Abstract: A method for the recovery of zinc from zinc containing materials using a smelting apparatus for smelting a metalliferous feed material, wherein the smelting apparatus includes a smelting vessel, a smelt cyclone mounted on the smelting vessel and in connection with the inside of the smelting vessel and an off-gas duct connected to the smelt cyclone, and wherein the method includes the steps of: injecting the feed material with a carrier gas into the smelt cyclone, injecting an oxygen containing gas into the smelt cyclone, injecting coal with a carrier gas into the smelting vessel, injecting an oxygen containing gas into the smelting vessel, optionally injecting fluxes with a carrier gas into the smelting vessel, wherein the zinc containing materials are injected into the smelt cyclone and/or into the smelting vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas and/or magnetite comprising the steps of reacting a wüstite-containing material, such as steel slags, with H2O at a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 500° C., cooling down the gaseous reaction product to separate hydrogen gas from water steam and collecting hydrogen gas, and recovering magnetite from the solid reaction product.

Abstract: A cold trap has multiple interior spaces formed within one unit such that a vacuum pump pulls only dry air and distillate substantially fully or fully condenses and drops out of the bottom of the device. Laminar flow through a side portal is converted into turbulent flow in a cooling region around a conical cold glass or other inert protrusion. The only other portal of the cooling region is a bottom portal such that though there is vacuum suction, vapors only exit through the bottom portal after condensing and falling through an outer section while dry air is pulled upwards to an upper vacuum portal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing clinker includes sintering raw meal in a kiln to clinker, preheating the raw meal (prior to sintering the raw meal) in a preheater using a main flue gas stream from the kiln as heat source, dedusting the main flue gas downstream of the preheater at a temperature below the boiling point of mercury (thereby obtaining mercury loaded dust) and withdrawing a bypass flue gas stream from the kiln. The method is configured to efficiently remove mercury from the manufacturing process if mercury in the bypass flue gas is vaporized by injecting of at least a fraction of the mercury-loaded dust into the bypass flue gas stream. Subsequently, the bypass flue gas is dedusted and cooled down. Thereby, the mercury can be adsorbed by injecting an adsorbent (such as activated charcoal) into the bypass flue gas. With subsequent removal of the adsorbent, mercury is finally removed from the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing clinker including the steps of sintering raw meal in a kiln to clinker, preheating the raw meal in a preheater using a main flue gas stream from the kiln as a heat source, dedusting the main flue gas downstream from the preheater at a temperature below the boiling point of mercury, thereby obtaining mercury-loaded dust and withdrawing a bypass flue gas stream from the kiln. Implementation of the method results in efficient removal of the mercury from the process if mercury in the bypass flue gas is evaporated by injecting at least a fraction of the mercury-loaded dust into the bypass flue gas stream. Subsequently, the bypass flue gas is dedusted and cooled down. The mercury can be adsorbed by injecting an adsorbent like activated charcoal into the bypass flue gas. With the subsequent removal of the adsorbent, mercury is finally removed from the process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and systems that utilize concurrent and countercurrent exchange platforms to produce purified silicon.

Abstract: A method of recycling a battery pack (10) that includes an assembled battery composed of a plurality of electric cells that are connected in series to one another includes a heating process of heating the battery pack (10) by supplying a vapor supplied from a vapor boiler (14) into a heat treatment bath (12) for heating the battery pack (10) to replace a space in the heat treatment bath (12) with the vapor, and a condensation process of condensing thermolysis products, which are discharged from the battery pack (10) through the heating process, by a condenser (18).

Abstract: A process for treating an off-gas from the thermal processing of a precious-metal-containing feedstock, the process comprising cooling the off-gas to a temperature of from 300 to 500° C.; passing the cooled off-gas through a first particulate filter to recover particulate material; and dosing the off-gas from the first particulate filter with a sorbent material and passing the dosed off-gas through a second particulate filter; wherein at least a portion of the particulate material recovered from the first particulate filter is recycled into the thermal processing of the precious-metal-containing feedstock.

Abstract: An apparatus for condensing metal vapors has at least one inlet conduit that is cooled to cause a portion of the metal vapor to condense to liquid. The apparatus also has a holding tank that is connected to the inlet conduit that collects condensed liquid metal. The apparatus also has at least one outlet conduit connected to the holding tank that is cooled to cause a portion of the remaining metal vapor to condense to solid metal. The apparatus also has at least one heater that heats the at least one outlet conduit to cause the solid metal to melt to liquid metal and subsequently flow in to the holding tank. The apparatus also has at least one sealing mechanism located at a distal end of the at least one outlet conduit for preventing metal vapor and carrier gas from exiting the outlet conduit during heating of the outlet conduit.

