Reactor systems for recovering metals, and related methods
US11035023B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.