US4888293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Adapting bacteria to low pH and high arsenic concentration for use in oxidizing sulfide ores
Assignee: GB Biotech Inc
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Filing: 1987-07-10
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Granted: 1989-12-19
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Expires: 2007-07-10
Abstract
Abstract Bacterial cultures of T. thiooxidans, T. ferrooxidans and L. ferrooxidans used to oxidize multimetallic sulfide ores are first adapted to high dissolved arsenic concentrations and low pH by subjecting the cultures in a solution containing dissolved arsenic, to successive incremental concentrations of arsenic while operating in a continuous mode.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph P. Hackl
- 👤 Frank R. Wright
- 👤 Albert Bruynesteyn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 14:45
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12P; C12P3/00; C12N; C12N1/00; C12N1/36; C22; C22B; C22B3/00; C22B3/18; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P10/00; Y02P10/20; Y10; Y10S; Y10S423/00; Y10S423/09; Y10S423/17
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A process for selectively preparing a bacterial culture which is specifically adapted to the oxidative leaching of those sulfide ores and concentrates which form elemental sulfur at low pH values and high concentrations of dissolved arsenic, comprising adapting a mixed culture of bacteria containing Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Leptospirillum ferroxidans and Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in the presence of a finely ground multi-metallic ore or concentrate by continuously culturing said bacteria at progressively lower pH values to a pH of 1 or less, concurrently with culturing at progressively higher arsenic concentrations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A process for selectively preparing a bacterial culture which is specifically adapted to the oxidative leaching of those sulfide ores and concentrates which form elemental sulfur at low pH values and high concentrations of dissolved arsenic, comprising adapting a mixed culture of bacteria containing Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Leptospirillum ferroxidans and Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in the presence of a finely ground multi-metallic ore or concentrate by continuously culturing said bacteria at progressively lower pH values to a pH of 1 or less, concurrently with culturing at progressively higher arsenic concentrations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as in claim 1, wherein said bacteria are adapted by progressively culturing them at low pH values down to a pH of about 0.3.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process as in claim 1 wherein said bacteria are cultured on arsenic-containing substrates thereby resulting in progressively higher concentrations of at least 7000 mg/liter arsenic in solution.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A mixed culture of acidophilic bacteria coded GBB-MIXED, identified as deposit ATCC No. 53618, and containing T. ferrooxidans, T. thiooxidans and L. ferrooxidans, said mixed culture being effective at a pH of 1 to oxidize ores which form elemental sulfur.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A mixed culture of acidophilic bacteria coded GBB-MIXED, identified as deposit ATCC No. 53618, and containing T. ferrooxidans, T. thiooxidans and L. ferrooxidans, said mixed culture being effective at a pH of 1 to oxidize ores which form elemental sulfur.
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) | 1992-12-18 | 1993-06-19 | 1993-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-18 | 1997-06-19 | 1997-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-06-19 | 2001-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |