Company Filing History:
2 out of 23 
1 out of 1 Years Active: 1987-1989
Title: The Innovations of Inventor Josef Bertha
Introduction
Josef Bertha, an inventive mind hailing from Brixlegg, Austria, has made significant contributions to the field of hydrometallurgy with his innovative processes tailored for the recovery of precious metals. With a total of three patents to his name, Bertha's work reflects a deep understanding of chemical engineering and metal recovery techniques.
Latest Patents
Josef Bertha's latest patents focus on groundbreaking hydrometallurgical processes. One of his notable inventions is a method for the recovery of silver from copper anode sludge. This process involves chlorinating the sludge in a slurry enriched with nascent chlorine, generated in situ by adding sodium hypochlorite to hydrochloric acid. This systematic approach ensures that silver is effectively extracted, leading to a solution where lead can be precipitated before silver is recovered through a reaction with copper.
Another of Bertha's important innovations is centered on the separation and enrichment of gold, alongside platinum and palladium, from copper electrolysis anode sludge. This process utilizes chlorine gas (Cl2) in conjunction with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to convert selenium into a more manageable state for recovery. By precipitating silver chloride and implementing selective reductions, Bertha’s technique not only recovers noble metals but also enables the extraction of metallic selenium.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Josef Bertha has made his mark at prominent companies such as Austria Metall Aktiengesellschaft and Austria Metal Aktiengesellschaft. His expertise in hydrometallurgical processes has paved the way for advancements in metal recovery, significantly impacting the industry.
Collaborations
Bertha has worked alongside distinguished colleagues, including Jorg Wallner and Helmut Worz. Their collective efforts have led to enhancements in methodologies related to the recovery and enrichment of various metals, showcasing the value of collaboration in the field of innovation.
Conclusion
Josef Bertha's ingenuity in developing advanced hydrometallurgical processes exemplifies the intersection of chemistry and engineering. His contributions not only facilitate the recovery of valuable metals but also advance sustainable practices within the industry. Bertha's innovative spirit continues to inspire future developments in metal recovery technologies.