Abstract: A chromatography column has a column assembly that further includes a column jacket tube and a column liner tube. The column assembly is configured with end fittings that have compression limiting features and are able to withstand very high pressure, such as used in UHPLC, in conjunction with flange portions of the column liner tube that seal the column assembly. The column liner tube may be biocompatible and may have a smooth consistent inner diameter of less than 2 mm, and an inner diameter of 1 mm in particular embodiments. The end fittings for the microtube assembly may ensure durability and reliability by preventing over- or under-tightening.

Abstract: A method for reducing nitrates, nitrites, and/or hydroxylamine in water using a homogeneous reduced copper tetra-substituted fluorinated pinacolate ligand catalyst complex. The method includes dissolving a copper(II) tetra-substituted fluorinated pinacolate ligand pre-catalyst complex in water having an excess amount of nitrates, nitrites, and/or hydroxylamine therein. The dissolved copper(II) tetra-substituted fluorinated pinacolate ligand pre-catalyst complex in the water is subjected to electrochemical reduction to form a homogeneous reduced copper tetra-substituted fluorinated pinacolate ligand catalyst complex. The homogeneous reduced copper tetra-substituted fluorinated pinacolate ligand catalyst complex reduces the nitrates, nitrites, and/or hydroxylamine in the water to compounds with nitrogen in a lower oxidation state with the homogeneous reduced copper tetra-substituted fluorinated pinacolate ligand catalyst complex.

Abstract: An in-situ cultivation system of a deep-sea hydrothermal metallic sulfide deposits includes a hydrothermal metallic sulfide deposit mound body, a well casing, a well head control flow guide device, a fluid mixing control hood; the hydrothermal metallic sulfide deposit mound body includes a confining bed, a hydrothermal fluid enriching bed and mound body bedrock; perforations are formed at casing wall of the well casing; the well head flow control device is provided at top of the well casing; a lower opening is formed at bottom of the fluid mixing control hood and is sleeved on four sides of the top of the well casing; an upper opening is formed at top of the fluid mixing control hood; a plurality of fluid holes are formed at a lateral wall of the fluid mixing control hood; and a sulfide coating is applied to inner wall of the fluid mixing control hood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for direct detection of current supplied to the electrodes of electrolytic cells, particularly useful in non-ferrous metal electrowinning or electrorefining plants. The current distribution on a practically unlimited number of electrodes can be obtained through direct measurement on the electrode hanging bars without requiring the manual intervention of plant staff.

Abstract: A system including a gasifier that may remove black water and includes a reactor and a quench chamber disposed downstream of the reactor. The quench chamber may cool a syngas generated in the reactor. The system also includes a syngas treatment system that may supply the gasifier with a first portion of a quench liquid via a first inlet and a second portion of the quench liquid via a second inlet; a lock hopper that may receive gasification by-products generated in the reactor and supply a third portion of the quench liquid to the gasifier via a third inlet, and a deaerator coupled to the syngas treatment system and the lock hopper. The deaerator may depressurize the lock hopper.

Abstract: In a method for recovering a metal from a solution, a first electrode that includes a metal for recovery and a second electrode that includes a metal different from the metal for recovery are prepared. The first electrode and the second electrode are immersed in a first solution that includes a metal ion for recovery. The metal ion for recovery in the first solution is combined with the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are charged while immersing the first and second electrodes in a second solution different from the first solution so that the metal ion for recovery is separated from the first electrode. The metal for recovery is recovered from the second solution.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a nuclear material may include electrolytically reducing the nuclear material in a first molten salt electrolyte of an electroreducer to produce a reduced material. A reducer waste may accumulate in the first molten salt electrolyte as a byproduct of the electroreduction. After the electroreduction, the reduced material may be electrolytically dissolved in a second molten salt electrolyte of an electrorefiner to produce a purified metal product on a refiner cathode assembly of the electrorefiner. As a result of the electrorefining, a first refiner waste may accumulate in the second molten salt electrolyte and a second refiner waste may accumulate in a refiner anode assembly of the electrorefiner. The reducer waste from the electroreducer and the first refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a ceramic waste form, while the second refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a metallic waste form.

