Dr Joe CHAMPION
Transmutations
Three Methods for Transmutation: Phonon
Resonance, Mutant Microbes, & NMR/Heat/Pressure
email: <drc@drjoechampion.com>
Understanding the Mathematics of Phonon Resonance
A. Waldrop : Phonon Resonance in Excel Spreadsheet
General Table of
Phonon Resonance
J. Champion
: 20th Century Alchemy
Phonon Conversion of Silver to Gold --- a Dimensional Formation
Dr. Joe Champion
( July 24, 2001 )
This paper was prepared in 2000 and published in 2001. Since the publication six years ago all of the mathematical formalization remain constant. However, the application of the process has changed to produce higher yields of gold. Now if you replicate this process and have high commercial yields of gold, I would appreciate an email. Normally what has been observed is a conversion of 1.0% gold from the silver. The last test of the modified system occurred on September 2007.
For those wanting the updated procedure or have general questions please email me : drc@drjoechampion.com
Good luck!
Personal Note...
This document is the first of a series of technologies that allows for the formation of new elements by an event that has eluded science. In the first part of this paper, one can safely convert silver (Ag) to gold (Au) in the confines of their home or laboratory. Next is a the complete theory has to 'why' the process works and finally is a procedure for the production of Au in its pure state that requires laboratory apparatuses and training.
General
In the formation of Ag (or other elements) from a dimensional reaction, the conversion will occur without excess energies or nuclear signatures. By heating Ag to a temperature of 43.2 oC. The principle is straightforward and simple without toxicity.
By utilizing a heat source that is stable and capable of heating in the range of 100 => 120o C assemble a vessel similar to that shown in Figure 1.
Allow the temperature of the silver to stabilize at the pre-mentioned temperature. It is important that you measure the temperature of the silver and not that of the sand. The function of the sand is to provide an even influx of temperature to the entire area of the silver and it provides an excellent insulator.
The temperature of 43.2 oC is optimum under ideal conditions. However, it is possible that the temperature may vary within the statistical limits shown in Table 1. When the temperature is exact for the reaction the silver with become endothermic. This means that the temperature will be slightly greater than that of the surrounding sand. A point of interest - this reaction is the same as observed in the working Cold Fusion cells of the past. The scientists were not observing a low energy nuclear event, they were observing an inter-dimensional phenomenon.
To achieve maximum convergence of Ag to Au will depend on the dwell time at resonance temperature. To date, visible conversion of Ag to Au has occurred in as little as six hours, with 2% conversion taking up to 24 hours.
The reaction is safe and produces no toxicities.
Theory
The conversion of one element (specifically one isotope) to another through a dimensional reaction occurs under select conditions of phonon resonance. Dimensional phonon resonance occurs when the space occupied by one isotope is exactly the same as that of another isotope in its rest state. This event only occur under the following two conditions: the expansion of an isotope by heating; or, the contraction of an isotope by cooling.
Due to the natural characteristics of elemental properties, this event is extremely rare and one can only force the event under select conditions. To determine the phonon resonance of an isotope, it is necessary to apply the following formula:
whereas, d - Density in gm/cm3
Na - Avogadro's Constant
m - mass
By determining the inverse, one will observe the linear atomic spacing.
Since the resonance frequency and spacing is required for all isotopes, the calculations for most isotopes may be reviewed in the attachments to this document. Following is an abstract of the data:
When an element is heated or cooled, the atomic spacing will change proportionally to the cube of the product of the temperature (increase/decrease) and the expansion coefficient. To understand, following is the mathematical model for determining the linear spacing in reference to temperature:
whereas, t - temperature increase
St - standardized temperature
Ec - expansion coefficient
To place this in perspective, to determine the exacting temperature for a dimensional phonon reaction to occur, requires knowing the starting element (specifically the isotope of the starting element if more than one) and the element to be produced. Once this is known, you can apply the following formula:
This will provide the temperature required within statistical probabilities. A statistical probability deals with the least significant digit (LSD) of each variable. In the case of phonon resonance, this is limited to the density. For example, the density of Ag is 10.50 gm/cm3. Taking that the accuracy is ±1 LSD, we can establish a variable range by applying the following:
Or, +/- 0.0009524
To place the mathematics in perspective, following is the calculations for the conversion of Ag107 to Au.
To find the most logical profile requires determining the basic phonon frequencies of all of the stable isotopes.
