Abstract: Metal ions contained in trace in an aqueous solution are extracted, for quantitative analysis by an ICP emission spectrometer, with an organic solvent supplemented by chelate compounds in an extraction vessel having a thin cylindrical upper portion, to form an organic layer containing the extracted metal ions over an aqueous layer. After extraction, water is supplied from the bottom of the vessel in an amount so that the interface between the organic and aqueous layers is positioned at a predetermined position of the thin, upper portion where a liquid withdrawal port is provided. The organic layer is recovered from the withdrawal port.

Abstract: Gallium is recovered from gallium arsenide by reacting and dissolving the gallium arsenide with an oxidant and a complexing agent, especially with water insoluble hydroxamic acids with mild conditions, e.g. with aqueous hydrogen peroxide and mild temperature, to effect separation of gallium hydroxamic acid chelates from water soluble arsenic compounds.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the deposition of metal-containing scales, such as iron silicate scale, from a hot, aqueous, geothermal brine or the like, without substantial corrosion of brine handling equipment. The brine is contacted with (1) an amount of an acid sufficient to reduce the pH of the brine between 0.1 and 0.5 unit and (2) a greater than stoichiometric amount of a reducing agent for reducing trivalent iron and manganese cations in a high temperature brine solution to divalent ions. An overall decrease in scale deposition, especially of iron silicate scale, is achieved while a silver-rich scale can be recovered from silver-containing brines.

Abstract: A process for treating a first metal, manganese-containing ore comprising contacting the manganese-containing ore with an aqueous, acidic composition and a material containing at least one metal sulfide at conditions effective to (1) chemically reduce at least a portion of the manganese, (2) solubilize at least a portion of the metal from the metal sulfide, and (3) at least partially liberate the first metal from the ore; and recovering the first metal from the ore. The use of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and/or added ferric ion in the contacting step are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process in which spent catalyst from chlorofluorocarbon production is treated to detoxify the catalyst for safe disposal or reprocessing. The spent catalyst includes antimony and arsenic halides, halogenated organic liquids, and has an upper liquid portion and a lower sludge or semisolid portion. The processing of both the liquid and sludge portions includes hydrolyzing the catalyst in an aqueous solution of ferric chloride resulting in formation of a ferric ion/fluoride ion complex in addition to insoluble compounds, and neutralizing the reaction mass following hydrolysis with an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide. The volatile organics are stripped from the neutralized reaction mass and collected for reuse or disposal. The reaction mass is dried to yield the insoluble compounds in a solid form for subsequent reprocessing or disposal.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering tungsten from tungsten bearing material containing arsenic. The process involves adjusting a water slurry of the material to a pH of less than about 4 with an acid to solubilize the major portion of the tungsten, adding an insoluble ferric compound to the slurry to form a two phase system in which the solid phase contains the major portion of the arsenic and of any phosphorus which may be present, and a solution phase containing the major portion of the tungsten. After separation of the solid from the solution, the solution is adjusted to a pH of less than about 2 with an acid and a suffficient amount of hexamethylenetetramine is added to the solution to precipitate the major portion of the tungsten, followed by separating the precipitate from the resulting liquor. The solid phase containing the arsenic and phosphorus, if any, can be contacted with water and a soluble ferric salt to produce a treated solid which passes the EP toxicity test.

Abstract: Process for producing fluorides of Mo, W, Nb, Ta, V, Re, Ti, Zr, Hf, Co, Ni, Cr, Sb, Sn, Zn, Pb, Al and rare earth metals comprising heating fluorine-containing ammonium salts of corresponding metals in a stream of an inert or reducing gas to convert them into fluorides of the metals.

Abstract: A process for recovering at least one first metal from a metal sulfide-containing ore comprising contacting the ore with an aqueous, acidic composition and at least one reducible manganese-containing material at conditions effective (1) to chemically reduce the manganese, (2) solubilize at least a portion of the metal from the sulfide, and (3) at least partially liberate the first metal from the ore; and recovering the first metal from the ore. The use of added ferric ion and/or Thiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria in the above-noted contacting is also disclosed.

