John S Rendall

Title: John S. Rendall: Innovating the Future of Mineral Extraction

Introduction

John S. Rendall is a renowned inventor based in Albuquerque, NM, with an impressive portfolio of 25 patents. His innovative approaches to mineral extraction processes have made significant impacts in the field, particularly in the efficient recovery of valuable materials from ore bodies.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is a groundbreaking process for coproducing alumina, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide from aluminum ore bodies and feedstocks. This process begins with the leaching of feedstocks using sulfuric acid in pressure autoclaves at approximately 200°C and under appropriate pressure. The process generates a leach liquor of sulfate salts containing aluminum, iron, and titanium. Notably, iron values are converted to a ferrous state, and a recycled potassium sulfate assists in producing double aluminum alkali sulfate crystals, which are extracted at temperatures between 20°C and 60°C. These innovative techniques result in high-quality alumina, while the ferrous sulfate is crystallized at around 10°C, subsequently dried and calcined to yield iron oxide and mixed sulfate salts.

In addition to his mineral extraction processes, Rendall has enhanced aluminum smelting techniques, notably through the use of innovative smelting pot-cell designs. His strategies improve the productivity and efficiency of aluminum smelting from alumina in Hall-Heroult cells by utilizing sawtooth-shaped electrodes and lower temperatures. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that these innovations can increase dissolution rates and allow for higher current densities, resulting in significant operational improvements.

Career Highlights

Rendall's career spans several years, during which he has developed and patented numerous advancements in mineral processing. His work at Solv-ex Corporation, among other endeavors, highlights his commitment to advancing technology in the field of materials extraction.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Rendall has collaborated with notable figures such as Massoud Ahghar and Stephen J. Lane. These collaborations have played a critical role in fostering innovation and enhancing the effectiveness of their joint research efforts.

Conclusion

John S. Rendall's contributions to the field of mineral extraction underscore the importance of innovation in driving industry advancements. With his extensive patent portfolio and continued focus on improving technologies, Rendall is well-positioned as a leader in the realm of extraction processes, making a lasting impact on resource recovery.