Metal extraction from various chalcogenide minerals through interaction with separate electric fields and magnetic fields supplied by electromagnetic energy
US7850759B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Multimode and single mode microwave energy is used to improve the extraction of metals from chalcogenide minerals. In one process microwave energy is used to comminute the mineral after which the mineral is reacted with acid in the presence of microwave energy. Following treatment the mineral is removed and the extracted metal is recovered from the acid. In another process chalcogenide minerals are exposed to the magnetic field maximum or the electrical field maximum of a single mode electromagnetic energy. This treatment causes a phase separation between metals and silicates within the mineral leaving metal rich regions from which the metal can be readily recovered by traditional methods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.