Abstract: Carrier supported catalysts are prepared, comprising metal ions which in their most stable state occur as anions or as higher-valency cations which exhibit a poor interaction with the support material by deposition-precipitation through increasing the hydroxyl ion concentration in homogeneous solution. According to the invention, prior to deposition-precipitation the metal ions are electrochemically reduced to soluble metal ions having a lower valency. Preferably, the pH value of a suspension of the support to be loaded in a solution of the electrochemically reduced metal ions is homogeneously increased by hydrolysis of compounds such as urea or isocyanate, or by the controlled injection of an alkaline solution below the surface of the suspension.

Abstract: A process for separating arsenic from acid aqueous solutions containing arsenic and other metal ions. The process involves bringing the acid aqueous solution into contact with a water-immiscible organic diluent consisting of hydrocarbons, alcohols or their mixtures, in which there is dissolved as solvent at least one polyol. The solvent thereby extracts the arsenic, which is then re-extracted with a counter-solvent.

Abstract: Production of elementary sulphur from an iron sulphide mineral, which comprises oxidizing acid lixiviation of the pulverized mineral, for extraction of the sulfur. The pulp obtained from the lixiviation is treated in the hot with an organic solvent for sulphur, the solvent having a density higher than 1, to separate this pulp into an aqueous phase containing in solution the non-ferrous metals, the sulphates of which are water soluble, and into a suspension of the solid of the pulp in an organic phase consisting of a solution of sulphur in the solvent separated by decantation and, after separation of the solid in suspension in the organic phase, the sulphur is recovered by crystallization after cooling of the organic phase.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for the separation of one or more precious metal species from other precious metal species and possibly also base metal species contained in an aqueous acidic solution of the type produced during the recovery of precious metals from ore or scrap in which the solvent contains an extractant which is a mono-N-substituted amide. Also a mono-N-substituted amide extractant. The extractant permits better separation factors generally and also enables platinum to be extracted before palladium and permits improved extraction of iridium from rhodium.

Abstract: Antimony, or antimony and arsenic, are recovered from a halocarbon-containing spent antimony pentachloride catalyst, such as a catalyst used in the manufacture of fluorocarbons, in a manner that produces a substantially nontoxic waste product that is environmentally acceptable for disposal in a landfill. In the process, the antimony pentachloride in the spent catalyst is reduced to antimony trichloride, which is extracted from the reduced agent catalyst by means of an aqueous acid, arsenic trichloride which is commonly also present in such spent catalyst is extracted at the same time, the aqueous extract is separated from an organic phase which can be disposed of by incineration, the metal values are removed from the aqueous extract by further reduction and separation of, and the residual aqueous acid phase is neutralized and solidified by the addition of lime or other environmentally acceptable base.

Abstract: Arsenic can be continuously removed from shale oil by passing the shale oil through a first guard bed containing catalyst capable of substantially reducing the arsenic content of the oil, until the desired amount of arsenic is removed. The flow of the shale oil is thereafter directed to an intercommunicating second guard bed containing another or similar catalyst capable of substantially reducing the arsenic content of the oil. Concurrently, the spent catalyst in the first bed is regenerated in situ so that continuous upgrading of the shale oil is achieved.

