FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATION Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140262817 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVE PROXIMITY COBALT RECOVERY - Various embodiments provide a method comprising leaching a cobalt bearing material to form a slurry, filtering the slurry to yield solids and a cobalt bearing liquid phase, and forwarding the solids to a second leaching operation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262816 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COBALT RECOVERY - Various embodiments provide a method comprising leaching a cobalt bearing material to form a slurry, filtering the slurry to yield solids and a cobalt bearing liquid phase, performing a solution extraction of the cobalt bearing liquid phase to yield a purified cobalt bearing liquid phase, precipitating cobalt gypsum by adding lime to a first portion of the purified cobalt bearing liquid phase, and recycling the cobalt gypsum to the leaching. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262815 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COBALT RECOVERY - Various embodiments provide a method comprising producing a cobalt hydroxide bearing material, leaching the cobalt hydroxide hearing material to form a slurry, filtering the slurry to yield solids and a cobalt bearing liquid phase, performing a solution extraction of the cobalt bearing liquid phase to yield a purified cobalt bearing liquid phase, conditioning a first portion of the purified cobalt bearing liquid phase to yield a conditioned cobalt bearing solution and, electrowinning the conditioned cobalt bearing solution to yield cobalt metal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262814 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECOVERY OF COBALT METAL AND IONIC COBALT - Various embodiments provide a method comprising electrowinning a first portion of a conditioned cobalt bearing solution to yield cobalt metal, subjecting a second portion of a conditioned cobalt bearing solution to a first ion exchange to yield a second conditioned cobalt bearing solution, performing cobalt selective solution extraction on the second conditioned cobalt bearing solution to yield a refined cobalt containing liquid and, precipitating a cobalt salt by adding a precipitating agent to a first portion of the refined cobalt containing liquid. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260807 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED METAL RECOVERY USING AMMONIA LEACHING - Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and a leach medium comprising ammonia and ammonium carbonate, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce an loaded aqueous stream. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260806 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED METAL RECOVERY USING AMMONIA LEACHING - Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and an ammonia leach medium, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce an loaded aqueous stream. | 09-18-2014 |
20130292341 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING LIQUID MIXTURES - The present invention provides a method and system for separating phases of a liquid mixture or dispersion from each other. The system includes a settler system, which includes a coalescing-enhancing plate comprising a front face and rear face and a plurality of openings. The openings are configured to selectively manipulate the flux of portions of the mixture to thereby increase phase separation of the mixture. | 11-07-2013 |
20130213820 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARALLEL SOLUTION EXTRACTION OF ONE OR MORE METAL VALUES FROM METAL-BEARING MATERIALS - The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit. | 08-22-2013 |
20130206588 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARALLEL SOLUTION EXTRACTION OF ONE OR MORE METAL VALUES FROM METAL-BEARING MATERIALS - The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit. | 08-15-2013 |
20130156661 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR METAL RECOVERY - Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, leaching the roasted metal hearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution, conditioning the pregnant leach solution to thrill a preprocessed metal bearing material; and leaching the preprocessed metal bearing material in acid medium. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153518 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIQUID-LIQUID SEPARATION - The present invention provides a mixer-settler extraction circuit for separating liquids from each other. The mixer-settler extraction circuit includes a flow distributor. The flow distributor comprises a slat assembly which directs the incoming liquid into the settling portion of the mixer-settler extraction circuit. The slats of the slat assembly may be spaced apart from each other at varying distances. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153437 | CATHODE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A BARRIER, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A cathode assembly, a system including the cathode assembly, and method of using the assembly and system are disclosed. The cathode assembly includes a conductive element and a barrier element proximate the conductive element. The assembly, system and method provide for improved metal powder formation. The system may be stationary or portable. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153436 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR METAL RECOVERY - Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, and leaching the roasted metal bearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153435 | HIGH SURFACE AREA CATHODE ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A cathode assembly, a system including the cathode assembly, and method of using the assembly and system are disclosed. The cathode assembly includes high surface area material to allow efficient recovery of metal at reduced current densities at the cathode, which allows increased rates of metal recovery to be obtained, while maintaining desired properties of the electrowon metal. | 06-20-2013 |
