Ion Exchanging Or Sorbing Patents (Class 423/6)
  • Patent number: 11189388
    Abstract: Methods for purifying the molybdenum-99 isotope are disclosed. Molybdenum-99 is loaded onto an anion exchange column and extracted. In some embodiments, the extraction solution may include nitric acid and nitrate salts. In other embodiments, a two stage elution is performed in which a nitric acid containing eluent and a hydroxide containing eluent are used in succession to extract molybdenum-99.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Curium US LLC
    Inventors: Luis Antonio M. M. Barbosa, Frits Dekker, Marjolijn Gerritsen, Mark David Hermeler
  • Patent number: 10006103
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an organic-inorganic hybrid material, comprising an inorganic solid support on which are grafted organic molecules having the general formula (I) below: in which: x, y and z=0 or 1, with at least one of x, y and z different from 0; m=1 to 6; v and w=0 or 1, with v=1 when w=0, and v=0 when w=1; if x=0, R1?H or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group, whereas, if x=1, R1=a group bound to the inorganic solid support by at least one covalent bond; if y=0, R2?H or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group, whereas, if y=1, R2=a group bound to the inorganic solid support by at least one covalent bond; if z=0, R3?H or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group, whereas, if z=1, R3=a group bound to the inorganic solid support by at least one covalent bond; R4 and R5?H, a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, C2 to C8 hydrocarbon group, or a monocyclic aromatic group
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Agnes Grandjean, Frederic Cuer
  • Patent number: 9914866
    Abstract: A method of forming a composite material for use in multi-modal transport includes providing three-dimensional graphene having hollow channels, enabling a polymer to wick into the hollow channels of the three-dimensional graphene, curing the polymer to form a cured three-dimensional graphene, adding an active material to the cured three-dimensional graphene to form a composite material, and removing the polymer from within the hollow channels. A composite material formed according to the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian Salmon McKay, Sungwoo Yang, Evelyn N. Wang, Hyunho Kim
  • Patent number: 9437336
    Abstract: Apparatuses, processes and methods for the separation, isolation, or removal of specific radioactive isotopes from liquid radioactive waste, these processes and methods employing isotope-specific media (ISM). In some embodiments, the processes and methods further include the vitrification of the separated isotopes, generally with the ISM; this isotope-specific vitrification (ISV) is often a step in a larger scheme of preparing the radioactive isotopes for long-term storage or other disposition. A variety of ISM are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Kurion, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Denton
  • Patent number: 9358537
    Abstract: Oxine ligands placed on styrene base ion exchange resins selectively remove iron and gallium from acidic solutions. After loading, the oxine resin is stripped of the loaded metals and used again for further metal removal. The resins can be used for process streams, acid rock drainages, or any other iron or gallium containing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Montana Tech of the University of Montana
    Inventors: Paul J. Miranda, Corby G. Anderson, Edward Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 9299466
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a radionuclide including a parent radionuclide that decays over time into a daughter radionuclide, a separation column that separates the daughter radionuclide from the parent radionuclide, a plurality of valves and at least one pump that operate to separate the daughter radionuclide from the parent radionuclide and deliver the daughter radionuclide into the daughter radionuclide container by alternately connecting at least two of the parent radionuclide container, the daughter radionuclide container, the separation column container and the plurality of processing containers, a plurality of RFID tags including an RFID tag of the plurality of RFID tags affixed to each of the daughter radionuclide container and the separation column and a programmed processor that reads an identifier of each of the plurality of RFID tags, an identifier and position of each of the plurality of valves and pump and saves the identifiers, positions and operations into a tracking file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NORTHSTAR MEDICAL RADIOISOTOPES LLC
    Inventors: Glenn H. Isensee, Lionel Johnson
  • Patent number: 8883096
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a process for extracting uranium from wet-process phosphoric acid (WPA), comprises separating uranium from WPA to produce a loaded uranium solution stream and a uranium depleted WPA stream. The loaded uranium solution stream is then contacted by with an ion exchange resin. Uranium species bound to the ion exchange resin are eluted by contacting the resin with a solution comprising anions to produce a loaded uranium eluant stream. The loaded uranium eluant stream is treated to provide a uranium containing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Urtek, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Worsley Richardson, James Andrew Davidson, Bryn Llywelyn Jones, Jessica Mary Page, Karin Helene Soldenhoff, Tomasz Artur Safinski, Manh Toan Tran
  • Patent number: 8865094
    Abstract: A method for extracting a radioisotope from an aqueous solution, the method comprising: a) intimately mixing a non-chelating ionic liquid with the aqueous solution to transfer at least a portion of said radioisotope to said non-chelating ionic liquid; and b) separating the non-chelating ionic liquid from the aqueous solution. In preferred embodiments, the method achieves an extraction efficiency of at least 80%, or a separation factor of at least 1×104 when more than one radioisotope is included in the aqueous solution. In particular embodiments, the method is applied to the separation of medical isotopes pairs, such as Th from Ac (Th-229/Ac-225, Ac-227/Th-227), or Ra from Ac (Ac-225 and Ra-225, Ac-227 and Ra-223), or Ra from Th (Th-227 and Ra-223, Th-229 and Ra-225).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Huimin Luo, Rose Ann Boll, Jason Richard Bell, Sheng Dai
  • Patent number: 8859663
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a calcium carbonate having a surface charge, the preparing process thereof and filler for producing a paper using the same. The present invention provides the process of preparing a calcium carbonate having a surface charge, characterized in that it comprises the following steps of: preparing a solution mixture of one or more monomer selected from the group consisting of calcium hydroxide, acrylic acid, acrylamide, or [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride; removing dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in the said solution by injecting nitrogen (N2) gas; adjusting pH of the said solution; and inducing a reaction by adding polymerization initiator of a high molecule while injecting carbon dioxide to the said mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hankuk Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Ho Yoon, Seong Dal Heo, Seung Suk Seo, In Woo Cheong
  • Patent number: 8703077
    Abstract: A process for the extraction of uranium compounds from wet-process phosphoric acid includes lowering the iron concentration of the wet-process phosphoric acid and reducing the valency of any remaining ferric iron in the wet-process phosphoric acid to ferrous iron, and then extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid. The process can include separating a side stream from a feed stream of wet-process phosphoric acid, wherein the side stream has a greater concentration of the uranium compounds than the feed stream by filtration. Extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid can be by ion exchange process or by solvent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Urtek, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Chalmers, James Andrew Davidson, Bryn Llywelyn Jones, Paul Robert Kucera, Peter Douglas Macintosh, Jessica Mary Page, Marcus Worsley Richardson, Karin Helene Soldenhoff, Colin Wayrauch
  • Patent number: 8685349
    Abstract: A process for the extraction of uranium compounds from wet-process phosphoric acid includes lowering the iron concentration of the wet-process phosphoric acid and reducing the valency of any remaining ferric iron in the wet-process phosphoric acid to ferrous iron, and then extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid. The process can include separating a side stream from a feed stream of wet-process phosphoric acid, wherein the side stream has a greater concentration of the uranium compounds than the feed stream by filtration. Extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid can be by ion exchange process or by solvent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Urtek, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Warwick Bristow, Mark S. Chalmers, James Andrew Davidson, Bryn Llywelyn Jones, Paul Robert Kucera, Nick Lynn, Peter Douglas Macintosh, Jessica Mary Page, Thomas Charles Pool, Marcus Worsley Richardson, Karin Helene Soldenhoff, Kelvin John Taylor, Colin Wayrauch
  • Patent number: 8652425
    Abstract: This invention relates to the integration of ammonium carbonate leach processes with established acid and alkaline uranium leach processes as multifunctional industrial processes for the extraction, high degree purification and conversion of processed or semi-processed uranium as U3O8, UO2, or most tetra or hexa-valent forms of uranium, and where applicable, for the recovery of uranium from uranium ores, using advanced multiple stage membrane based technologies for the separation and concentration of uranium in solution from heavy metals and lighter elements that may be present in the solution, and the selective leach and precipitation properties of an ammonium carbonate leach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Bassil
  • Patent number: 8636966
    Abstract: Compositions are provided that include nuclear fuel. Methods for treating nuclear fuel are provided which can include exposing the fuel to a carbonate-peroxide solution. Methods can also include exposing the fuel to an ammonium solution. Methods for acquiring molybdenum from a uranium comprising material are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Chuck Z. Soderquist, Amanda M. Johnsen, Bruce K. McNamara, Brady D. Hanson, Steven C. Smith, Shane M. Peper
  • Publication number: 20130336854
    Abstract: Compositions are provided that include nuclear fuel. Methods for treating nuclear fuel are provided which can include exposing the fuel to a carbonate-peroxide solution. Methods can also include exposing the fuel to an ammonium solution. Methods for acquiring molybdenum from a uranium comprising material are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Chuck Z. Soderquist, Amanda M. Johnsen, Bruce K. McNamara, Brady D. Hanson, Steven C. Smith, Shane M. Peper
  • Patent number: 8557201
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new more environmentally friendly method for the recovery of uranium from pregnant liquor solutions that comprise high concentration of sulfate by using an amino phosphonic functionalized resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Areski Rezkallah
  • Patent number: 8506911
    Abstract: Compositions are provided that include nuclear fuel. Methods for treating nuclear fuel are provided which can include exposing the fuel to a carbonate-peroxide solution. Methods can also include exposing the fuel to an ammonium solution. Methods for acquiring molybdenum from a uranium comprising material are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Chuck Z. Soderquist, Amanda M. Johnsen, Bruce K. McNamara, Brady D. Hanson, Steven C. Smith, Shane M. Peper
  • Patent number: 8475746
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a uranium ion exchange adsorption method using ultrasound. The method includes placing a slurry obtained by mixing uranium ions, sulfuric acid and an ion exchange resin into a reaction bath, and stirring the slurry in the reaction bath while simultaneously applying ultrasound to the reaction bath to allow the uranium ions to be adsorbed to the ion exchange resin through ion exchange adsorption. The method has an improved ion exchange adsorption rate of the uranium ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Kyeong-Woo Chung, Chul-Joo Kim, Ho-Sung Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130133980
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that comprise polymeric winged fibers. The winged fibers have a high surface area because of their structure, which includes a core surrounded by a plurality of lobes. Channels of one micron or less in width are formed between adjacent lobes to form paths for the capture and/or transport of gases, liquids or particles. The winged fibers are assembled in woven or non-woven fabrics for use in wipes, absorbent pads, composite structures, apparel, outdoor wear, bedding, filtration systems, purification/separation systems, thermal and acoustic insulation, cell scaffolding, and battery membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Allasso Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Allasso Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8449850
    Abstract: A method for the extraction and purification of molybdenum, the method comprising the steps of: transferring an irradiated fuel solution to an extraction system, the irradiated fuel solution comprising iodine and molybdenum and other fission products, the extraction system comprising at least one sorbent column; passing the irradiated fuel solution upwards through the at least one sorbent-containing extraction column; directing the irradiated fuel solution towards a fuel management system by means of at least one discharge alignment valve; directing the extraction column eluate towards an iodine removal system; removing the iodine from the extraction column eluate; purifying the extraction column eluate; and collecting the purified eluate. Also disclosed is an apparatus for accomplishing the aforementioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Glenn, Scott B. Aase, William R. Stagg
  • Publication number: 20130039823
    Abstract: This invention relates to the integration of ammonium carbonate leach processes with established acid and alkaline uranium leach processes as multifunctional industrial processes for the extraction, high degree purification and conversion of processed or semi-processed uranium as U3O8, UO2, or most tetra or hexa-valent forms of uranium, and where applicable, for the recovery of uranium from uranium ores, using advanced multiple stage membrane based technologies for the separation and concentration of uranium in solution from heavy metals and lighter elements that may be present in the solution, and the selective leach and precipitation properties of an ammonium carbonate leach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Bassil
  • Patent number: 8362199
    Abstract: Interlayer insulating films 5,7 (insulating films) provided in a memory capacitor cell 8 are formed between a gate electrode 3 and a counter electrode 8C formed on a silicon wafer 1. The interlayer insulating films 5,7 comprise a borazine-based resin, having a specific dielectric constant of no greater than 2.6, a Young's modulus of 5 GPa or greater and a leak current of no greater than 1×10?8 A/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsutani, Makoto Kaji, Koichi Abe, Yuko Uchimaru
  • Publication number: 20130022519
    Abstract: A process for the extraction of uranium compounds from wet-process phosphoric acid includes lowering the iron concentration of the wet-process phosphoric acid and reducing the valency of any remaining ferric iron in the wet-process phosphoric acid to ferrous iron, and then extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid. The process can include separating a side stream from a feed stream of wet-process phosphoric acid, wherein the side stream has a greater concentration of the uranium compounds than the feed stream by filtration. Extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid can be by ion exchange process or by solvent extraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas Warwick Bristow, Mark S. Chalmers, James Andrew Davidson, Bryn Llywelyn Jones, Paul Robert Kucera, Nick Lynn, Peter Douglas Macintosh, Jessica Mary Page, Thomas Charles Pool, Marcus Worsley Richardson, Karin Helene Soldenhoff, Kelvin John Taylor, Colin Wayrauch
