Tetra Technologies, Inc.

Paul Wayland

David J Hanlon

Russell A Fisher

A method for utilization of zinc byproducts in the manufacture of clear brine fluids comprising the step of mixing zinc feedstock containing metal impurities with a halogenic acid to produce an impure zinc halide solution. The metal impurities are removed from the zinc halide solution in a two-stage process: the first stage comprises the steps of precipitating and filtering out manganese and iron and the second stage comprises the steps of contacting the zinc halide solution with elemental zinc to cement out the remaining metals comprising nickel, lead, cadmium, copper, mercury and cobalt. Preferably, the zinc halide solution is contacted with zinc shot in multiple passes through zinc-filled column systems. The pH is adjusted between each step, if necessary, to maintain the pH in the first stage within a range of from about 3.5 to 4.5 and the alkalinity during the second stage at less than 1.0% zinc oxide.

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Memphis, TN, United States of America

Paul Wayland