Title:
A PROCESS FOR THE RECOVERY OF SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2004106592
Kind Code:
A8
Abstract:
Apparatus (1) for the recovery of synthetic diamonts from capsules includes a plurality of enclosures (2), in this embodiment bags, formed from an ion permeable membrane (3) each having a plate-like anode (5) centrally positioned therein. Plate-like cathodes (6) are located on either side of each bag (2) to form a alternating series of cathodes (6) and anodes (5). These are suspended in a container (8) which is partly filled with an electrolyte (9). The capsules (10), each formed from a mixture of graphite and a meal catalyst (5) and containing synthetic diamonds, are loaded into the bags (2) in contact with the anodes (5). The capsules (10) can be whole or in a fragmented form. A DC current is then passed through the anodes (5) and cathodes (6). The electrolyte (9) is selected to have a pH range suitable for the deposition of (10) the metal catalyst on to the cathodes (6) and is usually made up of one or more of hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid. Passing an electrical current through the electrodes causes dissolution of the metal catalyst and migration of the metal ions through the ion permeable membrane (3) to the cathodes (6) where they deposit as a metal. On completion of the process, graphite and diamonds are left in the bags (2). This mixture is removed from the bags (2) and the diamonds separated out.
Inventors:
STANKIEWICZ JOZEF LEOPOLD (ZA)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2004/001745
Publication Date:
February 16, 2006
Filing Date:
May 27, 2004
Export Citation:
Assignee:
STANKIEWICZ JOZEF LEOPOLD (ZA)
International Classes:
B08B3/10; C25F1/04; C25F5/00; (IPC1-7): C25F1/04; B08B3/10
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