Methods and systems for separating metals
AssigneeNant Holdings IP, LLC
InventorPatrick Soon-Shiong
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems for separating a first metal from a metal-containing feed stream are provided. The method can include applying solar energy, for example, by focusing one or more mirrors in one or more heliostats, to heat a metal-containing feed stream in a heating zone to a first temperature to produce a first vapor including the first metal. The first vapor can be condensed in a condensation zone to produce a first liquid including the first metal, and the first liquid can be collected. The system can include a separation unit include a heating zone in fluid communication with a condensation zone and a means for applying solar energy to heat a metal-containing feed stream disposed in the heating zone.
Claims9
A method for separating a low volatility metal from a metal-containing feed stream, the method comprising:
- applying solar energy to heat the metal-containing feed stream in the presence of a volatile metal halide in a heating zone to a first temperature to produce a first vapor mixture comprising a low volatility metal halide and a volatile metal, wherein the metal-containing feed stream is derived from black sands;
- converting the first vapor mixture into the low volatility metal and the volatile metal halide;
- condensing the low volatility metal to produce a first liquid comprising the low volatility metal;
- and
- collecting the first liquid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.