Abstract: A silver recovery system including a container having an inlet and an outlet, a core member positioned within the container, a filler material adjacent to the core member and being of a metal above silver in the electromotive force series, and a non-metallic mesh material positioned within 3/32 of an inch from an exterior surface of the filler material. The mesh material has a mesh size suitable for allowing water to pass therethrough. A securing member extends around the exterior surface of the mesh material so as to maintain the mesh material in surface-to-surface contact with the filler material. The mesh material generally surrounds the exterior surface of the filler material. The core member has a central tubular member with a plurality of openings formed radially through a wall thereof. A non-reactive material is affixed within the central tubular member so as to allow silver to plate thereon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for laying fluid distribution lines along a surface are disclosed. An overhead support cable is secured between a plurality of anchoring devices spaced along the surface. A rotatable installation reel is then coupled to the overhead support cable and a coil of fluid distribution line is loaded on the installation reel. Fluid distribution line is laid along the surface by moving the installation reel along the overhead support cable so as to rotate the installation reel to pay out the fluid distribution line along the surface. Subsequent fluid distribution lines may be laid at substantially equal lateral spacings by moving each anchoring device or a portion of each anchoring device prior to laying each subsequent fluid distribution line.

Abstract: The apparatus allows at least two film processor fixing solution tanks for black and white films with silver-based coating to be connected to a silver recovery unit. To that end, an intermediate storage tank is connected between the fixing solution tanks and the silver recovery unit. The intermediate storage tank is divided by an impervious internal partition into two chambers of equal size. The pipes connect the overflows of the fixing solution tanks to the inlets of the first chamber. Another pipe connects the outlet to the silver recovery unit. The return pipes connect the outlets of the second chamber to the inlets of the fixing solution tanks. A pipe connects the silver recovery unit to the inlet of the second chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extraction of precious metals from their ores and the product thereof. Oxidized ore comprising a precious metal is exposed to a leaching solution (lixiviant) comprising a relatively high concentration (fugacity) of dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas, a relatively high concentration (activity) of bisulfide ions, and a relatively low concentration (fugacity) of dissolved hydrogen gas. The hydrogen sulfide gas and bisulfide ions are preferably added to the solution by sulfate-reducing bacteria growing in a medium comprising dissolved sulfate ions and dissolved nitrate ions, but abiotic sources may also be used. Examples of such bacteria include mesophilic, fresh-water species such as Desulfobacterium catecholicum DSM 3882 and Desulfovibrio simplex DSM 4141; mesophilic, salt-water species such as Desulfovibrio salexigens DSM 2638; and thermophilic, fresh-water species such as Desulfomaculum kuznetsovii VKM B-1805. The complexed precious metal is recovered from the lixiviant.

Abstract: A silver recovery device for recovering silver from silver containing fluids is provided. The silver recovery device includes an outside container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A silver recovery cartridge, positioned within the outside container, includes a silver recovery element surrounded by a liner. In one embodiment, the liner can include a sealed top for allowing the cartridge to be pressurized with fluid. Also, the silver recovery device can include a filter element for filtering the fluids prior to exiting the device.

Abstract: A system for recovering silver as a free metal from silver-bearing liquid. The silver recovery system includes a holding tank for receiving silver bearing liquid having an opening in its top and a removable cover for closing the opening. A pair of silver recovery cartridges are carried by the cover and are connected together for serial flow. Each silver recovery cartridge contains a source of ions above silver in electromotive force series for reacting with silver-bearing liquid so that silver is recovered therein. A pump is secured to the cover for delivering silver-bearing liquid from the holding tank to the silver recovery cartridges.

Abstract: A silver recovery unit for precipitating silver from photographic solutions and the like. The silver recovery unit is provided with a container having an inlet and an outlet. Positioned within the container is a silver reduction assembly including a hollow coil of screen material formed of metal that is above silver in electromotive force series. A tubular insert, in fluid communication with the container outlet, extends from the axial flow passage of the hollow coil to an elevation adjacent the top of the container. A orifice plate is secured within the tubular insert for controlling the flow of silver bearing liquid through the silver reduction assembly.