Abstract: An electrowinning system is provided that is capable of suppressing accumulation of a side reaction product on an anode and a rise of an electrolysis voltage caused thereby, and an electrowinning method is provided using the system. To solve this problem, the electrowinning system of the present invention applies predetermined electrolysis current between an anode and a cathode placed in an electrolyte, thereby depositing a desired metal on the cathode, in which the electrolyte is a sulfuric acid-based or chloride-based solution containing ions of the metal, and the anode has a Catalytic layer, containing amorphous iridium oxide or amorphous ruthenium oxide, formed on a conductive substrate.

Abstract: A method for recovering a rare earth element from a rare earth element-containing alloy, wherein a rare earth element is eluted by performing electrolysis in an electrolyte which contains a metal powder of a rare earth element-containing alloy. An object of this invention is to provide a method for extremely easily and efficiently recovering a rare earth element.

Abstract: In embodiments there are disclosed a substantially flat, flow through electrode, electrochemical cells comprising substantially flat flow through cathodes, and methods for electrochemically recovering a metal substantially liquid at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electrolytic bath with increased contact specific surface area configured to effectively electrodeposit valuable metals from waste water, wherein the specific surface area of an electrode contacting the waste water is maximized to increase electrolysis efficiency, and electrolysis space is increased to enable effective electrodeposition and recovery of valuable metals from low-concentration waste water. The electrolytic bath comprises: a housing having an inlet, outlet, gas discharge hole, and inner space; an anode group comprising a plurality of anodes installed in the inner space; a cathode group installed between the anodes to form two electrolysis spaces, and cathode wire threads placed on one side of each electrolysis spaces. As waste water flows through the inlet and electrolysis spaces and then is discharged through the outlet, metal is electrodeposited onto the cathode group and gas is discharged through the gas discharge hole.

Abstract: A process for the production of a high grade nickel product including the steps of: a) providing at least one heap of a nickeliferous lateritic ore and leaching that heap with a suitable lixiviant, preferably sulfuric acid solution, to produce a nickel rich pregnant leach solution (PLS); b) subjecting the PLS to an impurity removal step to precipitate ferric iron, and preferably partially precipitate aluminium and chromium as hydroxides; and c) recovering a high grade nickel product from the PLS preferably by either nickel ion exchange, solvent extraction, electrowinning, conventional multi-stage neutralization, pyrohydrolysis or sulfidation.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for controlling mercury emissions, and more particularly, to methods for controlling mercury re-emissions from a wet flue gas desulfurizer by using applied electrochemical potential.

Abstract: Lead and/or Indium cam be recovered from cullet containing indium and/or lead, such as cullet from CRTs and flat panel displays. A chloride salt melt including AlCl3 is used to dissolve the cullet. The melt may be electrolyzed and the lead and/or indium and other metals may be selectively electro-deposited from the salt melt. The two steps may be combined in a continuous process. The salts in the salt melt are not consumed but can be recycled, with exception of the flux due to formation of chlorine gas and alumina. It is also possible to recover lead and/or indium and other metals from the salt melt by vaporizing the respective chlorides and condensing them, or by leaching the salt phase in water and extracting the metals as hydroxides by hydrometallurgy methods.

Abstract: An element recovery method and an element recovery apparatus are provided by which an element containing a high-purity rare earth element can be recovered at low cost. The element recovery method includes the steps of: preparing molten salt containing a rare earth element; and controlling electric potentials in a pair of electrode members at prescribed values while keeping the pair of electrode members in contact with the molten salt, thereby depositing the rare earth element existing in the molten salt on one of the pair of electrode members. In this way, as compared with the conventional wet separation method, an element such as a rare earth element that is to be recovered can be directly recovered from the molten salt in which the element is dissolved, so that the steps of the recovery method can be simplified and reduced in cost.

Abstract: A process for recovering at least one metal from a metal containing resource, in particular containing at least one metal oxide. The process including the step: providing a crucible containing a chloride salt melt, at least one cathode and an anode connected to the salt melt, heating means for heating the salt melt, and an aluminum melt present at the bottom of the crucible, said aluminum melt forming a part of the anode.

Abstract: A continuous electrowinning system 100 comprises, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a cell body 106 configured to maintain electrolyte solution at a high pressure and/or temperature within the cell body 106; at least one anode 174; at least one cathode 172; an inlet 110 configured for receiving an influent stream 200 of electrolyte solution; a first outlet 120 configured for discharging an effluent stream 220 of spent electrolyte solution; a second outlet 130 configured for removing cathode slime/sludge concentrate 230; and a residence chamber 160 configured to dynamically and continuously transfer electrolyte solution from said inlet 110 to said first outlet 120 and increase residence time of said electrolyte solution between said at least one anode 174 and said at least one cathode 172, the residence chamber 160 comprising one or more channels 162 which are configured to provide a forced flow 212 of electrolyte solution therein which is strong enough to continuously dislodge and/or move

Abstract: The invention refers to an air supply system (1) for a group of cells (4) arranged for dosing the individual air demand of each electrolytic cell (2) that must be fed to its electrolyte through a system of controlled air diffusion. It comprises a low pressure blower (5), a central feed pipe (6) and a plurality of feed branches (7); a flow meter (8) and a flow regulator (9) are associated to each feed branch. The assembly is connected to a bent hose (12) arranged on the walls of said electrolytic cell (2) to allow connection with an isobaric ring (3), so that the fed air can be diffused homogeneously and sustainedly in time to the electrolyte through selectively perforated hoses (16). The present invention also refers to the process of installation, calibration and operation of the air supply system.

Abstract: A method for recycling noble metals from electronic waste materials and apparatus thereof. The method comprises the following steps: mechanically breaking up the electronic waste materials; removing rubber and plastic materials by electrostatic separation; removing ferromagnetic metals by magnetic separation; removing residual rubber and plastic materials by microwave pyrolysis; removing low-melting-point metals by indirectly heating using microwave; separating the noble metals from one another in turn from low-melting-point metal to high-melting-point metal for recycle. The apparatus includes a microwave housing. A filtering screen is positioned on the inside wall of the housing horizontally, and vertically-arranged and open-ended heating pipes are positioned over the filtering screen. The method and apparatus can adequately recycle resources in the electronic waste materials.

Abstract: A method to extract and refine metal products from metal-bearing ores, including a method to extract and refine titanium products. Titanium products can be extracted from titanium-bearing ores with TiO2 and impurity levels unsuitable for conventional methods.

Abstract: Method for the recovery of noble metals comprising the steps of subjecting ore particles to an electrolytic bath enhanced by an ultrasonic bath, the electrolytic bath comprising heavy and/or semi-heavy water; shock heating the ore particles for disintegrating them; and separating noble metals from the remains of said disintegrated ore particles.

Abstract: A method for separating an amount of osmium from a mixture containing the osmium and at least one other additional metal is provided. In particular, method for forming and trapping OsO4 to separate the osmium from a mixture containing the osmium and at least one other additional metal is provided.

Abstract: A process for producing metal compounds directly from underground mineral deposits including steps of forming a borehole at a site into a mineral deposit containing metal compounds, inserting a slurry-forming device having a nozzle into the borehole adapted to direct pressurized water through the nozzle into the mineral deposit, supplying pressured water through the nozzle into the mineral deposit forming a mineral slurry containing metal compounds, extracting the mineral slurry containing metal compounds through the borehole, leaching the mineral slurry converting the metal compounds to a soluble form in a leach solution, and removing metals and metal compounds by treating the leach solution with an extraction treatment removing the metal products. Steps of leaching the mineral slurry and removing metal products are performed at a location remote from the borehole site. In one alternative, the step of removing metal products from mineral slurry is accomplished by pyrometallurgical processes.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a reaction tank (1) for immersing an electrode material of a lithium secondary battery into a molten salt of lithium chloride containing metal lithium, so as to perform a reducing reaction of the electrode material with the metal lithium; a movable perforated processing vessel (10) configured to be immersed into the molten salt in the reaction tank (1) together with the electrode material contained therein; and vessel carrying means for immersing the perforated processing vessel (10) containing the electrode material therein into the molten salt of lithium chloride in the reaction tank (1) and pulling up the vessel (10) from the reaction tank (1) after a process has been performed.

