Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1985-1997
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Donald L. Ball
Introduction
Donald L. Ball is a notable inventor based in Castlegar, Canada, recognized for his significant contributions to the field of chemistry. He holds a total of 5 patents, showcasing his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing chemical processes.
Latest Patents
One of his latest inventions is a purification process for calomel (Hg.sub.2 Cl.sub.2). This novel method focuses on treating impure calomel to produce a highly purified product that meets the American Chemical Society's standards for calomel assay and mercuric chloride contamination. The process involves several steps, including incorporating impure calomel into an aqueous slurry, oxidizing it with an oxidizing agent, filtering the slurry, heating the liquid component, treating it with a reducing agent, and finally separating the purified calomel from the filtrate.
Another significant patent is a method for recovering mercury from mercury-containing materials. This process converts insoluble mercury salts into a soluble form through controlled chlorination. The soluble mercury is then reduced to elemental mercury using iron powder. The method ensures that no mercury is discharged in residues or residual liquid, making it an environmentally friendly solution.
Career Highlights
Donald L. Ball has made substantial contributions to the field of chemistry through his work at Cominco, Ltd. His innovative approaches to chemical purification and recovery processes have had a lasting impact on the industry.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Donald has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Daniel A. Boateng and Richard S. Varley. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas.
Conclusion
Donald L. Ball's inventive work in chemical processes highlights his commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. His patents reflect a deep understanding of chemistry and a desire to improve existing methods.