Abstract: A treating fluid is in contact with a negative electrode containing lithium of a lithium cell under a first condition to react a surface portion of the negative electrode, and a treating fluid is in contact with lithium existing inside an article formed on the surface of the above-described negative electrode under a second condition. The cells can be effectively treated under safety condition to collect either the valuable substances, or the cell constructive components.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving zinc by means of acid-containing liquid electrolytes includes a container for zinc particles to be dissolved, inlet and outlet devices for continuously admitting and discharging fresh or zinc-enriched electrolytes, and collecting and discharging devices for the gases produced during the dissolution of zinc, such as, hydrogen. The apparatus container for receiving the electrolyte has in its lower portion an intermediate screen floor for placing the zinc particles filling thereon. The inlet devices for the fresh electrolyte are arranged below the intermediate screen floor. An overflow for the zinc-enriched electrolyte is arranged in the upper portion of the container. Filters and catch containers are arranged following the overflow. A gas collecting chamber with discharge device is arranged above the apparatus container.

Abstract: A silver recovery device for recovering silver from photographic fluid is provided. The silver recovery device includes an outside container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has an extension tube which causes the entering fluid to fall upon a silver recovery cartridge. The silver recovery cartridge generally includes compressed steel wool surrounded by an outside liner. The steel wool reacts with the silver contained within the photographic fluid. The silver recovery cartridge can also include baffle plates for further dispersing the fluid as it filters through the steel wool. The silver recovery cartridge is supported within the outside container by a support grid. The support grid allows fluid to filter through the cartridge and then flow out the fluid outlet.

Abstract: Copper is extracted from ore by crushing copper bearing ore followed by heap leaching with sulfuric acid and then moving the resulting solution to a tank containing scrap iron and agitating the solution to precipitate the copper. The tank possesses at least one gate for retaining the scrap iron, which gate is disposed above the bottom of the tank and has a mesh of at least one square inch.

Abstract: A tube connector utilized in connecting a drip tube to a header pipe in a heap leach mining percolation system which provides for strength at the normally weak connection between the header pipe and the drip tube. The tube connector includes a housing providing a fluid passageway extending therethrough between a header pipe and a drip tube. A nipple section is formed at one end of the housing for accommodating the drip tube therearound which is of a relatively short length, and hence, a relatively short bending movement, to significantly reduce breakage of the connector during transportation.

Abstract: A reactor provided with a gas-safety device/module therefor comprises (i) a reaction vessel having an open upper end, (ii) demisting means engaging and at least partially closing off the open upper end of such reaction vessel, and situated to traverse the path of direction of a gas stream, e.g., hydrogen, evolving from a reaction conducted within such reaction vessel, and (iii) inlet means intermediate such open upper end of the reaction vessel and the demisting means (ii) for charging a stream of air into the reaction vessel, such inlet means (iii) being adopted to charge an amount of air into the reaction vessel such as to maintain the composition of any air/evolved gas mixture below the ignition/explosive limits thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the extraction of metal values from metal bearing ores. More particularly, in a process for recovering metal values from metal bearing ore, the invention provides the step of enhancing metal value recovery by introducing into the thickener overflow water 32, a gaseous agent capable of promoting recovery of the metal values from the ore. The gaseous agent may be oxygen or oxygen enriched gas, and can be injected by means of injection means 50.

Abstract: A system for heap leach mining comprises supply and header pipes for conducting leaching solution alongside a bed or "heap" of crushed metal-laden ore deposited on an impervious pad. A series of spaced tubes are connected to the supply header pipes to extend transversely thereof, over the pad, to receive the leaching solution therefrom. A plurality of emitters are connected in spaced relationship along each of the tubes for emitting the leaching solution at a controlled and substantially uniform rate over the pad and into the ore bed. The tubes and emitters can be positioned either on an upper surface of the ore bed or buried beneath such surface, at a predetermined depth. The system and method of this invention provide numerous advantages over conventional surface spraying systems and methods, including substantial cost savings thereover.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a containment means adapted for containing a slurry made up of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The apparatus further includes a plurality of horizontally oriented porous, flexible membrane diffusers adapted for introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.

Abstract: A system for heap leach mining comprises supply and header pipes for conducting leaching solution alongside a bed or "heap" of crushed metal-laden ore deposited on an impervious pad. A series of spaced tubes are connected to the supply header pipes to extend transversely thereof, over the pad, to receive the leaching solution therefrom. A plurality of emitters are connected in spaced relationship along each of the tubes for emitting the leaching solution at a controlled and substantially uniform rate over the pad and into the ore bed. The tubes and emitters can be positioned either on an upper surface of the ore bed or buried beneath such surface, at a predetermined depth. The system and method of this invention provide numerous advantages over conventional surface spraying systems and methods, including substantial cost savings thereover.

Abstract: A method and attendant apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The method includes the placement into a tank of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The slurry formed by this placement is continuously filtered to remove process delimiting metabolic end products products by the oxidation reaction. The ratios of the various slurry components are monitored and controlled to effectuate an optimized environment for oxidation to occur. The attendant apparatus includes a means of introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.

Abstract: A reactor for use in processing metal bearing solids by means of a bioleaching technique is disclosed. The reactor includes an open topped basin, a gantry adapted for displacement along the length of that basin and an agitation means mounted on that gantry for use in agitating a slurry retained within the basin. An air injection system having a plurality of membrane diffusers is positioned within the basin.

Abstract: A leaching vessel comprises a central outlet in which is situated a multi-bladed pump for pumping slurry from the vessel. An inclined wall adjacent the bottom wall of the vessel surrounds the outlet and has a plurality of apertures. The inclined wall defines with the bottom wall of the vessel a chamber into which cyanide solution is pumped for passage through the apertures into the slurry. The chamber may be sub-divided into radially or circumferentially spaced chambers, or both, with each chamber having a discrete inlet and flow control valve.

Abstract: A system for heap leach mining comprises supply and header pipes for conducting a leaching solution alongside a bed or "heap" of crushed metal-laden ore deposited on an impervious pad. A series of spaced tubes are connected to the supply and header pipes to extend transversely thereof, over the pad, to receive the leaching solution therefrom. A plurality of emitters are connected in spaced relationship along each of the tubes for emitting the leaching solution at a controlled and substantially uniform rate over the pad and into the ore bed. At least some of the emitters are adjustable whereby different sets of flow passages can be utilized. The adjustable emitter comprises a sleeve slip-fit and rotatably mounted in a housing for rotative adjustment between at least two positions to alternately communicate the sets of flow passages with an inlet to the emitter.

Abstract: In carbon-in-pulp (CIP) and carbon-in-leach (CIL) processes, especially those utilizing pure oxygen instead of normal air to increase the overall efficiency of the cyanide leaching-adsorption process in the recovery of gold and/or silver from ores, the screen within each tank which surrounds the slurry outlet is kept clean. The cleaning action is accomplished by linearly reciprocating the screen first slowly in one direction, and then quickly in another (to cause back flushing); or by rotating a cleaning rotor on the inside of a cylindrical screen. The cleaning rotor may be connected to the same shaft as an agitator disposed above a draft tube within the tank. The screen surface is tapered in its direction of movement, and during movement has a tendency to transport and concentrate the carbon (charcoal) particles at the far end of the slow stroke, and the concentrated particles can be withdrawn and recirculated to other tanks in the system.

Abstract: An elastic bar member is coupled to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a slurry having particulate material contained therein such as a mineral ore reject from which metal has been extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal quadrature pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the agglomeration or coagulation of the particles in the material and enhances the settling operation to make for more complete separation of the particles from the liquid.

Abstract: An elastic bar member is clamped to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a leachant having a material contained therein such as a mineral ore from which metal is to be extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal nutating pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the mixing of the ore and leachant and enhances the leaching operation to make for more complete separation of the mineral from the ore.

Abstract: A novel leaching process for separating extractable material from a particulate solid material that comprises extractable and non-extractable portions includes the steps of introducing the particulate solid material and a liquid solvent to an extraction zone; agitating the liquid solvent to a degree sufficient to suspend the particulate solid material and effect segregation of particles thereof in relation to their propensity to settle; maintaining contact between the liquid solvent and the particulate solid material for a time sufficient to leach extractable material therefrom; and selectively withdrawing particles of the solid material from the extraction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the leaching process is a multi-stage process in which the selectively withdrawn particles from each stage are introduced to the next successive stage of the series.

Abstract: An elastic bar member is clamped to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a leachant having a material contained therein such as a mineral ore from which metal is to be extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal nutating pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the mixing of the ore and leachant and enhances the leaching operation to make for more complete separation of the mineral from the ore.

Abstract: In gold and/or silver cyanide leaching-adsorption processes employing solid adsorbents such as activated charcoal, the overall efficiency in the recovery of gold and/or silver from ores or the like is greatly increased by contacting the cyanide slurry containing the gold and/or silver, with oxygen gas instead of normal air. A generally pure oxygen gas can be bubbled into a vessel containing the slurry, and a cover (e.g. a floating cover) may be provided on the vessel to reduce the oxygen transfer out of the solution and to facilitate pressurization of the system with an oxygen atmosphere. The procedures of the invention are applicable to carbon-in-pulp (CIP), and carbon-in-leach (CIL) processes and related processes using resins. Deaeration of the ore slurry can be practiced prior to the introduction of the oxygen.

Abstract: A novel system for chemically leaching ore that decreases pollution to the environment and that enhances reaction kinetics and economic considerations. An impervious covering (18) blankets a distribution network of drip lines (17) laid over the ore heap (14). A lixiviate containing solution is forced by means of a pump (11) through a venturi eductor (19) into the distribution network of drip lines (17) for application to the ore heap (14). After percolating through the ore heap (14), the leach solution is recycled through a recovery system (16) to the venturi eductor (19).

Abstract: A liquid impervious covering such as a plastic membrane or a concrete flooring is installed over an extensive substantially level area of ground and mined metal ore heaped onto this covering to form a mound. A leachant liquid solution is poured onto the ore and permitted to thoroughly penetrate the ore material. This end result is achieved either by forming a crater on the top of the ore material which is filled with the leachant solution which is allowed to ooze through the ore material, or by feeding the solution from sprinklers located around the mound until the ore material is thoroughly wetted. When the ore material has been wetted with the leachant, sonic energy is applied to the ore material by means of a sonically excited elastic pipe or bar member which is lowered into the mound by means of a crane and sonically driven by means of an orbiting mass oscillator.

Abstract: Ore leaching structure including a base portion, a shelter portion, a transfer portion and a treatment portion; the base portion including a peripheral concrete foundation, concrete wall sections extending upwardly therefrom, a concrete floor section extending between the wall sections, the floor section including at least one drain opening adjacent one wall section, the floor section being sloped from the other of the wall sections toward the drain opening; the shelter portion including vertical sections extending upwardly from the wall sections, the vertical sections and the wall sections together forming the sidewalls of the structure, a roof section extending between and joining the upper edges of the sidewalls; the transfer portion including a first group of doorways in a sidewall adjoining the sidewall along which the drain opening is located, the doorways being spaced along the length of the sidewall, a second group of doorways along a sidewall opposite to the first group of doorways, the doorways of t

Abstract: An improved apparatus for recovering silver from a silver-containing solution. The device includes a container having influent and effluent passageways and a filler element composed of a metal above silver in the electromotive force series. The filler is disposed about an elongated core having an aperture in the side thereof. The filler may be formed of steel wire wound in the fashion of a spool about the core. One or more baffles may be situated within the filler to extend the length of the path taken by fluid flowing from the influent passageway through the filler to the core and then through the effluent passageway. Solution flowing through the filler reacts therewith so that silver is deposited within the container. An opening may be provided in the top of the container to permit viewing of the contents to determine whether the capacity of the container has been exhausted or whether the device is operating properly.

Abstract: A method for continuously extracting uranium from ores comprises the steps of forming a slurry of ore in a leaching solution; heating the slurry while pumping it through a tube reactor at high turbulences characterized by Reynolds numbers in excess of 50,000; supplying gaseous oxygen at high pressures of at least 30 bar into the tube reactor such that the uranium is substantially completely oxidized in a soluble form but impurities in the slurry are substantially kept from becoming soluble; recovering the uranium oxide solute which is substantially free of impurities.

Abstract: A process for the continuous leaching of ores and an apparatus for practising this continuous leaching process are disclosed. According to this process, a plurality of unit layers composed of a pulverized uranium ore or other ore are continuously laminated while a minimum necessary amount of an acid, alkali or organic solvent (hereinafter referred to as "solvent") is uniformly sprinkled on the flat surfaces of these unit layers. In the state where the concentration of the solvent mixed into the ore is maintained at a high level, the heat generated by exothermic reaction caused by contact among the solvent, ore and water is effectively stored and used for thermally curing the ore. According to this process, the speed of extraction of the intended metal component can be increased, the leaching time shortened and the filtration characteristics improved, whereby a highly concentrated pregnant liquor can be recovered at a high efficiency.

Abstract: A gravity fed water bath process treats waste water from spray rinses containing compounds of copper and like heavy metals. For displacing heavy metals, such as copper, the bath has a substantially pure metal with an electrode potential greater than the heavy metal contained in the rinse water. A system for controlling the pH level of the water bath treatment and for supplying acid at the beginning of the bath, and alkaline at the end of the bath provides a highly acidic pH level for the water bath and heavy metal removal chamber, and adjusts the pH level of the discharged water for satisfactory deposit in municipal sewer systems.A method for displacing the heavy metal from the compound in solution requires exposing the heavy metal compound to a substantially pure metal having an electrode potential greater than the heavy metal of the compound, in an acidic bath whose pH level is controlled.

