Inco Limited

The International Metals Reclamation Company, Inc.

Ahmed Vahed

Carlos M Diaz

Anthony Edward Warner

Anthony Edward Moline Warner

Douglas J MacVicar

Richard H Hanewald

Russell R Bleakney

Dingzhu Shi

Victor Henry Aiken

Christopher D Doyle

A rotary thermal oxidizer removes polymeric and other non-metal components of exhausted batteries and cells leaving value-metals, such as cadmium, nickel, and iron behind for subsequent processing. By preheating the sweep gas to a temperature above the auto-ignition temperature of the polymers, prior to their introduction into the oxidizer, and controlling the oxygen content within the oxidizer the risks of explosion and fire associated with the pyrometallurgical recycling of the cells is substantially reduced.

Rotary thermal oxidizer for battery recycling and process

This invention relates to a thermal upgrading process whereby nickel-containing limonite or limonite/saprolite blends are pelletized with requisite amounts of solid carbon reductant and a sulfure-bearing concentrating agent. The pellets are fed to a reactor where they are gradually heated, causing reduction of the metal values. The reduced pellets are then held in a 'metallics growth zone' of the reactor at a temperature high enough to allow for liquid-phase migration of the metallics within the pellets but below the point at which the pellets become sticky. The metallics growth zone is provided with a carefully controlled combustion gas atmosphere equivalent to about 60-65% aeration of partial combustion of natural gas which prevents further reduction or re-oxidation and thus provides a good environment for metallic particle growth. After a sufficient retention time, the pellets are then rapidly cooled to prevent the disproportionation of wustite to magnetite. The cooled pellets are then ground and the magnetic fraction separated.

Low temperature thermal upgrading of lateritic ores

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Mississauga, Canada

Ahmed Vahed