Stephen C Britten

US Patent:

59763450, Nov 2, 1999

Filed:

Jan 5, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/002581

Inventors:

Uday Pal - Needham MA
Stephen C. Britten - Ansonia CT

Assignee:

Boston University - Boston MA

International Classification:

C25C 300

US Classification:

205336

Abstract:

An amperometric in situ apparatus and technique for measuring the concentrations and transport properties of easily dissociable oxides in slags is described. The technique consists of a combination of different measurements utilizing an electrolyte to separate a reference-gas compartment from the slag of interest. A potentiometric measurement (type I) provides information on the thermodynamic properties of the slag; an amperometric measurement (type II) yields information concerning the type and transport properties of dissociable oxides; an electrolysis measurement (type III) determines the concentration of dissociable oxides. A method and apparatus for metals extraction is also described which includes a vessel for holding a molten electrolyte, the electrolyte comprising a mobile metallic species and an anionic species having a diffusivity greater than about 10. sup. -5 cm. sup. 2 /sec; a cathode and an anode, the cathode in electrical contact with the molten metal electrolyte, the cathode and molten electrolyte separated from the anode by an ionic membrane capable of transporting the anionic species of the electrolyte into the membrane; and a power source for generating a potential between the cathode and the anode.

US Patent:

62997424, Oct 9, 2001

Filed:

Aug 3, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/368308

Inventors:

Uday Pal - Dover MA
Stephen C. Britten - Ansonia CT

Assignee:

Trustees of Boston University - Boston MA

International Classification:

B01D 5940

US Classification:

2042431

Abstract:

An amperometric in situ apparatus and technique for measuring the concentrations and transport properties of easily dissociable oxides in slags is described. The technique consists of a combination of different measurements utilizing an electrolyte to separate a reference-gas compartment from the slag of interest. A method and apparatus for metals extraction is also described which includes a vessel for holding a molten electrolyte, the electrolyte comprising a mobile metallic species and an anionic species having a diffusivity greater than about 10. sup. -5 cm. sup. 2 /sec; a cathode and an anode, the cathode in electrical contact with the molten metal electrolyte, the cathode and molten electrolyte separated from the anode by an ionic membrane capable of transporting the anionic species of the electrolyte into the membrane; and a power source for generating a potential between the cathode and the anode.