The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 23, 1993
Filed:
May. 21, 1992
Thomas C Shutt, Denver, CO (US);
Richard H Eaman, Arvada, CO (US);
Other;
Abstract
A method for treating cyanide-contaminated water in order to remove dissolved (e.g. free) cyanide (HCN and/or CN.sup.-) therefrom. Cyanide-contaminated water is a significant problem in the gold processing industry wherein cyanide compounds are used to remove gold from ore. The remaining cyanide solution after gold extraction is treated to reduce free cyanide levels therein by combining the solution with a crystalline waste by-product of the metal galvanizing industry having the following formula: (Fe.multidot.Zn)SO.sub.4 .multidot.7H.sub.2 O. This material preferably has a zinc content of about 1-14% by weight, and is added to the water in an amount equal to about 1-5 pounds per ton of ore being processed. As a result, a stable, solid, non-toxic complex is produced from the toxic free cyanide materials. This is accomplished without the generation of harmful acids, heavy metals, excessive iron levels or other undesired by-products.