  • Patent number: 8343446
    Abstract: The oxine ligands 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquiniline and 5-sulfoxyl-8-hydroxyquinoline are covalently bound, using, for example, the Mannich reaction, to a silica gel polyamine composite made from a silanized amorphous silica xerogel and polyallylamine. The resulting modified composites, termed CB-1 (X?Cl) and SB-1 (X?SO3H), respectively, show a clear selectivity for trivalent over divalent ions and selectivity for gallium over aluminum. The compounds of the invention can be applied for the sequestration of metals, such as heavy metals, from contaminated mine tailing leachates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Montana
    Inventors: Edward Rosenberg, Paul Miranda, Yuen Onn Wong
  • Publication number: 20120189513
    Abstract: The invention covers the combination of utilizing the selectivity of an adsorbent to remove species from a liquid containing mixtures of ions and then subjecting the loaded resin to a chromatographic displacement utilizing the most selectively adsorbed species to displace the undesired co-adsorbing impurities. The technique can be used even when the most selectively adsorbed species is present as a minor constituent in the feed solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Gordon Rossiter
  • Publication number: 20120134900
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a uranium ion exchange adsorption method using ultrasound. The method includes placing a slurry obtained by mixing uranium ions, sulfuric acid and an ion exchange resin into a reaction bath, and stirring the slurry in the reaction bath while simultaneously applying ultrasound to the reaction bath to allow the uranium ions to be adsorbed to the ion exchange resin through ion exchange adsorption. The method has an improved ion exchange adsorption rate of the uranium ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Kyeong-Woo CHUNG, Chul-Joo KIM, Ho-Sung YOON
  • Patent number: 8153087
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a method for the purification of Radium, in particular 226Ra, for target preparation for an essentially pure 225Ac production from available radioactive sources, using an extraction chromatography in order to separate chemically similar elements such as Ba, Sr, and Pb from the desired Ra; wherein said extraction chromatography has an extractant system on the basis of a crown ether. The invention is further related to a method for recycling of 226Ra, for target preparation for 225Ac production from radium sources irradiated with accelerated protons (p,2n), after separation of the produced 225AC. In this method a combination of the above extraction chromatography and a cation exchange chromatography is used. The obtained 226Ra is essentially free of the following chemical contaminants consisting of Ag, Al, As, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn, and Ba.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Actinium Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventors: Eva Kabai, Josue Manuel Moreno Bermudez, Richard Henkelmann, Andreas Turler
  • Patent number: 8137644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the removal of uranium(VI) species from waters by means of weakly basic, polyacrylic-based anion exchangers, said uranium(VI) species being present in the form of uranyl complexes as dissolved uranyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: ATC, Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hoell, Gunther Mann
  • Patent number: 8097164
    Abstract: A process for selectively removing contaminant ions from a solution includes: a) contacting the solution with magnetic particles coupled to selectively chelating ion exchange functionality containing moieties prepared by: i) activating carboxyl groups on the selectively chelating ion exchange functionality containing moieties by the formation of an acyl fluoride, and ii) reacting the acyl fluoride with the magnetic particles, the magnetic particles having a particle size of less than 10 microns; b) allowing the chelating functionality coupled magnetic particles to selectively bind one or more of the contaminant ions; and, c) extracting the chelating functionality coupled magnetic particles and contaminant ions from the solution by magnetic filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Paul Bushart, David Bradbury, George Elder, Ilona Pascual
  • Patent number: 8057577
    Abstract: A desulfurizer for fuel gas for a fuel cell includes: a first adsorption tank including an adsorber having selective adsorption capacity for a thiophene-based compound and a second adsorption tank including an adsorber having selective adsorption capacity for a mercaptan-based compound. The desulfurizer uses separate adsorbers having selective adsorption capacity for a thiophene-based compound and a mercaptan-based compound, in multiple stages to perform a more efficient and economical desulfurizing of a fuel gas to remove various sulfur compounds, especially thiophene-based compounds and mercaptan-based compounds compared to a desulfurizer using a single adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Doo-hwan Lee, Soon-ho Kim, Hyun-chul Lee, Eun-duck Park, Eun-yong Ko, Chan-ho Pak, Woo-sung Jeon
  • Patent number: 7988937
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the volumetric decontamination of radioactive metals. The method includes the step of precipitating out radioactive gamma and beta emitting nucleotides and then recovering non-radioactive metal compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: W. Novis Smith, David S. Eaker, Rick Low
  • Patent number: 7959812
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a multi-column sequenced separation process and a drive for implementing this process. The disclosure applies particularly to the separation of metal derivatives such as uranium, nickel, copper, cobalt and other precious metals present in leaching effluents in hydrometallurgical processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Applexion
    Inventors: Marc-André Theoleyre, Francis Gula
  • Patent number: 7927566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment of high-level waste of radiochemical production containing radionuclides and macro-admixtures including sodium. The method of extraction of radionuclides by processing acidic aqueous waste solutions by extractants containing macrocyclic compounds selected from the group of crown ethers having aromatic fragments containing alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl substituents of a linear and/or branched structure, and/or cyclohexane fragments containing alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl substituents of a linear and/or branched structure, and/or fragments of —O—CHR—CH2O—, where R is the normal or branched alkyl or hydroxyalkyl in organic solvents containing polyfluorinated telomeric alcohol 1,1,7-trihydrododecafluoroheptanol-1 having the formula H(CF2CF2)nCH2OH, where n=3, and a mixture of polyoxyethylene glycol ethers of synthetic primary higher aliphatic alcohols of a fraction C12-C14 of a general formula CnH2n+1O(C2H4O)mH, where n=12-14, m=2 is proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: Designing-Contructing and Industrial-Inculcating Enterprise “Daymos Ltd.”, Federal State Institute “Federal Agency for Legal Protection of Military Special and Dual Use, Intellectual Activity Results” under Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation (FSI “FALPIAR”)
    Inventors: Jury Vasilievich Glagolenko, Mikhail Vasilievich Logunov, Igor Vitalievich Mamakin, Vladimir Mikhailovich Polosin, Sergey Ivanovich Rovny, Vadim Alexandrovich Starchenko, Jury Pavlovich Shishelov, Nikolay Gennadievich Yakovlev
  • Patent number: 7807058
    Abstract: Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: J.I. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Iannicelli
  • Publication number: 20100028226
    Abstract: A process for the extraction of uranium compounds from wet-process phosphoric acid includes lowering the iron concentration of the wet-process phosphoric acid and reducing the valency of any remaining ferric iron in the wet-process phosphoric acid to ferrous iron, and then extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid. The process can include separating a side stream from a feed stream of wet-process phosphoric acid, wherein the side stream has a greater concentration of the uranium compounds than the feed stream by filtration. Extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid can be by ion exchange process or by solvent extraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas Warwick Bristow, Mark S. Chalmers, James Andrew Davidson, Bryn Llywelyn Jones, Paul Robert Kucera, Nick Lynn, Peter Douglas Macintosh, Jessica Mary Page, Thomas Charles Pool, Marcus Worsley Richardson, Karin Helene Soldenhoff, Kelvin John Taylor, Colin Weyrauch
  • Patent number: 7655199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of uranium in high silica environments comprising the use of a strong base macroreticular ion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Peter Ian Cable, Emmanuel Zaganiaris
  • Patent number: 7597862
    Abstract: A method of recovering daughter isotopes from a radioisotope mixture. The method comprises providing a radioisotope mixture solution comprising at least one parent isotope. The at least one parent isotope is extracted into an organic phase, which comprises an extractant and a solvent. The organic phase is substantially continuously contacted with an aqueous phase to extract at least one daughter isotope into the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is separated from the organic phase, such as by using an annular centrifugal contactor. The at least one daughter isotope is purified from the aqueous phase, such as by ion exchange chromatography or extraction chromatography. The at least one daughter isotope may include actinium-225, radium-225, bismuth-213, or mixtures thereof. A liquid-liquid extraction system for recovering at least one daughter isotope from a source material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: David H. Meikrantz, Terry A. Todd, Troy J. Tranter, E. Philip Horwitz
  • Patent number: 7553461
    Abstract: A separation medium, a method for using that separation medium and an apparatus for selectively extracting multivalent cations such as pseudo-lanthanide, prelanthanide, lanthanide, preactinide or actinide cations from an aqueous acidic sample solution is described. The separation medium is preferably free-flowing and comprises particles having a diglycolamide (DGA) extractant dispersed onto an inert, porous support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: PG Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Philip Horwitz, Richard E. Barrans, Jr., Andrew H. Bond
