Michael J Fairweather

Title: Michael J Fairweather: Innovator in Chemical Processes

Introduction

Michael J Fairweather is a notable inventor based in Rossland, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the recovery of valuable compounds from various mixtures. With a total of three patents to his name, Fairweather's work showcases his innovative approach to solving complex chemical challenges.

Latest Patents

One of Fairweather's latest patents is a process for the recovery of sodium carbonate from salt mixtures. This innovative method involves leaching mined salt mixtures, which include sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, and double salts like trona and burkeite. By using a bicarbonate-saturated solution and added carbon dioxide, the process selectively dissolves sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and burkeite, while precipitating additional trona. The resulting trona is then calcined and dissolved, leading to the purification, crystallization, and dehydration of high-purity sodium carbonate monohydrate, which is ultimately converted into dense soda ash. Furthermore, the brine solution from the leach can be treated to recover additional trona.

Another significant patent involves the precipitation of chloride from zinc sulfate solution. This process describes the removal of chloride impurities by forming a slurry of the zinc sulfate solution with an inert particulate support material that has elemental silver dispersed on it. An oxidizing agent is added, and the slurry is agitated at a controlled temperature to precipitate silver chloride on the support material. After filtering, the purified zinc sulfate solution is separated from the support material, which is then treated with a reductant in an aqueous alkaline medium to regenerate elemental silver.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Michael J Fairweather has worked with prominent organizations, including Cominco Ltd. and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister. His experience in these companies has allowed him to develop and refine his innovative processes, contributing to advancements in the chemical industry.

Collaborations

Fairweather has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Godefridus M Swinkels and Michael A Rockandel. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of groundbreaking solutions in chemical engineering.

Conclusion

Michael J Fairweather's contributions to the field of chemical processes are significant and impactful. His innovative patents demonstrate a commitment to advancing technology