Abstract: A method 20 for decontaminating specially selected plastic materials comprised of polymers and copolymers of unsaturated organic acids and other specially selected plastic materials, which have become radioactively contaminated, includes dissolving such plastic materials in an aqueous solvent 34 and treating the resulting solution selectively via filtration 36, ion-exchange absorption 40, and precipitation 44 processes to remove particulate and dissolved radioactive contaminants. The treated aqueous stream may be discharged to a sewage stream and the separated plastic materials can be disposed of in a sanitary landfill or recycled into other plastic products.

Abstract: A metal stripping system and an operation process therefor which includes the following elements and steps. A main part of this system is a crystallization apparatus for metal stripping comprising a mixing zone of organic solvent and fluoride series stripping solution, a settling zone for organic solvent, a settling zone for stripping solution, a separation zone for fluorinated metal complex crystal and a stripping solution cooling zone. In the operation of the system wherein the organic solvent containing extracted metal ions is contacted with the fluoride series stripping solution to deposit the fluorinated metal complex crystal and then the crystal is recovered as metal or metal oxide, the stripping solution is circularly used by supplying NH.sub.4 HF.sub.

Abstract: A process is described involving the detoxification of waste water containing heavy metals which includes recovering the metals in salable form. The metals are removed from the waste water by contacting the water with an ion exchange resin bed contained in a portable canister until it is determined that the resin is saturated with metal. This determination is made by measuring the appearance of heavy metal salts in the effluent from the canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transferring metal ions from an aqueous liquid to a non-aqueous liquid and then to another aqueous liquid. The non-aqueous liquid contains one or more complexing agents and is kept separate from the aqueous liquid releasing metal ions by one or more microporous hydrophobic membrane(s). The non-aqueous liquid is circulated through two or more transfer zones in which the metal ions are taken up and released. The metal ions are released from the non-aqueous liquid into the second aqueous liquid by mechanical mixing of the two phases, followed by a mechanical separation process. The flow of metal ions obtained by this low-cost process is higher than in other processes. The process facilitates coupled co- and counter transport and may be used with advantage, inter alia, in the dressing of ores and in effluent treatment.

Abstract: A method of recovering quantitatively trace amounts of scandium from aqueous solutions containing large amounts of other metals consists of reducing any manganese and iron in the solution to the divalent states of manganese and iron. The solution is then adjusted to a pH from about 1.9 to about 2.1 and passed through a column of the ion exchange resin in the hydrogen form having an iminodiacetic acid functionality. The scandium is absorbed on the column and any base metals and rare earth metals which were also absorbed are removed by eluting with a dilute acid without removing the scandium. The scandium is subsequently removed from the column by eluting with a solution containing a chelating agent such as diglycolic acid. The scandium is then recovered from the solution by precipitation, filtering, washing, drying and calcined to the oxide.

Abstract: Recovery of precious metals such as gold and silver from aqueous cyanide solutions thereof, by contact with a reagent containing a guanidine functionality. The guanidine reagent extracts the precious metal from the aqueous solution which is subsequently stripped from the guanidine reagent and recovered by conventional methods. Certain novel guanidine compounds suitable for extracting gold and silver are disclosed.

Abstract: Alkoxylated Mannich product compositions and methods of use of same as process antifoulants are disclosed. The alkoxylated Mannich products deactivate metals and inhibit oxygen promoted polymerization in hydrocarbons and petrochemicals.

Abstract: Chelating agents on which metals such as uranium have been adsorbed are brought into contact with an eluent of aqueous solution containing reducing agents and basic compounds, until the metals are eluted. The elution is effected with large speed without degradation of the chelating agents. Preferred chelating agents are rather stable under basic conditions but not under acidic conditions, for example, those having .dbd.NOH group in their molecules. The reducing agents and basic compounds in the eluent are, for example, sulfurous acid or salts thereof and sodium hydroxide, respectively.

Abstract: A method for a quantitative separation of scandium from thorium comprises adsorption of both metals on a cation exchange resin followed by selective elution of scandium with an acidic solution of a chelating agent followed by the elution of thorium by a six normal hydrochloric acid solution.

Abstract: A process for the selective concentration of metal values in solution wherein said metal-containing solution is contacted with a multiple-phase system having a common solvent, thereby causing the preferential migration of metal values into one phase of said multiple-phase system. The phases of the system may then be isolated and the metal values recovered therefrom by conventional techniques.

Abstract: High-purity molybdenum or tungsten powder can be produced by a process comprising (a) decomposing a powder or an oxide powder of molybdenum or tungsten with hydrogen peroxide water; (b) bringing the resulting aqueous solution of molybdenum or tungsten into contact with a cation exchange resin; (c) concentrating the aqueous solution; and (d) reducing a concentrated solid material. By omitting reducing step (d), one can obtain high-purity molybdenum or tungsten oxide powders. Because the Mo and W powders and MoO.sub.3 and WO.sub.3 powders prepared by this invention are of an extremely high purity, they are useful as materials for targets of VLSI elements.

Abstract: Gold is selectively extracted from an aqueous solution by contacting the gold-containing solution, which may contain other metals, with a resin which is a diallylamine homopolymer or copolymer, and then separating the resin from the solution.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of precious metal values is disclosed. By this process precious metals in the form of anionic complexes are contacted with a weak-base anion exchange resin capable of complexing with the anionic complex. Such weak-base anion exchange resins contain weak-base functionalities derived from linear or cyclic polyaminoalkylene amines which have more than 1 amine moiety and at least 3 carbon atoms in a 1,X-alkylene moiety or moieties separating at least 1 amine moiety from a second amine moiety (i.e., X is an integer greater than 2).

Abstract: A method for removing mercury and other related metals such as cadmium, zinc, copper, silver, from a liquid medium. This method comprises the step of contacting the liquid medium with an insoluble composition comprising an suitable insoluble carrier and a cysteine residue covalently fixed at the nitrogen atom thereof to the surface of the carrier.

Abstract: Certain Mannich reaction products (i.e., alkylated phenol, polyamine, and an aldehyde) are used to deactivate first row transition metal species contained in hydrocarbon fluids. Left untreated, such metals lead to decomposition resulting in the formation of gummy, polymer masses in the hydrocarbon liquid.

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: Quaternary ammonium salts are disclosed which are highly effective as complexing agents for the extraction of hydrogen ion and anions such as nitrate from an aqueous feed solution via a coupled ion transport mechanism employing supported liquid membranes.

Abstract: Aqueous nitric solutions of salts of at least one rare earth, and containing contaminating amounts of at least one alkaline earth cation, e.g., calcium, barium and/or radium, are conveniently purified by liquid/liquid extracting same with an organic phase which comprises a polyether extractant for said at least one alkaline earth cation, e.g., a crown ether, and whereby said at least one alkaline earth cation is selectively transferred into said organic phase.

Abstract: A gold recovery process is disclosed in which the gold content of ores, including carbonaceous ores or mixtures of carbonaceous and oxide ores, is extracted by a simultaneous chlorine leach and ion exchange resin adsorption procedure. The process eliminates or reduces the degree of oxygenation and cyanidation required to conduct a standard gold extraction process.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of metals selected from the group consisting of zinc (II), silver (I), cadmium (II), mercury (II), nickel (II), cobalt (II), and copper (II) from an aqueous solution containing, in addition to said metals, metals selected from the group consisting of calcium (II) and magnesium (II) is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the aqueous solution having an equilibrium pH within the range of about 0.2 to about 3 with an extractant. The extractant comprises an organic-soluble dithiophosphinic acid or ammonium, alkali or alkaline earth metal salt thereof represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, aralkyl and cycloalkylaryl radicals having from about 2 to about 24 carbon atoms and X is either hydrogen or an ammonium, alkali or alkaline earth metal salt forming radical.

