Abstract: A method to operate a flash calcination unit with both atmosphere and temperature control is described for mineral processing requirements and other atmosphere controlled processes. The method can be used to process phosphate, gold ore or activated carbon. The critical steps of the method involve an initial mixing of fine material combined with stoichiometric burning using at least one staged combustion furnace in a vertically oriented suspension calcination furnace. This effects control of oxygen or atmosphere in the combustion furnace with attendant control of temperature in that furnace.

Abstract: A method for processing residual liquids comprising organic complexes of heavy metals, sulphur and nitrogen compounds and amongst others originating from fixing baths and the like of the photographic and photochemical industries, whereby the residual liquid is sprayed in at least one spraying chamber or area with addition of nitrates and calcium ions into a hot, oxidizing gas flow, in particular originating from industrial installations or combustion furnaces.

Abstract: Gold and silver are extracted from their elemental state or from complex ores and alloys by leaching them with a solution containing ammonia, ammonium salts and one or more oxidants. The process is particularly effective for refractory gold ores including sulfide and carbonaceous ores.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel ion-exchange and chelate-exchange resins having improved exchange kinetics for separating chemical species from liquids. The resins are prepared from copolymer beads consisting of a monovinyl aromatic monomer and a cross-linking monomer. The copolymer beads are functionalized such that weak-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are most accessible to diffusion into the beads, while hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties are substituted at haloalkylated sites which are least accessible to diffusion. The resins have improved exchange kinetics due to shortened diffusion path lengths for the chemical species being separated and improved diffusion into the resin beads due to the hydrophilic, strong-base exchange moieties.

Abstract: The present invention is a process to recover precious metals from sulfide ores. It involves chlorinating a mixture of an ore concentrate and salt to form a liquid melt. The salt preferably contains potassium chloride. This chlorination is carried out at a temperature between 300.degree. and 600.degree. C. while stirring. The process converts precious metals in the elemental and sulfide forms into precious metal chlorides which are recovered by subsequent processing steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to production of superconductors, more particularly, LnM.sub.2.sup.II M.sub.3.sup.I O.sub.y compounds where y=6-8; Ln=Y, Sc or lanthanide; M.sup.II =Ba, Ca or Sr; M.sup.I =Cu, Cu+Ag or LnM.sub.2.sup.II M.sup.I O.sub.y-x F where x=1-2. It comprises local initiation of an exothermic reaction in a stoichiometric mixutre of source constituents chosen to provide for production of the afore-mentioned compounds. An exothermic mixture of corresponding constituents includes a non-combustible component and a combustible component comprising at least one metal from the group composed of a rare-earth metal of the periodic system chosen from scandium, yttrium and lanthanide, a metal of group II of the periodic system, a metal of group I of the periodic system or hydride of at least one of said metals.

Abstract: A metal extraction process in which an aqueous leach solution containing metal values is contacted with a solution, in a water-immiscible organic solvent, of an extracting agent where the aqueous leach solution contains a wetting agent in a concentration of not more than 0.1% by weight. Wetting agents which may be used include alkoxylated alcohols or phenols, especially alcohols condensed with both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide/ethylene oxide block copolymers. The wetting agent can be present at a concentration of 0.00001% w/v or less. The presence of the wetting agent may reduce the build up of solid as crud and/or may reduce entrainment of one phase in the other.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrometallurgical process for extracting noble metals from raw materials containing the same, comprising(a) leaching the raw materials with a mineral acid to leave a residue containing the noble metals,(b) treating said residue with a substantially non-aqueous liquid comprising bromine and an apolar organic solvent in which bromine dissolves, to form a complex of the formulaR[MeBr.sub.x ]whereinx=4-6Me=Au, Ag, Pt, PdOs, Ru, Rh, Irand R is an organic moiety of the solvent, and(c) subjecting the complex-containing substantially non-aqueous liquid to electrolysis whereby noble metal is deposited on the cathode and removable therefrom and bromine liquid is formed at the anode and immediately dissolves in the organic solvent.

Abstract: A technique for producing baked products, such as bread with very high protein levels, up to about 45% on a dry basis (18 to 25% on a wet basis), by incorporating in the unrisen dough the desired high protein levels, large amounts of ascorbic acid, e.g. 450 to 850 PPM and small amounts of potassium bromate; and steam treating the full fat wheat germ and soy flakes to remove sulfhydril as measured by the absence of glutathione; and then rising and baking to produce a product of good taste, shelf life and density comparable to what would have been produced in the absence of the high protein levels.

