Method and apparatus for separating metal values
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Jun 25, 2013
Grant Date -
Oct 29, 2009
app pub date -
Jul 9, 2009
filing date -
Feb 22, 2002
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles. The reactant includes sulfur, sulfur compounds, halogens, or halogen compounds.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available
Family
International Classification(s)
- 2009 Application Filing Year
- B03C Class
- 147 Applications Filed
- 99 Patents Issued To-Date
- 67.35 % Issued To-Date
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 Year Payment | $7400.00 | $3700.00 | $1850.00 | Dec 25, 2024 |
