Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for the combined electrolytic and thermal production of hydrogen gas, the method comprising: (i) providing a plasma treatment unit having a plasma treatment chamber comprising first and second electrodes, and a first gas outlet in fluid communication with said plasma treatment chamber; wherein a base portion of the plasma treatment chamber forms a reservoir of an aqueous electrolyte; wherein the first electrode is comprised within a plasma torch whereby the plasma torch is arranged at a distance above a surface of the reservoir; and wherein the second electrode is submerged in the aqueous electrolyte; (ii) establishing a DC electric potential between the first and second electrodes whilst providing a flow of non-oxidising ionisable gas between the first electrode and the surface of the reservoir to generate and sustain a plasma arc therebetween, thereby producing hydrogen gas in the plasma treatment chamber; and (iii) recovering the hydrogen gas via the first gas outlet. The present invention also relates to a plasma treatment unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/04 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
• B01J 19/08 - Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiationApparatus therefor
• C01B 3/04 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by decomposition of inorganic compounds, e.g. ammonia
• C25B 9/30 - Cells comprising movable electrodes, e.g. rotary electrodesAssemblies of constructional parts thereof
• C25B 9/60 - Constructional parts of cells
• C25B 9/67 - Heating or cooling means
• C25B 15/021 - Process control or regulation of heating or cooling
• C25B 15/027 - Temperature
• C25B 15/04 - Regulation of the inter-electrode distance
• C25B 15/08 - Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytesRegeneration of electrolytes

Abstract

A method for plasma treatment of wet metal-containing wastes in which a plasma treatment unit comprises an electrically conductive hearth for holding a layer of slag and optionally a layer of metal produced by the plasma treatment. A graphite electrode is arranged above the hearth, so that, in use, a plasma arc is formed between the electrode and the hearth. One or more inlets for the particulate metal-containing waste are arranged adjacent to the electrode and sufficiently close to the electrode so that, in use, the particulate metal-containing waste fed into the plasma treatment unit falls close to the arc formed between the electrode and the hearth and is heated by the plasma arc before contacting the slag layer such that moisture present in the particulate metal-containing waste is completely volatilized in a head space of the furnace.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 7/00 - Working-up raw materials other than ores, e.g. scrap, to produce non-ferrous metals or compounds thereof
• C22B 4/00 - Electrothermal treatment of ores or metallurgical products for obtaining metals or alloys
• C22B 4/08 - Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, and apparatus for the recovery of precious metals. Accordingly, it provides a continuous process for obtaining a precious metal composition from a feedstock material, the process comprising the steps of: (i) heating a feedstock material in a plasma furnace to form an upper slag layer and a lower molten metal layer; (ii) removing the slag layer; (iii) removing the molten metal layer; (iv) allowing the removed molten metal layer to solidify; (v) fragmenting the solidified metal layer to form fragments; and (vi) recovering a precious metal composition from the fragments; wherein the feedstock material comprises a precious metal containing material and a collector metal, said collector metal being a metal or an alloy that is capable of forming a solid solution, an alloy or an intermetallic compound with one or more precious metals. This allows for high recovery yields of precious metals. The apparatus comprises a plasma furnace, a casting table enabling continuous casting of the molten metal pool to form a solidified sheet, a fragmentation device and a separation unit for recovering precious-metal-rich alloy from the sheet fragments.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 11/02 - Obtaining noble metals by dry processes
• C22B 4/00 - Electrothermal treatment of ores or metallurgical products for obtaining metals or alloys
• C22B 9/22 - Remelting metals with heating by wave energy or particle radiation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, and apparatus for the recovery of precious metals. Accordingly, it provides a continuous process for obtaining a precious metal composition from a feedstock material, the process comprising the steps of : (i) heating a feedstock material in a plasma furnace to form an upper slag layer and a lower molten metal layer; (ii) removing the slag layer; (iii) removing the molten metal layer; (iv) allowing the removed molten metal layer to solidify; (v) fragmenting the solidified metal layer to form fragments; and (vi) recovering a precious metal composition from the fragments; wherein the feedstock material comprises a precious metal containing material and a collector metal, said collector metal being a metal or an alloy that is capable of forming a solid solution, an alloy or an intermetallic compound with one or more precious metals. This allows for high recovery yields of precious metals. The apparatus comprises a plasma furnace, a casting table enabling continuous casting of the molten metal pool to form a solidified sheet, a fragmentation device and a separation unit for recovering precious-metal-rich alloy from the sheet fragments.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 4/08 - Apparatus
• C22B 7/00 - Working-up raw materials other than ores, e.g. scrap, to produce non-ferrous metals or compounds thereof
• C22B 9/22 - Remelting metals with heating by wave energy or particle radiation
• C22B 11/02 - Obtaining noble metals by dry processes

Goods & Services

Machine and machine tools; machine cutting and transmission components (except for land vehicles); apparatus for the charging of furnaces; machine plasma arc torches; plasma welding apparatus (gas operated); plasma welding machines. Electrodes; welding electrodes; computer software. Apparatus for heating, lighting, steam generating, cooking, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes; furnaces; furnaces for industrial use; furnaces for gas recovery purposes; furnaces for decontaminating metals; furnaces for melting metals; heating furnaces other than for laboratory experiments; articles for use in the application and/or production of heat in furnaces; heating apparatus for furnaces; shaped fittings for furnaces; carbon electrodes for use in furnaces. Building construction, repair and installation services; construction, installation and repair of industrial furnaces. Treatment of materials; treatment (recycling) of waste; treatment (transformation) of waste; treatment of waste materials; production of energy; incineration, destruction and recycling of waste and trash; sorting of waste and recyclable materials; decontamination of nuclear waste; material treatment of waste; processing of waste materials; treatment (recycling) of radioactive waste; treatment of chemical waste; treatment of hazardous waste; treatment of industrial waste; treatment of toxic waste; waste management information; waste management services (recycling). Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; writing, development, updating and design of computer software; industrial analysis and research services; design of manufacturing apparatus, installations, machines and methods; environmental monitoring of waste treatment areas; environment consultancy services.