Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1977-1981
Title: Gerald Vernon Glaum: Innovator in Cobalt Recovery and Electrorefining
Introduction
Gerald Vernon Glaum is a notable inventor based in Oakville, CA. He has made significant contributions to the field of metallurgy, particularly in the recovery of cobalt and the processing of anode slimes. With a total of 7 patents to his name, Glaum's work has had a lasting impact on the industry.
Latest Patents
Glaum's latest patents include innovative processes that enhance the efficiency of cobalt recovery. One of his key inventions is a method for recovering cobalt electrolytically. In this process, a cobaltic oxide hydrate is mixed with spent sulfate electrolyte, and the slurry is sparged with air to liberate any entrained chloride ions as gaseous chlorine. Following this, a reducing agent is utilized to enable the dissolution of cobalt, resulting in a chloride-free solution from which cobalt can be electrowon after purification. Another significant patent involves the pelletizing sulfation of anode slimes. In this method, anode slimes from an electrorefining operation are combined with sulfuric acid in a heated pelletizer, where a sulfation reaction occurs alongside pellet formation, effectively solubilizing copper, nickel, and tellurium contained in the slimes.
Career Highlights
Glaum has had a distinguished career at The International Nickel Company, Inc., where he has applied his expertise in metallurgy to develop innovative solutions for cobalt recovery and metal processing. His work has contributed to advancements in the efficiency and sustainability of metal extraction processes.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Glaum has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Kohur Nagaraja Subramanian and Rotrou A Hall. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that has led to the development of groundbreaking technologies in the field.
Conclusion
Gerald Vernon Glaum's contributions to the field of metallurgy, particularly in cobalt recovery and electrorefining, highlight his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing industrial processes. His patents reflect a commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability in metal extraction.