Abstract: An exhaust gas duct apparatus for use in a rotary-hearth furnace for heating a starting material including a carbonaceous reducing material and an iron-oxide containing material to produce reduced iron or granular metallic iron. In an exhaust gas duct for use in the rotary-hearth furnace, a cooling part for cooling an exhaust gas discharged from the rotary-hearth furnace to solidify a metal salt in the exhaust gas, a collision part for allowing the exhaust gas just after being cooled to collide therewith to drop down the metal salt solidified, and a direction change duct for guiding the exhaust gas after being collided, in a direction other than a direction of dropping the metal salt, are arranged in this order in two stages.

Abstract: A casting apparatus includes a hermetically sealed chamber, wherein the chamber includes: a melt-heating portion to melt external uranium deposits, the melt-heating portion being tiltable to allow the resulting liquid molten material to be discharged to the outside, an ingot-forming portion to receive the molten material discharged from the melt-heating portion and to cool-solidify the molten material, and a salt-capturing portion provided on the melt-heating portion, to solidify a salt gas produced when the uranium deposits are molten, and thereby recover the salt gas, wherein the ingot-forming portion includes: a horizontal turn-table rotated by an operating means, and a plurality of molds mounted on the edge of the turn-table, each containing the molten material, which is then cooled.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing nano-particles includes a furnace defining a vapor region therein. A precipitation conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end is positioned with respect to the furnace so that the inlet end is open to the vapor region. A quench fluid supply apparatus supplies quench fluid in a gas state and quench fluid in a liquid state. A quench fluid port positioned within the precipitation conduit is fluidically connected to the quench fluid supply apparatus so that an inlet to the quench fluid port receives quench fluid in the gas state and quench fluid in the liquid state. The quench fluid port provides a quench fluid stream to the precipitation conduit to precipitate nano-particles within the precipitation conduit. A product collection apparatus connected to the outlet end of the precipitation conduit collects nano-particles produced within the precipitation conduit.

Abstract: A process for recycling composite materials includes the steps of feeding a quantity of composite material composed of at least one polymer and aluminum into at least one first reactor; heating the composite material in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to volatilize the at least one polymer and form a hydrocarbon by-product and aluminum in the at least one first reactor; feeding the aluminum free of the at least one polymer into a second reactor; and heating the aluminum in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to melt the aluminum in the second reactor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for extraction of zinc from a material containing one or more iron oxides and zinc oxide which facilitate heating a composite body of the material and a carbonaceous material in a reduction zone. The reduction zone contains a reducing atmosphere at a temperature insufficient to effect melting of the iron in the material but at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form a reductant from the carbonaceous material and to reduce a predetermined amount of the zinc oxide to zinc vapor. The process and apparatus also facilitate collecting the zinc vapor and cooling it to form liquefied or solid zinc.

Abstract: Method for removal of elements from a metal melt in a container, which melt contains a base metal and elements of undesirable constituents, in which the metal melt is heated to a level maintaining the content melted. The metal melt is heated to a level causing vaporization of an element to be removed, but under the level providing gas pressure for the base metal. The container with the metal melt is brought under a reduced pressure in at least one compartment in which the temperature is maintained under the vaporization level of the element to be removed. A device for the removal of elements from metal melts, with a container (1) for the metal melt, with an exit tube (5) over the level of the metal melt, for vapour from the interior of the container (1). The exit tube (5) exits into a compartment (27) which is kept at a temperature under the vaporization temperature, for condensing the vaporized metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing nano-particles comprises a furnace defining a vapor region therein. A precipitation conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end is positioned with respect to the furnace so that the inlet end is open to the vapor region. A quench fluid port positioned within the precipitation conduit provides a quench fluid stream to the precipitation conduit to precipitate nano-particles within the precipitation conduit. A product collection apparatus connected to the outlet end of the precipitation conduit collects the nano-particles produced within the precipitation conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems used to measure mercury in gaseous emissions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to the use of silicon carbide as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, at least one of silicon nitride, silicon boride, and/or boron nitride is used as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an improved pyrolyzer design, in which a thermal pyrolysis unit comprises a tailpiece that allows water to be injected at the heated exit of the thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a coalescing filter in a scrubbing unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a hydrophobic filter element in a scrubbing unit. One or more of these elements may be used in a conditioning module of a continuous emissions monitoring system, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepwise method for the production of titanium-aluminium compounds and some titanium alloys and titanium-aluminium inter-metallic compounds and alloys. In a first step an amount of aluminium is mixed with an amount of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and then an amount of titanium chloride (TiCl4) is added to the mixture. The mixture is heated to a temperature of less than 220° C. to form a product of TiCl3, aluminium and AlCl3. In a second step, more aluminium can be added if required, and the mixture heated again to a temperature above 900° C. to form titanium-aluminium compounds. This method results in the production of powdered forms of titanium-aluminium compounds with controllable composition. Suitable reactor apparatus is also described.

