Abstract: Off-gas produced by a blast furnace is treated by scrubbing and cooling the gas with water and then settling solids from the liquid effluent. The liquid effluent is cooled following settling, and a major portion of the cooled effluent is recirculated for another pass through the scrubbing and cooling steps. The remainder of the effluent is chemically treated, and heavy metals are precipitated and settled as sludge. The clarified effluent is filtered and then treated with a cation exchange resin in a sodium cycle. A substantial part of the ion-exchange-treated effluent is returned to the scrubbing and cooling steps, and another substantial part is discharged as blowdown. Return of water which is of adequate quality to prevent scaling significantly reduces the make-up requirements. By discharging the ion-exchange-treated effluent to blowdown while ammonium ions are being removed from solution by a given charge of ion-exchange resin, the standards for maximum blowdown discharge of ammonia are satisfied.

Abstract: A method of condensing a gaseous mixture of ammonia carbon dioxide gas and water vapor to produce an ammonium carbonate solution with minimum formation of ammonium carbamate includes passing the gaseous mixture into a condenser and cooling the condensing surface to cause the gaseous mixture to condense to form ammonium carbonate solution at a temperature at which formation of solid ammonium carbamate may occur. An aqueous liquid is discharged onto the condensing surface of the condenser, the liquid having an ammonia concentration below about 260 grams per liter to maintain the concentration of ammonia and carbon dioxide on the condensing surface below a concentration at which ammonium carbamate tends to form.

Abstract: A process for reducing environmental pollution resulting from disposal of waste containing halogenated hydrocarbons by simultaneous treatment with used metal and/or metal scrap at elevated temperatures. The halogenated hydrocarbons are pyrolyzed and the resulting hydrogen halide containing gas is brought into contact with the used metal and/or metal scrap at elevated temperatures so as to form metal halogenides that are volatile under the conditions applied. The volatile metal halogenides are largely separated from the gaseous mixture formed, and at least part of the remaining gaseous mixture and/or hydrocarbon residue is used as fuel to maintain the required temperature. The waste feed compositions and process conditions can be chosen to effect separation between various metals by selective halogenation and condensation, and substantially all of the hydrogen halide can be tied up and recovered as metal halogenides.

Abstract: Metals are extracted from mixtures of oxides or silicates by reacting the mixture at elevated temperature with a gaseous chlorinating agent comprising a mixture of water vapor and hydrogen chloride to selectively chlorinate the desired metal or metals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for above-ground leaching of metal bearing ores comprising (a) providing an ore body to be leached having positioned therein void-creating members, said members being positioned substantially vertical or at an angle to the horizontal plane in order that they are capable of being pulled out of said ore body in a substantially upward direction; (b) partially performing the leaching; (c) removing said members by pulling out in a substantially upward direction, thereby creating internal voids and causing shifting of ore in said ore body; and (d) completing the leaching.

Abstract: The process is based on the series of halide-forming affinities. The oxides are passed through a series of zones equal in number to the plurality of halides or mixtures which are to be produced. A halide of an element of lower halide-forming affinity is fed counter-current to the oxides. The halide supply is in stoichiometric equivalent to the total content of halide to be extracted. The oxide of the said fed element is also extracted.

Abstract: Metal values, such as iron, may be stripped from an organic liquid medium loaded with metal ions by a process which comprises contacting the organic medium with an aqueous phase at a contact temperature which is sufficiently high to cause the metal values to precipitate as metal oxide, hydroxide or hydrate (or a mixture thereof) in the presence of the organic medium.

Abstract: An improved leaching method for metal bearing ores, wherein removable, void-forming members are placed near the bottom of the ore body and removed during the leaching process, causing partial internal collapse and shifting of the ore, thus exposing additional ore surfaces to the effect of the leaching solution.

Abstract: The process comprises oxidation of alkali-metal-containing carbonaceous products at a temperature of at least 800.degree. C. in a fluidized bed of fire-proof particles capable of trapping or fixing the metal elements.

Abstract: There is provided a method for simultaneously carrying out pulverization of ores and their leaching or extraction within a vertical abrasion mill.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating isotopes in an isotopic mixture of atoms or molecules by increasing the mass differential among isotopic species. The mixture containing a particular isotope is selectively irradiated so as to selectively excite the isotope. This preferentially excited species is then reacted rapidly with an additional preselected radiation, an electron or another chemical species so as to form a product containing the specific isotope, but having a mass different than the original species initially containing the particular isotope. The product and the remaining balance of the mixture is then caused to flow through a device which separates the product from the mixture based upon the increased mass differential.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. In one variant, particles of a fossil fuel containing metal values are treated with an aqueous medium in the presence of the catalyst, and thereafter the treated particles are separated from the aqueous medium and extracted with an aqueous leach solution in which the metal values are soluble.

Abstract: Aluminum is recovered from solid rocket propellant containing a small amount of oxidizer by depolymerizing and dissolving propellant binder containing functional or hydrolyzable groups in a solution of sodium methoxide in an alcohol solvent optionally containing an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon co-solvent and then filtering the solution to recover substantially all the aluminum in active form.

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

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for recovering non-ferrous metals such as zinc or copper from their concentrates, ores or any other metal containing materials into a solution containing these non-ferrous metals as sulphates and a minimal amount of dissolved iron. The resultant solution is suited without or with minimum pre-purification treatment for conventional electrowinning processes to recover such non-ferrous metals with less difficulties than the previous methods involving complex iron-removal processing. There is disclosed a method for recovering at least one non-ferrous metal soluble in sulphuric acid from a strong sulphuric acid solution containing said metal and iron as sulphates, said method comprising the following consecutive steps:subjecting said solution in a sub-divided form to thermal decomposition in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature of from 600.degree. to 750.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of raw materials which contain arsenic and metal to produce a metal-free arsenic product and an arsenic-free metal sulfate is disclosed, in which the raw material is leached by using an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid and then the metals are crystallized as sulfates from the separated aqueous solution, which is separated from the metal sulfate crystals. The leach is performed at elevated temperature under oxidizing conditions, in order to bring the arsenic to a 5-valent form, the metal sulfates are crystallized out from the selectively separated, arsenate-bearing aqueous solution by cooling, and arsenic is removed from at least part of this aqueous solution before the aqueous solution is returned to the leach.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for the manufacture of metal chlorides by the double-decomposition reaction between a metal chlorinating agent and a metal oxide having greater affinity for chlorine than does the oxide of the metal chloride, and in the presence of small amounts of boron chloride or functionally equivalent boron compounds that increase the rate and degree of completion of the reaction.A major application of this invention is for the making by the chlorination of clay of aluminum chloride and alumina intermediates for the manufacture of aluminum metal.SiCl.sub.4 is formed in the carbo-chlorination of clay or other aluminous-siliceous ores. The SiCl.sub.4 by this invention is catalyzed with BCl.sub.3 and reacted with calcined clay to produce AlCl.sub.3 and SiO.sub.2. The practical use of SiCl.sub.4 to make AlCl.sub.3 thus eliminates the previous costly burden of waste SiCl.sub.4 production.

Abstract: The process of the invention is for the separate recovery of elemental sulfur and residual sulfides and metal salt solution from reaction slurries obtained from leaching of metal sulfides in ores and concentrates.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a mixture of fine particles wherein the fraction to be separated has a surface which is more reactive chemically than the remaining fractions by grinding the mixture so that the fraction to be separated has a particle size of less than 50.mu., suspending the ground mixture at a temperature less than 100.degree. C. in a diluted aqueous solution of zirconium oxychloride or zirconium oxynitrate, allowing the solution to settle and decanting the deposited material and then adding a base to the decantate to precipitate the residue therein. This process allows selective separation of the fractions having a more chemically reactive surface without the use of complex equipment and with a minimum use of expensive additives and chemicals.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for obtaining a more concentrated solution of components such as chromium containing anions by the use of ion exchange beds. A solution containing the component to be concentrated is passed through a first bed in which the component is taken up. A second solution containing a component of opposite charge from the first component is passed through the first bed to take up the component from the first bed and then through a second bed capable of taking up the second component from the solution. The second solution is passed from the first bed directly to and through the second bed, and both beds are rinsed following passage of the second solution therethrough by passing a rinse solution through the second bed and then directly to and through the first bed in a direction opposite to the direction in which said second solution passed through the beds.

Abstract: A process for safely and conveniently disposing of active metal residue, such as a mixture of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal, by introducing the residue into a furnace in which it is completely transformed into harmless metal salts or oxides, which can be disposed of safely and inexpensively.

Abstract: An oily mass of solids tailings is derived from flotation of bitumen during hot water extraction of bituminous sands, and subsequent separation of most of the bitumen from associated solids. This oily mass contains a high concentration of heavy minerals, in the order of 10% by weight titanium and 4% zirconium. The tailings are introduced into a hot reaction zone and contacted with oxygen while agitating the solids. The bitumen associated with the solids is burned, as is residual coke left from the combustion of the bitumen. The product particles are discrete, dry and clean. They can be slurried with water and passed through gravity concentrating means, such as a spiral, to produce a concentrate containing in the order of 18% titanium and 8% zirconium.

Abstract: Particulate waste comprising hydrolyzable metal chlorides, typically chlorinated byproducts from the chlorination of titaniferous material, is treated in an oxidizing atmosphere at elevated temperature for depleting it of chlorine and for subsequent recovery of values.

Abstract: An oily mass of solids tailings is derived from flotation of bitumen during hot water extraction of bituminous sands, and subsequent separation of most of the bitumen from associated solids. This oily mass contains a high concentration of heavy minerals, in the order of 10% by weight titanium and 4% zirconium. The tailings are introduced into a hot reaction zone and contacted with oxygen while agitating the solids. The bitumen associated with the solids is burned, as is residual coke left from the combustion of the bitumen. The product particles are discrete, dry and clean. They can be slurried with water and passed through gravity concentrating means, such as a spiral, to produce a concentrate containing in the order of 18% titanium and 8% zirconium.

Abstract: Heavy metal ions are recovered from a dilute aqueous solution by flowing the solution through either a single bed of ion-absorbing material in successive forward and reverse directions, or through a first bed of ion-absorbing material and thereafter through a second bed of ion-absorbing material in the reverse direction of flow. The reversal of flow is to periodically mechanically agitate a bed of ion-absorbing material to dislodge contaminants, such as gelatin.The method is accomplished by using one enclosed vessel, or a pair of enclosed vessels, that have valves to control the direction of flow. A timing device preferably automatically reverses the direction of flow about each hour.After a relatively large number of reversals of flow the heavy metal ions are recovered from the ion-absorbing material and the same is regenerated in the process to again absorb ions from the dilute aqueous solution.

Abstract: In a process for hydrocracking heavy carbonaceous materials by contacting such carbonaceous materials with hydrogen in the presence of a molten metal halide catalyst to produce hydrocarbons having lower molecular weights and thereafter recovering the hydrocarbons so produced from the molten metal halide, an improvement comprising injecting into the spent molten metal halide, a liquid low-boiling hydrocarbon stream is disclosed.

Abstract: Fine solid material is preheated in a first zone, then heated to the final treatment temperature by passing it through a flame in a second zone, and then separated in a third zone from the hot exhaust gases leaving the second zone. The separated exhaust gases are led to the first zone for preheating the material. A fuel feed stock is gasified to produce a combustible gas, and such gas is burned in the second zone to produce said flame.

Abstract: A reactant gas is mixed intimately with a liquid and/or particulate solution in a pressurized container and agitated with high energy. Mixing occurs initially by spraying the liquid and gas together to form an emulsion with great surface contact between the reactants, and the emulsion mix is improved and maintained by agitating in the container. The container is carried on oscillatable supports and is driven by an imbalance drive for vertical oscillation in any of several configurations. Loose mixing balls or bodies are optionally carried in the container to increase the agitation and to grind solid particles carried into the solution. The grinding bodies also source protective reaction-deposited layers from the solid particles to speed the reaction. Pressure and temperature of the process is readily controlled.

Abstract: Soot produced in the combustion of fuel oil contains valuable metals, such as vanadium and nickel. The soot can be disposed of, and the valuable metals can be recovered, by leaching the soot with an aqueous solution of sulphuric acid, to extract part of the metal content from the soot, combusting the soot thus leached, and leaching the combustion residue with an aqueous solution of sulphuric acid, to extract an additional part of the metal content. The solution produced in this second leaching process is preferably returned to the leaching of the soot. Metals can be recovered in a way known per se from the solution produced in the leaching of the soot.

Abstract: An active natural manganese dioxide mineral for use in dry battery cells is produced from a natural manganese dioxide ore by reacting the ore or a preconcentrate thereof with a solution of an acid. The acid reacts with the carbonates, such as calcium carbonate, to produce water-soluble salts which are then washed away. The resultant mineral can have an MnO.sub.2 content of 80% by weight or more.

Abstract: This invention relates to the recovery of metallic values from materials such as catalysts containing or supporting the values. The method comprises removing a layer or layers and a catalyst support including a quantity of the metallic value and thereafter chemically or otherwise separating the value therefrom.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for incinerating contaminated salt-bearing solutions in a fluidized bed to which streams of solution, of fuel required for incineration and of combustion air are injected and the quantities of these streams and the quantity of the fluidized bed material are adjusted to safeguard incomplete combustion in the fluidized bed, to maintain the temperature of the bed below the fusion temperature of the salt and to achieve a post-combustion temperature of 800.degree. C and more of the gas emanating from the fluidized bed and reaching the free space above the bed, i.e. the afterburner.