Abstract: For recovering silver and discharging depolluted wastes from washing baths for photographic and like films or papers, a method is disclosed which consists in having the washing liquid running in countercurrent relationship in a number of serially arranged tubs, relative to the direction of advance of the photographic material being washed.The concentration of silver salts is thus increased in a direction contrary to that of advance of the sensitive materials being processed so that the first tub of the series (considered in the machine direction) has such a concentration of silver that the recovery by any methods is economically interesting.

Abstract: A small tubular cartridge for processing of ultra low volumes of gravity flow spent photographic fixer solution to recover residual silver therefrom. The tube cartridge comprises a hollow transparent or light transmitting flexible plastic tube of synthetic resinous material such as vinyl. The transparent tube is closed by an impervious bottom end cap which is bonded or otherwise integrally secured to the lower end of the transparent tube, with a top end cap being similarly secured to the top end of the tube and providing a central axial solution outlet opening and an eccentric solution inlet opening, each opening having a downwardly directed collar. A central solution exit tube is disposed substantially coextensive and coaxially with the transparent tube and is integrally secured as by bonding at its upper end to the central axial effluent solution opening.

Abstract: A silver recovery method and apparatus performing highly specific separation of silver from source material containing organic and inorganic materials, including transition metals, comprising the steps of digesting source material with nitric acid solution to form an acidic reaction mixture; thereafter adding increments of sodium or potassium cyanide solution to the separated liquid phase of the reaction mixture; discontinuing addition of cyanide solution when silver(I) cyanide precipitate ceases to form after incremental additions of cyanide solution; and separating silver(I) cyanide precipitate of high purity from the liquid phase of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: System for recovering at least one of gold and silver from mine run dumps or crushed ores containing at least one of gold and silver, comprising an inclined surface for supporting a heap of the mine run dumps or crushed ores, means for distributing an alkali and cyanide containing aqueous solution onto the heap, a storage zone for the resulting pregnant solution arranged to collect the run-off of the solution from the inclined surface, a plurality of activated carbon loaded ion exchange vessels mounted on mobile support means, conduit means for feeding the pregnant solution serially through the vessels thereby to strip the gold and silver values from the solution and conduit means for recycling resulting barren solution for distribution onto the heap.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor adapted for carrying out chemical reactions between liquids and solid particles, having a design which provides stabilized hydrodynamic conditions within the reactor zones and thereby avoids the disadvantages of blockages of grid holes and passages in the system during operation. Fluid inlet tubes are provided which are slidably supported, with fluid outlets which rest on the bottom of the reactor, sealing against reverse flow, and which lift up due to hydraulic forces upon introduction of fluid to the reactor.

Abstract: A counter current decantation system for the fluid separation of liquids or solids having different densities or absorptive capacities wherein the material to be separated is placed in an inclined separator having a series of decantation pipes, each of which is connected at the bottom thereof to a pump for pumping a fluid mixture upstream at varying pressures. The separation fluid enters the separator at the bottom with sufficient force to form a mixture with and agitate the material to be separated. Lighter material is caused to rise toward the fluid surface and the heavier material is caused to settle to the separator floor by gravity. The force supplied is sufficient to cause the fluid mixture to pass forwardly through the length of the separator and thus the fluid mixture has a tendency to flow downstream toward the bottom end of the separator.

Abstract: A cementation apparatus is provided wherein the reaction surface thereof can be increased without changing the outer dimensions. There is provided at least one inner cylinder which is freely mounted in an outer cylinder and placed one within the other. The inner cylinders are perforated along their outer surfaces and are preferably open at both ends as is the outer cylinder. In the cylinder assembly, all the cylinders as well as the cylinder assembly are rotated. A slurry containing material to be treated as well as the amalgam is fed into the cylinders and on rotating the cylinders, the slurry is picked up by the surface of each of the cylinders so as to provide a reaction area for cementation which is equal to the sum of the surface area of all the internal cylinders and inner surface area of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: Materials dissolved in water are separated from each other by means of a cementation agent. The materials treated are those having a greater hydrogen overpotential than the potential difference between the cementation agent and hydrogen gas. A water solution of material to be cemented is fed upwards to a reaction zone through a bed containing the cementation agent, and agglomerates produced sink from the bed to be crushed in a zone below the bed.The addition of a flocculation agent to the reaction zone causes the material to cement as smooth-surfaced particles which do not adhere to each other or allow large gas bubbles to grow attached to the particles.