Abstract: A process for the selective extraction of arsenic from acid solutions containing other metals comprising treating the solutions with polyhydroxybenzene derivatives in organic diluent; mono- and di- alkyl derivatives containing at least four alkyl carbon atoms of pyrocatechol and pyrogallic acid are particularly contemplated for use in the removal of arsenic from strongly acid copper-containing electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: Scrap containing gallium and arsenic is treated with chlorine gas to form a crude gallium and arsenic chloride mixture. Arsenic chloride and impurities having a lower boiling point than that of arsenic chloride are removed from the mixture by vaporization so that crude gallium chloride may be obtained. The crude gallium chloride is purified by distillation. The purified gallium chloride is electrolyzed to yield metallic gallium. If the scrap has a molar gallium/arsenic ratio exceeding 1, arsenic chloride or metallic arsenic or both are added to the scrap before it if treated with chlorine gas.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for recovering pure silver from sludge formed at the anode in copper electrolysis and other sources comprises suspending the sludge, after removing Pb, Ni, and Cu, in hydrochloric acid, subsequently adding an alkali metal hypochlorite, preferably NaOCl, to the resulting suspension to convert the silver present to AgCl, filtering to separate the AgCl containing solid residue from the filtrate containing the other metallic elements, and finally working up the AgCl containing residue to obtain high purity silver. Preferably the high purity silver is obtained from the AgCl containing residue by leaching with an alkaline ammoniacal solution to dissolve the silver as the soluble silver diamine chloride, and subsequently reducing the silver diamine chloride to silver metal. The reducing agent for the silver diamine chloride is preferably either a Cu.sup.+ containing compound such as CuCl or a metal powder such as copper or bronze powder.

Abstract: Described is a process for removing arsenic, vanadium, and/or nickel from petroliferous derived liquids by contacting said liquid at an elevated temperature with a divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene having catechol ligands anchored thereon. For vanadium and nickel removal an amine, preferably a diamine is included.Also, described is a process for regenerating spent catecholated polystyrene by removal of the arsenic, vanadium, and/or nickel bound to it from contacting petroliferous liquid as described above and involves:treating the spent polymer containing any vanadium and/or nickel with an aqueous acid to achieve an acid pH; and,separating the solids from the liquid; and thentreating said spent catecholated polystyrene, at a temperature in the range of about 20.degree. to 100.degree. C. with an aqueous solution of at least one carbonate and/or bicarbonate of ammonium, alkali and alkaline earth metals, said solution having a pH between about 8 and 10; and,separating the solids and liquids from each other.

Abstract: Metal values are separated from arsenic sulfide ores in a hydrometallurgical oxidation process using a balanced reactant slurry. The molar concentration of As and Sb in the reactant slurry is controlled with respect to the molar concentration of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the slurry so that, upon reacting, soluble arsenic compounds or toxic arsenic vapors are not formed.

Abstract: Filter cake waste media from a phosphoric acid purification process containing contaminating amounts of arsenic is treated in the process of this invention to remove the arsenic therefrom and to render the filter media suitable for reuse. The process of the invention comprises separating the arsenic contaminant from the filter material by treating the material with sufficient amount of a base, such as soda ash, to dissolve the contaminating arsenic compounds into solution and separating and recovering the filter media from the arsenic-containing solution. The separated arsenic can be recovered by reprecipitation utilizing an acid and a source of soluble sulfide ions.

Abstract: A process for the hydrometallurgical recovery of precious metal from an ore or concentrate containing at least some arsenopyrite or pyrite.

Abstract: A process for purifying aqueous solutions of zinc sulphate removed from leaching processes and containing metals such as Cu, Cd, Ti, Ni, Co, Ge, As, Sb which consists in cementing said metals with zinc dust and with a couple of activators chosen between Cu-As and Cu-Sb in one or more reaction vessels having a bottom portion of cylindrical shape, an intermediate portion of cone frustum shape, and a top portion having an enlarged section thereof.

Abstract: A process for the selective removal of arsenical material in the course of a process for the hot oxidizing attack on a uraniferous and/or molybdeniferous ore containing arsenical materials, comprising attacking said ore with an aqueous liquor of sodium or potassium carbonate and/or bicarbonate, said attack operation being carried out under conditions with respect to levels of concentration, temperatures and pressures which cause solubilization of the uranium and/or molybdenum and the arsenic present in the ore, then collecting a suspension of a solid phase in a liquid phase, and finally, separating said phases, wherein the arsenic which is solubilized in the attack operation is extracted in the form of magnesium arsenate by treating the material containing the arsenic with a magnesium compound.

Abstract: A process in which ferric ion in water-soluble form is added to an effluent containing cyanide, arsenic and antimony and having a pH of about 5 to 9 and treating effluent with SO.sub.2 and oxygen in the presence of soluble copper to produce a treated effluent having very low contents of cyanide, arsenic and antimony.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process is provided for separating heavy metal nuisance elements such as As, Sb, Bi, Sn and Pb from precious metals and/or selenium. The process can be used as a step in an overall hydrometallurgical process for treating refinery residues such as anode slimes for the separation and recovery of valuable metal values.