  • Patent number: 7394074
    Abstract: A protective cover and radionuclide generator assembly. The cover protecting inlet and outlet connections disposed on the radionuclide generator. The radionuclide generator having a distal end having a generally flat top surface. The protective cover removably fixed at the distal end and positioned over the generally flat top surface. The protective cover engaging with the radionuclide generator and providing an interference fit. The interference fit preventing the removal of the cover from the radionuclide generator, unless so desired by a user. The cover being made from a radioactive resistant polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest Balestracci
  • Patent number: 7390934
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing uranium (IV) and uranium (VI) from sands and soils. The method and device assays a volume of soil and determines a presence and position of uranium enrichment. A concentration of uranium enrichment is determined, and compared to a threshold concentration. The volume of soil is processed and transported to a coarse screen, deck screen and classified in a classifier. In the classifier, the volume of soil is separated into a washed and fines fraction, assayed and transported to a uranium recovery facility, then transported to a silicon removal process and subsequent ammonia and metals removal processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Areva NP Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thaddeus Kimura
  • Publication number: 20080112863
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the removal of uranium(VI) species from waters by means of weakly basic, polyacrylic-based anion exchangers, said uranium(VI) species being present in the form of uranyl complexes as dissolved uranyl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hoell, Gunther Mann
  • Publication number: 20080060998
    Abstract: A method of producing and purifying promethium-147 including the steps of: irradiating a target material including neodymium-146 with neutrons to produce promethium-147 within the irradiated target material; dissolving the irradiated target material to form an acidic solution; loading the acidic solution onto a chromatographic separation apparatus containing HDEHP; and eluting the apparatus to chromatographically separate the promethium-147 from the neodymium-146.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Furn F. Knapp, Rose A Boll, Saed Mirzadeh
  • Patent number: 7214318
    Abstract: A method for separation of actinide elements comprising feeding a solution containing actinide elements such as americium, curium, californium and the like, into a resin column in which a weakly basic primary, secondary or tertiary anion exchange resin obtained by resinifying pyridine, imidazole or alkylamine has been packed, and then feeding an eluent of a mixed solution of nitric acid and alkyl alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like into the resin column to chromatographically separate the actinide elements from each other. This method makes it possible to efficiently separate the actinide elements from each other by a unit operation at ordinary temperature and ordinary pressure while avoiding oxidation operation, and hence makes it possible to avoid generation of secondary wastes and operations difficult in terms of engineering, such as precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Yasuhiko Fujii, Masaki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7211231
    Abstract: A bismuth-213 generator comprising an insoluble composition having the general formula Zr(Phosponate)x(HPO4)2?x.nH2O, wherein x is between 0 and 2; and n is the number of waters of hydration; and wherein cations of radioactive isotopes selected from radium, actinium and combinations thereof are immobilized on the composition. The value of x may be between about 0.2 and about 1. The phosphonate may be n-phosphonomethyl-miniodiacetic acid (PMIDA), wherein x may be between about 0.1 and about 1.9. The phosphonate may be one or more phosphonate having the formula: H2O3P—(CH2)a—N—((CH2)bCO2H)—((CH2)cCO2H), wherein a, b, and c are numbers from 1 to 3 that may or may not be equal. The value of x may also be between about 0.1 and 1.9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignees: Lynntech, Inc., U Chicago Argonne LLC, The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Paul Sylvester, Abraham Clearfield, Mark L. Dietz
  • Patent number: 7157022
    Abstract: A separation medium, a method for using that separation medium and an apparatus for selectively extracting multivalent cations such as pseudo-lanthanide, prelanthanide, lanthanide, preactinide or actinide cations from an aqueous acidic sample solution is described. The separation medium is preferably free-flowing and comprises particles having a diglycolamide (DGA) extractant dispersed onto an inert, porous support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: .PG Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Philip Horwitz, Richard E. Barrans, Jr., Andrew H. Bond
  • Patent number: 7157061
