US3953200A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nickel extraction process
Assignee: Ethyl Corp
•
Filing: 1975-03-27
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Granted: 1976-04-27
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Expires: 1995-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A process for extracting nickel from a low-grade nickel complex ore. The process features simultaneously grinding and leaching of the ore with an aqueous ammoniacal leach solution.
Inventors
- 👤 Suk Joong Im
- 👤 James D. Johnston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:07
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22B; C22B23/00; C22B23/04; C22B23/0407; C22B23/0446; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S423/00; Y10S423/09; Y10S423/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A process for recovering an increased quantity of nickel values from a low-grade complex nickel ore said process comprising simultaneously grinding and leaching with an aqueous ammonia and ammonium salt solution of a comminuted low-grade nickel ore characterized by having a nickel content of not more than about 0.5 percent by weight and a sulfur to nickel ratio of one or less for a time sufficient to form a resultant aqueous solution of nickel values.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A process for recovering an increased quantity of nickel values from a low-grade complex nickel ore said process comprising simultaneously grinding and leaching with an aqueous ammonia and ammonium salt solution of a comminuted low-grade nickel ore characterized by having a nickel content of not more than about 0.5 percent by weight and a sulfur to nickel ratio of one or less for a time sufficient to form a resultant aqueous solution of nickel values.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said ore is preground to a size of from about 35 to about 14 mesh before being simultaneously ground and leached.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said ore is ground, during simultaneous grinding and leaching, from about 35 to about 14 mesh to about 200 mesh.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said aqueous ammoniacal leach solution contains ammonia and ammonium salt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 4 wherein said leach solution additionally contains sulfite ions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 5 wherein said leach solution contains at least about 5 grams/liter of sulfite.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 4 wherein said leach solution additionally contains carbonate ions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 7 wherein said leach solution contains at least about 5 grams/liter of carbonate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 4 wherein said leach solution additionally contains a halide ion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 4 wherein said ammonium salt is selected from ammonium carbonate, ammonium sulfite, ammonium sulfate or ammonium halide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-04-27 | 1979-10-27 | 1980-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-04-27 | 1983-10-27 | 1984-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-04-27 | 1987-10-27 | 1988-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |