CO2-based ore pretreatment for greener mineral processing
This technology describes a process for treating crushed ore mixed with water by injecting carbon dioxide into the container under controlled pressure and then applying heat. The CO2 dissolves into the water, creating carbonic acid conditions that chemically alter the ore slurry. This approach likely improves mineral liberation, selective dissolution, or separation efficiency compared to conventional reagents. The process offers a potentially lower-cost and more environmentally benign alternative to traditional acid or chemical treatments used in mineral processing.
What you could build
A CO2-assisted ore pretreatment system integrated into mineral processing plants, sold or licensed to mining companies seeking greener beneficiation processes or seeking to reduce reagent costs and regulatory exposure.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia has active coal and aggregate mining operations, and companies involved in mineral processing or mine remediation in the Appalachian region could find this relevant.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Wencai ZHANG, Xu WANG
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed February 21, 2025
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250269385A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.