Abstract: An electrowinning apparatus and method are provided. The electrowinning apparatus includes: an electrolytic cell including a body portion which has an inlet for introducing an aqueous solution containing metal ions into the body portion and a conical portion which is gradually reduced in diameter from top to bottom and disposed under the body portion; a ring-shaped cathode coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the body portion of the electrolytic cell and having an entrance hole which extends from an outer circumferential surface of the cathode through to an inner circumferential surface of the cathode and is connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell; and a hollow anode having an upper end disposed outside the electrolytic cell and inserted into the cathode. In the electrowinning method, a metal can be recovered from an aqueous solution containing a low concentration of metal ions using the above cyclone-shaped electrowinning apparatus.

Abstract: A method for cleaning anode media, the method comprising removing the anode media from an electroplating system, and removing scale coatings from substrates of the anode media by vibrational polishing the anode media with abrasive particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a metal and separating arsenic from an arsenic-containing solution. The method includes contacting the arsenic-containing solution with a fixing agent that comprises a rare earth compound to produce an arsenic-depleted solution and an arsenic-laden fixing agent. The fixing agent comprises a rare earth-containing compound that can include cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The fixing agent is separated from the arsenic-depleted solution and a recoverable metal is separated from one or more of the arsenic-containing solution and the arsenic-depleted solution. Recoverable metals can include metal from Group IA, Group IIA, Group VIII and the transition metals. The arsenic-containing solution can be formed by contacting an arsenic-containing material with a leaching agent. Arsenic-depleted solids formed during the leach can also be separated and recovered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing arsenic from an arsenic-bearing material. The method includes the steps of contracting an arsenic-bearing material with an arsenic leaching agent to form an arsenic-containing solution and arsenic-depleted solids. The leaching agent can be an inorganic salt, an inorganic acid, an organic acid, and/or an alkaline agent. The arsenic-depleted solids are separated from the arsenic-containing solution, which is contacted with a fixing agent to produce an arsenic-depleted solution and an arsenic-laden fixing agent. The fixing agent comprises a rare earth-containing compound that can include cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The fixing agent is then separated from the arsenic-depleted solution. A recoverable metal in the arsenic-depleted solids, arsenic-containing solution or arsenic-depleted solution can be separated and recovered. Recoverable metals can include metal from Group IA, Group IIA, Group VIII and the transition metals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating arsenic from an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The method includes the steps of contacting an arsenic-containing solution with a first portion of fixing agent to remove at least a portion of the arsenic. An arsenic-laden fixing agent is separated from the solution and the partially depleted solution is contacted with a second portion of fixing agent. The fixing agent can include a high surface area insoluble compound containing one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. Following removal of the arsenic, the arsenic-depleted solution can be further processed to separate a recoverable metal through metal refining. The arsenic-laden fixing agent can be filtered to recover and recycle a filtrate to the solution for additional treatment, as well as using a partially saturated fixing agent to remove arsenic from fresh solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for electric induction heating and/or stirring of a molten electrically conductive composition in a containment vessel with the apparatus being removably insertable in the molten composition. An induction coil embedded in refractory or a coating is submerged in the composition and used to heat and/or stir the molten composition either externally or internally to the refractory or coating.

