Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2002
Title: Åke Sandström: Innovator in Bioleaching Technology
Introduction
Åke Sandström is a notable inventor based at Luleå Tekniska Universitet in Sweden. He has made significant contributions to the field of bioleaching, particularly in the extraction of metals from sulphidic materials containing arsenic. His innovative methods have the potential to enhance the efficiency and safety of metal recovery processes.
Latest Patents
Åke Sandström holds a patent for a method titled "Two-stage bioleaching of sulphidic material containing arsenic." This patent describes a process for leaching sulphidic material that contains metals and arsenic under oxidizing conditions with the aid of microorganisms. The method involves mixing the material with an acid aqueous solution to form a pulp. In the first leaching stage, the material is treated at a pH of below 2 and at temperatures ranging from room temperature to about 55°C, utilizing mesophilic and/or moderately thermophilic microorganisms. This stage effectively leaches out the majority of the arsenic content and some metal content. The second stage employs extremely thermophilic microorganisms at higher temperatures, allowing for the leaching of remaining metals while transforming pentavalent arsenic into a solid state for safe precipitation.
Career Highlights
Åke Sandström is affiliated with Boliden Mineral AB, a company known for its expertise in mining and metallurgy. His work has been instrumental in advancing bioleaching technologies, which are crucial for sustainable mining practices. His innovative approaches have garnered attention in the scientific community and have implications for environmental safety in metal recovery.
Collaborations
Åke has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Börje Lindström and Jan-Eric Sundkvist. These partnerships have contributed to the development and refinement of his patented bioleaching methods.
Conclusion
Åke Sandström's contributions to bioleaching technology represent a significant advancement in the field of sustainable metal recovery. His innovative methods not only enhance efficiency but also address environmental concerns associated with arsenic in mining. His work continues to influence the industry and promote safer practices in metal extraction.