20130152741 | SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING MULTI-CIRCUIT SOLUTION EXTRACTION FOR RECOVERY OF METAL VALUES FROM METAL-BEARING MATERIALS - The present disclosure relates to a metal recovery process comprising a solvent extraction process. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a plant with a first and second circuit. A high-grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) is provided to the first and second circuit, and a low-grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) is provided to the second circuit. The first circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can be forwarded to a primary metal recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which can be forwarded to a secondary metal recovery process. The second circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can also be forwarded to the primary metal recovery process. The first and second circuits are in fluid communication with each other. | 06-20-2013 |
20130126341 | ANODE STRUCTURE FOR COPPER ELECTROWINNING - An electrode for use in producing copper in either a conventional electrowinning cell or the direct electrowinning cell is provided. The electrode includes a hanger bar and an electrode body coupled with the hanger bar. The electrode body includes at least one conductor rod having a core and an outer layer surrounding the core and a substrate coupled with the conductor rod. | 05-23-2013 |
20130121910 | CONTROLLED COPPER LEACH RECOVERY CIRCUIT - The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118310 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECOVERING RHENIUM FROM A COPPER LEACH - Various embodiments provide new methods of rhenium recovery. The methods can include subjecting a metal-bearing solution to an activated carbon bed, and adsorbing rhenium onto the activated carbon. The methods can also include heating a basic aqueous elution solution and eluting the rhenium from the activated carbon with the heated elution solution. The methods can also incorporate an ion exchange as a rhenium recovery apparatus. | 05-16-2013 |
20130001093 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROWINNING COPPER USING AN ATMOSPHERIC LEACH WITH FERROUS/FERRIC ANODE REACTION ELECTROWINNING - The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for recovering metal values from a metal-bearing materials, and more specifically, a process for recovering copper and other metals through leaching, electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and the synergistic addition of ferrous iron to the leach step. | 01-03-2013 |
20120304827 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECOVERING RHENIUM FROM A COPPER LEACH - Various embodiments provide new methods of rhenium recovery. The methods can include subjecting a metal-bearing solution to an activated carbon bed, and adsorbing rhenium onto the activated carbon. The methods can also include heating a basic aqueous elution solution and eluting the rhenium from the activated carbon with the heated elution solution. | 12-06-2012 |
20120205254 | CONTACT BAR ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE CONTACT BAR ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The present invention relates to a contact bar assembly for use in a multi-cell electrolytic system for recovery of metal, to a system including the contact bar assembly, and to a method of using the assembly and system. The contact bar assembly includes a base cap board, a primary bar having a plurality of primary bar structures formed thereon, an auxiliary bar having a plurality of auxiliary bar structures formed thereon, and a top cap board, wherein the base cap board includes slots to receive the primary bar and the auxiliary bar, and wherein the top cap board includes a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of primary bar structures and the plurality of auxiliary bar structures. A system includes the contact bar assembly, an anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205239 | ANODE ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The present invention relates to an anode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell for recovery of metal. The assembly includes a hanger bar, a first perimeter bar, a second perimeter bar, optionally one or more center conductor bars, a base bar, a first tab coupled to the first perimeter bar and/or the base bar, and a second tab coupled to the second perimeter bar and/or the base bar. The assembly may also include insulating separators coupled to the tabs and/or insulators coupled to an active area of the anode assembly. A system includes the anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank. | 08-16-2012 |
20120125160 | SILICA REMOVAL FROM PREGNANT LEACH SOLUTIONS - The present invention relates generally to a process for removing dissolved or colloidal silica from a pregnant leach solution (“PLS”). More particularly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a, process which mixes PLS with an acid source, preferably lean electrolyte, to induce formation of colloidal silica that can then be collected and removed. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one silica seeding agent is added to induce formation of colloidal silica, at least one flocculant is added to induce aggregation of the colloidal silica, and a solid-liquid separation process is utilized to remove advantageous amounts or substantially all of the colloidal silica, thereby providing relief from supersaturation of dissolved silica in the metal recovery processes. | 05-24-2012 |
20120118110 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LEACHING A METAL-BEARING ORE FOR THE RECOVERY OF A METAL VALUE - A system and method for recovering a metal value from a metal-bearing ore material are provided. A metal-bearing ore can be mixed with certain substances and to form an agglomerated ore. In an intermediate state, between agglomeration and heap formation, bacteria can be added to the metal-bearing ore material to produce an augmented ore. The augmented ore can then be formed into a heap. | 05-17-2012 |
20120085706 | METHOD AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE FOR SOLVENT EXTRACTION OPERATION - The present invention relates to a method and article for manipulating an amount of organic material entrained in an aqueous phase of a solvent extraction process. The method includes estimating an interfacial shear stress between an aqueous phase and an organic phase of a solvent extraction apparatus, estimating an amount of organic material entrained in the aqueous phase based on the estimated interfacial shear stress, and manipulating one or more solvent extraction process parameters to manipulate the amount of organic material entrained in the aqueous phase. The method and apparatus can be used to improve performance of and reduce operating costs associated with the solvent extraction apparatus. | 04-12-2012 |
20120060651 | CONTROLLED COPPER LEACH RECOVERY CIRCUIT - The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage. | 03-15-2012 |
20120018300 | ANODE STRUCTURE FOR COPPER ELECTROWINNING - An electrode for use in producing copper in either a conventional electrowinning cell or the direct electrowinning cell is provided. The electrode includes a hanger bar and an electrode body coupled with the hanger bar. The electrode body includes at least one conductor rod having a core and an outer layer surrounding the core and a substrate coupled with the conductor rod. | 01-26-2012 |
20110299225 | MULTI-COATED ELECTRODE AND METHOD OF MAKING - Various embodiments provide an electrode comprising a conductive substrate, a first layer of a mixture comprising iridium oxide in a crystalline phase and tantalum oxide in an amorphous phase on a portion of an outer surface of the conductive substrate, and a second layer of the mixture comprising iridium oxide in an amorphous phase and tantalum oxide in an amorphous phase on an outer surface of the first layer. | 12-08-2011 |
20110284369 | DOUBLE CONTACT BAR INSULATOR ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTROWINNING OF A METAL - In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode. | 11-24-2011 |
20110277593 | CONTROLLED COPPER LEACH RECOVERY CIRCUIT - The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage. | 11-17-2011 |
20110014097 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONVERSION OF MOLYBDENITE TO ONE OR MORE MOLYBDENUM OXIDES - A system and method for producing molybdenum oxide(s) from molybdenum sulfide are disclosed. The system includes a pressure leach vessel, a solid-liquid separation stage coupled to the pressure leach vessel, a solvent-extraction stage coupled to the solid-liquid separation stage, and a base stripping stage coupled to the solvent-extraction stage. The method includes providing a molybdenum sulfide feed, subjecting the feed to a pressure leach process, subjecting pressure leach process discharge to a solid-liquid separation process to produce a discharge liquid stream and a discharge solids stream, and subjecting the discharge liquid stream to a solvent extraction and a base strip process. | 01-20-2011 |
20110000337 | SILICA REMOVAL FROM PREGNANT LEACH SOLUTIONS - The present invention relates generally to a process for removing dissolved or colloidal silica from a pregnant leach solution (“PLS”). More particularly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a process which mixes PLS with an acid source, preferably lean electrolyte, to induce formation of colloidal silica that can then be collected and removed. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one silica seeding agent is added to induce formation of colloidal silica, at least one flocculant is added to induce aggregation of the colloidal silica, and a solid-liquid separation process is utilized to remove advantageous amounts or substantially all of the colloidal silica, thereby providing relief from supersaturation of dissolved silica in the metal recovery processes. | 01-06-2011 |
20100224484 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING COPPER POWDER BY ELECTROWINNING IN A FLOW-THROUGH ELECTROWINNING CELL - This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using conventional electrowinning chemistry (i.e., oxygen evolution at an anode) in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes and/or direct electrowinning. | 09-09-2010 |
20100206741 | PROCESS FOR MULTIPLE STAGE DIRECT ELECTROWINNING OF COPPER - A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent/solution extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution in multiple electrowinning stages, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent/solution extraction prior to electrowinning. | 08-19-2010 |
20100187125 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROWINNING COPPER USING FERROUS/FERRIC ANODE REACTION - The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m | 07-29-2010 |