Conversion of Al to Au
The conversion of Al to Au is an absolute application of dimensional science. In this reaction, Au (gold) is produced in its ultra-pure state on a continuous basis. This procedure may be utilized for most elements. The basis of this dimensional occurs in the collection of atomic size particles that form near the resonant metal (in this case aluminum). Due to the size of the particles they appear in what normal chemistry would consider a gas phase. The targeted element (isotope) forms in its singular state and due to the lack of energies present. There are insufficient energies to bind the atoms into a colloidal state. This being the case, an apparatus similar to the following is required.
In the production of gold from aluminum, the ideal temperature is 302.9 oC. These temperatures are optimum for the Al (the Al must be allowed to come into equilibrium with the furnace). Once resonance is established, production is continuous. The Au is captured in the water as it is removed from a negative pressure applied to the furnace established by the vacuum pump. However, please be aware that Al will also convert to Ag107 at a temperature of 283.7oC. To understand this, the following chart is supplied:
Conclusion
Mathematical models that were later laboratory confirmed developed the material encompassed. I could spend pages discussing the history of discovery, but at this point my mission is accomplished.
Additional Procedures for the Production of Ag and Au
Addendum to: Phonon Conversion of Ag to Au --- a Dimensional Formation
At the time of printing the Phonon Conversion of Ag to Au, the genesis mapping of elements was not complete. Based on the above, the following allows the other potential formation patterns for Ag and Au.
For additional information refer to: Isotopic phonon spacing.htm
Note: Numbers are representative in the degrees Centigrade.
An interesting point, the above technology(s) is applied without knowledge as to why in the commercial mining field today. It is call roasting. However, to gain maximum yield from the reaction, one must utilize an apparatus similar to the one shown in Figure 2, "Phonon Conversion of Ag to Au --- a dimensional formation".
Please note a significant point of interest. This procedure is nondescript. As easy as zinc, aluminum, titanium or silver converts into gold, so does gold convert into titanium and silver.
Gold Detection in Silver Transformation
To determine if the procedure is working, take either the entire piece under test or a small piece by drilling out a sample and place it in 15% nitric acid (HNO3) and distilled water. Do this at extremely low heat (an excellent temperature is 109.7 oF. If Au is present, it will appear as black specks floating in the nitric solution. The larger the quantity of black specs, the larger the quantity of gold that has transformed.
Mutant Yeast ---
Making Gold
Prior to starting, I warn you that you that the probability is you may fail. I am not being negative, but realistic. To understand this more, please visit this page. It will cost you some money to get through the first step to see if you have the abilities to achieve the first level. Millions of dollars and brilliant people have attempted this process and I know of only two people who have reached near commercial production. If you attempt it, I wish you total success. However if you fail, please accept the risks for your money and time. To my knowledge there is no danger in this procedure or I would not be doing it...
Requirements include the following:
I bucket similar to a 5 gallon bucket purchased at a hardware
store
10 to 15 ounces of silver shot which can be ordered from any
jewelry store.
One gallon of distilled water
One kilogram of yeast [Preferred Fleischmann’s yeast]
Place the silver yeast and water in the bucket and place the bucket in a area that is warm. I use the sun as my heater but sunlight is not required.
The preferred temperature is near 100 degrees but the process will work at lower temperatures but is slower. Try to stir the bucket at least three times a day. During the first two days you may see the yeast rise. Just stir in back into the water. It will take between four and seven days for you to start seeing the first gold color on top of your silver shot. Depending on conditions it may take upwards to twenty days...
US Patent Application # 2008081359
METHODS FOR PRODUCING
MUTANT MICROBES USEFUL FOR PRECIOUS METAL
AND BIOENERGY PRODUCTION
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Inventor: CHAMPION JOE E (US); OWYANG RAYMOND (US)
Applicant: BIOMETAL L L C (US)
Classification: - international: C12P3/00; C10G32/00; C12N1/00;
C12N15/01; C12P3/00;
C10G32/00; C12N1/00; C12N15/01; - European: C12P3/00; C12N15/01
Abstract -- A mutant microbe that generates trace amounts of gold on silver, and uses of the mutant microbe for recovering precious metals and producing biofuels and oil products are described. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mutant microbe is produced by placing metallic silver in an aqueous solution, and adding a species of Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution such that when the species of Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into the mutant microbe that interacts with the metallic silver and forms a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on the metallic silver.