Abstract: A process for lixiviation of concentrates of copper sulphides of tetrahedral type containing high concentration of arsenic and antimony to recover copper and noble metals. The concentrates are repulped into an aqueous ferrous sulphate solution with an established and controlled solid-liquid ratio which is thereafter oxidized by an oxygen containing gas in a reactor, thereby oxidizing the sulphides to sulphates, precipitating iron as ferric arsenates and antimoniates and yielding a lixiviation pulp in which the solid phase contains the iron, antimony and arsenic as well as the insoluble sulphates of the non-ferrous metals, such as lead and noble metals, and the liquid phase containing the copper, free sulphuric acid and the soluble sulphates of non-ferrous metals, as well as zinc, cadmium, cobalt, etc. The metals contained therein are recovered, after solid-liquid separation by conventional method.

Abstract: A process for recovering gold from refractory auriferous iron containing sulphidic material which comprises treating an aqueous slurry of the material in a pressure oxidation step at a temperature in the range of from about 135.degree. to about 250.degree. C. under a total pressure of from about 500 to about 5000 kPa to oxidize sulphide sulphur to sulphate form and release gold from a refractory state. The pH of the resultant oxidized slurry is adjusted to a value suitable for cyanidation. The pH adjusted slurry is subjected to a cyanidation step in which gold is dissolved in a cyanide solution. The cyanided slurry is diluted to a pulp density in the range of from about 2 to about 10% solids by weight. The diluted slurry is subjected to a liquid-solids separation step to produce a gold containing solution and a relatively high pulp density gold-containing slurry, and gold from the gold-containing solution and from the high pulp density gold-containing slurry is separately recovered.

Abstract: A process for the pressure oxidation leaching of non-ferrous metal sulphidic material which comprises providing an autoclave assembly which has a series of successive compartments, the first compartment of which being substantially larger in size than each of the remaining compartments. An oxygen partial pressure is provided in the autoclave assembly in the range of from about 50 to about 2000 kPa. An aqueous slurry of the material is fed into the relatively large first compartment with resultant flow of the material through the successive smaller compartments causing the temperature in the first and successive compartments to be sufficient to produce autogeneous oxidation of the sulphidic material. The oxidized slurry from the last compartment of the series is discharged.

Abstract: In the process for recovering arsenic trioxide from scrubbing water used to scrub the flue gas of sulfide ore smelting, the crude arsenic trioxide crystals collected from the scrubbing solution which contains plaster as an impurity is purified by treating it with hydrochloric acid of a concentration of 50-150 g/l at a temperature not higher than 30.degree. C.

Abstract: The effluent of a process for making a preform from which an optical fiber is drawn is directed into a scrubber (40) of a loop (20) where it is treated with an aqueous solution to provide a solvent mixture which comprises particulates and a solvent solution including germanium. Subsequently, the solvent mixture is moved into a first filter system (55) which provides a filtrate free of particulates above a first size that is returned to the scrubber for reuse and a residue. Then the residue from the first filter system is moved into a second filter system (80) which provides a filtrate free of particulates larger than a second size that is smaller than the first size and a residue. The filtrate from the second filter system also is returned to the scrubber for reuse while the residue from the second filter system is recirculated therethrough.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel method of recovering valuable metals from an industrial by-product containing copper and arsenic and at least one metal selected from among lead, zinc, iron, silver and cadmium, said method comprising leaching the by-product with sulfuric acid in an SO.sub.2 gas atmosphere at a temperature of 70.degree. C. or higher in the presence of a solid sulfide to thereby precipitate copper selectively as copper sulfide while dissolving other metal or metals in the leach solution and then separating the copper containing precipitate from the leach solution, said leach solution containing substantially no copper.

