Abstract

A process for the decomposition of a rare earth-bearing mineral comprises the steps of providing a bed comprising a feedstock material mixed with a source of an oxoacid of sulphur on a conveyor movable by a conveyor system, the feedstock material containing the rare earth-bearing mineral, moving the bed past a first heating source and heating the bed to a temperature in a range of 160°C to 900°C, to at least partially decompose the rare earth-bearing mineral in the presence of the oxoacid of sulphur to form a rare earth sulphate product and a gaseous product.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 1/02 - Roasting processes
• C22B 1/06 - Sulfating roasting
• C22B 3/02 - Apparatus therefor
• C22B 3/08 - Sulfuric acid
• C22B 5/08 - Dry processes by sulfidesRoasting reaction processes
• C22B 5/16 - Dry processes with volatilisation or condensation of the metal being produced
• C22B 59/00 - Obtaining rare earth metals

Abstract

A system (10) for processing a product body comprises a perforated belt (14), at least a first processing station (16) and a drive arrangement 18.1 to 18.4 for displacing the belt (14) relative to the first processing station (16). The first processing station (16) comprises a heating arrangement (24), a suction arrangement (26) and a fluid discharge arrangement (28). The heating arrangement (24) is located adjacent the top surface (20) of the belt (14). In use, the heating arrangement (24), heats the product body (12) held by the belt (14). The suction arrangement (26) is located opposite the heating arrangement (24) and adjacent the bottom surface (22) of the belt (14). In use, the suction arrangement (26) removes a first fluid from the first processing station (16). The fluid discharge arrangement (28) discharges a second heated fluid (30) into the first processing station (16).

IPC Classes  ?

• F26B 17/04 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed by belts carrying the materialsMachines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed by belts propelling the materials over stationary surfaces the belts being all horizontal or slightly inclined
• F26B 21/04 - Circulating air or gases in closed cycles, e.g. wholly within the drying enclosure partly outside the drying enclosure

Abstract

Apparatus 12 for treating a body 16 of an input material comprising an extrudable part and a non-extrudable part comprises at least one extruding assembly 14.1. The extruder 22, 24 for converting the extrudable part into an extruded part. The extruder is located downstream of an inlet 28 for the input material to the passage and upstream from a first outlet 30 from the passage for the extruded part and a second outlet 32 from the passage for the non-extrudable part. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism 34 cooperating with the passage 20 for directing the extruded part to the first outlet 30 and the non-extrudable part to the second outlet 32.

IPC Classes  ?

• C02F 11/12 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
• C02F 11/18 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by thermal conditioning

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for dehydrating a mouldable sludge body (22) comprises a perforated steel belt (12) for receiving and holding the sludge body. The apparatus comprises a dehydration station (24) comprising a heating arrangement (26) located adjacent a first surface (12.1 ) of the belt and a suction arrangement (28) located adjacent an opposite surface (12.2) of the belt. The heating arrangement comprises one of a microwave emitting source and an infrared wave emitting source. A drive arrangement (14) causes the belt to move along a path (13) past the dehydration station. A moulding arrangement (30) upstream of the dehydration station forms alternate ridges and groves in the body, thereby to improve the efficiency of the drying at the dehydration station.

IPC Classes  ?

• C02F 11/12 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening