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:
Dec. 15, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 25, 1997
Glenn C Allen, Apache Junction, AZ (US);
Neil J Nebeker, Kearny, AZ (US);
George R Burns, Gilbert, AZ (US);
ASARCO Incorporated, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus is provided for the production of copper using a solvent extraction electrowinning process. Process streams formed during the process containing entrained liquids are fed to a cyclone to remove either organic extractant or water (aqueous solutions) from the stream. A raffinate stream fed to a cyclone removes entrained organic phase which organic phase may be recycled to the process. The separated raffinate stream would then typically be recycled to the copper ore leach step to form a pregnant leach solution without the loss of organic solvent and/or the environmental concerns associated with entrained solvent. In a preferred new process, mixers, preferably inline, are used in conjunction with cyclones to provide a solvent extraction electrowinning process which is continuous and efficient and the use of conventional mixers, and particularly settlers, are eliminated.