METHOD FOR RECOVERING CATALYTIC METAL USING POROUS METAL

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for recovering catalytic metals from fluids containing the catalytic metal colloids.

SOLUTION: Fluid compositions such as rinse solutions or dragout baths containing catalytic metal colloids are passed through a porous metal filter 18 that entraps the catalytic metal colloids on the porous metal filter. The catalytic metal colloids have a high affinity for the porous metal filter in contrast to other components of the fluids. The other components of the fluids pass through the porous metal filter while the catalytic colloids concentrate on the porous metal filter. The catalytic metal colloids that are captured on the porous metal filter are removed from the filter by backwashing the filter with a gas and/or a liquid from a substrate inlet valve 32. The backwashing forces the catalytic metal colloids off the porous metal filter and through a discharge valve 34 and into a solids collection container. The method, accompanied by high catalytic metal recovery, is economically efficient and environmentally friendly.

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