Allen M Moore

US Patent:

60926651, Jul 25, 2000

Filed:

Jul 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/737871

Inventors:

Roland Schmidt - Lakewood CO
Dale L. Denham - Louisville CO
Ralph B. Tacoma - Green River WY
Allen H. Moore - Parker CO
Allan L. Turner - Lakewood CO

Assignee:

Environmental Projects, Inc - Casper WY

International Classification:

B03B 100

US Classification:

209 3

Abstract:

A process is provided for recovering a saline mineral from an ore containing the saline mineral and impurities. In one aspect, the process generally includes the steps of separating a first portion of impurities from the ore by density separation, electrostatically separating a second portion of impurities from the ore, and magnetically separating a third portion of impurities from the ore. The process can further include the steps of crushing the ore and dividing the crushed ore into a plurality of size fractions before the above-referenced separating steps. In another aspect, the process includes the steps of calcining the ore and subsequently separating a first portion of impurities by density separation. Indirect heating may be utilized for the calcining process and, preferably, calcining gases are recycled and utilized for heating fluidizing another portion of ore. Water vapor may be condensed from the calcining gas and utilized for other purposes.