Inventors: CHAMPION; JOE E.; (Washington, UT) ; Owyang; Raymond; (San Francisco, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address:
RAYMOND OWYANG
20 WOOD STREET SAN FRANCISCO CA 94118 US
Assignee Name and Adress: BIOMETAL L.L.C., SAN FRANCISCO CA
U.S. Current Class: 435/168; 435/255.2; 435/281; 435/441
Intern'l Class: C12P 3/00 20060101 C12P003/00; C10G
32/00 20060101
C10G032/00; C12N 1/00 20060101 C12N001/00; C12N 15/01 20060101
C12N015/01
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to methods of mutation of yeast of the genus Sacchromyces with metallic silver. The mutant microbes carry out biological transmutation in coating silver with a trace amount of nano gold particles. The mutated microbes are useful in a number of applications including the recovery of precious metal values from mineral ores and the production of biofuels and oil products using both inorganic and organic matter as nutrient sources.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Biological Transmutation. Biological transmutation can be defined as a nuclear transmutation occurring in living organisms. Generally, the phenomenon is not accepted by mainstream science, which argues that transmutations are only possible in high-energy nuclear reactions. Such reactions are physically impossible in biological systems, as the amount of energy used in such a manner would be fatal within a several-kilometer radius. Proponents respond that evidence shows that transmutations do occur, and that the lack of a theoretical model adequately explaining the mechanisms involved (that is, without the emission of deadly amounts of energy) does not render that evidence invalid. The most prominent defender of the existence of biological transmutations is the French scientist Corentin Louis Kervran, who investigated discrepancies between the dietary or environmental intake of elements such as calcium, potassium or magnesium by various organisms and the quantities they hold or excrete. For instance he investigated the source of calcium chickens use for their eggshells, and concluded that they probably convert the calcium from dietary potassium.
[0005] Applicants have discovered mutant microbes obtained by treating microbes in aqueous solution with silver. The mutant microbes coat silver with a thin layer of a yellow material comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles by a biological transmutation process. Allotropic silver is yellow. But spectroscopic x-ray analysis and conventional metallurgical fire assay methods show the yellow material deposited on silver by the mutant microbes comprises trace amounts of nano gold particles.
[0006] Nanotechnology. Nanoparticles are of great scientific interest as they are effectively a bridge between bulk materials and atomic or molecular structures. A bulk material should have constant physical properties regardless of its size, but at the nano-scale this is often not the case. Size-dependent properties are observed such as quantum confinement in semiconductor particles, surface plasma resonance in some metal particles and superparamagnetism in magnetic materials.
[0007] The properties of materials change as their size approaches the nanoscale and as the percentage of atoms at the surface of a material becomes significant. For bulk materials larger than one micrometer the percentage of atoms at the surface is minuscule relative to the total number of atoms of the material. The interesting and sometimes unexpected properties of nanoparticles are not partly due to the aspects of the surface of the material dominating the properties in lieu of the bulk properties.
[0008] Nanoparticles exhibit a number of special properties relative to bulk material. For example, the bending of bulk copper (wire, ribbon, etc.) occurs with movement of copper atoms/clusters at about the 50 nm scale. Copper nanoparticles smaller than 50 nm are considered super hard materials that do not exhibit the same malleability and ductility as bulk copper. The change in properties is not always desirable. Ferroelectric materials smaller than 10 nm can switch their magnetization direction using room temperature thermal energy, thus making them useless for memory storage. Suspensions of nanoparticles are possible because the interaction of the particle surface with the solvent is strong enough to overcome differences in density, which usually result in a material either sinking or floating in a liquid. Nanoparticles often have unexpected visible properties because they are small enough to confine their electrons and produce quantum effects. For example gold nanoparticles appear deep red to black in solution.
[0009] Applicants have discovered that mutant microbes obtained by mutating microbes in aqueous solution with metallic silver deposit a thin layer of nano gold atoms and particles onto silver by a biological transmutation process.
[0010] Microbes for Precious Metal Recovery. The uses of microbes for recovering precious metals from mineral ores are known. Precious metals are frequently occluded, encapsulated, bonded and/or alloyed in mineral ores and are not amendable to conventional recovery methods. For example, gold often occurs as finely disseminated sub-microscopic particles within a refractory sulfide host of pyrite or arsenopyrite. Bio-oxidation is used to liberate the gold occluded within the sulfide host. A number of processes for bio-oxidizing the sulfide minerals are known in the art. One known method of bio-oxidizing the metal sulfides in an ore is to use bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, sulfolobus, acidianus species and facultative-thermophilic bacteria in a microbial pretreatment.