Abstract: Novel ortho alkoxy substituted phenyl oxime compounds which are useful for selectively separating and recovering palladium from aqueous compositions and mixtures containing palladium and other metals.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material, such as coal, is gasified through the catalytic action of an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal is provided as a sulfate which is converted to a sulfide during gasification. In one embodiment, sodium sulfate is converted to sodium sulfide at a temperature effective to form a transitory melt condition at an interface which obtains coal gasification at relatively low temperatures and material residence times for the reaction. An alkaline earth sulfate, such as a gypsum, may be concurrently converted to a sulfide during gasification. The alkali metal sulfide may then be regenerated to a sulfate for process reuse while converting the alkaline earth to a carbonate for environmentally safe disposal with concurrent recovery of valuable sulfur. The evolved carbon gases may be used for fuel, for process feed chemicals, or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a dispersible cerium compound (i.e. a cerium compound which may be dispersed in a liquid to give a colloidal dispersion (i.e. a sol)).The process involves replacing a first species of ions associated with the cerium compound by a second species of ions (e.g. hydroxyl ions) and subsequently replacing the second species of ions of the cerium compound with a third species of ions (e.g. counter-ions).The replacing of the ions may be effected, for example, by ion-exchange.Cerium (IV) oxide hydrate is an example of a cerium compound which can be made dispersible in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline metal extractants having a cyclic hydrocarbon substituent at either the 5 and 7 or only the 7 position are described.

Abstract: Metal values are extracted from aqueous solutions containing halide or pseudohalide anion using 1,1'-substituted 2,2'-biimidazole or bibenzimidazole compounds. Useful for the solvent extraction of zinc and copper from chloride leach solutions.

Abstract: Metals of Group 8 are recovered from an organic medium by liquid-liquid extraction into an aqueous phase in the presence of a water-soluble cyclic phosphite, forming an aqueous extract phase containing the metals in complex combination with the cyclic phosphite.

Abstract: Metal values, particularly copper values, are extracted from aqueous solutions containing halide or pseudohalide anion using 6,7 substituted triazolopyrimidine wherein the 6-substituent is a group --CO--OR1 where R1 is a hydrocarbyl group containing from 1 to 35 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group and wherein the 7-substituent (R2) is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group containing from 1 to 35 atoms wherein R1 and R2 taken together contain a total of from 5 to 35 saturated carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for extracting cobalt values from an aqueous solution also containing another metal such as nickel, with an extractant comprising alkyl benzylphosphonic acid is disclosed. An organic solvent such as a low aromatic kerosene can be employed for dilution and dissolution of the extractant.

Abstract: A metal scavenger is composed of an addition product of a polyamine and an epihalohydrin. The addition product contains as substituent or substituents at least one carbodithio group and/or at least one carbodithioate salt group introduced therein by substituting the corresponding number of active hydrogen atom or atoms in the addition product. Metals can be scavenged from waste water by adding the metal scavenger together with at least one of sodium monosulfide, sodium polysulfides and sodium hydrogensulfide.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing copper from a solution containing same with a chelating agent. The process is advantageously practiced on aqueous effluents from electroless plating systems to remove copper from an aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent such as ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The process comprises contacting an acidic solution containing copper, and optionally ferric iron ions, and the chelating agent with a water insoluble ion exchange resin having a picolylamine or a pyridyl-imidozole functionality, whereby copper is selectively retained by the resin and the chelating agent remains in solution, and then removing the solution from the resin.

Abstract: A process for the fluid-fluid extraction of gallium, germanium or indium from acid or base hydrous solutions, in which a mixture of at least two hydroxyquinolines in various quantities is employed, is described.

Abstract: Liquid/liquid extraction process for copper from an aqueous sulphuric acid solution acting on the concentrated mineral or semi-finished product to be treated.The extraction is carried out in an organic solvent containing in solution an extraction agent derived from 2-phenyl-4-acyl-(3H)-pyrazol-3-ones, with the phenyl group subsitituted or unsubstituted.Application to the upgrading of minerals.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for the extraction of metal ions having a reduction potential of above about +0.3 from an aqueous solution. The method includes contacting the aqueous solution with a polymeric extractant having primary phosphinic acid groups, secondary phosphine oxide groups, or both phosphinic acid and phosphine oxide groups.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts are disclosed which are highly effective as complexing agents for the extraction of hydrogen ion and anions such as nitrate from an aqueous feed solution via a coupled ion transport mechanism employing supported liquid membranes.

Abstract: A novel ion exchange agent comprises a magnetically susceptible core or nucleus surrounded by a coating of plastic or resin ion exchange material, preferably a microreticular coating immediately surrounding the magnetically susceptible core and a macroreticular coating surrounding the microreticular coating and a novel method of preparing the same. A novel ion exchange process is disclosed, including applying a magnetic field to the body of the magnetically susceptible ion exchange agent to at least temporarily immobilize the ion exchange agent while passing liquids therethrough, particularly in the washing or other treatment of ground ores to recover mineral values therefrom in a resin-in-pulp process.

Abstract: At least one rare earth value is selectively separated from at least one other rare earth value, by selectively liquid/liquid extracting an aqueous phase comprising the nitrates of said rare earth values with an organic phase which comprises an organic extractant, said organic extractant comprising at least one organophosphinic compound having one of the formulae (I) or (I'): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be identical or different, are each substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkylcycloalkyl radicals, and X is either hydrogen or a cation.

Abstract: Hydrazine is added to low-level radioactive waste, and the waste is contacted with an iron hydroxide-cation exchange resin so that its radioactive concentration may be lowered. The resin is a strongly acid cation exchange resin treated with ferric chloride and aqueous ammonia and containing a product of hydrolysis of ferric ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the recovery of gallium from aluminum smelting dust. Aluminum smelting dust is leached with mineral acid, such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or nitric acid. Gallium is extracted from the obtained leach liquor with an organic solution containing a liquid cation exchange agent. The resulting loaded organic solution is treated with mineral acid in aqueous solution, either after or before scrubbing with a higher concentration of acid in aqueous solution, to strip gallium. Gallium is extracted from this solution with another organic solution containing an ion-pair extracting type extracting agent. Finally, purified gallium is recovered by stripping the latter loaded organic solution with water or dilute acid in aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for the removal of cadmium contained in wet-process phosphoric acid by flotation by means of a cadmium-collector anionic surface active agent and an injected gas in the presence of other impurities including iron and possibly uranium which is characterized in that, in order to improve the removal of cadmium, the iron contained in the phosphoric acid in the trivalent state is reduced to the divalent state before the cadmium collector is introduced into the medium to be purified by flotation.The collector agent is selected from the group of dithiophosphoric acid esters and the alkali metal salts thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the level of an interface between separate phases in a solvent extraction column by regulating the flow from the base of the column. A steady controllable flow is achieved by passing the flow into a pressure vessel and the level in the vessel is controlled by having a plurality of vertically spaced apart apertures in the flow path within the vessel.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of anhydrous zinc chloride from aqueous solutions containing zinc chloride and typical impurities, comprising: extracting zinc chloride onto a suitable organic extractant such as TBP; stripping the organic extractant with an organic reagent immiscible in the extractant, such as ethylene glycol; adding ammonia or other ammine donor to the loaded organic strip to precipitate a zinc chloride-ammine composition which may be decomposed to anhydrous zinc chloride by heating. The anhydrous zinc chloride is of high purity suitable for fused salt electrolysis to produce elemental zinc.

Abstract: A method for recovering gallium from an aqueous solution containing gallium, which comprises contacting the aqueous solution containing gallium to a porous polymer having a water-insoluble substituted quinolinol retained therein, to let the polymer adsorb gallium, and then eluting gallium from the polymer.

