By Means Precipitating Metal From Solution Patents (Class 266/170)
  • Patent number: 11440026
    Abstract: Apparatus uses engineered collection media to recover mineral particles in a slurry. The apparatus has a tumbler cell and a rotation device to rotate the tumbler cell. The tumbler cell has a container to hold a mixture of the engineered media and the slurry containing the mineral particles. The container is turned such that at least part of the mixture in the upper part of the container is caused to interact with at least part of the mixture in the lower part of the container. As such, the contact between the engineered media and the mineral particles is enhanced. The surfaces of the engineered media are functionalized with a chemical having molecules to attract the mineral particles to the surfaces so as to form mineral laden media. After the mineral laden media are discharged from the tumbler cell, the mineral particles can be separated from the engineered media by stripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Rothman, Mark R. Fernald, Peter A. Amelunxen, Paul Dolan, Timothy J. Bailey, Michael Ryan
  • Patent number: 10807105
    Abstract: Apparatus uses engineered collection media to recover mineral particles in a slurry. The apparatus has a tumbler cell and a rotation device to rotate the tumbler cell. The tumbler cell has a container to hold a mixture of the engineered media and the slurry containing the mineral particles. The container is turned such that at least part of the mixture in the upper part of the container is caused to interact with at least part of the mixture in the lower part of the container. As such, the contact between the engineered media and the mineral particles is enhanced. The surfaces of the engineered media are functionalized with a chemical having molecules to attract the mineral particles to the surfaces so as to form mineral laden media. After the mineral laden media are discharged from the tumbler cell, the mineral particles can be separated from the engineered media by stripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: CiDRA CORPORATION SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Rothman, Mark R. Fernald, Peter A. Amelunxen, Paul Dolan, Timothy J. Bailey, Michael Ryan
  • Patent number: 10661199
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a launder to be used in co-operation with a solvent extraction settler comprises manufacturing at the site of manufacture, such as in an engineering workshop, a plurality of self-supporting launder element modules, each having exterior dimensions, strength and handling and securing means conforming to shipping container standards, transporting the launder element modules to the site of installation as normal freight by transport equipment, such as trucks, trailers and container ships, capable of handling and transporting shipping container standard compatible units, and assembling at the site of installation the launder element modules into a module group forming a complete launder. The launder comprises a launder module group consisting of self-supporting launder element modules, each having exterior dimensions, strength and handling and securing means conforming to shipping container standards to enable shipping container standard compatible transportability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OY
    Inventors: Jussi Vaarno, Rami Saario, Henri Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 10427220
    Abstract: A nanoparticle production apparatus and automatic production apparatus that allow continuous mass production of nanoparticles with a uniform particle diameter and allow freely adjusting the generation time are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignees: APPLIED NANOPARTICLE LABORATORY CORPORATION, NIHON SUPERIOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruo Komatsu, Tetsuro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8673208
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for refining iron from high-phosphorus content iron ores. The process involves mixing a high-phosphorus iron oxide ore and an alkaline solution of pH between about 12.5 and 13.5, screening the mixture by gravity to separate an alkaline-high-phosphorus solution from a low-phosphorus iron ore; and treating the low-phosphorus iron ore with lime and a natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: C.V.G. Ferrominera Orinoco C.A.
