Robert D Rinehart

US Patent:

51164159, May 26, 1992

Filed:

Sep 25, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/588134

Inventors:

Robert W. Rinehart - Arvada CO

Assignee:

AQS, Inc. - Englewood CO

International Classification:

B01D 1500

US Classification:

75711

Abstract:

Hydrophilic hydrogels capable of a high degree of water imbibition are contacted with aqueous feedstocks containing metal and metal anion values to collect the water and dissolved or suspended values or materials. The term metals includes the free base and precious metals, alloys, salts (including their solvated and complex precious metal ions) and compounds, including base metal anions, and mixtures of the above which are soluble or insoluble in water. The feeds can be ores, industrial or other wastes. After contact, the hydrated hydrogel can be partially dehydrated and separated from the aqueous feedstock. The material values can be recovered by using a strong oxidant to destroy the hydrogel. The aqueous feedstock can be recycled or further purified.