at the anodes. The oxygen generated at the anodes is collected and is then at least partially consumed in an oxygen-consuming step of the process. Preferably, the oxygen-consuming step comprises an atmospheric or pressure leaching step in which the metal compounds in the feedstock become dissolved in a leachate in the form of metal salts, preferably sulfates. The recovery and use of anode oxygen in a leaching process encourages the use of mist-reducing technology in existing and new electrowinning facilities.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Mark Bellino, Garfield Bryn Harris
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Patent number: 6833020Abstract: A method of recovering copper from a copper bearing sulphide mineral which includes the steps of subjecting the slurry to a bioleaching process, supplying a feed gas which contains in excess of 21% oxygen by volume, to the slurry, and recovering copper from a bioleach residue of the bioleaching process.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Billiton Intellectual Property, B.V.Inventors: David William Dew, Petrus Basson, Deborah Maxine Miller
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Publication number: 20040200730Abstract: The invention provides processes for recovering copper metal from sulphide minerals via basic copper sulphate which is produced by pressure oxidation in chloride spiked sulphate solutions. Chloride contaminants in the basic copper sulphate obtained from the pressure oxidation reaction are removed in a reaction with an alkali, such as CaO. Thereafter, the basic copper sulphate is leached with a weak acid, and the resultant pregnant copper solution contains chloride ions at low concentrations, which allow copper electrolysis to operate efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventor: Kyo Jibiki
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Oxygen-removing pre-process for copper interconnect grown by electrochemical displacement deposition
Publication number: 20040108221Abstract: An oxygen-removing pre-process for copper interconnect grown by electrochemical displacement deposition is to remove the oxygen in the reaction solution before displacement and deposition a copper film/conducting wire such that the copper film/conducting wire is grown and has a lower electric resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Don-Gey Liu, Tsong-Jen Yang, Chin-Hao Yang, Wen Luh Yang, Giin-Shan Chen -
Patent number: 6680034Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, metal-containing pregnant leach solutions from pressure leaching operations need not be significantly diluted to facilitate effective metal recovery using solvent extraction and electrowinning.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, Wayne W. Hazen, Philip Thompson, David R. Baughman
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Publication number: 20040007477Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering a metal from a feedstock containing a compound of the metal. The process includes an electrowinning step in which a leachate comprising a salt of the metal, dissolved in an aqueous acid solution, is subjected to electrowinning in an electrolytic cell, wherein elemental metal is deposited on the cathodes of the cell and oxygen is generated at the anodes. The oxygen generated at the anodes is collected and is then at least partially consumed in an oxygen-consuming step of the process. Preferably, the oxygen-consuming step comprises an atmospheric or pressure leaching step in which the metal compounds in the feedstock become dissolved in a leachate in the form of metal salts, preferably sulfates. The recovery and use of anode oxygen in a leaching process encourages the use of mist-reducing technology in existing and new electrowinning facilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Mark Bellino, Garfield Bryn Harris
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Patent number: 6641712Abstract: A method for selective dissolution of tin and/or lead- or tin-containing alloys from printed circuit boards is provided comprising contacting a printed circuit board with a solution comprising Ti(IV) and an acid which forms stable and soluble salt of Ti(III), Ti(IV), Sn(II) and Pb(II), under conditions to effect dissolution of substantially all of the Sn and/or Pb- or Sn-containing alloy therefrom, as Sn(II) and/or Pb(II) and recovering from the solution by electrolytic reduction substantially all of the Sn(II) and/or PB(II) species as Sn and/or Pb. After the electrolytic reduction step, the oxidant metal species is regenerated by oxidation and recycled to the first stage of the process.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Alpha Fry LimitedInventors: Robert William Gibson, Paul David Goodman, Lyn Holt, Ian McCrady Dalrymple, Derek John Fray
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Patent number: 6599414Abstract: An improvement in the solvent extraction process for recovering metal values, i.e. copper, from acidic aqueous solutions containing copper and iron which may also include chloride, and more particularly to an improvement which provides for increased copper to iron ratios in the loaded organic extractant phase. The improvement comprises washing the loaded organic extractant phase prior to stripping of the copper values therefrom with an aqueous acidic wash solution containing at least a portion of electrolyte solution, wherein the wash solution or the electrolyte solution has been previously contacted with copper metal.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Cognis CorporationInventors: Michael J. Virnig, G. Timothy Fisher
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Patent number: 6537440Abstract: A method for extracting copper from a mineral feed containing copper sulphide mineral 1, which involves crushing and blending the feed 2, 6, 10 followed by leaching of the feed in an autoclave 20. The conditions in the autoclave are controlled so that the presence of oxygen at superatmospheric oxygen pressure maintains the ratio of ferrous to ferric ions at a level so as to facilitate the leaching of copper from the feed. The leaching is carried out in the presence of acid which may be itself generated by oxidising conditions in the autoclave. Further leaching is carried out in a series of tanks 22, 24, 26 and 28 after which the solids are separated from solution in a series of steps including treatment in a hydroclassifier 30, a clarifier 32 and a polishing filter 38. Copper is extracted from the resultant leachant at a copper extraction station 44 with a final copper product 54 being retrieved in electrowin cells 52.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventors: Geoffrey Richmond, David B Dreisinger
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Publication number: 20020175083Abstract: A process for the removal of primarily iron impurities from acidic aqueous electrolytic solutions used in the electro-winning of copper is described. Strong base Type 1 ion exchange resin is used to remove acid from the solution resulting in a treated solution that contains only a small amount the original acid but all of the dissolved salts. This low acid treated solution is then processed using standard processes such as adjustment of the pH or oxidation potential to remove the iron impurities and the solution containing valuable process cobalt is returned to the electrolyte solution to continue the extraction of copper.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: Joseph Charles Milbourne
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Publication number: 20020060162Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process for the recovery of metal ions from metal-containing aqueous solutions using a supported liquid membrane (SLM) whereby the pH of the metal-containing solution is preferably adjusted to between 5.5 and 8 and ammonia or other weak base is present in the metal-containing solution in a concentration sufficient to form a complex between the weak base and metal ions present in the solution. The present invention permits enhanced recovery of metal in the solution without any need to adjust the pH of the solution during the SLM process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: Nikolai Kocherginsky, Andrew Grischenko
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Patent number: 6322609Abstract: This invention relates to a low density high surface area copper powder having an apparent density in the range of about 0.20 to about 0.60 gram per cubic centimeter, and a surface area of at least about 0.5 square meter per gram. This invention also relates to an electrodeposition process for making the foregoing copper powder by electrodepositing the copper powder from an electrolyte solution using a critical combination of process parameters. These critical parameters include: a copper ion concentration for the electrolyte solution in the range of about 2 to about 7 grams per liter; a free chloride ion concentration for the electrolyte solution in the range of about 8 to about 20 ppm; an impurity level for the electrolyte solution of no more than about 1.0 gram per liter; and an electrolyte solution that is free of organic additives.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventors: Stephen J. Kohut, Ronald K. Haines, Nicholas D. Sopchak, Wendy Gort
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Patent number: 6309531Abstract: A chemical process is disclosed for extracting copper or iron (M). The copper or iron is exposed to a leaching solution comprised of a metal salt (m) such that the copper or iron (M) is solvated and the metal ion (m) is reduced according to the reaction 2m+3(aq)+M(s)→2m+2(aq)+M+2(aq). An electrolytic cell has an anion exchange membrane separating an anode chamber from a cathode chamber. The leaching solution with the solvated copper or iron is placed into the cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell. A second solution comprising a reduced state metal salt m+2 of the salt in the leaching solution is then added to the electrolytic cell anode chamber. A voltage is applied to reduce and deposit the copper Cu+2 or iron Fe+2 at the cathode and to oxidize the metal m+2 at the anode. The oxidized metal m+2 in the anode chamber is then recycled as leaching solution for solvating copper or iron.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: USF Filtration and Separations Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Murray
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Patent number: 6306282Abstract: Waste slurry containing dissolved metal from e.g., CMP is subjected to sludge-free processing. Embodiments include separating the waste slurry with a solids filter into a solids-free dissolved metal-containing liquid filtrate portion and a concentrated solids-containing portion, removing the dissolved metal from the filtrate by means of an ion exchanger, back-washing the concentrated solids-containing portion with metal-free effluent from the ion exchanger to further reduce its dissolved metal content, discharging the washed concentrated solids-containing portion to a waste drain, removing the metal from the ion exchanger in solution form, and optionally extracting solid metal from the solution by electrowinning.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence James Dungan, Leon Han
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Patent number: 6294071Abstract: Methods of dissolving copper into electrolytic solutions, such as solutions comprising nitrogen compounds, by supplying an anodic current to a copper or copper-containing metal that is in contact with an electrolytic solution comprising a nitrogen compound (such as 2-hydroxyethylamine) and carbon dioxide. Anodic current may be provided by, for example, galvanic coupling with a material having a more positive reduction potential in the electrolytic solution (or given the system of electrolytic solutions) than copper, and/or by applying an impressed anodic current to the copper or copper-containing metal. Separate reaction vessels may be employed to house a first copper metal and a second cathode metal, as well as the electrolytic solutions associated with each.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical CorporationInventors: David Lawrence Miller, David Ross McCoy
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Patent number: 6258245Abstract: A method for enhancing the operation of an acid solvent extraction and electrowinning operation by inhibiting acidic aerosol formation, allowing increased acid concentration and allowing higher operating temperature is disclosed wherein an antifoam formulation stable at a solution pH of about 1 to 2 is added. A preferred antifoam formulation comprises a glycol ester and an alkyl phenol ethoxylate in a paraffinic oil solvent added to the acid solution of an acid solvent extraction and electrowinning operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignees: BetzDearborn Inc., Corporación Nacional del Cobre de ChileInventors: Ricardo Arancibia Cifuentes, Donald C. Roe, Jorge Vergara Chavez, Andres Reghezza Inzunza
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Patent number: 6179988Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making wire, comprising: (A) forming a circular disk of electrodeposited copper, (B) rotating said disk about its center axis; (C) feeding a cutting tool into the peripheral edge of said disk to cause a strip of copper to peel from said disk; and (D) slitting said strip of copper to form a plurality of strands of copper wire.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: ElectroCopper Products LimitedInventors: Peter Peckham, Craig J. Hasegawa
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Patent number: 6060029Abstract: Improvement in the process of extracting metals, particularly copper, from aqueous ammoniacal solutions with beta-diketone extractants dissolved in a water immiscible hydrocarbon diluent, such as a kerosene, in which the improvement comprises application of a voltage potential across the interface of the aqueous and organic layers of an extraction circuit with an electrostatic coalescer, and maintaining the voltage potential until the layers have been separated, to control entrainment of the aqueous layer into the organic layer, thereby significantly reducing metal production cost and providing improved metal quality by minimizing ammonia entrapment and carry over to the aqueous stripping solution from which the metal is recovered, typically by electrowinning of the aqueous acid strip solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: Michael J. Virnig, G. Timothy Fisher, Gary A. Kordosky
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Patent number: 5993635Abstract: A method is provided for processing a sulphide mineral composition which at least partly comprises an iron-containing mineral.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignees: M.I.M. Holdings Limited, Highlands Frieda Pty. LimitedInventors: Michael Matthew Hourn, Duncan William Turner, Ian Raymond Holzberger