Microwave enhancement of the segregation roast
AssigneeCato Research Corporation
InventorsPaul R. Kruesi, Derek John 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.
Claims30
A method of recovering metals in a metal-bearing material comprising:
- exposing a metal-bearing material selected from the group consisting of metallic sulfides, metallic oxides and slags, with carbon and water to microwave radiation to raise the temperature of the carbon to between about 700° C. and about 800° C., in the presence of a chloride source selected from the group consisting of ammonium chloride, polyvinyl chloride and hydrochloric acid to produce a solid metal;
- and,
- recovering the solid metal.
A method of reducing metals in metal oxides comprising irradiating a metal oxide, carbon and water with microwave radiation to a temperature of between about 700° C. and about 800° C. in the presence of chloride.
A method of reducing metals in laterites comprising irradiating a laterite feed, carbon and water with microwave radiation to a temperature of between about 700° C. and about 750° C., in the presence of chloride.
A method of reducing iron in iron oxides comprising irradiating an iron oxide, carbon and water with microwave radiation to a temperature of between about 700° C. and about 800° C., in the presence of chloride.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.