[0011] Applicants have discovered that the mutant microbes are useful for recovering precious metals from mineral ores and the biomass of dead mutant microbes of the invention.
[0012] Microbes for Biofuel Production. The use of microorganisms to produce methane and ethanol from organic matter are known in the art. For example, ethanol for use as fuel and in alcoholic beverages is produced by fermentation of sugar by certain species of yeast (most importantly, Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
[0013] Applicants have discovered that the mutant microbes of this invention are useful for production of biofuels and oil products from sedimentary organic matter and biomass, including heavy oil.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, a mutant microbe that generates trace amounts of gold on silver, and uses of the mutant microbe for recovering precious metals and producing biofuels and oil products are described. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mutant microbe is produced by placing metallic silver in an aqueous solution, and adding a species of Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution such that when the species of Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into the mutant microbe that interacts with the metallic silver and forms a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on the metallic silver.
[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of producing a mutant microbe used for generating trace amounts of gold particles on metallic silver includes placing metallic silver in an aqueous solution and adding a species of Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution such that when the species of Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into a mutant microbe that interacts with the metallic silver and forms a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on the metallic silver.
[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for producing precious metals includes placing metallic silver in an aqueous solution, adding a species of Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution such that when the species of Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into a mutant microbe that includes clusters of precious metal atoms within its cytoplasm and forms a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on the metallic silver, and recovering the cluster of precious metal atoms from the mutant microbe.
[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for producing precious metals includes placing metallic silver in an aqueous solution, adding a species of Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution such the when the species of Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into a mutant microbe that interacts with the metallic silver and forms a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on the metallic silver, and contacting a mineral ore with an aqueous solution including the mutant microbe.
[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for producing oil products from a sedimentary organic rock, heavy oil and/or a biomass includes placing metallic silver in an aqueous solution, adding a species of Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution such the when the species of Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into a mutant microbe that interacts with the metallic silver and forms a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on the metallic silver, and contacting at least one of the sedimentary organic rock, the heavy oil and the biomass with the mutant microbe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an image generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting mutant microbes at 10,000.times. magnification;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an image generated by an SEM depicting mutant microbes at 20,000.times. magnification;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an image generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting Silver Granules Coated with Yellow Material at 1000.times. magnification;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an image generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting Mineral Ore before Biotreatment at 1000.times. magnification;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an image generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting Mineral Ore after Biotreatment at 10,000.times. magnification; and
[0025] FIG. 6 is an image generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting Biomass of Dead Mutant Microbes at 1000.times. magnification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Microbes are well known, commercially available and widely used in industrial microbiology. According to one embodiment, the microbes used herein are single-celled and non-pathogenic. Known industrial microbes include the genus of Saccharomyces and Schizosaccharomyces. Preferred species of Sacchromyces include the species: S. cerevisiae, S. bayanus, S. boulardii, S. pastorianus, S. uvarum, S. carlsbergensis, S. ellisoidesu, S. exiguus, S. fragilis, S. chevalieri, S. chodati, S. diastaticus and S. rouxii. Preferred species of Schizosaccharomyces is Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Other commonly known and industrial microbes that can be used include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus orzae, Ashbya gossypii, Streptomyces species, Bacillus thuringiensis, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Streptodornase pyogenes, and Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The genus Saccharomyces is the preferred fungi for use in this invention. The preferred species are S. cerevisiae and S. carlsbergensis. These yeasts are commercially available.
[0027] In the embodiments described, natural microbes, such as those present in alkali flat lake bed deposits in Franklin Lake or Alkali Flat in Inyo County, Calif., can be used. Other natural bacteria are dormant bacteria in dried lakebeds and seabeds such as the Great Salt Lake deposits of Utah and the Winnemucca Lake deposits of Nevada.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the microbes are mutated from industrial microbes and natural ancient microbes in mineral ores by a process that includes contacting the microbe(s) in an aqueous solution with metallic silver. The metallic silver can be particles, grains, granules, and/or bars, ranging in size from 1 micron particles to silver bars of 10 kilograms or more. Colloidal silver solutions with colloidal silver in aqueous solution ranging in concentration from 1 ppm to 10 ppm and particle sizes from 1 nanometer to 1 micron can be used. In one embodiment, metallic silver of 1 micron or more in size to silver bars of 10 kilogram or more is used. The contacting can be done without agitation, but preferably with mechanical agitation, air agitation (pumping air or oxygen into the aqueous solution) and/or pumping and passing the microbe in an aqueous nutrient solution through columns, tubes and tanks containing metallic silver. The mutation may be performed at temperatures ranging from 20 degrees centigrade to 90 degrees centigrade, preferably at temperatures ranging from 30 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade.