Abstract: In a process for recovering silver from spent photographic treatment solution comprises mixing nitric acid with a quantity of the treatment solution to precipitate from the solution silver sulfide. The silver sulfide may be then converted to pure silver. The improvement comprises mixing less than two parts of concentrated nitric acid solution with more than ten parts of the treatment solution to precipitate out of solution silver sulfide. The solution is filtered to remove the silver sulfide precipitate from the solution to yield a solid residue which includes silver sulfide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a sulphidic concentrate which is intended for further processing to copper and/or precious metals and which contains high percentages of arsenic and/or antimony, and possibly also bismuth in quantities likely to disturb subsequent processing stages, by partially roasting the concentrate in a fluidized bed, so as to eliminate substantially all the arsenic present and a major part of the antimony and/or bismuth. According to the invention, the concentrate and gas are supplied to a fluidized-bed reactor, and are there heated to a minimum temperature above the splitting or decomposition temperatures of the complex minerals containing arsenic and/or antimony and bismuth present in the concentrate. The oxygen potential in the reactor is regulated, so as to prevent the formation of non-volatile compounds of said impurities. The residence time of the concentrate in the reactor is controlled in a manner to ensure a given minimum elimination of the impurities.

Abstract: A method for treating waste fluids to remove selected chemicals such as minerals and metals wherein a bacterial culture that will attach to a selected chemical is transferred to a nutrient medium for a time period sufficient to produce satisfactory bacterial cell growth. The bacterial cells are then attached to a porous fiber webbing supported in a suitable container and the nutrient medium is then withdrawn from the container and waste fluid introduced into the container for a period of time sufficient to attach the chemical to the bacterial cells. The waste fluid is then removed from the container and the chemical separated from the fiber webbing.

Abstract: The invention concerns the concentration or recovery of gold or silver from cyanide liquors containing either or both of them by contacting the liquors with activated carbon in order to load it with Au(CN).sub.2.sup.- or Ag(CN).sub.2.sup.- according to the particular isotherm, removing the loaded carbon and treating it with hydronium or metal cations or molecular complexes in order to convert the Au(CN).sub.2.sup.- and Ag(CN).sub.2.sup.- to insoluble AuCN or AgCN and then recycling the thus treated carbon to contact further liquor, whereby the loading of the activated carbon is far in excess of that possible by conventional reversible loading and recovery of such precious metals by converting them to reversibly loaded AuCN and AgCN which desorb down to their limits set by their respective equilibrium adsorption isotherms.

Abstract: A process for removing precious metals from comminuted ores. The process comprises the steps of first contacting comminuted ore with a primary acidic hypochlorite solution, separating the ore from the primary hypochlorite solution and then contacting the separated ore with an aqueous hypochlorite solution having a pH greater than 7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating seminoble metals or noble metals from aqueous solutions having compounds of these metals dissolved therein, by reaction with yellow phosphorus. More particularly the aqueous solutions are contacted with carrier material having a yellow phosphorus coating applied thereto.It is possible for the aqueous solutions to be conveyed through a zone having the yellow phosphorus-coated carrier material placed therein, and for them to be subsequently conveyed through a further zone having uncoated carrier material placed therein.

Abstract: Novel sequestering agents useful for the extraction of metal values and in various organic syntheses comprise a cross-linked organic polymeric substrate, said substrate having covalently coupled thereto a plurality of functional groups, the free valence of which having the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7, which are identical or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.5 and R.sub.8, which are also identical or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or cycloalkyl radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a phenyl radical, a --C.sub.g H.sub.2q --.phi. or C.sub.q H.sub.2+1 --.phi.-- radical, and further wherein q ranges from 1 to about 12, and n, m and p, which are also identical or different, range from 1 to 10, and .phi. is phenyl.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns primarily the recovery of hydrogen-reduced metals from aqueous solutions of salts thereof, by hydrogen reduction at a porous hydrophobic catalytic barrier, at ordinary temperatures, in an apparatus provided with means to supply hydrogen to one face and aqueous solution to the other face of said barrier.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of copper from its ores by conventional procedures requiring heat in which the source of heat is microwave energy. The microwave energy is used to selectively heat the copper compounds, such as sulfidic and oxidic compounds, in the ore, as respects the gangue, to convert the compounds into other compounds, such as oxides and chlorides, from which copper is more readily recoverable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten from secondary resources such as alloy scrap comprising a refractory metal and base metals such as cobalt nickel, iron, and copper. The scrap is calcined with sodium carbonate in air to convert the refractory metal values to MoO.sub.4.sup..dbd., VO.sub.4.sup..tbd., WO.sub.4.sup..dbd., CrO.sub.4.sup..dbd., and the base metals to water insoluble oxides. A leach of the calcined materials produces a pregnant liquor rich in refractory metals which, after separation of the vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten values, is treated with CO, CHOO.sup.-, CH.sub.3 OH, or HCHO to reduce Cr.sup.+6 to Cr.sup.+3. The carbonate and bicarbonate salts produced as a byproduct of the reduction are recycled to the calcination stage.As a result of the V, W, and Mo partition, a mixed solid comprising CaO.multidot.nV.sub.2 O.sub.5, CaMoO.sub.4, and CaWO.sub.4 is produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten from secondary resources such as alloy scrap comprising a refractory metal and base metals such as cobalt, nickel, iron, and copper. The scrap is calcined with sodium carbonate in air to convert the refractory metal values to MoO.sub.4.sup.=, VO.sub.4.sup..ident., WO.sub.4.sup.=, and CrO.sub.4.sup.= and the base metals to water insoluble oxides. A leach of the calcined materials produces a pregnant liquor rich in refractory metals which, after separation of the vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten values, is treated with CO, CHOO.sup.-, CH.sub.3 OH, or HCHO to reduce Cr.sup.+6 to Cr.sup.+3. The carbonate and bicarbonate salts produced as a byproduct of the reduction are recycled to the calcination stage.As a result of the V, W, and Mo partition, a mixed solid comprising CaO.nV.sub.2 O.sub.5, CaMoO.sub.4, and CaWO.sub.4 is produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten from secondary resources such as alloy scrap comprising a refractory metal and base metals such as cobalt, nickel, iron, and copper. The scrap is calcined with sodium carbonate in air to convert the refractory metal values to MoO.sub.4.sup.=, VO.sub.4.sup..ident., WO.sub.4.sup.=, and CrO.sub.4.sup.= and the base metals to water insoluble oxides. A leach of the calcined materials produces a pregnant liquor rich in refractory metals which, after separation of the vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten values, is treated with CO, CHOO.sup.- CH.sub.3 OH, or HCHO to reduce Cr.sup.+6 to CR.sup.+3. The carbonate and bicarbonate salts produced as a byproduct of the reduction are recycled to the calcination stage.As a result of the V, W, and Mo partition, a mixed solid comprising CaO.nV.sub.2 O.sub.5, CaMoO.sub.4, and CaWO.sub.4 is produced.

Abstract: Silver-precipitating nuclei are prepared by partially oxidizing a stannous salt reducing agent with potassium, sodium or ammonium dichromate and then reducing a noble metal salt or complex with said reducing agent.

Abstract: Silver-precipitating nuclei are prepared by partially oxidizing a stannous salt reducing agent with a ferric oxidizing agent and then reducing a noble metal salt or complex with said reducing agent.

Abstract: To a coal-fired furnace that uses electrostatic precipitation or a mechanical collector to collect fly ash, a mix of magnesia-alumina or magnesia-talc is added above the fireball (2600.degree.-3300.degree. F.). The additive increases the mean particle size of the fly ash and reduces its surface resistivity, thereby causing improved collection in the electrostatic precipitators or mechanical collector. Fine particulates containing heavy metals tend to be agglomerated; thus the invention permits recovery of substantial amounts of heavy metal contaminants that would otherwise be lost as stack emission.

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

Abstract: Clusters or galaxies of noble metal silver-precipitating nuclei for use in silver diffusion transfer processes are formed by reducing a noble metal salt or complex to form a colloid of noble metal nuclei and inducing instability to said colloid, whereby said galaxies are formed.

Abstract: Silver-precipitating nuclei are prepared by partially oxidizing a stannous salt reducing agent and then reducing a noble metal salt or complex with said reducing agent.

Abstract: A process for thermal activation of chalcopyrite-pyrite ore concentrates for activation of iron values in both chalcopyrite and pyrite constituents whereby said iron values can be selectively removed in a subsequent acid leach. Controlled oxidizing conditions are maintained in an oxidizing heating zone for removal of up to about 90% of total sulfur to be removed for conversion of pyrite and chalcopyrite to their acid-leachable forms, measured by a preferable oxidation of 10 to 15% of iron in the concentrate to ferromagnetic oxides, whereby remaining total sulfur to be removed is removed in a reducing zone with the assistance of a low H.sub.2 S/(H.sub.2 +H.sub.2 S) ratio by scavenging of H.sub.2 S by said oxides.

Abstract: Anion exchange resins containing borohydride counter ions display essentially the same chemical activity as solutions of sodium borohydride but have the added advantage that products treated therewith are not contaminated with sodium ions or borate ions. Thus, alcohols can now be freed of carbonyl components without thereby being contaminated with borate; metal ions, such as silver, can be reduced to the free element; metal ions of groups IV-A to VI-A can be converted to volatile metal hydrides; and transition metal ions can be converted to the boride. The anion exchange resin is prepared by treating a strong base anion exchanger with aqueous sodium borohydride or sodium cyanoborohydride. Regeneration of the borohydride form from the borate proceeds directly with aqueous sodium borohydride.

