Abstract: An improved process for producing stable, high purity alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ferrate salt products is disclosed. In this process, crude ferrate salts, after being precipitated and separated from a chilled mother liquor, are purified first with a chilled anhydrous, water miscible extraction solvent to remove residual process contaminants therefrom followed by chilled oxidation resistant rinse solvent step, miscible with said extractant, followed by a drying step so as to produce a stable, purified ferrate product which can be safely stored without special provisions. Both batch and continuous modes of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for recovering the metal values from spent hydroprocessing catalyst particles. The metal values will include at least one metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table and at least one metal of Group Vb or Group VIb of the Periodic Table. The spent catalyst particles are first roasted at between 400.degree. C. and 600.degree. C. and then contacted with a first aqueous solution of ammonia and an ammonium salt forming a first pregnant liquor. The once-leached spent hydroprocessing catalysts are contacted with a second aqueous solution of sulfur dioxide forming a second pregnant liquor. The metal values are precipitated from the second pregnant liquor with hydrogen sulfide and the precipitate is roasted with unroasted spent hydroprocessing catalysts. The metal values of Group Vb and Group VIb in the first pregnant liquor are transferred into a first organic solution by liquid ion exchange.

Abstract: The invention relates to new industrial products of the general formula ##STR1## a process for the manufacture of these products and their application as extraction agents in hydrometallurgy.

Abstract: A process for production of metallic iron by heating ammonium iron fluoride or iron fluoride in hydrogen stream.

Abstract: A process for separating trivalent iron from an aqueous chloride solution comprising contacting the aqueous solution with an organic phase containing an organophosphoric compound as an extracting agent for trivalent iron and at least 40 percent in volume of a long chain aliphatic alcohol, separating the iron-loaded organic phase from the aqueous solution, and re-extractng the iron from the iron-loaded organic phase by contacting the latter with water or acidulated water so as to produce an aqueous iron chloride solution.Owing to the high alcohol content of the organic phase, iron can be re-extracted with a small amount of water.

Abstract: A process is described for the recovery of tetravalent uranium from wet-process phosphoric acid utilizing an alkyl pyrophosphoric acid extractant or the like. After extracting the tetravalent uranium from wet-process acid, iron is stripped from the pregnant extractant into an oxalic acid stripping solution and then the tetravalent uranium is stripped from the pregnant extractant into an oxalate stripping solution. The oxalate stripping solution is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal or ammonium oxalate. The barren extractant is recycled for contacting with fresh wet-process acid. The uranium is oxidized and then precipitated in the oxalate stripping solution. The precipitated solids are separated from the solution, and the uranium is dried to a UO.sub.3 product.

Abstract: Rare earth, uranium and thorium values are separated and recovered from aqueous solutions of the chlorides thereof, said aqueous solutions having an acidity of less than 2 N and a concentration in such values, expressed as the oxides thereof, of at least 50 g/l, by liquid-liquid extracting said aqueous solutions with an organic extractant comprising at least one neutral organophosphorus compound.

Abstract: An agent, based on reducing agents and complexing agents, for dissolving insoluble iron(III) compounds in aqueous textile treatment baths which are at a pH of 10 or more, which agent has the following composition:(a) from 4 to 65% by weight of one or more water-soluble hydroxycarbonyl compound or of an N- or O-acetal thereof, as the reducing agent,(b) from 10 to 80% by weight of one or more complexing agent which complexes Fe.sup.++ ions at a pH of 10 or more and(c) water in an amount equal to 100% minus the amounts of (a) and (b).

Abstract: A method for recovering superalloy scrap is disclosed. The method involves oxidizing superalloy scrap in an aqueous acidic medium. The aqueous acidic medium has an oxidation potential sufficient to oxidize nonferrous additive superalloy elements to insoluble oxides thereof and to oxidize major superalloy constituents to aqueously soluble species. The insoluble solids from the aqueous solution are separated when the aqueous solution is extracted with an aqueously substantially insoluble tertiary amine to form an organic phase and an aqueous phase. The aqueous phase contains essentially nickel and chromium values. The organic phase is sequentially extracted with aqueous solutions which selectively solubilize individual metal value species to form individual aqueous solutions having substantially single metal value species therein. The metal value species solutions are processed to obtain substantially pure metals.