Abstract: The invention discloses a reduction apparatus having a main body made of silicon carbide-based material and collectively formed by a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side portion, wherein the bottom portion includes a slanted plane, and the main body has an inlet and a metallic vapor exit provided near the top portion and an outlet provided near the lowest end of the slanted bottom portion; an inlet closure connected with the inlet; an outlet closure connected with the outlet; and a metal collector or a condenser connected with the metallic vapor exit. The invention solved problems found in conventional reduction retorts, including: small capacity, low metal output, inconvenience in charging reactant material and discharging spent residue, and heavy workload for workers. The invention also shortened the time for reduction reaction, increased production efficiency and output of the reduction furnace, and reduced production cost.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a hermetic door 115b and a retort 115c as an interface for taking out a gaseous emission containing vaporized substances from an object to be treated which is being heated in a reduced pressure state in a second hermetic chamber 103 while maintaining conditions in the second hermetic chamber. When the retort 115c is inserted into a first opening 103b of the second hermetic chamber, the hermetic door 115b in an open state is shielded from the second hermetic chamber 103, whereby condensation of the gaseous emission at the hermetic door is prevented. Accordingly, condensates can be taken out while conditions such as temperature and pressure in the hermetic chamber are maintained without the treatment apparatus being stopped. The productivity of treatment is greatly improved by continuous operation of such a treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for continuous slag treatment of molten silicon for removal of one a more impurity elements from the silicon, the apparatus comprising a vessel (1) intended to contain molten silicon and liquid slag.

Abstract: Both ends of a bulb of a waste fluorescent lamp are cut off, a phosphor layer formed on an interior surface of the bulb is detached, so that mercury-containing phosphor powder can be obtained. The mercury-containing phosphor powder is subjected to a heating and reducing process with the dry-method, by mixing an organic reducing agent with the phosphor powder and heating the mixture, to vaporize and separate mercury from the phosphor powder. The vaporized mercury is then cooled and condensed, to collect mercury.

Abstract: A process for separating and recovering a desired metal as metal oxide from raw material is provided. The process includes placing the raw material and a reductant in a container to form a reducing microclimate within the container. A housing having an oxidizing atmosphere is heated to maintain a temperature zone within the housing at a heating temperature sufficient to expose the raw material in the container to a reaction temperature. The container containing the raw material is conveyed through the temperature zone in the housing to expose the raw material and the reductant to the reaction temperature wherein the metal oxide is reduced to a gaseous metal that exits the container. Once outside the container, the gaseous metal is exposed to the oxidizing atmosphere of the temperature zone wherein the desired metal is oxidized to metal oxide and the metal oxide is collected. In preferred embodiments, the raw material is EAF dust and the desired metal is zinc.

Abstract: A furnace exhaust remediation unit comprises an auxiliary combustion chamber with a gas burner assembly optimized for efficient and substantially complete combustion of pollutants, for example, waxy hydrocarbons emitted as binder/lubricant substances are driven off in sintering of green powdered-metal parts. The rate of flow of air and exhaust through the combustion chamber are controlled, permitting control of the average residence time of the emissions, ensuring substantially complete combustion. The burner is arranged such that it provides a high-energy exhaust stream directed tangentially into the combustion chamber, so that a spiral motion is provided to the combustible pollutants, improving mixing and heat transfer and thus ensuring efficient combustion of the vaporized hydrocarbon emissions. The system has a universal modular construction where a burn chamber module; a burn chamber extension module and slide gate damper assembly module are provided.

Abstract: A reactor comprises a plurality of triple tubes having reaction tube, inner tube and central tube and disposed in a main body of the reactor, a first supply port formed in the main body and communicated with the central tube, and a second supply port formed in the main body and communicated with an annular space of triple tubes. The raw material introduced from the first supply port is fed into the catalyst layer to permit the reaction of the raw material to take place, and that as the activity of the catalyst is gradually lowered, the quantity of raw material to be fed to the first supply port is correspondingly reduced, and the quantity of raw material corresponding to this reduction of raw material is fed from the second supply port to the catalyst layer charged in the annular space.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for recovering metal values from Electric Arc Furnace dust, particularly zinc and iron values, by mixing EAF dust and carbonaceous fines to form a particulate mixture; heating the mixture at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to reduce and release volatile metals and alkali metals in a flue gas; collecting the released metals, and removing the metal values from the process as product.

Abstract: Both ends of a bulb of a waste fluorescent lamp are cut off, a phosphor layer formed on an interior surface of the bulb is detached, so that mercury-containing phosphor powder can be obtained. The mercury-containing phosphor powder is subjected to a heating and reducing process with the dry-method, by mixing an organic reducing agent with the phosphor powder and heating the mixture, to vaporize and separate mercury from the phosphor powder. The vaporized mercury is then cooled and condensed, to collect mercury.

Abstract: A furnace exhaust remediation unit comprises an auxiliary combustion chamber with a gas burner assembly optimized for efficient and substantially complete combustion of pollutants, for example, waxy hydrocarbons emitted as binder/lubricant substances are driven off in sintering of green powdered-metal parts. The rate of flow of air and exhaust through the combustion chamber are controlled, permitting control of the average residence time of the emissions, ensuring substantially complete combustion. The burner is arranged such that it provides a high-energy exhaust stream directed tangentially into the combustion chamber, so that a spiral motion is provided to the combustible pollutants, improving mixing and heat transfer and thus ensuring efficient combustion of the vaporized hydrocarbon emissions.

Abstract: A system for introducing a homogenous mixture of natural gas and oxygen into the tuyeres of a blast furnace. Included in this system are gas conduits with flow controllers connected to a mixer that produces a homogenous mixture. Provisions are made to by-pass the mixer and to introduce inert gas into the mixer to prevent formation of explosive gas mixtures.

Abstract: An electric composite rotating machine haveing two rotors, capable of developing mechanical power and of runing on two rotational direction at selfadjutable speeds, of differential type, with 40% increase of output, doubling the torque at 30% reduction of used electrical energy.

Abstract: A method for recovering zinc oxide comprises the steps of: agglomerating a dust; charging the agglomerate to a molten iron in a melting furnace; collecting a dust generated from the melting furnace; recycling a part of the collected dust and recovering another part of the collected dust. An apparatus for recovering zinc oxide comprises: an agglomeration unit for agglomerating a dust containing iron oxide and zinc oxide; a melting furnace for accepting the agglomerate and for holding the molten iron for reducing the dust; and at least two units of dust collector for collecting the dust containing zinc oxide generated from the melting furnace.

Abstract: A method for direct reduction of oxides includes the steps of: providing a reduction zone for direct reduction of oxides and a gas reforming zone communicating with the reduction zone; feeding metal oxides to the reduction zone; feeding a gas mixture comprising methane and an oxygen source to the gas performing zone to provide a reformed gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; contacting the oxides and the reformed gas in the reduction zone to provide a reduced metal and a top gas; and treating the top gas so as to provide the gas mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incinerating waste material and in particular, for incinerating particulate material resulting from the shredding of vehicles. The particulate material is fed to one end of a rotary drum, and is subjected in the drum to pyrolitic incineration in the absence of air, to generate combustible gases and a solid residue. The combustion gases and the residue are discharged from the drum to a discharge hood, where the solid residue is separated from the gases. The gases are then passed through a condenser to cool the gases to a temperature below 212.degree. F. to thereby condense water vapor and higher boiling point hydrocarbon gases to produce hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: in a hot combustion gas stream are removed therefrom by oxidizing the elemental mercury, to form a mercury compound, and adsorbing the mercury compounds on adsorbent particles such as activated alumina. Oxidation is catalytically promoted. After adsorbing a substantial quantity of mercury compounds, the spent adsorbent particles can be regenerated and re-used by heating the particles to decompose and drive off the mercury compounds. In another embodiment, oxidation of the elemental mercury is catalytically promoted at a catalyzing station, and the mercury compounds are removed from the gas stream by scrubbing.

Abstract: Pipe lines for conducting natural gas become contaminated, over a period of time, by an accumulation of mercury, which occurs in minute amounts in natural gas. If used pipe is scrapped, for example by melting, mercury vapor escaping to the atmosphere poses a health hazard. To remove mercury, sections of pipe are closed at both ends by plugs having nipples for connection to a closed circuit and inert gas line connected with a pump for evacuating the line and with a source of inert gas, for example nitrogen. The closed circuit inert gas line contains a blower for circulating the inert gas repeatedly through the pipe sections and a condenser for condensing mercury vapor. The closed circuit further includes a heat exchanger for removing heat upstream of the condenser, a coordinated heat exchanger for restoring heat removed and an additional heater. The pipe sections are heated externally by an oven or internally by heated inert gas.

Abstract: Described is in situ refining high purity elements in Groups IIA and VIB of the Periodic Table in a hermetically sealed apparatus by distilling, condensing and zone refining material within the apparatus.

Abstract: A process and device for recovering cadmium and nickel metals from Ni-Cd battery and processing scrap material containing nickel, cadmium, iron and other substances are disclosed. The process includes depositing the scrap material in a furnace and adding an effective amount of an oxygen getter in the furnace to prevent oxide formation. Argon or nitrogen gas is introduced and maintained in the atmosphere of the furnace. The furnace is then heated for an effective period of time to evaporate free water. The temperature of the furnace is then increased and maintained to approximately 500.degree.-800.degree. C. for an effective period of time to volatilize molecular water and non-metallic substances. The temperature of the furnace is then further raised to greater than approximately 900.degree. C. for an effective period of time to vaporize cadmium from the scrap material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste heat boiler construction provided in succession to a suspension smelting furnace, particularly a flash smelting furnace, in which construction the dust-bearing gases created in the suspension smelting furnace are prevented from directly flowing from the radiation section of the waste heat boiler into the convection section thereof, in order to reduce the tendency to dust build-ups caused by these gases, and in order to advantageously utilize the total volume of the waste heat boiler and to extend the residence time simultaneously. The invention also relates to a method for intensifying the mixing of gases and for extending the total residence time in the radiation section of the waste heat boiler.

Abstract: A melt is stored in a vessel placed in a decompression vessel. On the bottom of the vessel is arranged a bubble generator made of porous bricks, and bubbles of argon gas are introduced into the melt through this bubble generator. Also a lower half section of a degassing member is immersed in the melt. This degassing member has a cylindrical form with the lower end closed and the section immersed in the melt is made of a porous material permeable to gases and impermeable to melts.With these features, a surface of molten metal can be put under reduced pressure and high content components of the melt can be removed by means of bubbling, and also solute components in the melt can be removed into bubbles of argon gas. Also, gases in the melt and gases produced by reactions between the melt and the porous material can be sucked through a wall of the degassing member into inside thereof and removed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing mercury from contaminated soils and industrial wastes are provided. The removed mercury may be recovered. A furnace vaporizes the mercury containing portion and the vapors are condensed. In one embodiment, an individual heating stage volatilizes water vapor and other volatile contaminants, such as hydrocarbons, with substantial vaporization of the mercury-containing portion, subsequently, a second temperature higher than the first is employed to vaporize the mercury containing portion. In one embodiment, a metallic salt reacts with sulfur in the material to form a stable solid sulfur compound to reduce sulfur content in the gaseous effluent. The addition of a metallic salt may also be employed to react with mercury halides to release elemental mercury therefrom. The contaminated material is thereby converted from one which is hazardous due to mercury contamination to one which is non-hazardous. The effluent is treated to reduce environmental hazards in the same.

Abstract: A sublimer-reactor system for reducing Group IVB metals with magnesium has a sublimer spaced from a reactor with a gas flow control valve in piping interconnecting them. A load cell weighs the feed in the sublimer and outputs a signal to the control valve to control the vapor flow of feed vapors to the reactor.

Abstract: Smelting apparatus for use in making elemental silicon and alloys thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrometallurgical furnace having a body which includes a reactor external to the body which includes carbonaceous reductant.

Abstract: A retort assembly comprises a retort defining a first chamber for containing zirconium tetrachloride. A crucible having a generally vertical sidewall defines a second chamber for containing magnesium and the reaction products. A vapor passageway extends from an inlet in the first chamber to an outlet in the second chamber. A diffusion means is disposed in the second chamber adjacent the outlet of the vapor passageway for diffusing vapor toward the sidewall of the crucible. The diffusion of vapors toward the sidewall of the crucible creates turbulence in the area of the crucible sidewall and a liquid circulation pattern which is downward along the crucible sidewall. Sponge discs produced under these conditions develop inwardly of the sidewall of the crucible, have less iron and are more compact than are sponge discs produced in prior art assemblies. Also, the skull losses are lower.

Abstract: The effluent from mercury collected during the photochemical separation of the .sup.196 Hg isotope is often contaminated with particulate mercurous chloride, Hg.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. The use of mechanical filtering via thin glass tubes, ultrasonic rinsing with acetone (dimethyl ketone) and a specially designed cold trap have been found effective in removing the particulate (i.e., solid) Hg.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 contaminant. The present invention is particularly directed to such filtering.

Abstract: The method for treating the dust entails the following steps:(a) supplying a combination of dust, a reducing agent and flux to a gastight electrothermic smelting furnace,(b) smelting, reducing and volatilizing certain metals in the smelting furnace,(c) tapping of an inert slag phase and a liquid metal phase from the smelting furnace,(d) continuous removal from the smelting furnace of a gas phase containing chiefly CO-gas, metal fumes, sulphur, chlorides and fluorides together with entrained unreacted dust,(e) further treatment of the gas phase.The process produces an inert slag phase which can be safely deposited in a landfill. The process also allows for recovery of valuable metal components from the dust.

Abstract: An exhaust processing apparatus comprises a cracking furnace for cracking and solidifying exhaust discharged from a reactor for forming crystals on a semiconductor substrate, a first collecting device for collecting relatively large components solidified in the cracking furnace, a second collecting device for collecting relatively small solidified components passed through the first collecting device, and a chemical or a physical adsorbing member for chemically or physically adsorbing the exhaust passed through the first and second collecting devices.The apparatus may be provided with bypass piping for bypassing a particular section of the apparatus, a shutoff member for opening and closing the bypass piping and a control device for controlling the shutoff member.

Abstract: A precious metal recovery system utilizing an amalgamation process which results in substantially complete recovery both of the precious metal sought and of the mercury utilized in the process. Mercury has undesirable health and environmental characteristics and the system of the invention assures its substantial containment. In the operation of the system, ore is classified and sorted out into a plurality of bins or holds containing ore having a substantially uniform particle size. The ore is then delivered, bin by bin, beginning with the smallest particle size, to apparatus which assures substantially complete amalgamation of all of the precious metal present in the ore. Thereafter, a resulting slurry of water and tails is first removed from the amalgamation apparatus and any residual mercury removed before its return to the environment.

Abstract: A plasma furnace including an upper chamber having three electrodes radially spaced from an ore feed tube. The ore is gasified by a plasma arc in a central crucible and allowed to condense in the space between the central crucible and an outer crucible. The outer crucible forms the boundary between the upper chamber and a lower chamber. The lower chamber is filled with molten copper which acts as a filter. Since there is no agitation in the lower chamber, molten ore entering from the upper chamber separates between a fraction containing heavy metals which is drained from a sump, and a fraction containing lighter materials which is decanted through an overflow tube.

Abstract: A method for producing iron in an elongated reaction vessel provided with underbath nozzles and top blowing means in which carbonaceous fuels, iron ore and/or prereduced ore are fed to the melt and in which the reaction gases escaping from the melt are afterburned with oxygen-containing gases in one or more stages, the waste gas aperture of the reaction vessel being offset from the reaction zone of the cabonaceous fuels and thus disposed outside the eruption and splashing area, and the waste gas temperature in the waste gas conduit connected to the waste gas aperture being held above the soldifying temperature of the droplets carried along in the waste gas stream, and the waste gas then being cooled to less than 1000.degree. C. in an adjoining chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the regeneration of active carbon comprising particularly:a hopper for introducing the active carbon;a reactor (7) delimited by an elongated shaped sheath;a continuous Archimedes screw (10) situated inside the reactor to transport the active carbon to be regenerated;structure for heating by resistances (8), arranged inside the sheath of the reactor;structure situated above the unload end of the reactor (19) and in communication with the reactor, particularly for removing the gases;a coffer into which the Arichmedes screw unloads;structure for communication with the reactor and situated on the one hand close to the input of the reactor and on the other hand along the reactor to regulate the pressure inside the reactor and to inject steam.This apparatus for regenerating active carbon enables the powder active carbon to be regenerated efficiently.