Abstract: A process for recovering gold from refractory auriferous iron-containing concentrate includes feeding the concentrate as an aqueous slurry to an acidic pretreatment step and treating the concentrate in the acidic pretreatment step with aqueous sulphuric acid solution to decompose carbonate and other acid consuming gangue compounds. The treated slurry is oxidized in a pressure oxidation step at a temperature in the range of from about 135.degree. to about 250.degree. C. under a pressurized oxidizing atmosphere while maintaining a free acid concentration of from about 5 to about 40 g/L sulphuric acid to cause dissolution of iron, formation of sulphuric acid and oxidation of substantially all oxidizable sulphide compounds to sulphate form with less than about 20% of oxidized sulphur being present as elemental sulphur during the oxidation step.

Abstract: A process for recovering gold from refractory auriferous iron-containing sulphidic ore which comprises feeding ground ore as an aqueous slurry to an acidic pretreatment step. The ground ore in the acidic pretreatment step is treated with aqueous sulphuric acid solution to decompose carbonate and acid consuming gangue compounds, and subjecting the treated slurry to a first liquid-solids separation step to produce a sulphate solution and separated solids. Water is added to the separated solids in a first repulping step to form a slurry having a pulp density in the range of from about 25 to about 60% by weight solids. The first repulped slurry is oxidized in a pressure oxidation step at a temperature in the range of from about 135.degree. to about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for selective liquid-liquid extraction of germanium from an aqueous acidic liquor containing, besides germanium, at least one other metal selected from the group which comprises cadmium, zinc, cobalt, iron, arsenic 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: A method is disclosed for leaching a gold ore which is refractory due to the presence of sulphide minerals of arsenic and antimony. The ground ore is leached with cyanide in a pipe reactor at a pressure of between 5 and 8 MPa. The terminal pH value of the pulp is controlled to be 10 or less than 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing nickel from lead chloride dissolved into chloride brine to obtain lead chloride solution wherein the nickel concentration is under 50 mg/liter. The present invention comprises the following steps:(a) adjusting the content of an element selected from the group of arsenic and antimony to a value of at least 1/5 of the concentration in nickel expressed in grams per liter;(b) contacting the solution from (a) with lead powder thus precipitating nickel and the said element selected from the group of arsenic and antimony.

Abstract: Process for the separation of arsenic from acid aqueous solutions containing arsenic and other metals characterized in that the acid aqueous solution is placed in the contact with water-immiscible organic solvent which extracts the arsenic, the arsenic being reextracted from the organic solvent by means of a countersolvent.

Abstract: The extent of recovery of precious metals, preferably gold and silver, from precious metal ores, concentrates, tailings and wastes which are also sulphide- and arsenic- and/or antimony-bearing, is enhanced by treatment with Caro's acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.5).

Abstract: At least an equivalent amount of concentrated hydrochloric acid is added to antimony trioxide containing a substance emitting alpha rays, and they are stirred. Any undissolved residue is removed to prepare an aqueous solution of antimony chloride. Water is added to the solution, or a distillate obtained by distilling it at a temperature of at least 135.degree. C. The quantity of the water is at least 10 times by volume as much as the solution, or at least 20 times by volume as much as the distillate. The solution or distillate and the water are stirred at a temperature of at least 60.degree. C. to cause precipitation of antimony trioxide, and the precipitate is separated by filtration. The precipitate is washed with at least 10 times by weight as much warm water having a temperature of 60.degree. C., and dried. This antimony trioxide has an alpha-ray strength not exceeding 0.01 C/cm.sup.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing columbium solutions substantially free from antimony contamination. An aqueous columbium solution is contacted with an organic solvent to extract the antimony.

Abstract: A process for purifying an acid aqueous solution containing heavy metals by adding sulfide ions to said acid aqueous solution at a first pH lower than 3.4, precipitating a first heavy metal, adding sulfide ions again to said first precipitate containing acid aqueous solution, after adjusting to a pH of higher than 4, to precipitate a second heavy metal, and then removing the resultant first and second precipitates from the acid aqueous solution.