Abstract: Finely-divided metal oxides are prepared by the steps of (a) contacting a compound of a metal with a carbohydrate material to obtain an intimate mixture thereof, (b) igniting this mixture to oxidize the same and to insure conversion of substantially all of said metal compound to a fragile agglomerate of its metal oxide, and (c) pulverizing the product of step (b) to form a finely-divided metal oxide powder having a mean particle size below about 1.0 micron. Certain of the finely-divided metal oxide powders produced by this process have the useful property of sinterability at temperatures significantly lower than metal oxide powders heretofore readily available. The powders are useful in the preparation of high strength compacted shapes for use in high temperature and/or corrosive environment, in the preparation of refractory cements, catalysts, catalysts supports and the like.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for a process of the type in which copper metal is produced by contacting an aqueous solution containing copper ions with a quinolic compound to result in the precipitation of copper metal. In this type of process, a quinonic compound is also produced during copper precipitation and it may be reduced to the quinolic compound for reuse in precipitating more copper metal.A two step reduction of copper is disclosed. In a first step, cupric copper is reduced to cuprous copper and in the second step, cuprous copper is reduced to copper metal.The inclusion of selected concentrations of chloride ions in the copper solution is disclosed to increase the rate at which copper is precipitated.The in-situ conversion of the quinolic compound contained in the raffinate to the quinonic compound is also disclosed to reduce extractant losses in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for a process of the type in which copper metal is produced by contacting an aqueous solution containing copper ions with a quinolic compound to result in the precipitation of copper metal. In this type of process, a quinonic compound is also produced during copper precipitation and it may be reduced to the quinolic compound for reuse in precipitating more copper metal.A two step reduction of copper is disclosed. In a first step, cupric copper is reduced to cuprous copper and in the second step, cuprous copper is reduced to copper metal.The inclusion of selected concentrations of chloride aromide and thiocyanate ions in the copper solution is disclosed to increase the rate at which copper is precipitated.The in-situ conversion of the quinolic compound contained in the raffinate to the quinonic compound is also disclosed to reduce extractant losses in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for a process of the type in which copper is produced by contacting an aqueous copper solution with a quinolic compound in an organic solvent to result in the precipitation and recovery of copper metal. In this type of process, the organic phase containing the extractant is separated from the copper depleted raffinate and the quinonic compound produced as a byproduct during copper precipitation may be reduced and used again for precipitating more metal salt.A two step reduction of copper is disclosed. In a first step, cupric copper is reduced to cuprous copper and in the second step, cuprous copper is reduced to copper metal.The inclusion of selected concentrations of chloride ions in the copper solution is disclosed to increase the rate at which copper is precipitated.The in-situ conversion of quinolic compound contained in the raffinate by oxidation to the quinonic compound is also disclosed to reduce extractant losses in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing raw manganese nodules for the selective recovery of metal values of nickel, copper, cobalt and zinc contained therein by hydrometallurgical means. The raw nodules are suspended in water or dilute wash solution to form a suspension. The suspension and sulfuric acid are charged to a pressure vessel to provide a solid-liquid suspension of nodules and leach solution. The solid-liquid suspension of nodules and leach solution is heated in the pressure vessel to a temperature between about 150.degree. C and about 300.degree. C to cause the nickel, copper, cobalt and zinc to be selectively leached from the nodules into the leach solution to form a metal rich leach solution containing these metals and a residue, with the solid-liquid suspension having a sulfuric acid content of less than 35 g/l upon completion of the leaching. The metal rich leach solution containing nickel, copper, cobalt and zinc is separated from the residue.

Abstract: The invention concerns new, crosslinked, macroporous, vinyl-aromatic plastic materials containing thiourea groups, to processes for their production and to their use for adsorbing metal compounds, especially noble metal and mercury compounds.

Abstract: Silver is recovered from photographic waste liquids containing emulsified silver, silver compounds, and gelatin by reacting therewith a proteolytic enzyme while the reactants are maintained in an alkaline condition. Then the reactants are acidified to a pH of 4.2 or less by introducing an acid such as HCl or H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. Precipitation of gelatin-bound silver and silver compounds occurs upon acidification, and the precipitate is allowed to settle out in a settling tank. Supernatant liquid is removed from the top, neutralized and sent to sewer. Settled sludge is removed from the bottom and silver recovered, as by incineration. The operation can be conducted either batch-wise or continuously.

Abstract: This invention relates to gold compounds useful in electroplatings and which are obtained by reacting an alkali metal gold sulphite with an alkali metal nitrite.