[0029] The aqueous solution may contain sufficient nutrients to support microbial growth. The useful nutrients are both inorganic and organic compounds commonly used to grow and nourish microbes. Inorganic nutrients include nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate, sulfur, sodium sulfide, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, ferric chloride, calcium chloride, and ammonium phosphate. Organic nutrients include microbial biomass, glucose, dextrose, sodium acetate, amino acids, and purines. Microbial biomass may be dead microbes being used for mutation. Vitamins that can be included in the nutrient solution include pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, and biotin. Very small amounts of trace elements such as iron, copper, molybdenum and zinc can also be provided in the nutrient solution. Useful nutrients can also be mineral ores used for recovery of metals and sedimentary organic matter and rocks used for liberation of oil products.
[0030] In one embodiment, the mutation process is performed in an aqueous solution and the biomass from dead microbes is used as nutrients until the mutant microbes reach a density of 1% or more. Pressure is not critical and can be atmospheric, below atmospheric and/or above atmospheric.
[0031] The mutation can be conducted in aerobic or anaerobic conditions. However, the mutation is preferably conducted in the presence of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen in the atmosphere. Oxygen can be provided chemically, for example, with hydrogen peroxide, or as a gas from pressurized vessels.
[0032] The mutant microbes may be single-celled or multi-celled microbes. They are usually round, but can be oval, elongated or flattened on one side. They have also been observed to be rod-shaped bacillus. They range in size from 0.20 to 2.0 micron in diameter and 2 to 8 micron in length. They have been observed to divide by budding and binary cell division.
[0033] Once created, the mutant microbes are stored and maintained by conventional microbiology techniques. A healthy mutant microbe can be isolated and grown to microbe colonies of 1% to 5% by weight in nutrient solutions. Nutrients can be inorganic, including nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, sulfur, sodium sulfide, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, ferric chloride, calcium chloride, and ammonium phosphate, and organic, including microbial biomass, glucose, dextrose, sodium acetate, amino acids, and purines.
[0034] Vitamins that can be included in the nutrient solution include pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, and biotin. Microbial biomass may be dead microbes being used for mutation. Very small amounts of trace elements such as iron, copper, molybdenum and zinc can also be provided in the nutrient solution. When it is desirable to grow the mutant microbes on a solid medium, a solidifying agent such as agar (a complex polysaccharide derived from a marine alga) is added to the media.
[0035] Silver and Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation. Alternatively or in addition, microbes can be mutated by ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and by a combination of metallic silver and UV irradiation. Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light. Ultraviolet can be separated into various ranges, with near range (less than 280 nm/2800 Angstrom) considered "germicidal UV". In one embodiment, UV in the range of 280 nm to 390 nm is used to expose microbes. Forced flow of air or water can be used to agitate the microbial solution to ensure exposure to the UV radiation. The mutation using UV light may be done at temperatures ranging from 20 degrees centigrade to 80 degrees centigrade, and preferably at temperatures ranging from 30 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade. In one embodiment, the UV irradiation and the silver germicidal mutation process are done together.
[0036] Silver and Electromagnetic Field. In another embodiment, microbes can be mutated by conducting the mutation process in an electromagnetic field. For example, the mutation process can be conducted in a bioreactor with means to provide an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field can be provided by wrapping the bioreactor, such as a beaker, with copper wire and running an AC current of about 5 to 10 amps through the copper wire. In large bioreactors, for example, 1,000 liters to 10,000 liters, the microbial solution can be pumped through a glass column wrapped with copper wire for current flow. The current can be provided with a variable transformer.
[0037] Carbon and Iron Arcs. In another embodiment, the mutation process is conducted in a bioreactor equipped with carbon or iron arcs. The arcs can be provided with means for generating a voltage of about 5 to 10 volts between the carbon or iron arcs.
