Electrochemical oxidation of an ore to release metal values of interest
US4762597A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An electrochemical process for oxidizing an ore, such as a refractory ore, utilizes a centrifugal reactor having a central rotor cathode, the circumference of which is enclosed by an anode housing defining an active anode surface. The crushed ore is pulped in an aqueous chloride containing electrolyte and applied to the active anode surface. The reactor is spun in the presence of sufficient electrolyte to establish an electric circuit between the cathode and the anode, and so that a fluid pressure of from about 10 psi to about 100 psi is obtained at the active anode surface. A current density is provided at the active anode surface of from about 0.1 amp/sq.in. to about 1.0 amp/sq.in. so that chlorine is generated at the anode and the crushed ore particles are oxidized to release metal values of interest.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.