    Abstract: A method of recovering daughter isotopes from a radioisotope mixture. The method comprises providing a radioisotope mixture solution comprising at least one parent isotope. The at least one parent isotope is extracted into an organic phase, which comprises an extractant and a solvent. The organic phase is substantially continuously contacted with an aqueous phase to extract at least one daughter isotope into the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is separated from the organic phase, such as by using an annular centrifugal contactor. The at least one daughter isotope is purified from the aqueous phase, such as by ion exchange chromatography or extraction chromatography. The at least one daughter isotope may include actinium-225, radium-225, bismuth-213, or mixtures thereof. A liquid-liquid extraction system for recovering at least one daughter isotope from a source material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: David H. Meikrantz, Terry A. Todd, Troy J. Tranter, E. Philip Horwitz
  • Patent number: 7087206
    Abstract: A multicolumn selectivity inversion generator separation method has been developed in which actinium ions, a desired daughter radionuclide, are selectively extracted from a solution of the thorium parent and daughter radionuclides by a primary separation column, stripped, and passed through a second guard column that retains any parent or other daughter interferents, while the desired daughter actinium ions and radium ions elute. This separation method minimizes the effects of radiation damage to the separation material and permits the reliable production of radionuclides of high chemical and radionuclidic purity for use in diagnostic or therapeutic nuclear medicine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: PG Research Foundation
    Inventors: Andrew H. Bond, E. Philip Horwitz, Daniel R. McAlister
  • Patent number: 6998052
    Abstract: A multicolumn selectivity inversion generator separation method has been developed in which a desired daughter radionuclide is selectively extracted from a solution of the parent and daughter radionuclides by a primary separation column, stripped, and passed through a second guard column that retains any parent or other daughter impurities, while the desired daughter elutes. This separation method minimizes the effects of radiation damage to the separation material and permits the reliable production of radionuclides of high chemical and radionuclidic purity for use in diagnostic or therapeutic nuclear medicine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: PG Research Foundation
    Inventors: E. Philip Horwitz, Andrew H. Bond
  • Patent number: 6972095
    Abstract: A decontamination system uses magnetic molecules having ferritin cores to selectively remove target contaminant ions from a solution. The magnetic molecules are based upon a ferritin protein structure and have a very small magnetic ferritin core and a selective ion exchange function attached to its surface. Various types of ion exchange functions can be attached to the magnetic molecules, each of which is designed to remove a specific contaminant such as radioactive ions. The ion exchange functions allow the magnetic molecules to selectively absorb the contaminant ions from a solution while being inert to other non-target ions. The magnetic properties of the magnetic molecule allow the magnetic molecules and the absorbed contaminant ions to be removed from solution by magnetic filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Sean P. Bushart, David Bradbury, George Richard Elder
  • Patent number: 6852233
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a metal collecting material for use in seawater or river water or industrial wastewater to give the most excellent adsorption efficiency. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for efficiently separating and recovering valuable metals or noxious metals from a metal collecting material having collected said valuable metals from seawater or noxious metals from river water or wastewater with the least possible waste generation. A metal collector according to an aspect of the present invention is formed by stacking at least partially alternate layers of a fibrous metal collecting material with a spacer for introducing a liquid to be treated into said collecting material, wherein the area of spacer side faces represents 25-75% of the total area of collecting material side faces and spacer side faces in the side faces of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takanobu Sugo, Akio Katakai, Noriaki Seko, Shin Hasegawa, Kunio Fujiwara, Hiroshi Nagai, Hideo Kawazu, Kazuyoshi Takeda, Satoshi Konishi, Hideyuki Misawa, Takashi Kawakami, Junichi Kanno, Keiji Hasegawa, Masaji Akahori
  • Publication number: 20040164025
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating ions of metallic elements are provided. Preferred methods utilize a hydrophobic chelating extractant, such as an organophosphorus compound, adsorbed onto carbon or graphite fibers in the form of felt. Also described is a new thallium-201 generator that comprises a column containing an acidic organophosphorus extractant adsorbed on carbon or graphite fibers, and a yttrium-90 generator system comprised of two extraction columns designed to selectively absorb yttrium-90 at different pH, to enable the separation of yttrium-90 from strontium-90. The two columns are connected in series for stepwise separation. The yttrium-90 product is freed from residual strontium-90 and metal contaminants and can be eluted from the second column with dilute acid, acetate buffer, water or saline for labeling biological targeted molecules. The new generator system provides rapid and efficient separation of yttrium-90 and is amenable to both scale-up and automation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Lewis, Fu-Min Su, Timothy A. Lane, Keith R. Olewine, Peter S. Holton