Microwave enhancement of the segregation roast
AssigneeCato Research Corporation
InventorsPaul Kruesi, Derek Fray
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Abstract
Methods of enhancing the segregation roast through the use of microwave radiation and chloride ions are disclosed. The processes provide means of recovering metals trapped in ores and slags by reaction of these materials with carbon, chloride and water using microwave radiation as the primary energy source. The metals may be present in starting materials such as metallic sulfides, slags, metallic oxides such as laterites, magnetites, iron oxides, silicates and carbonates. The metals are reduced and can be recovered by separation from the gangue. Water, carbon and chloride can be recycled to the reaction to reduce costs.
Claims36
A method of reducing metals in a metal-bearing material comprising exposing a metal-bearing material selected from the group consisting of metallic sulfides, metallic oxides and slags to microwave radiation in the presence of carbon, chloride and water.
A method of reducing metals in metal oxides comprising irradiating a metal oxide with microwave radiation in the presence of carbon, water and chloride.
A method of reducing metals in laterites comprising irradiating a laterite feed with microwave radiation in the presence of carbon, water and chloride.
A method of reducing iron in iron oxides comprising irradiating an iron oxide with microwave radiation in the presence of carbon, water and chloride.
Hydrogen gas produced by the method comprising exposing a metal-bearing material selected from the group consisting of metallic sulfides and metallic oxides to microwave radiation in the presence of carbon, chloride and water.
Hydrogen gas produced by the method comprising:
- heating a metallic sulfide to a temperature of about 450° C. in the presence of chloride and water and an oxidant;
- and,
- exposing the metal-bearing material to microwave radiation in the presence of carbon, chloride and water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.