US3662998A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mercury, vapor type ore reduction apparatus and method
Assignee: Mercury Processors Inc
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Filing: 1970-03-16
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-03-16
Abstract
Abstract A crushed ore is conveyed through a series of roasting chambers located below associated heat generating zones. Mercury vapors released from the ore descend from the roasting chambers into a condensing chamber and pass through cooling sprays of water. The liquefied mercury and water is collected at the bottom while noncondensible gases are withdrawn through flue outlets.
Inventors
- 👤 Edwin F Stratton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:16
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22B; C22B43/00; C22B5/00; C22B5/02; C22B5/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
39 words
The combination of claim 1 including means pressurizing the heat generating means relative to the roasting chamber for establishing air curtains at the inlet and outlet ends of the roasting chamber preventing escape of vapors released from the ore.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said heat generating means includes reflective means enclosing a combustion chamber above the heat conductive means, cooling means mounted externally on the reflective means for increasing the reflectivity thereof, fuel injection means mounted within the combustion chamber and exhaust means for removing combustion products from the combustion chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said condensing means includes spray nozzles mounted internally of the housing and means for supplying water under pressure to the nozzles for establishing a cooling curtain of water sprays through which said descending gases pass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein said reflective means includes a reflective plate and an insulative layer coating the plate externally of the combustion chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said heat generating means includes reflective means enclosing a combustion chamber above the heat conductive means, cooling means mounted externally on the reflective means for increasing the reflectivity thereof, fuel injection means mounted within the combustion chamber and exhaust means for removing combustion products from the combustion chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein said reflective means includes a reflective plate and an insulative layer coating the plate externally of the combustion chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said condensing means includes spray nozzles mounted internally of the housing and means for supplying water under pressure to the nozzles for establishing a cooling curtain of water sprays through which said descending gases pass.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination of claim 8 including means pressurizing the heat generating meanS relative to the roasting chamber for establishing air curtains at the inlet and outlet ends of the roasting chamber preventing escape of vapors released from the ore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
98 words
In the system for treating a metal bearing ore, means for supporting the ore, a housing enclosing a roasting zone above the supporting means, means for sealing the roasting zone, heat generating means for radiating heat through the sealing means into the roasting zone, elevating the ore above a predetermined vaporizing temperature, condensing means mounted by the housing below the roasting chamber for reducing the temperature of gases descending from the ore below said vaporizing temperature to recover liquefied vapors, and means for removing non-condensible gases from the housing vertically between the condensing means and the supporting means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |