US4385915A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Removal of germanium from the effluent of processes for the production of optical components
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1982-03-01
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Granted: 1983-05-31
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Expires: 2002-03-01
Abstract
Abstract Recovery of germanium from the effluent of optical fiber manufacturing processes depends on the realization that the germanium is to a substantial extent in gaseous form. Thus, to separate the germanium effectively appropriate measures are taken to separate not only particulate matter but also gaseous germanium compounds. This separation is done through among other steps an appropriate solvation and precipitation to remove the gaseous germanium material.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey A. Amelse
- 👤 Michael P. Bohrer
- 👤 Darwin L. Wood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:24
CPC Classifications
C; C01; C01G; C01G17/00; B; B01; B01D; B01D53/00; B01D53/34; B01D53/46; B01D53/64; C03; C03B; C03B37/00; C03B37/01; C03B37/012; C03B37/014; C03B37/0144; C03B37/018; C03B37/01846; C22; C22B; C22B41/00; C22B7/00; C22B7/006; C22B7/02; C03B2201/00; C03B2201/06; C03B2201/30; C03B2201/31; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P10/00; Y02P10/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A process for the removal of germanium from the gaseous effluent of an optical fiber fabrication process, wherein said fabrication process involves the reaction of silicon and germanium compounds with oxygen in the substantial absence of a source of hydrogen, comprising the steps of ( 1) subjecting said effluent to an aqueous medium thereby dissolving gaseous germanium entities from said effluent in said aqueous medium and (2) precipitating said dissolved germanium entities by addition to said aqueous medium of a precipitating agent for said germanium.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A process for the removal of germanium from the gaseous effluent of an optical fiber fabrication process, wherein said fabrication process involves the reaction of silicon and germanium compounds with oxygen in the substantial absence of a source of hydrogen, comprising the steps of ( 1) subjecting said effluent to an aqueous medium thereby dissolving gaseous germanium entities from said effluent in said aqueous medium and (2) precipitating said dissolved germanium entities by addition to said aqueous medium of a precipitating agent for said germanium.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said precipitating agent comprises Mg +2 .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said precipitating agent comprises Ca +2 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said aqueous medium comprises an aqueous basic medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1 wherein H 2 O 2 is added to said medium to react with ClO - ions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the pH of said aqueous medium is in the range 11 to 13.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said precipitating agent comprises compounds having a cation chosen from the group consisting of Fe +2 , Fe +3 , Al +3 , and Zn +2 .
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4217027A
Cited
US4217027B1
Cited
JPS5245347A
Cited
US4302230A
Cited
US4280829A
Cited
US4304581A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-05-30 | 1986-11-29 | 1987-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-30 | 1990-11-29 | 1991-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-30 | 1994-11-29 | 1995-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |