Patent ID: 6669864
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: B09C,C22B,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
An aqueous caustic silica solution for treating a contaminated starting material having mineral elements and charged ions, said mineral elements and charged ions being solvated, chelated, or complexed in a structural arrangement, said aqueous caustic silica solution comprising:an admixture of silica and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide in water; said aqueous caustic silica solution comprising from about 0.2% to about 5% w/w dissolved silica and about from 6% to about 60% w/w of a hydroxide component; and said aqueous caustic silica solution adapted to contact said starting material to effect breaking apart said structured arrangement and adapted to, subsequently, release said mineral elements and said charged ions from said structured arrangement, and further adapted to solubilize said released mineral elements and said charged ions and to sustain said solubility thereof.