[0038] The mutant microbes that are mutated by the methods described have been observed to contain clusters of precious metal atoms within the cytoplasm of the cell. The metals within the cytoplasm are observed as clusters, curved bands and circular rings of metal atoms. Some mutated microbes have sets of two to ten concentric rings. Using an electron scanning microscope, the clusters, bands, and concentric rings of metal atoms within the cellular structure have been identified as silver and gold atoms and particles.
[0039] The mutant microbes can be identified and characterized by their ability to coat silver granules with a coating of a trace amount of nano gold particles. The coating process is done by contacting an aqueous solution of the mutant microbes with metallic silver. The amount of coating onto the silver ranges from 500 ppm to 1000 ppm and is dependent on the contact time, contact temperature and density of the microbial solution. The temperature ranges from 20 C to 90 C. The contact time ranges from one hour to 100 hours. With a high microbial density of 3 to 5% by weight, the contact time is about 1 to 4 hours. The amount of nano gold particles in the coating is approximately 100 ppm to 200 ppm based on X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscope analysis.
[0040] Mineral Ores. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "mineral" or "mineral ore" means a composition that comprises precious metal values. Thus, a mineral may be a mined mineral, ancient seabed deposit, ancient lakebed deposit, black sands, an ore concentrate, metal bearing sea water, and waste products, such as mining tails, industrial waste water, oil well brine, coal tars, oil shales, tar sands, and oil sands. Useful minerals contain trace amounts of precious metals. Trace amount means the detection limit or below detection limits of conventional assay procedures such as fire assay, AAS (atomic adsorption spectroscopy), ICP-MS (inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometer), ICP-AES (atomic emission spectroscopy) and other spectroscopic instrumentation commonly used in analytical laboratories. Some spectroscopic methods can detect as little as 1 ppt (part per trillion) to 0.1 ppb (part per billion). Preferred mineral ores have from about 1 ppb to 100 ppm of precious metals.
[0041] Digestion and Metal Recovery. In one embodiment, the digestion and biotreatment of the mutant microbes with the mineral ores are conducted in commercially available bioreactors consisting of a reactor having an agitation means. The agitation means can be mechanical stirring with a flat bladed impeller, percolation column, or air agitated pachuca reactor. The bioreactor can have air intake means, sterilization means, harvesting means, heating and/or cooling means, temperature controller means, pH controller means, filtration means and pressure controller means. All these features of bioreactors are known and commercially available in the biotechnology industry.
[0042] The digestion of the mineral ores by the mutant microbes can also be done by heap leaching techniques. In heap bio leaching techniques, a large body of mineral ore is treated with mutant microbes in nutrient solution in large contaminant ponds with no agitation and/or only occasional agitation. Generally, the contact time for heap type bio treatment is substantially longer than the agitated bioreactors, and range from 10 days to 100 days.
[0043] The mineral ore can be milled and ground to 10 mesh to 300 mesh, preferably 100 to 200 mesh. The minerals useful in the invention are low grade and high grade precious metal minerals. Low grade minerals contain from 1 ppb to 1 ppm of a precious metal, preferably gold and silver. High grade minerals contain from 2 ppm to 100 ppm. Bio treatment temperature ranges from 15 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade, preferably from 20 degrees to 30 degrees centigrade. pH can be acidic (pH 1 to 3) or basic (pH 9 to 12), although slightly acidic (pH 4) to slightly basic (pH 8) pH ranges are preferred. The most preferred pH ranges are the neutral range of from pH 6.5 to pH 7.5.
[0044] Microbe concentration is not critical. At low microbe concentration, the contact duration is generally longer to allow the microbe to grow and multiply. However, microbe concentration should not exceed the maximum microbe concentration that the nutrient solution can sustain. Contact time can vary from a few hours to several weeks and depends in part on the type and mesh size of the mineral ore digested. Contact time ranges can be from 1 day to 30 days, more preferably from 1 day to 10 days. The ratio of mineral ore to nutrient solution is also not critical. Generally for ease of agitation, the ratio of mineral ore to microbe/nutrient solution, hereinafter, also referred as the pulp density, varies from 10% by weight mineral ore in the nutrient solution to 50% by weight mineral ore in the nutrient solution.
[0045] The digestion can be conducted in aerobic or anaerobic conditions. However, the mutation is preferably conducted in the presence of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Oxygen can also be provided chemically, for example, with hydrogen peroxide, or as a gas from pressurized vessels.