Abstract: A method of recovering metal values from an aqueous stream. The metal valves are preferably obtained from leaching spent hydroprocessing catalysts, and include cobalt, nickel, molybdenum and vanadium. The metal values are extracted, isolated, and purified by liquid extraction techniques.

Abstract: A method of stripping an organic extraction solvent containing quaternary alkyl ammonium complexes. The extraction solvent is contacted with an aqueous stripping solution having at least 75 g/l bicarbonate ion, while maintained at between pH 7 and 9 at a temperature of no more than 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of recovering metal values from an aqueous stream. The metal values are preferably obtained from leaching spent hydroprocessing catalysts, and include nickel, cobalt, vanadium and molybdenum. The metal values are extracted, isolated and purified by liquid, liquid extraction techniques.

Abstract: A process for production of metallic iron by heating ammonium iron fluoride or iron fluoride in a hydrogen stream.

Abstract: A process for separating metal values from an aqueous stream containing vanadium, molybdenum, nickel and cobalt. Vanadium is first precipitated, and then nickel, cobalt, and molybdenum are removed by serial ion exchange.

Abstract: Germanium is separated from an aqueous solution by means of a substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline extractant.Re-extraction of germanium from the extractant is carried out above 40.degree. C. and with an organic phase: aqueous phase volume ratio less than 1, whereby obtaining a high re-extraction yield.

Abstract: The recovery of substantially pure magnesium and/or nickel sulphite which is present in a solid starting meterial. The latter is treated with gaseous SO.sub.2 in water, the solution obtained is treated by a liquid-liquid extraction, to give an aqueous phase and an organic phase and the magnesium and/or nickel sulphite is recovered from the aqueous phase. With this process, it is possible to obtain a magnesium salt of high purity.

Abstract: A pregnant liquor is mixed with an organic mixture comprised of an organic extracting agent and iso-butyl-heptyl ketone. Metallic values are absorbed from the pregnant liquor by the organic mixture. The metal-bearing organic mixture is then separated from the liquor and stripped of its metallic values.

Abstract: Metal values, such as Co, Ni, Cu and Fe, are recovered from magnet alloy grinding sludge by means of a process comprising: (1) treatment with an organic solvent to remove a major portion of sulfur and oil contaminants, (2) drying, grinding, sizing and magnetic separation to remove a major portion of grinding media contamination, (3) controlled oxidation-roasting to selectively remove residual sulfur and carbon, and (4) gaseous hydrogen reduction to deoxidize metal values.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of uranium values from uranium-containing material which also contains iron, arsenic and siliceous matter, includes leaching the uranium-containing material in aqueous sulphuric acid solution under conditions to provide dissolved iron present in the resultant leach solution as predominantly ferrous iron rather than ferric iron and/or to provide a sulphuric acid concentration in the leach solution sufficiently high to substantially prevent the precipitation of arsenates. Uranium values are recovered from the leach solution by solvent extraction agent which has little affinity for arsenic.

Abstract: A polymeric ion exchange resin of the cross-linked type in which the active groups may be constituted either wholly or in part by an imidazole group which is, in turn, attached directly to a cross-linked, polymerized vinyl backbone. The optional substituents on the imidazole ring include optionally substituted pyridyl, imidazolyl or amino groups which can be substantially known type. A method of preparation of such resins includes the provision of at least the imidazole ring on the vinyl monomer before polymerization thereof. The active groups may be added or modified after polymerization with a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Crystalline transition metal aluminates conforming generally to the formulaMA.sub.a.sup.v Z.sub.b.sup.v.nAl(OH).sub.3.mH.sub.2 Owhere M is a transition metal having a valence charge of +2 selected from the group consisting of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, where AZ represents negative valence ions or radicals, v is a negative valence of 1, 2, or 3, n is a value to provide a mol ratio of Al/M of at least 1/1, preferably at least 1.5/1, and m is an integer of from zero to the maximum for waters of hydration, with (va)+(vb) equal to 2, are prepared in alkaline aqueous medium wherein transition metal compounds are caused to form adducts with amorphous hydrous alumina, Al(OH).sub.3, said adducts forming crystals when heated, said aluminates being useful, e.g., as ion exchangers and as spinel precursors among other things.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering rhodium and cobalt from a low pressure oxo catalyst solution containing ligandized (modified) rhodium and cobalt, organic solvent, and at least trace amounts of oxo aldehyde, which comprises contacting the catalyst solution with an oxygen containing gas and aqueous formic acid to form an organic phase and an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase contains rhodium formate and cobalt formate solublized therein, and thereafter separating said phases to isolate said formates from the organic solvent, by-products and the like, for recycle to the reactor or for further treatment for use in the same or different processes.