    Inventor: Henry Rafael Bueno Colina
  • Patent number: 8435442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system used in the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, enabling the amount of organic solution required in the various stages of extraction to be significantly reduced. In accordance with the invention, the settler unit of one step belonging to an extraction system is selected to function also as the organic solution storage and pumping tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Timo Saarenpää, Hannu Laitala, Pertti Pekkala
  • Patent number: 8323510
    Abstract: Methods and systems for heavy metal separation and recovery from heavy metal-containing sludge or wastes. The method utilizes ultrasonic treatment assisted acid leaching process to separate and recover different heavy metals from multi metals-containing sludge. The technique can be cost effectively implemented for heavy metal separation and purification processes in the real world at industrial scales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Fengchun Xie, Yang Ma
  • Publication number: 20120274008
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for removing metals from waste, particularly electronic waste (or “e-waste”). The process generally includes the steps of dissolving at least some of the metals from the wastein a nitric acid bath and then causing at least some of the metals to precipitate as metal oxides and/or metal nitrates. The system can include multiple tanks or locations for dissolving metals and/or precipitating metals, preferably as metal oxides or metal nitrates. The process and system reclaim more preferably NOx gas for the regeneration of nitric acid, which is recycled for use in the metal reclamation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Akridge
  • Patent number: 8021459
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a continuous metal removal in conjunction with a zinc preparation process, in which the metal removal is performed in one or more reactors (11a-c), in conjunction with the reactor, the redox potential (16a-c) and the acidity and/or basicity are measured, and based on the measurement results, the process variables (17a-c) of the metal removal are adjusted towards the desired direction. According to the invention, the redox potential measurements (16a-c) are performed from the sludge produced in the reactor in conjunction with the outlet pipe of the reactor outside the reactor, and the measuring instrument (16a-c) is purified at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Aimo Järvinen, Kai Judin, Harri Natunen, Yrjö Oinonen, Panu Talonen
  • Publication number: 20110132146
    Abstract: An object is to provide a method and an apparatus for recovering indium, the method and apparatus ensuring that it is unnecessary to recover indium in the form of indium hydroxide, indium can be recovered at a high concentration, indium can be recovered easily by a filter or the like without handling inferiors and also, the recovery rate of indium is greatly improved. The method includes adding a precipitation-inducing metal including a metal having higher ionization tendency than indium to an etching waste solution containing at least indium and ferric chloride, in which the concentration of ferric chloride is adjusted to 20% by weight or less to thereby precipitate indium contained in the etching waste solution on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal, then, detaching the indium precipitated on the precipitation-inducing metal from the precipitation-inducing metal by a detaching means and separating the detached solid indium or indium alloy from the solution to recover the indium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KOBELCO ECO-SOLUTIONS CO., LTD.,
    Inventors: Takeo Miki, Tamotsu Sugimoto, Eiichi Sahashi, Takamichi Honma, Tomoharu Maeseto
  • Publication number: 20110123392
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: FloDesign, Inc.
    Inventors: JASON DIONNE, Bart Lipkens, Edward Rietman
  • Patent number: 7935169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of manufacturing metal nanoparticles, and more particularly to an apparatus including: a precursor supplying part which supplies a precursor solution of metal nanoparticles; a first heating part which is connected with the precursor supplying part, includes a reactor channel having a diameter of 1 to 50 mm, and is heated to the temperature range where any particle is not produced; a second heating part which is connected with the first heating part, includes a reactor channel having a diameter of 1 to 50 mm, and is heated to the temperature range where particles are produced; and a cooler which is connected with the second heating part and collects and cools metal nanoparticles produced at the second heating part which allows continuous mass production of metal nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Il Lee, Jae-Woo Joung, Byung-Ho Jun, Joon-Rak Choi, Kwi-Jong Lee
  • Patent number: 7922966
    Abstract: A tank assembly for holding first and second removal materials, comprising a first container and a second container. The first container defines a first chamber. The second container defines a second chamber. The second container is arranged within the first chamber to define a lower portion, an upper portion, and an annular portion of the first chamber. The second chamber comprises a lower portion and a filter portion. The filter portion of the second chamber is adapted to contain the first removal material. The annular portion of the first chamber is adapted to contain the second removal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony N. Senff
  • Publication number: 20110023660
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering a rare earth element from a rare earth alloy, which has improved extraction efficiency of the rare earth element from the rare earth alloy, and is applicable to the extraction of various rare earth elements. The method is characterized by comprising a step of immersing the rare earth alloy in a molten salt of a halide salt to cause the elution of a halide of the rare earth element into the molten salt, or a step of reacting a rare earth alloy scrap which coexists with at least one of Fe and Cu with a metal chloride gas at a temperature of 1300 to 1800K to selectively extract the rare earth element contained in the rare earth alloy scrap as a vapor of a chloride of the rare earth element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Toru H. Okabe, Sakae Shirayama
  • Publication number: 20110005350
    Abstract: A method for recovering thallium in a cement production facility according to the present invention includes: a collecting process of collecting dust from combustion gas at a passage of the combustion gas, which is downstream of a gas outlet of a suspension preheater or a gas outlet of a demineralizer of a cement kiln of the cement production facility; a water-cleaning process of producing slurry or a water solution by cleaning the collected dust using water; and a filtering process of separating the slurry or water solution into a solid and a liquid and recovering thallium, wherein thallium is recovered from the combustion gas exhausted from the cement production facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Konishi
  • Publication number: 20100294081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing and recovering copper by treating an acidic waste liquid containing copper ions such as an etching waste liquid resulting from etching a copper printed board in an etching solution of cupric chloride and a waste liquid after renewing a plating bath liquid in producing electrolytic copper foil. The present invention relates to a copper recovering method of recovering copper from a copper-containing acidic waste liquid by adding a liquid mixture of a copper-containing acidic waste liquid and an oxidizing agent to an alkaline agent solution while a pH of the alkaline agent solution to which the liquid mixture has been added is being controlled so as not to decrease to seven or lower even for a moment, and by obtaining a solid material whose main component is copper oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Atsushi Kobayashi, Toshihiro Suzuki, Kaori Sato, Yoko Kubota
  • Patent number: 7736584
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mixer-settler used in hydrometallurgical metal processes, such as liquid-liquid extraction, and to a mixer-settler structure where chemically resistant material, such as plate-like wall elements made of reinforced plastic, is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Antti Kahikko, Timo Nivala
  • Publication number: 20100139457
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a method and an apparatus for recovering indium, the method and apparatus ensuring that it is unnecessary to recover indium in the form of indium hydroxide, indium can be recovered easily by a filter or the like without handling inferiors and also, the recovery rate of indium is greatly improved. The method includes immersing a precipitation-inducing metal which includes zinc and is made into the form of a solid such that any part coming into view three-dimensionally has a longitudinal length of 2.5 to 10 mm in an etching waste solution containing at least indium and ferric chloride and allowed to stand, thereby allowing indium contained in the etching waste solution to precipitate on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal based on a difference in ionization tendency between zinc and indium, and detaching the indium precipitated on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal to recover it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicants: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takeo Miki, Tamotsu Sugimoto, Eiichi Sahashi, Takamichi Honma, Tomoharu Maeseto
  • Publication number: 20090152777
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mixer-settler used in hydrometallurgical metal processes, such as liquid-liquid extraction, and to a mixer-settler structure where chemically resistant material, such as plate-like wall elements made of reinforced plastic, is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Antti Kahikko, Timo Nivala
  • Patent number: 7470391
    Abstract: The producing unit for continuously producing metal microparticles formed of a multicomponent alloy accompanied by the generation of a byproduct gas through an early reaction of the formation of the metal particles comprises a first mixing unit for continuously supplying and mixing a plurality of solutions for conducting the early reaction, a second mixing unit for continuously supplying another solution to the reaction liquid containing the metal microparticles formed in the early reaction and for mixing the two solutions, to introduce dissimilar metal atoms into the crystal lattices of the metal microparticles, and a gas-liquid separation unit that is installed in a midway of the pipe which is made so as to have enough length to finish the early reaction, and which continuously passes the reaction liquid to the second mixing unit from the first mixing unit, and that continuously removes the byproduct gas generated with the proceeding of the early reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiko Shiraishi, Yasunori Ichikawa, Koukichi Waki, Seiji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7404924
    Abstract: A flotation device for mixing and aerating an ore-containing slurry, comprising a tank having a conical-shaped floor. A vertically positioned flotation assembly is located within the tank. The open bottom of the flotation assembly is shaped is positioned above the conical portion of the floor. The assembly has a middle section having a cage with spaced, vertical bars forming its outer circumference. A rotatable impeller is located within the middle section which draws slurry from the tank through the bottom section and into the middle section and thereafter through the cage and out of assembly. The impeller is attached to a rotatable shaft which is connected at its bottom portion to the upper side of the back plate to rotate the impeller in a plane normal to the shaft. A hollow, vertically situated tubular shaped upper section is located directly above the middle section through which the shaft passes. The upper section has an opening at its lower end which is blocked by the back plate of the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: FFE Minerals Corp.
    Inventor: Carlos Q. Letelier
  • Patent number: 7314500
    Abstract: A method of removing contaminate material from a flowable material, comprising the following steps. A first container defining a first chamber is provided. A second container defining a second chamber is arranged within the first chamber. A first removal material is arranged within the second chamber. A second removal material is arranged within the first chamber. The flowable material is caused to flow along a removal path through the first removal material to remove a first portion of the contaminate material and through the second removal material to remove a second portion of the contaminate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony N. Senff
  • Patent number: 7033480
    Abstract: The process of the present invention recovers platinum group metal(s), such as platinum and palladium, from PGM-containing materials containing base metals, such as copper and nickel. The process controls sulfur levels by using solvent extraction 306 to remove acid in the nickel recovery circuit. The acid product 326 can then be neutralized and/or recycled as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Placer Dome Technical Services Limited
    Inventor: James A. King
  • Patent number: 7022281
    Abstract: A removal system for removing contaminate material from a flowable material. The removal system comprises a first and second containers and first and second removal material. The first container defines a first chamber. The second container defines a second chamber and is located within the first chamber. The first removal material is located in the second chamber. The second removal material is located in the first chamber. The flowable material flows along a removal path through the first removal material to remove a first portion of the contaminate material from the flowable material and through the second removal material to remove a second portion of the contaminate material from the flowable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony N. Senff
  • Patent number: 6991669
    Abstract: A silver recovery and monitoring system including a sensor for transmitting a silver concentration signal in response to the concentration of silver in a fluid, means for determining whether the silver concentration signal indicates the concentration of silver in the fluid to be above a predetermined silver level and for initiating a silver alert signal in response to a determination that the silver concentration signal indicates the concentration of silver in the fluid to be above the predetermined silver level, and means for transmitting a notification signal to a silver monitoring station in response to the silver alert signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Chemtronix, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Partridge, James E. Partridge, Jeffery S. Partridge
  • Publication number: 20040194579
    Abstract: A sieve tray column for stripping or recovering metal values from a metal value bearing material includes an elongate column body having an upper end and a lower end and a chamber defined therein. A plurality of spaced apart sieve trays are located within the chamber at intervals between the upper and lower ends. A first inlet is located intermediate the upper and lower ends of the column for introducing a value bearing material, such as a solution or slurry thereof, into the chamber, which value bearing material is arranged to flow in an upwards direction through successive trays towards the upper end. A second inlet is located at or adjacent the upper end of the column for introducing a resin into the chamber, which resin is fluidised by the upwardly moving value bearing material and caused to flow from one sieve tray to another successive sieve tray towards the lower end of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Harvey Wintle
  • Publication number: 20040188896
    Abstract: A flotation device for mixing and aerating an ore-containing slurry, comprising a tank having a conical-shaped floor. A vertically positioned flotation assembly is located within the tank. The open bottom of the flotation assembly is shaped is positioned above the conical portion of the floor. The assembly has a middle section having a cage with spaced, vertical bars forming its outer circumference. A rotatable impeller is located within the middle section which draws slurry from the tank through the bottom section and into the middle section and thereafter through the cage and out of assembly. The impeller is attached to a rotatable shaft which is connected at its bottom portion to the upper side of the back plate to rotate the impeller in a plane normal to the shaft. A hollow, vertically situated tubular shaped upper section is located directly above the middle section through which the shaft passes. The upper section has an opening at its lower end which is blocked by the back plate of the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Carlos Q. Letelier
  • Patent number: 6780221
    Abstract: A removal system for removing a waste metal from a waste solution. The removal system comprises outer and inner containers, inlet, intermediate, and outlet conduits, and first and second reaction media. The inner container defines an upper wall portion and is located within the outer container. The inlet conduit allows fluid to flow to the inner chamber and extends through the upper wall portion of the inner container. The intermediate conduit allows fluid flow from the inner chamber to the outer chamber. The outlet conduit allows fluid flow out of the outer chamber. The first reaction media located in the inner container. The second reaction media located in the outer container. The waste solution is forced along a removal path through the inlet conduit, the first reaction media, the intermediate conduit, the second reaction media, and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony N. Senff
  • Patent number: 6743276
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for solar heating a leach solution prior to its distribution over an ore heap. The apparatus includes a heat absorbing mat having a series of individual heat absorbing tubes joined to each other by heat reflecting panels. The heat reflecting panels and heat absorbing tubes collect and transfer solar energy to the leach solution passing through the heat absorbing tubes. The temperature of the leach solution passing through the heat absorbing tubes is elevated above ambient prior to the leach solution being distributed to a series of emitter tubes positioned on top of the ore heap. The array of emitter tubes are connected to the heat absorbing mats such that the leach solution is heated within the mat and immediately distributed to the emitter tubes for distribution onto the ore heap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Richard P. Lane
  • Publication number: 20040079196
    Abstract: A method of controlling the size and morphology of powder made by the subsurface injection of a halide vapor into a liquid metal is disclosed. A reaction zone is established and the temperature thereof or the time the powder remains therein is controlled to change powder characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: International Titanium Powder, LLC
    Inventors: Donn Reynolds Armstrong, Richard Paul Anderson, Lance E. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 6685877
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the heating of flowing material containing finely divided solids, such as concentrate slurry containing precious metals and/or precious minerals, up to a desired temperature range, for instance the temperature range applied in a treatment process of said material, said apparatus comprising means for feeding and removing the medium used for heating as well as means for feeding and removing the material to be heated in and out of the apparatus. According to the invention, both the flowing space of the material to be heated and the flow channels (3) of the heating medium are installed in an essentially vertical position, so that the material to be heated can be fed to the bottom part of the flowing space, and the heating medium can be fed to the top part of the flow channels (3), and that in the feed chamber (5) of the material to be heated, there are installed means (9) for cleaning the feed chamber (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventor: Tapio Nääppä
  • Patent number: 6616730
    Abstract: It is possible to activate a physical reaction and/or a chemical reaction in a medium, comprising a solution and solid matter that is freely dispersed in said solution, by placing the mixture in a reactor that has two walls which are located opposite close to each other, whereby the mixture fills the space in between the two walls and forms therein a thin long layer in a direction that is defined by a geometrical axis parallel to the walls, by activating an agitating means that are disposed outside the reactor and capable of acting through said walls on an area of agitation covering part of the layer and having a small dimension in the direction of the geometrical axis, and by simultaneously displacing said agitating means in such a way that the area of agitation substantially spans the entire area located between the two walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Gérard Bienvenu
  • Patent number: 6613271
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuously separating a dense valuable material such as gold from a feed including a grinding mill (2) which directs a crushed feed through hydrocyclones (9) for separation into a light and dense fraction. The dense fraction is concentrated further by in Line Pressure Jigs (16,17) in line and the concentrate (23) is leached in a rotating leaching reactor (45). The resulting pregnant liquor is subjected to electrowinning (83) to recover gold and the spent liquor is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Alexander Hamilton Lewis-Gray
  • Patent number: 6572677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fine metal particles for the recovery of silver from a silver-bearing photographic waste solution. In particular, the metal particles are encapsulated in a hydrophilic colloid that allows for the permeability of water and silver ions. When contacted with the silver-bearing photographic waste solution, the hydrophilic colloid will imbibe water and swell. At the same time, the silver ions can permeate the colloid matrix and come into contact with the metal particles, preferably iron particles, at which point a metal—metal exchange reaction takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Lobo, Kevin M. Donovan
  • Patent number: 6558449
    Abstract: A removal system for removing a waste metal from a waste solution. The removal system comprises outer and inner containers and inlet, intermediate, and outlet conduits. The outer container defines an outer chamber, and the inner container defines an inner chamber. The inner container is located within the outer chamber. The inlet conduit allows fluid to flow from an exterior of the outer container to the inner chamber. The intermediate conduit allows fluid flow from the inner chamber to the outer chamber. The outlet conduit allows fluid flow from the outer chamber to the exterior of the outer chamber. A first reaction media located in the inner chamber, and a second reaction media located in the outer chamber. In use, the waste solution is forced along a removal path through the inlet conduit, the first reaction media, the intermediate conduit, the second reaction media, and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony N. Senff
  • Patent number: 6391165
    Abstract: A system for reclaiming cadmium and tellurium from cadmium telluride solar cell. The system comprises a crushing apparatus for crushing cells into pieces, a first conveyor for transporting solar cells to the crushing apparatus, a barrel for receiving etchant for etching the crushed cell pieces, a second conveyor for transporting crusehed pieces of cells from the crushing apparatus to the barrel, and a screen separator for separating the crushed cell pieces into at least three components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: First Solar, LLC
    Inventors: John Raphael Bohland, Igor Ivanovich Anisimov, Todd James Dapkus, Richard Anthony Sasala, Ken Alan Smigielski, Kristin Danielle Kamm
  • Patent number: 6350354
    Abstract: A modular solvent extraction plant for extracting metal from a metal are is provided. It includes a stage-wise, plug flow contactor that mixes an aqueous solution and an organic solvent solution into a mixed emulsion, a reactor to further mix the solutions, a separator for breaking up the emulsion into an aqueous solution and an organic solution, and a loaded organic coalescer that removes aqueous entrainment. It may also include a raffinate coalescer that removes organic entrainment, a second stage-wise, plug flow contactor that mixes an electrolyte solution with the organic solution from the loaded organic coalescer to form a second mixed emulsion, a second reactor, a second separator for breaking up the second emulsion, and an electrolyte coalescer. An organic scrub station may be used in place of the loaded organic coalescer. The contactors, reactors, separators, and coalescers can be mounted on movable structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Neuman, Roger Cusack, Kevin McLoughlin
  • Publication number: 20020003323
    Abstract: A process to liberate volatile precious metals, and other minerals using air injection (FIG. 1). Volatile precious metals contained in aqueous or chemical solution(s), or slurries, including feed material(s) can be successfully extracted at a low cost using air/gas injection. It can be run continuously through the extraction apparatus at a large volume (FIG. 1). Air/gas is injected into the aqueous or chemical solution or slurry (229) and agitated by the impeller (232) or by natural or mechanical means to break down the air to small bubbles and disburse them throughout the aqueous or chemical solution, or slurries (229). The bubbles ascend and rise to the top of the tank or container (238) where the pregnant gasses are drawn off into the gas scrubbing tower (256). Or as in the feed material process, referring now to (FIG. 2), air is circulating up or through the feed material of a predetermined size and moisture content, in a enclosed tank or container (307).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Charles E. Chase
  • Patent number: 6200521
    Abstract: A silver waste recovery system including a container having an inlet and an outlet at a lower elevation than the inlet, filler material in a silver cell is in communication with the inlet and a separate non-silver reactive filter is in communication with the outlet. A catch basin is positioned about the silver cell and the non-silver reactive filter contains particulates in the area of the filter and the filler material. Fluid entering the inlet passes through the silver cell and exits into the catch basin. It thereafter enters the non-silver reactive filter and exits from it through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas F. Dodd
  • Patent number: 6156262
    Abstract: A melter gasifier (10) for the production of a metal melt and of a reducing gas is provided with feed ducts (17, 16, 9) for oxygen-containing gases, carbon carriers and the metal carriers. From the melter gasifier (10) there departs at least one gas discharge duct (12) for reducing gas generated in the melter gasifier (10). Also, a tap (18) for the metal melt and for slag is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignees: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH, Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology, Incorporated Foundation
    Inventor: Albert Zschetzsche
  • Patent number: 6120194
    Abstract: Spent color photography liquids comprising alkaline developer liquid and fixer liquid loaded with iron ions generate a dischargeable effluent, in which clogging of drains and conduits with precipitated iron oxides is minimized or avoided; the liquids are fed through separate feed ports into a vessel to form a liquid bath, the feed ports being isolated from each other and from the liquid bath; liquid effluent is pumped from the bath to form an effluent flow; preferably the pumping employs a suction generated by flow of a carrier liquid such as water through a venturi passage, whereby the liquid effluent is entrained in the flowing water and discharged under pressure, the precipitated iron oxides being retained in a dispersed non-clogging state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Metafix Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Brunelle, John Riviere, Bernard Gravel, Jian Min Ren
  • Patent number: 6096209
    Abstract: A silver recovery apparatus is provided for removing silver from waste solutions. The apparatus includes a vessel which defines an internal cylindrical chamber having a transverse cross sectional area. An inlet port is provided at a first end of the vessel and is adapted to receive the waste solution. An outlet port is similarly provided at a location suitable for discharging the waste solution from the vessel once substantially all silver has been removed. A silver replacement core is disposed within the vessel between the inlet and outlet ports. The core substantially fills the transverse cross sectional area of the internal chamber along a longitudinal length of the vessel. The silver replacement core includes sequentially arranged first, second, and third replacement media, wherein each media is composed of a metal which is electropositive relative to silver. The first and third replacement media each have an apparent density lower than that of the second replacement medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignees: AWS Industries, L.L.C., Academy Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O'Brien, Curtis Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6090341
    Abstract: A process and system and for extracting and refining gold from ores using relatively benign and inexpensive chemicals, fewer process steps, and permitting the recycling and re-use of process chemicals. The invention is preferably implemented as a two part process. In a first part process, gold is extracted from the ore and dissolved in a chemical solution to form a gold complex. The chemical solution preferably includes a KI and I.sub.2. Optionally, Isopropyl alcohol is mixed with the KI and I.sub.2 to serve as an accelerant. In a second part process, the complex is reduced to gold from the solution, preferably by one of two methods. The first method precipitates the gold complex by washing and decomposing of the gold complex to form pure gold. The second method electrolytically plates the gold from the gold complex solution onto a cathode to obtain pure gold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Paul L. Hickman
    Inventor: Nagesh K. Vodrahalli
  • Patent number: 6053964
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a leaching solution to a mass of ore includes a plurality of first tubes which are connected to a supply of leaching solution. Each of the first tubes is fitted with emitters which are positioned at spaced intervals along the length of each first tube. The first tubes are connected with a manifold on their distal ends. A second tube is connected to the manifold. The second tube is fitted with a sprinkler which is positioned to distribute leaching solution over the surface area of the ore mass which is positioned intermediate adjacent emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Gary W. Harrell
  • Patent number: 6042775
    Abstract: A silver reclamation system for use with photographic solution. The silver reclamation system includes a body containing a plurality of metallic members positioned within a flow chamber and a metallic mesh contained within the body. The photographic solution contacts the plurality of metallic members and the metallic mesh material thereby causing silver contained within the photographic solution to plate these members. Also, the metallic members cause silver in the photographic solution to crystallize. The crystallized silver can then be contained within a filter for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Steiner, Ricky L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5976219
    Abstract: A process for the recycling of scrap metal, such as copper wire, comprises the steps of combining the scrap metal with a concentrate of a metal similar to the scrap metal in a pressure vessel (10) and subjecting the metal concentrate to pressure oxidation along with the scrap metal. In one example the scrap metal comprises copper wire and the metal concentrate comprises a copper matte. An apparatus (16) for feeding the scrap metal to the autoclave (10), without interrupting the operation of the autoclave (10) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Cominco Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry Del Bucchia, Phil Babakaiff
  • Patent number: 5900041
    Abstract: Value metal, for example, silver in a spent silver bearing photographic solution is efficiently recovered in an exchange mass comprising a particulate inert substrate, for example, cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers or sponge particles, co-mingled and interlocking with elongate particles of replacement metal, for example, strands of steel wool; the substrate defines a non-channeling random flow paths for liquid flow, and inhibits carriage of recovered value metal by the flowing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Metafix Inc.
    Inventors: John Riviere, Jian Min Ren
  • Patent number: 5868995
    Abstract: A mining system and related methods are disclosed by which gold and/or other heavy metals are recovered at multiple sites along a continuously hydrated ore processing route. The gold-bearing ore and primary or carrier water are dynamically and circuitously displaced to segregate the gold, and precipitate the gold particles into predetermined recovery sites along the flow path of the mix. Boil box recovery sites are selectively provided for recovery of nuggets and smaller particles. Secondary water churns and disrupts the primary carrier flow of the mix through each boil box. Availability and reuse of massive amounts of carrier and secondary water are important.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignees: Rennat Trust, A.U. Mines, Inc.
    Inventor: Noel Tanner
  • Patent number: 5863491
    Abstract: A photocatalytic reactor to recover precious metals, useful metals, and toxic metals from industrial waste streams using visible or ultraviolet light and semiconductor material as the photocatalyst. Seeds of metal in the same metal group as the metals being recovered are implanted in the reactor to create nucleation sites for the deposition, agglomeration, and growth of the metals being recovered. The reactor may have internally reflective surfaces to effectively multiply the light sources. The input waste stream may be mixed with reaction acceptor materials that reduce electron-hole recombination and that increase reaction rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Chi S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5837188
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: David Peterson