Method and apparatus for converting metal ion in solution to the metal state
First Claim
1. A method for converting metal ions in solution to the metal state comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an initial quantity of reaction solution containing a matrix of chemicals, the reaction solution comprising an electroless solution for said ions including a chelating agent for the ions;
(b) providing a chamber for containing the reaction solution;
(c) delivering the reaction solution to the chamber;
(d) feeding the reaction solution in the chamber through a filter constructed of a polymer treated with a catalyst at a pre-determined filter exposure rate for reducing ions to the metal ground state;
(e) repeating steps (c) to (d) one or more times until ion concentration in the reaction solution is less than or equal to a minimal concentration limit.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A metal ion conversion process, where the chelation component of a matrix of chemicals forms an electroless solution for converting metal ion to the metal state. The chelated metal complex is repeatedly circulated through a filter. The solution matrix is cycled back continuously through the filter and the metal ion is titrated back (colorimetrically) from various processes containing excess metal ion. The reactants required to complete said ‘electroless’ reaction are repleted continuously as said solution matrix cycles through said filter. The process is repeated continuously until the metal ion is exhausted or to the limit of the filter volume. Any residual metal ion present may then be polished down to acceptable limits by the same means and then resulting solution is discharged or used for further neutralization cycles.
11 Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A method for converting metal ions in solution to the metal state comprising the steps of:
-
(a) providing an initial quantity of reaction solution containing a matrix of chemicals, the reaction solution comprising an electroless solution for said ions including a chelating agent for the ions;
(b) providing a chamber for containing the reaction solution;
(c) delivering the reaction solution to the chamber;
(d) feeding the reaction solution in the chamber through a filter constructed of a polymer treated with a catalyst at a pre-determined filter exposure rate for reducing ions to the metal ground state;
(e) repeating steps (c) to (d) one or more times until ion concentration in the reaction solution is less than or equal to a minimal concentration limit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. An apparatus for converting copper ions in a reaction solution, the reaction solution comprising an electroless solution for said ions including a chelating agent for the ions, to the metal state comprising:
-
(f) a chamber for containing the reaction solution;
(g) a filter in fluid communication with the chamber providing a catalytic surface for metallic copper deposition from the reaction solution when fed through the filter, the filter surface being a polymer treated with a catalyst; and
(h) a heating element for monitoring and controlling the temperature of the reaction solution when fed through the filter;
(i) a pump element for circulating the reaction solution after flow through the filter to the chamber. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
-
-
26. A method for converting metal ions in solution to the metal state comprising the steps of:
-
(j) providing an initial quantity of reaction solution containing a matrix of chemicals, the reaction solution comprising an electroless solution for said ions including a chelating agent for the ions at a temperature between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit;
(k) providing a chamber for containing the reaction solution;
(l) delivering the reaction solution to the chamber;
(m) feeding the reaction solution in the chamber through a filter constructed of a polymer treated with a catalyst at a pre-determined filter exposure rate for reducing ions to the metal ground state;
(n) repeating steps (c) to (d) one or more times until ion concentration in the reaction solution is less than or equal to a minimal concentration limit.
-
Specification