Abstract: A method for conditioning a cleaning solution resulting from the wet chemical cleaning of a nuclear steam generator, includes electrolytically treating the cleaning solution and depositing radioactive metal nuclides contained in the cleaning solution on a cathode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of recovering metal from waste plating stream and using the recovered metal comprising: providing a waste metal plating stream containing metal ions in an aqueous solution; passing the waste metal plating stream containing the metal ions into an electrochemical cell assembly having an inlet for the waste metal plating stream, a plurality of alternating anodes and cathodes porous to the waste metal solution and an exit from the cell; passing the waste metal plating stream through pores of the cathode; passing an electrical current through the anodes and cathodes, thereby depositing a portion of the metal ions onto the cathodes and reducing the amount of the metal ion in the solution from that in the introduced waste metal plating stream; recovering the deposited metal from the cathode; and using the recovered deposited metal as a source of soluble metallic anode to be deposited on to a substrate in a subsequent metal plating process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of high purity germanium for the manufacture of e.g. infra red optics, radiation detectors and electronic devices. GeCl4 is converted to Ge metal by contacting gaseous GeCl4 with a liquid metal M containing one of Zn, Na and Mg, thereby obtaining a Ge-bearing alloy and a metal M chloride, which is removed by evaporation or skimming. The Ge-bearing alloy is then purified at a temperature above the boiling point of metal M. This process does not require complicated technologies and preserves the high purity of the GeCl4 in the final Ge metal, as the only reactant is metal M, which can be obtained in very high purity grades and continuously recycled.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method for removing a protective coating from a component, especially a turbine blade. According to the invention, the protective coating is removed, using mechanical shock waves having a shock wave repetition rate below 20 kHz.

Abstract: A continuous process for purification of brine contaminated with alkaline earth metals. The process comprises combining the brine with an aqueous solution containing at least one of an alkali metal hydroxide and an alkali metal carbonate with efficient mixing by a micro-mixing device.

Abstract: A process for removal of heavy metals at contamination level (50-500 mg/L) using ultrasonic energy and electrolysis, as a measure to decontaminate industrial waste, is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of high purity germanium for the manufacture of e.g. infra red optics, radiation detectors and electronic devices. GeCl4 is converted to Ge metal by contacting gaseous GeCl4 with a liquid metal M containing one of Zn, Na and Mg, thereby obtaining a Ge-bearing alloy and a metal M chloride, which is removed by evaporation or skimming. The Ge-bearing alloy is then purified at a temperature above the boiling point of metal M. This process does not require complicated technologies and preserves the high purity of the GeCl4 in the final Ge metal, as the only reactant is metal M, which can be obtained in very high purity grades and continuously recycled.

Abstract: A decontamination method for stripping radionuclides from the surface of stainless steel or aluminum material comprising the steps of contacting the metal with a moderately acidic carbonate/bicarbonate electrolyte solution containing sodium or potassium ions and thereafter electrolytically removing the radionuclides from the surface of the metal whereby radionuclides are caused to be stripped off of the material without corrosion or etching of the material surface.

Abstract: A process for electrochemically reducing a metal oxide feed material in a solid state in an electrolytic cell is disclosed. The cell includes a molten bath of electrolyte, an anode, a cathode, and a means for applying a potential across the anode and the cathode. The process is characterised by supplying an amount of electrolyte into the bath that is greater than the amount of electrolyte that is required to replace electrolyte removed from the bath with reduced material and removing molten electrolyte from the bath to maintain the bath height at a required height or within a range of required heights.

Abstract: An apparatus for industrial wastewater treatment and the electrolytic recovery of metals from solutions is disclosed. It comprises two or more plates with electricity conducting surfaces arranged in parallel and separated by insulating gaskets, two heads and a hydraulic ram or other mechanical means to press the group of plates between the heads. Plates and gaskets pressed together form chambers where metal recovery and other electrochemical reactions take place. Holes bored on the plates or on the gaskets separating them allow the solutions to flow in and out of the chambers. The solutions in the chambers close the electrical circuit between the conducting surfaces of the plates and allow an electrical current to flow from one plate to the other closing also a circuit between the terminals of an electrical current source.

Abstract: Process for the electrochemical decomposition of precursors in powder form by introducing a powder batch between two electrodes of an electrolysis cell, electrodes being designed to be liquid-permeable, and the electrolyte flowing through the powder batch perpendicularly to the electrode surfaces, and electrolysis cell suitable therefor, which is essentially characterized in that at least one electrode has a structure which consists of a supporting pierced plate (5), an electrode plate (3) provided with perforations, and a filter cloth (4) arranged between the supporting pierced plate (5) and the electrode plate (3), and in that the cathode (6) is shielded from the cell by means of a liquid-permeable separator (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to an efficient process and device for the decontamination of waters polluted with heavy metals, semimetals and/or radionuclides by cation exchange and electrochemical deposition of the anions.