Abstract: A copper electrowinning electrolyte containing arsenic is extracted to remove arsenic therefrom utilizing trioctylphosphinicoxide as an extracting agent in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for liquid/liquid-extraction of heavy metal ions from acid aqueous solutions with the aid of water-insoluble dithiophosphoric acid diesters as extracting agents. More particularly, use is made of phosphoric acid solutions with a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 -content of from 3 to 80 weight %, the solutions being free from emulsion-forming organic contaminants or having previously been freed therefrom in known manner. The resulting aqueous phase is separated from the phase containing the dithiophosphoric acid diester.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the removal of arsenic compounds from an arsenic-containing material wherein the material is reacted with an oxygen carrier and a sulfur carrier under temperature conditions sufficiently high to convert the arsenic compounds to sulfides and the arsenic sulfides are thereupon condensed and deposited in solid form.

Abstract: A process for extracting arsenic from aqueous solution to be purified, in accordance with claim 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,404,601, which also contains alkali metal carbonate, sulphate, hydroxide or hydrogen carbonate, and which may also contain at least one of the metals vanadium, uranium and molybdenum, comprising caustification of said solutions by means of lime to convert the carbonates into alkali metal hydroxides, followed by separation of an alkali metal hydroxide-enriched liquor and a first precipitate essentially containing calcium carbonate which is subjected to a washing operation, concentration by evaporation of the mixture of the washing liquor of the first precipitate to produce a second precipitate which essentially comprises alkali metal sulphate, which is characterized in that, before the aqueous solution is caustified, the aqueous solution is treated by a magnesium compound in an amount at least equal to the stoichiometric amount required to cause precipitation of magnesium arsenate.

Abstract: A process for extracting arsenic from aqueous solutions containing alkali metal carbonate, sulfate and hydroxide or hydrogen carbonate, at least one metal selected from the group consisting of vanadium, uranium and molybdenum in the form of an alkali metal salt, and inorganic and/or organic impurities, comprising the steps of caustifying the solution with lime to convert the alkali metal carbonates into hydroxides to precipitate the insoluble calcium salts formed, concentrating the solution by evaporation of the effluent liquids originating from the caustification step to obtain a precipitate substantially comprising alkali metal sulfate wherein the caustification is performed in two steps, consisting of (a) treating the solutions with an amount of lime approximately equal to but less than the stoichiometric amount necessary to convert the alkali metal carbonates into hydroxides as a first precipitate, and (b) after separating and washing the first precipitate, treating the resulting liquor with at least the

Abstract: A process for producing arsenous acid is disclosed. The reactants include an organic solvent containing 5 valent arsenic, a reducing agent and an additional component selected from the group consisting of water and an aqueous solution. The organic solvent containing 5 valent arsenic contacts and reacts with the reducing agent in the presence of the water or aqueous solution in order to directly produce arsenous acid from the organic solvent containing 5 valent arsenic. The process is a simple and economical process for producing arsenous acid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for removing heavy metal ions and arsenic from wet-processed phosphoric acid, wherein the crude wet-processed phosphoric acid is treated at temperatures between 10.degree. and 100.degree. C. initially with a diorganyldithiosphosphoric acid ester and then with an adsorbent, and the phoshoric acid so purified is separated from the ester and adsorbent. More particularly, the wet-processed phosphoric acid is treated with the diorganyldithiophosphoric acid ester at temperatures higher than 50.degree. C. and with the adsorbent at temperatures lower than 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the removal of arsenic compounds from tungsten and/or molybdenum concentrates by selective extraction, characterized in that the concentrates are extracted with an aqueous solution of a ferric compound of a pH below 2.5 and a temperature of at least 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of cobalt from cobaltite-pyrite concentrates containing substantial amounts of cobalt, arsenic, iron and sulphur is disclosed. The hydrometallurgical process comprises pressure leaching of the cobaltite-pyrite concentrates with a sodium chloride or sodium sulphate solution at a temperature in the range of 130.degree.-160.degree. C. and under oxygen partial pressures in the range of 75-200 psi to solubilize at least 90% of the cobalt content, while simultaneously precipitating most of the iron and arsenic as jarosite and ferric arsenate.