Abstract: Zinc is extracted from an aqueous zinc containing brine (3) by contacting the brine with an organic reagent (5) consisting essentially of an extracting agent comprising a quaternary amine salt, a phase modifier, and an organic diluent so as to form a zinc amine complex (7) whereby a substantial portion of the zinc ions in the brine is transferred to the organic phase. The quaternary amine salt is a methyl triakyl ammonium chloride herein the alkyl groups contain from 8 to 10 carbon atoms. The zinc amine complex (7) is then contacted with an aqueous strippant (11) comprising a solution of sodium sulfate in water so as to form a sulfated quaternary amine salt whereby a substantial portion of zinc in the zinc amine complex is stripped therefrom and transferred to the aqueous phase as an aqueous zinc chloride solution (13) from which zinc may be recovered by electrowinning or chemical precipitation.

Abstract: Process for the recovery of heavy metals from aqueous solution by reaction with soluble, functionally-substituted polymer upon which the heavy metal loads, and optionally crosslinks by interaction with the heavy metals present in solution. Metals including those having atomic numbers of 39-51, 57-84 and 89-117, inclusive, can be recovered by the practice of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of Co (III) from ammoniacal solutions comprising Co (III) and Ni (II). The process comprises:(a) contacting said ammoniacal solution with(b) bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid or an ammonium or alkali metal salt thereof,said ammoniacal solution forming the aqueous phase and said phosphinic acid, or salt thereof, forming the organic phase, and(c) a phase modifierwhereby the Co (III) values are extracted from said aqueous phase to said organic phase.

Abstract: A membrane-based solvent extraction system is used to separate zinc from plating wastes and to recycle the concentrated zinc solution to the plating bath. Di-2 ethylhexylphosphoric acid (DEHPA) is used as an organic carrier, and an acid or salt solution is used as a stripping agent in this process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering uranium from a carbonate solution containing uranium ions whereby the carbonate solution containing uranium ions is brought in contact with a cation exchanger so that a uranium cation is removed from solution and adsorbed by the cation exchanger, and the uranium cation is then removed from the cation exchanger. The treated carbonate solution from which uranium ions hve been removed by cation exchange is then further processed by removing carbon dioxide from the treated carbonate solution to produce a decarbonated solution, and passing the decarbonated solution through a membrane process to remove some remaining impurities.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyetherurethane particles having absorptive activity whereby these particles may be applied for the extractions or the separations of metal ions from liquids, e.g. from waste liquors leaving galvanizing, printing and metal working industries. The particles are of a spherical shape, have a bulk density of at least 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 and are resistant against acidic liquids.The invention provides a method for such extractions and separation.The invention provides also a method for production of the polyetherurethane particles by forming a prepolymer and subjecting the dissolved prepolymer in the presence of 2-methylpiperazine suspension to polycondensation.

Abstract: Improved solvent extraction processes for recovery of copper values from aqueous solutions which also contain dissolved iron values. In continuous, multiple stage, solvent extraction circuits, the overall copper/iron selectivity of reagents including hydroxy oxime extractants is enhanced by providing non-uniform residence times for aqueous feedstocks in extraction stages, i.e., longer effective residence times for the feedstocks in one or more initial extraction stages of contact with the reagent than in subsequent stages of contact with the reagent.

Abstract: A process for separating Fe(III) from an aqueous solution of metallic salts containing at least Fe(III), comprising: (1) bringing said aqueous solution into contact with an organic extraction solvent containing, as an extractant, an organic phosphinic acid represented by the following general formula to thereby extract at least Fe(III) from the aqueous phase and transfer it into the organic phase; ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyls, respectively, having carbon number in the range of 1 to 20; the sum of carbon numbers for R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is in the range of 12 to 36; and R.sub.1 is the same as or different from R.sub.2, and (2) separating the resulting Fe(III) loaded organic phase from said aqueous phase.A process for separating Fe(III) from an organic extraction solvent loaded with at least Fe(III), comprising: (1) bringing said extraction solvent into contact with an aqueous solution of a mineral acid having a low concentration at pH 1.