US4098866A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Recovery of uranium from refractory ores
Assignee: United States Department of the Interior
•
Filing: 1977-04-15
•
Granted: 1978-07-04
•
Expires: 1997-04-15
Abstract
Abstract Uranium is recovered from refractory carbonaceous-sulfidic ores or concentrates by leaching with nitric acid, followed by sorption on an ion exchange resin. In addition, the nitric acid leach solution is regenerated and recycled.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas G. Carnahan
- 👤 Kenneth P. V. Lei
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 06:32
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22B; C22B60/00; C22B60/02; C22B60/0204; C22B60/0217; C22B60/0221; C22B60/0226; C22B60/0239; C22B60/0252; C22B60/0265
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A process for recovery of uranium from a refractory ore or concentrate containing about 0.05 to 25 percent carbonaceous material and about 0.05 to 25 percent sulfidic material comprising treating the ore or concentrate with a nitric acid solution at a temperature of about 80° to 140° C. to provide a uranium-containing leach solution.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
A process for recovery of uranium from a refractory ore or concentrate containing about 0.05 to 25 percent carbonaceous material and about 0.05 to 25 percent sulfidic material comprising treating the ore or concentrate with a nitric acid solution at a temperature of about 80° to 140° C. to provide a uranium-containing leach solution.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 in which the sulfidic material consists essentially of pyrite.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The process of claim 1 in which the uranium-containing leach solution is subsequently purified by contacting with a strong base anion exchange resin to absorb the uranium, followed by desorption of the uranium by means of a stripping solution.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 1 in which the nitric acid leach solution is regenerated by oxidation of nitric oxide formed in the leaching process.
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) | 1981-07-03 | 1982-01-02 | 1982-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-03 | 1986-01-02 | 1986-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-03 | 1990-01-02 | 1990-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |