US4208258A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for the recovery of mercury and other heavy metal ions from a liquid stream
Assignee: BASF Corp
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Filing: 1978-05-30
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Granted: 1980-06-17
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Expires: 1998-05-30
Abstract
Abstract Small quantities of metal ions can be removed from an aqueous solution by subjecting the solution to an electric current in the presence of an anode and a fibrous metal cathode. The invention also provides an electrolytic apparatus having such electrodes. The process is particularly adaptable to the removal of mercury contamination from liquid brine streams.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward N. Balko
- 👤 Shyam D. Argade
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:32
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/46; C02F1/461; C02F1/46104; C02F1/46109; C02F1/46114; C01; C01D; C01D3/00; C01D3/14; C02F1/467; C02F1/4676; C02F1/4678; C25; C25B; C25B9/00; C25B9/40; C25B9/47; C25B9/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A process for removing small amounts of mercury from an aqueous electrolyte solution containing sodium chloride which comprises the steps of recycling said solution through a chamber while subjecting the solution to the action of a direct current maintained between an anode and a cathode bed both located above the lower portion of the chamber, said cathode bed being below the anode and comprised of conductive fibers extending throughout a complete cross-section of the chamber, whereby dissolved mercury is electrodeposited from said solution in the cathode bed and drops therefrom by gravitational force, collecting mercury in the bottom of said chamber, and periodically removing the mercury from the bottom of the chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A process for removing small amounts of mercury from an aqueous electrolyte solution containing sodium chloride which comprises the steps of recycling said solution through a chamber while subjecting the solution to the action of a direct current maintained between an anode and a cathode bed both located above the lower portion of the chamber, said cathode bed being below the anode and comprised of conductive fibers extending throughout a complete cross-section of the chamber, whereby dissolved mercury is electrodeposited from said solution in the cathode bed and drops therefrom by gravitational force, collecting mercury in the bottom of said chamber, and periodically removing the mercury from the bottom of the chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the mercury is collected on an auxiliary cathode at the bottom of the chamber whereby reoxidation of the metallic mercury is prevented.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said conductive fibers are composed of lead.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1, wherein a separator is provided between the anode and the cathode bed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US3457152A
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US3899405A
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Cited
US3970531A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-06-17 | 1983-12-17 | 1984-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-06-17 | 1987-12-17 | 1988-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-06-17 | 1991-12-17 | 1992-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |