Leonard R Ochs

Title: Innovations of Leonard R Ochs in Copper Recovery

Introduction

Leonard R Ochs is a notable inventor based in Tucson, AZ, who has made significant contributions to the field of hydrometallurgy. With a total of four patents to his name, Ochs has focused on innovative processes for the recovery of valuable materials from copper sulfide ore concentrates.

Latest Patents

One of Ochs' latest patents is a hydrometallurgical process for copper recovery. This improved process allows for the recovery of metallic copper, elemental sulfur, compounds of molybdenum, and other valuable materials from copper sulfide ore concentrates, such as chalcopyrite. The process includes a reduction stage, a metallic copper recovery stage, and a combined regeneration-purge-oxidation stage. Notably, it is enhanced by the addition of a second reduction stage following the primary reduction stage, as well as a by-product recovery stage after the secondary reduction stage. This secondary reduction stage improves overall process performance by allowing for more flexible operating practices.

Another significant patent is the process for the recovery of metal chloride and cuprous chloride complex salts. In this process, cuprous chloride contained in a reduced leach solution can be recovered as a complex salt of alkali metal chloride, such as potassium chloride. The salts are produced by oxidizing a copper ore, such as chalcopyrite, with ferric chloride and cupric chloride. After removing insolubles, sufficient metallic copper is added to reduce cupric ions to cuprous ions, resulting in a solution containing 1.5 to 2.5 molal potassium chloride. The resultant saturated solution is then cooled to precipitate the potassium chloride-cuprous chloride complex salts, which can be recovered. Additionally, a method for recovering pure copper metal by electrolysis of solutions derived from the complex salts is also provided.

Career Highlights

Ochs is currently associated with Duval Corporation, where he continues to innovate in the field of copper recovery. His work has been instrumental in advancing hydrometallurgical processes, making them more efficient and effective.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Ochs has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Archibald W Fletcher and Harald Weber. These collaborations have contributed to the development of his innovative processes and patents.

Conclusion

Leonard R Ochs is a distinguished inventor whose