Abstract: For electrolytic treatment of electrically mutually insulated, electrically conductive structures 4 on surfaces of electrically insulating foil material (Fo), is unloaded from a store 15?, 15?, transported on a conveying line through a treatment unit 1 and brought in contact with treatment fluid F1. During transportation, the material Fo is guided past at least one electrode arrangement, having at least one cathodically polarised electrode 6 and at least one anodically polarised electrode 7, both being brought in contact with the treatment fluid F1 and being connected to a current/voltage source 8. Current flows through the electrodes 6, 7 and the electrically conductive structures 4. The electrodes 6, 7 are screened from each other so that substantially no electric current is able to flow directly between oppositely polarised electrodes 6, 7. The material Fo is finally loaded back onto a store 15?, 15?.

Abstract: A method for treating an electroless plating liquid or other metal-containing solution that also contains reducing agents. The method includes providing a reaction vessel containing an anode, a cathode, and a hydrogen ion-permeable membrane separating the anode and the cathode, placing the metal-containing liquid in contact with the anode, placing a catholyte solution in contact with the cathode; driving an electrical current through the anode and the cathode to oxidize the reducing agents present, and removing the used catholyte solution and the partially treated liquid from the electrodes, optionally from the reaction vessel to separate reservoirs. The partially treated liquid and an anolyte solution are placed in contact with the cathode and anode, respectively, and a current is again driven through the anode and cathode, plating a majority of the metal ions onto the cathode. The steps of oxidizing the reducing agents and plating the metal ions may also be reversed in order.

Abstract: A method of removing a metal ion from a treating liquid for use in treating a substrate comprises the steps of: applying a first voltage via an electrode to the treating liquid that flows in a supply piping so that deposition can occur; and applying a second voltage higher than the first voltage to the electrode while distributing a cleaning liquid to the supply piping, so that ionization can occur.

Abstract: The basic principles of the method for heavy metals electroextraction from technological solutions and wastewater includes pretreating to remove Chromium-6 and high concentrations of heavy metals and periodically treating in a six-electrode bipolar cylindrical electroreactor made of non-conducting material to achieve lower accepted levels of impurities. Six cylindrical steel electrodes form two triode stacks and are fed with three-phase alternating current of commercial frequency (50-60 Hz), which can be pulsed. Each phase of the three-phase current is connected to three electrodes of one triode stack or in parallel to two triode stacks. The parallel connection of three-phase current to two triode stacks is performed so that the same phase of the three phase current is connected in parallel with each two opposite electrodes of six electrodes located along the periphery, or with two adjacent electrodes. A bipolar stationary aluminum electrode is situated in the inter-electrode space.

Abstract: A method of surface treatment of friction members includes providing a friction member made of PMMC material. A transfer layer is formed on the active surface of the friction member of removing the top layer of the matrix material to expose a surface with the embedded reinforcing particles.

Abstract: A method of treating an electroless plating waste is provided. The waste is contained and an ability of a reducing agent to reduce a metal of the waste is decreased, for example by adding a stabilizing chemical or by exposing the waste to an anode to which a positive voltage is applied. Poisonous and explosive gases evolve from the waste, which are vented. Upon completion, the waste is drained.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment operations, i.e. the coagulation, decomposition, sterilization and separation of impurities such as the sludge, organisms, etc. in a liquid to be treated are carried out by applying an AC voltage of a specific frequency between first and second electrodes provided in the liquid to be treated, and thereby making an AC field work on the same liquid. An AC voltage of a high frequency suited to the quality of the water in a frequency band in which metal ions, hydrogen, and oxygen are dissolved into and are taken take out in large quantities, occurring in the AC electrolysis of the object liquid elute, and an AC voltage of a low frequency are switched from one to the other in a contactless manner in a predetermined cycle, and the resultant voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes. This causes crystals and bubbles in the water, and sludge, organisms, etc.