Abstract: In a process for the recovery of metal chlorides from jarosite in sludges which result from the sulphuric acid processing of ores, the sludge is treated with an aqueous solution of an alkaline earth metal chloride. This solution contains free hydrochloric acid and is in excess stoichiometric ratio to the sulphate content of the sludge. The insoluble materials are separated from the metallic chloride solution by filtering, and are stripped of metallic chlorides by washing and further filtering. The metallic chloride solutions are then collected. The alkaline earth chloride is preferably calcium chloride. The process is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to recovering metals from jarosite-type sludge resulting from the processing of zinc ore.

Abstract: A process for leaching sand to remove iron and other undesirable components in which the sand is treated with a series of leaching solutions which increase in acid concentration to about the midpoint of the process followed by decrease in concentration to a final wash water with the initial drainage from the sand mass being discarded while subsequent drainages are re-used for subsequent leaching operations with the addition of leaching acid to some of the drainage to provide the desired acid concentration.

Abstract: A water soluble oxidizing material is packaged with gas releasing pest control agents for decomposing residual gas producing agents.

Abstract: Novel complexes between (a) a compound of the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl; and (b), salts of one of the cations Li, Na, K, Rb, Mg, Ca, Sr, Mn (II), Mn (III), Fe (II), Fe (III), Cu (I), Cu (II), Ag (I), Zn (II), Sn (II), Au (I), Au (II), Hg (I), Hg (II), Ni (I), Ni (II), Co (II), Co (III), hydronium, ammonium alkylammonium and pyridinium; optionally with solvent molecules in the crystal lattice, which complexes are useful as sources of highly pure salts and as soluble sources of certain inorganic reagents, e.g., KMnO.sub.4, NaNO.sub.2, NaSCN, etc., in hydrocarbon systems. For example, a 1:2 complex of sodium chloride and [CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O] .sub.4 is formed with 5 molecules of water per sodium cation in the crystal lattice of the complex.

Abstract: In a method of separating ionized substances such as heavy metal ions from mixture dissolved in aqueous solution such as sea water, lake water, waste water and the like containing at least 0.5 mM ions by means of complex formers adapted to react and enter into a combination with the substances to be separated. The method is characterized primarily by adding to the aqueous solution bubbles formed by cells of living organisms the content of which has an osmolarity differing within limitation from osmolarity of the aqueous solution. The complex formers for purposes of being received through the cells are added to a solution the osmolarity of which is lower than the cell content of the cells.

Abstract: A liquid feed and effluent system to recover dissolved process gas (e.g. H.sub.2 S) from an effluent process liquid (e.g. water), which liquid may also contain dissolved solid components (e.g. soluble salts); the system heats the feed liquid with heat recovered from the effluent liquid, saturates the so heated feed liquid with process gas, which gas may also contain inert gas components, and separately discharges from the system such inert gas components and effluent liquid from which process gas and heat have been recovered. In the combination the dissolved process gas is preferably recovered from the effluent liquid by flashing at progressively reduced pressures and final vapor stripping thereof at the most reduced pressure.

Abstract: A continuous process for removing nitrates from nitrate containing aqueous solutions having a pH of about 0-7, which comprises: (1) extracting the nitrate containing aqueous solution with an organic amine salt dissolved in an organic solvent phase whereby the nitrate ion goes into the organic solvent, (2) separating the organic phase, (3) stripping the organic extraction solvent phase from the extraction with a stripping salt solution of pH at least 0.

Abstract: A method of treating solid waste material containing minor amounts of water soluble chromium compounds with a reductant, particularly sulfide ions, to convert the soluble chromium to an insoluble state, and produce a solid waste from which substantially no chromium can be leached by water, as by exposure to rain.

Abstract: In solvent-in-pulp extractions where aqueous leach slurries containing dissolved metal values and gangue particles of the silica, sericite or sulphide types are contacted with organic amine extractants, the loss of amine extractant to the solids is decreased sharply by pretreating the slurries with organic non-ionic hydrophilic material which is adsorbed by the gangue solids and decreases the affinity of the gangue solids for the amine. A combination of inexpensive materials has been found to be most effective. Crud formation is substantially avoided and the separation of phases is facilitated.

Abstract: A method of recovering in highly pure states heavy metals such as cobalt, manganese, etc.

Abstract: Method for treating solid ore residue obtained by production of chromium chemicals from chromite ore, to reduce leaching of chromium compounds therefrom after disposal, which involves reducing the particle size of the residue prior to disposal so that at least about 20 percent by weight of the residue passes through a 200 mesh (U.S.) screen.