Abstract: A process for selective liquid-liquid extraction of germanium from an aqueous acidic liquor containing, besides germanium, at least another metal selected from the group which comprises cadmium, zinc, cobalt and nickel. This process includes extracting germanium from said aqueous liquor by contacting said liquor with an organic medium containing a diluent and an extractant, said diluent being immiscible with said aqueous liquor. The major part of germanium passes from said aqueous liquor to an organic phase which is subsequently submitted to a stripping step by contacting with an alkaline medium, with formation of an aqueous phase containing the major part of germanium from said aqueous liquor.

Abstract: An extractant system comprising (a) a high molecular weight alkylaromatic sulfonic acid and (b) a chelating amine having a pKa of from about 3 to about 9 in a solvent which is essentially immiscible with water, said system being useful for the selective extraction of desired metals, e.g., cobalt, nickel or copper ions from aqueous acidic ore leach liquors.

Abstract: Free radical addition of two moles of 2,4,4'-trimethylpentene-1 to 2,4,4'-trimethylpentylphosphine followed by the oxidation of the 2,4,4'-trimethylpentylphosphine with two moles of hydrogen peroxide is employed to prepare 2,4,4'-trimethylpentylphosphinic acid. The 2,4,4'-trimethylpentylphosphinic acid is useful as a cobalt extractant.

Abstract: Highly pure (>99.99%) aqueous solutions of gallium chloride are obtained by (i) liquid/liquid extracting an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution of gallium values with an organic phase which comprises a quaternary ammonium chloride extractant, (ii) separating the organic phase from the aqueous phase, (iii) selectively washing said organic phase by intimately contacting same with an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid to remove any remaining impurities, whereby purified gallium values are transferred from said organic phase into an aqueous solution thereof, and (iv) then separating said organic phase from said resulting aqueous phase, whereby said aqueous phase comprises pure gallium chloride.

Abstract: Highly pure (>99.99%) aqueous solutions of gallium chloride are obtained by (i) liquid/liquid extracting an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution of gallium values with an organic phase which comprises an alcohol extractant, (ii) separating the organic phase from the aqueous phase, (iii) selectively washing said organic phase by intimately contacting same with water or with an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, (iv) next transferring the purified gallium values from said organic phase into an aqueous solution thereof, and (v) thence separating said organic phase from said resulting aqueous phase, whereby said aqueous phase comprises pure gallium chloride.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the preparation of alumina and ferric oxide from low-grade aluminium and iron carriers. The processes, in addition to conventional technological steps, comprises the steps of dissolving the iron content of a ground, mineral material in an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing 200 to 420 g./lit. of hydrochloric acid at 90.degree. to 130.degree. C., eliminating the iron from the slurry of from a solution obtained by filtration of the slurry, with an anion exchange resin or semipermeable membrane or cloth, continuously or discontinuously, eluting the iron from the ion exchange resin and recycling hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid in a closed system.

Abstract: Cobalt(II)-, nickel(II)-bearing aqueous solutions may be treated with an extractant comprising an organic-soluble phosphinic acid, or a salt thereof, to separate the cobalt(II) from the aqueous solution. Typical extraction techniques compatible with the instant process include liquid- liquid extraction employing either mixer settlers or columns, packed beds of supported extractants as in ion exchange, liquid membrane extraction and selective supported membrane extraction.

