Systems and methods for recovery of molten metal
AssigneePhoenix Tailings, Inc.
InventorsThomas Anthony Villalon, Jr., Benjamin David Brakenwagen, Richard Robert Salvucci
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Abstract
Systems and methods for recovery of molten metal are generally described. Certain systems comprise a reactor (e.g., a reduction cell such as an electrolytic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte) comprising molten metal within a container; and a collection vessel at least partially contained within the container of the reactor, the collection vessel comprising an opening fluidically connected to the container of the reactor. Some systems comprise a reactor; and a collection vessel comprising a first opening fluidically connected to the reactor and a second opening fluidically connected to a source of gas (e.g., inert gas) and to a source of negative pressure.
Claims57
A system, comprising:
- a reactor comprising molten metal within a container;
- and
- a collection vessel at least partially contained within the container of the reactor,
- wherein the collection vessel comprises an opening fluidically connected to the container of the reactor, and
- wherein:
- the collection vessel is at least partially immersed in the molten metal, and/or
- the molten metal forms a first liquid phase, and the collection vessel is at least partially immersed in a second liquid phase present within the reactor.
A system, comprising:
- a reactor;
- and
- a collection vessel comprising:
- a first opening fluidically connected to the reactor, and
- a second opening fluidically connected to a source of gas and to a source of negative pressure,
- wherein:
- the collection vessel is at least partially immersed in a molten metal in the reactor, and/or
- a molten metal in the reactor forms a first liquid phase, and the collection vessel is at least partially immersed in a second liquid phase present in the reactor.
A system, comprising:
- a reactor;
- and
- a collection vessel;
- wherein the collection vessel is fluidically connected to the reactor, a source of gas, and a source of negative pressure, and
- wherein:
- the collection vessel is at least partially immersed in a molten metal in the reactor, and/or
- a molten metal in the reactor forms a first liquid phase, and the collection vessel is at least partially immersed in a second liquid phase present in the reactor.
A system, comprising:
- a reactor comprising molten metal within a container;
- a collection vessel at least partially contained within the container of the reactor;
- valving;
- a source of gas;
- and
- a source of negative pressure, wherein:
- the collection vessel comprises a first opening fluidically connected to the container of the reactor and a second opening fluidically connected to the source of gas and the source of negative pressure,
- the valving is positioned between the source of gas and the second opening,
- the valving is positioned between the source of negative pressure and the second opening,
- the valving is configured to assume a first position in which the second opening is in fluidic communication with the source of gas but not in fluidic communication with the source of negative pressure, and
- the valving is configured to assume a second position in which the second opening is in fluidic communication with the source of negative pressure but not in fluidic communication with the source of gas.
A system, comprising:
- a reactor;
- a collection vessel comprising a first opening fluidically connected to the reactor and a second opening fluidically connected to a source of gas and to a source of negative pressure;
- and
- valving, wherein:
- the valving is positioned between the source of gas and the second opening,
- the valving is positioned between the source of negative pressure and the second opening,
- the valving is configured to assume a first position in which the second opening is in fluidic communication with the source of gas but not in fluidic communication with the source of negative pressure, and
- the valving is configured to assume a second position in which the second opening is in fluidic communication with the source of negative pressure but not in fluidic communication with the source of gas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.