Removal of selenium (IV) and (VI) from acidic copper sulphate solutions
AssigneeSherritt Gordon Mines Limited
InventorsDonald R. Weir, Derek G. E. Kerfoot, Hugh C. Scheie
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Abstract
A process for removing dissolved selenium IV values from an acidic aqueous copper sulphate solution includes passing the solution through a tubular member in a plug flow manner and injecting sulphur dioxide or a sulphite solution into the solution as it enters the tubular member. When the sulphate solution also contains dissolved selenium (VI) values, the ratio of dissolved selenium (IV) values to dissolved selenium (VI) values is preferably at least 3 to 1.
Claims6
A process for removing dissolved selenium values from an acid aqueous sulphate solution containing dissolved selenium (IV) values and dissolved selenium (VI) values, the ratio of dissolved selenium (IV) values to dissolved selenium (VI) values being at least 3:1, comprising passing said solution through a tubular member in a plug flow manner and injecting into the solution, as the solution enters the tubular member, a selenium-reducing compound selected from the group consisting of sulphur dioxide and a sulphite solution to reduce the concentrations of dissolved selenium (IV) values and dissolved selenium (VI) values to satisfactory low levels by production of a selenium-containing precipitate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.