Abstract: An extraction process is described for the selective separation of metal ions belonging to the group Cu and Co, in aqueous solution of Cu- and Co-ions, wherein there is used as the extraction medium one or more unsaturated fatty acids, optionally in solution and/or in admixture with saturated fatty acids and an aliphatic oxime.

Abstract: In a process for producing a 3-pentenoic ester which comprises reacting butadiene, carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst selected from cobalt carbonyl or cobalt carbonyl complex, the improvement which comprises distilling the reaction mixture to remove organic volatile components comprised of the 3-pentenoic ester and the unreacted raw materials and the solvent and contacting the distillation residue with an organic solvent to dissolve and/or disperse the residue in the solvent and contacting the resulting organic solution with an aqueous acid solution to extract any cobalt component from the organic solution with the aqueous acid solution, and separating the aqueous acid solution containing the cobalt component from the organic solution, and neutralizing the aqueous acid solution with an alkaline solution to precipitate a cobalt component is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of selected metal values from silica containing sludges including incineration of the sludge to degrade organic components, followed by acid leaching of the ash, followed by hydrometallurgical recovery of metal values from the remaining solid and liquid residues, wherein prior to incineration of the sludge a quantity of soluble sodium and/or potassium salts are mixed with the sludge, the quantity being in excess by weight of the silica content of the sludge, and then the incineration step is carried out on this mixture so that silicates which form during such incineration are predominantly soluble in water and in the leaching acid, whereby to avoid the occluding of metal values in insoluble glass matrices which would not be attacked by subsequent acid leaching and hydrometallurgical steps.

Abstract: Cobalt(II)-bearing aqueous solutions may be treated with an extractant comprising an organic-soluble phosphinic acid, or a salt thereof, to separate the cobalt(II) from the aqueous solution. Typical extraction techniques compatible with the instant process include liquid-liquid extraction employing either mixer settlers or columns, packed beds of supported extractants as in ion exchange, liquid membrane extraction and selective supported membrane extraction.

Abstract: A process for extracting metal ions from a water insoluble metal base or salt dispersed in an aqueous solution using liquid ion exchange is described. The liquid ion exchange extractant is an alkyl phosphoric acid or acid phosphate (APA) which is dissolved in a water immiscible organic solvent. In contrast to prior art processes where the metal ion is dissolved in an aqueous solution, the insoluble metal base or salt is one which is reactive from an aqueous solution with the APA to replace one of the acid hydrogens to form an alkyl phosphate metal salt (APS) in the organic solvent. The metal ion can be recovered from the APS in the organic solvent by stripping with an aqueous acidic solution so that the metal ion is removed from the APS to form a metal salt in the aqueous acidic solution and the APA in the organic solvent is regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: Crystalline transition metal aluminates conforming generally to the formulaMA.sub.a.sup.v Z.sub.b.sup.v.nAl(OH).sub.3.mH.sub.2 Owhere M is a transition metal having a valence charge of +2 selected from the group consisting of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, where AZ represents negative valence ions or radicals, v is a negative valence of 1, 2, or 3, n is a value to provide a mol ratio of Al/M of at least 1/1, preferably at least 1.5/1, and m is an integer of from zero to the maximum for waters of hydration, with (va)+(vb) equal to 2, are prepared in alkaline aqueous medium wherein transition metal compounds are caused to form adducts with amorphous hydrous alumina, Al(OH).sub.3, said adducts forming crystals when heated, said aluminates being useful, e.g., as ion exchangers and as spinel precursors among other things.

Abstract: A process for re-extracting trivalent iron and hexavalent molybdenum from an organic phase containing an organophosphoric compound.In a first step the organic phase is contacted with such a quantity of water that most of the iron and only a minor part of the molybdenum are re-extracted.In a second step the partially unloaded organic phase is contacted with such a quantity of water that most of the molybdenum contained therein is re-extracted.This two-step re-extraction process permits obtaining a high reextraction yield for both molybdenum and iron, while ensuring the production of a concentrated eluate.

Abstract: A cobalt component is separated from a hydroesterification reaction mixture obtained by reacting a polyhydric alcohol with an olefin and carbon monoxide in the presence of a cobalt carbonyl complex and a pyridine base, by contacting (a) pyridine or .gamma.-picoline and (b) water with said reaction mixture containing the cobalt component and the product of a fatty acid ester of the polyhydric alcohol to separate it into two phases consisting of a phase containing the fatty acid ester of polyhydric alcohol and a phase containing a cobalt component.In the process, the weight ratio of pyridine or .gamma.-picoline to the product ester is 0.5 to 5 and the weight ratio of water to pyridine or .gamma.-picoline is 0.05 to 10.

Abstract: Free Radical Addition of Mono 2,4,4'-trimethylpentylphosphine to cyclohexene followed by the oxidation of the 2,4,4'-trimethylpentyl, cyclohexylphosphine with two moles of hydrogen peroxide is employed to prepare 2,4,4'-trimethylpentyl, cyclohexylphosphinic acid. The 2,4,4'-trimethylpentyl, cyclohexylphosphinic acid is useful as a cobalt extractant.

Abstract: By contacting an aqueous cobaltous sulfate solution with an ion-exchange resin having bis--(2-picolyl)amine functional groups nickel is removed down to very low levels.

Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous acidic solution containing a large amount of ferric ion and other metal ions such as a hydrochloric acid solution of manganese nodules, which includes contacting the aqueous solution with an organic extractant to selectively extract the ferric ion therefrom. The extractant is comprised of a dialkylphosphoric acid having 6-12 carbon atoms and a hydrocarbon solvent such as kerosene. The aqueous phase obtained after the extraction is then added with a pH-controlling agent to increase the pH thereof to a value so that unextracted ferric ion remaining therein may precipitate as ferric hydroxide while the other metal ions may be prevented from precipitating. Solid-liquid separation of the resulting mixture gives a solution having a ferric ion concentration of about 0.1 g/l or less. The pH-controlling agent is preferably an industrial waste containing a metal oxide or hydroxide such as a sludge from plating industries.

Abstract: A process is provided for purification of nickel sulfate via ammoniacal leaching and pH regulated solvent-extraction, while providing for regeneration of the extractant and the leach solution. The process is especially suited for hydrometallurgical extraction of high purity nickel sulfate from residue resulting in the regeneration of spent electrolyte in the electrorefining of secondary copper. According to the process, the starting material is leached in an ammonia solution of selected pH to solubilize the nickel as polyammine sulfate, followed by extracting the solubilized nickel by pH regulated solvent-extraction. The extractant is then stripped and regenerated with sulfuric acid by first scrubbing in a first pH range to remove ions that are more electropositive than nickel, then stripping with sulfuric acid in a second pH range to remove nickel ions, and then regenerating the extractant by stripping in a third pH range to remove ions that are less electropositive than nickel.

Abstract: An improved liquid-liquid solvent extraction system is provided having a mixing stage which includes a mixing device for creating a dispersion of the two liquid phases followed by a residence chamber designed to enhance contacting and mass transfer between the solute and solvent phases. The separating stage includes a drop size conditioning device which establishes a drop size in the discontinuous liquid phase of the dispersion which can be separated easily from the continuous liquid phase in the succeeding settling stage of the device. The drop size conditioning device also acts to reduce entrainment of the solvent phase in the solute phase during separation of the phases. The settling device may contain a series of baffles to reduce the time required for phase separation and to reduce entrainment of the solvent phase in the solute phase.The system is used to extract metal ions such as uranium, copper, cobalt, nickel, and vanadium from aqueous process streams containing dilute concentrations of such ions.

Abstract: This present invention provides a process of recovering uranium from a uranium-containing acid lixiviation solution comprising extracting the lixiviation solution with an organic extractant comprising an organic diluent, a dialkyl pyrophosphoric acid, and a stabilization agent, and treating the mixture of solutions as follows:(a) bubbling anhydrous ammonia gas into the solution mixture to precipitate the ammonium salt of excess dialkyl pyrophosphoric acid; and(b) separating the precipitate from the solution and recovering the uranium from the solution.

