Patent ID: 6110379
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: C01F,C01P,C02F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for removing contaminating metal ions from an aqueous solution which is initially acidic and which includes the steps performed in operable order:I. selecting at least one pair of electrodes and passing the aqueous solution between said at least one pair of electrodes, a voltage applied between each pair selected to condition at least one of said ions respectively to form first precipitate when a pH of said aqueous solution is subsequently raised to a value where said first precipitate is formed;II. providing a first chemical agent selected to raise a pH of said solution to said value;III. agitating said aqueous solution while adding said first chemical agent in sufficient amount to raise a pH of said solution to said value whereby a slurry of first precipitate of said conditioned metal ions forms;IV. providing a first means for separating said first precipitate from clarified liquid of said aqueous solution and discharging said aqueous solution into said first means for separating, permitting removal of said contaminating metal ions from said aqueous solution and leaving a clarified aqueous liquid fraction.