Abstract: Dioxime extractants having the following general formula: ##STR1## where R and R' may be any of a variety of organic hydrocarbon radicals such as aliphatic, alkyl and aryl radicals. R and R' may also be hydrogen. Preferably R is an unsaturated hydrocarbon or branch chain alkyl group containing from about 3 to 20 carbon atoms and R' is hydrogen or an unsaturated hydrocarbon or branch chain alkyl group containing from about 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferably, there is a difference of about 3 to 10 carbon atoms between R and R' resulting in dissymmetry of the resulting dioxime molecule. Preferably, the dioximes also contain a total of about 5 to 32 carbon atoms. Representative compounds are methyl octyl dioxime and methyl hexyl dioxime.Organic preparations containing such dioximes are useful for the extraction of copper, nickel and cobalt metal values from acid or basic aqueous solution.

Abstract: Metallic catalysts such as Group VIII metal complexes which are used in hydroformylation reaction for the production of alcohols from olefins will be found in the product mixture. The separation and recovery of these metal catalysts from the product mixture may be accomplished by treating said product mixture with a biphyllic ligand capable of forming a soluble complex with the metallic catalyst and thus can be removed from the desired product.

Abstract: A unique method of separating cobalt and manganese from residue obtained from the manufacture of trimellitic acid by the oxidation of pseudocumene in the presence of cobalt and manganese as metal oxidation catalysts and from each other without contributing to the problem of solids disposal. Said unique method comprises extracting the residues with water, removing cobalt and mangangese from the extract solution with a cation exchanger thereby producing a metal-free solution of trimellitic acid, regenerating the cation exchanger with a strong inorganic acid, adjusting the pH of the spent regenerating acid to pH of 3 to 4 if iron is present to precipitate it as its hydroxide but at least to pH of 6 while also adding powdered manganese to precipitate metallic cobalt.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of valuable metals or their compounds from an aqueous medium, such as a metals refinery process waste solution. Metals are recovered in water-insoluble form from aqueous solutions of metal salts by contacting the aqueous solution with a killed fungus of the type commonly called molds for a period of time sufficient to convert soluble metal components in the aqueous solution to a water insoluble form sequestered by the dead fungus. After treatment, metals-containing fungus is separated from the treated aqueous medium and processed for the recovery of metal values.

Abstract: A process for recovering metals from aqueous media containing metal in solution, and especially from industrial waste water. The process includes the steps of contacting the aqueous medium with fungus for a period of time sufficient to allow the fungus to extract metal in a water-insoluble form from the solution. The metal may then be recovered from the fungus. Fungi of the species Cladosporium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Black Mycelium and Aureobasidium, have been found to be particularly useful in the process of the present invention. The process is useful, both as a water purification process and as a metals recovery process.

Abstract: A process for the separation of metals in which a mixture of metal derivatives is converted into anion complexes by means of a complexing anion such as, for example, a halide, thiocyanate, sulphate, nitrate, or the like said anion complexes are bound to a solid, non-soluble polymer, containing oxygen bonded to carbon which is converted into a polyoxonium compound by means of the complexing liquid medium used. The complexes are separated by selective absorption and/or elution over the polymer using suited H.sup.+ ion concentrations and/or complexing anion concentrations.

Abstract: Indium is recovered effectively from an aqueous leached solution containing indium ions, together with other ions such as ferric ions, zinc ions, etc. if any, by adjusting the pH of the aqueous solution to 0.25-4.5, extracting the indium ions from the aqueous solution with an organic solvent solution formed by diluting an extraction reagent containing a monoalkylphosphoric acid and/or a dialkylphosphoric acid and a trialkylphosphoric acid in 1:2-5 by volume ratio with a phase-stabilizing water-immiscible organic solvent and then back-extracting the indium ions in the organic solvent solution with an aqueous sulfuric acid solution.