[0046] Nutrients can also be provided in the digestion of mineral ore to support growth of the mutant microbes. Nutrients can be inorganic, including nitric acid, sulfur, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, ferric chloride, calcium chloride, and ammonium phosphate, and organic, including glucose, dextrose, sodium acetate, amino acids, and purines. Vitamins that can be included in the nutrient solution include pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, and biotin. Very small amounts of traces elements such as iron, copper, molybdenum and zinc can also be provided in the nutrient solution.
[0047] Nutrients can be added to the digestion as needed to maintain the sufficient mutant microbes for microbial growth and metal liberation. Microbial growth can be measured by conventional direct methods such as plate count, serial dilution, pour plates, spread plates and direct microscope count. Microbial growth can also be measured by indirect methods such as turbidity and metabolic activity.
[0048] After digestion with the mutant microbes, the recovery of metal from the mineral ore and microbial solution can be performed by conventional metallurgical methods such as smelting, leaching, electrolysis, resins and other methods known to those skilled in art of metallurgy. In another embodiment, the precious metals in the mutant microbes or biomass of dead mutant microbes can be recovered by methods described for recovery of precious metals from mineral ore.
[0049] Sedimentary Organic Matter and Rocks. According to other exemplary embodiments, the mutant microbes are used for producing oil products and biofuels from a sedimentary organic matter and rock. Suitable sedimentary organic matter includes coal, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, lignite, bitumen, coal tar, fly ash, shale, tar sands and oil sands. Sedimentary organic matter that contains a high content of sulfur and sulfides can be used. Oil shale is found in the Western United States, especially the states of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, and oil sands found in northern Alberta, Canada. Oil shale is a general term applied to a group of rocks rich enough in organic matter (called kerogen) to yield oil products upon distillation. Oil sands, also referred to as tar sands or bituminous sands, are a combination of clay, sand, water and bitumen. Sedimentary organic matter and rocks generally contain from 1% to 99% organic matter, preferably 10 to 90% organic matter.
[0050] Biomass. According to other exemplary embodiments, the mutant microbes are used for producing oil products and biofuels from biomass. Biomass is any recently living organisms or their metabolic by products. Biomass can be of plant or animal origin. Useful biomass include agricultural residues such as rice straw, stover, wheat straw; agricultural wastes such sugarcane bagasse, rice hulls, corn fiber, sugar beet pulp, citrus pulp, citrus peels; forestry wastes such as hardwood and softwood thinning and hardwood and softwood residues from timber operations; and wood wastes such as saw mill waste and pulp and paper mill waste; urban wastes such as paper fraction of municipal solid waste; urban wood waste and urban green waste, and dedicated crops such as switchgrass, hybrid poplar wood, grains, maiden grass. Simple sugars or monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, and dextrose can also be used. Preferred biomass feed stocks are plant cellulosic biomass -- that is, biomass composed primarily of inedible plant fibers having cellulose and hemicellulose as a prominent component. The biofuel produced depends on the biomass feedstock, and include methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, mixed alcohols, biogases. In biorefining and bioconverting embodiments, the mutant microbes are used to convert, refine and degrade heavy oils, bitumen, asphalt and tar to lower molecular weight and density petroleum products.
[0051] Heavy Oil and Enhanced Oil Recovery. A preferred form of biomass is heavy oil. The mutant microbes can be used for bioconversion, biorefining and biodegradation of heavy oil that is too viscous to ship through a pipeline to lighter oil that can be shipped in pipelines. Examples are surface heavy oil deposits, heavy oil recovered from oil sands and oil shale and heavy oil in oil wells and in depleted and abandoned oil wells. The mutant microbes can be injected in the oil wells with water and/or steam commonly used for secondary and enhanced oil recovery. Once the heavy oil is biodegraded to oil of a lower viscosity, it can be pumped from the oil well and transported in pipelines. The microbes can also be used to bioconvert surface heavy oil deposits to lighter oil products that can also be shipped in pipelines. [0052] Biorefining, bioconversion and biodegrading methods. The digestion and biotreatment of the mutant microbes with biomass, heavy oil and sedimentary organic matter is conducted in commercially available bioreactors consisting of a reactor having an agitation means. The agitation means can be mechanical stirring with a flat bladed impeller, percolation column, air agitated Pachuca reactors, and continuous flow stirred tank reactors. The bioreactor can have air intake means, sterilization means, harvesting means, heating and/or cooling means, temperature controller means, pH controller means, filtration means and pressure controller means. All these features of bioreactors are known and commercially available in the biotechnology, biorefining and biomining industry. The digestion the biomass and sedimentary organic matter by the mutant microbes can also be done by heap leaching techniques. In heap bio leaching techniques, a large body of mineral ore is placed in a heap or dump where is it irrigated and treated with mutant microbes. Generally, the contact time for heap type bio treatment is substantially longer than the agitated bioreactors, and range from 10 days to 100 days.
[0053] The biomass and sedimentary organic matter can be milled and ground to particles in the range of 10 mesh to 300 mesh, preferably 100 to 200 mesh.
[0054] Bio treatment temperature ranges from 15 degrees centigrade to 90 degrees centigrade, and preferably range from 20 degrees to 50 degrees centigrade. pH can be acidic (pH 1 to 3) or basic (pH 9 to 12), although slightly acidic (pH 4) to slightly basic (pH 8) pH ranges are preferred. The most preferred pH ranges are the neutral range of from pH 6.5 to pH 7.5.
[0055] Microbe concentration is not critical. At low microbe concentration, the contact duration is generally longer to allow the microbe to grow and multiply. However, microbe concentration should not exceed the maximum microbe concentration that the nutrients can sustain.
[0056] Contact time can vary from a few hours to several weeks and depends in part on the type and mesh size of the biomass and sedimentary organic matter digested. Contact time ranges can be from 1 day to 30 days, more preferably from 1 day to 10 days.
[0057] The ratio of biomass and sedimentary organic matter to microbial solution is also not critical. Generally for ease of agitation in stirred-tanks, the ratio of biomass or sedimentary organic matter to microbe solution varies from 10% by weight mineral ore in the microbial solution to 50% by weight mineral ore in the microbial solution, and preferably about 15% by weight to 25% by weight. The digestion can be conducted in aerobic or anaerobic conditions. However, the mutation is preferably conducted in the presence of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Oxygen can also be provided chemically, for example, with hydrogen peroxide, or as a gas from pressurized vessels.
[0058] Nutrients can also be provided in the digestion of biomass, heavy oil or sedimentary organic matter to support growth of the mutant microbes. Nutrients can be inorganic and/or organic.
[0059] Suitable media for growing mutant microbes and producing precious metals are nutrient media containing 1 to 10% by weight nitric acid. Vitamins that can be included in the nutrient solution include pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, and biotin. Very small amounts of traces elements such as iron, copper, molybdenum and zinc can also be provided in the nutrient solution. The biomass and organic matter present in sedimentary organic matter also serve as nutrients.
[0060] Nutrients can be added to the digestion as needed to maintain the sufficient mutant microbes for microbial growth. Microbial growth can be measured by conventional direct methods such as plate count, serial dilution, pour plates, spread plates and direct microscope count. Microbial growth can also be measured by indirect methods such as turbidity and metabolic activity.
[0061] Metals and Biofuels Co-Production. With sedimentary organic matter and fossil fuels containing precious and base metals, both metals and gaseous and liquid petroleum and metals are liberated and produced by the mutant microbes. After bio treatment, petroleum products are recovered and refined by conventional petroleum processes and the precious and base metals are recovered by conventional precious metal beneficiation processes such as electrowinning and/or dcyanidation. In one embodiment the mutant microbes are used to treat a mixture of a metal mineral ore and sedimentary organic matter and/or a fossil fuel. In this embodiment, the liquid oil products released from the sedimentary organic matter captures and floats the metals released from the metal mineral ore by a process similar to flotation or froth flotation processes used in the mining industry. The bio treatment procedures used for bio-energy and bio-fuel production are the same as the bio treatment and digestion procedures used for liberation of metals and are known industrial bio tech processing procedures.
[0062] Electromagnetic Field, Carbon Arcs and Iron Arcs. In other embodiments, the biotreatment of minerals ores, sedimentiary organic matter and biomass can be conducted in bioreactors equipped with an electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic field and carbon arcs and an electromagnetic field and iron arcs.
[0063] Fire assaying and cupellation are described by C. W. Ammen, Recovery and Refining of Precious Metals, second edition 1993, Chapter 12, pp 302-329.
EXAMPLES
[0064] The above embodiments and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examples and descriptions of the embodiments. The examples are presented to one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and are provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope and consistent with the principles and features described herein.
Mutation Examples
Example 1
Silver Mutation Method
[0065] A Petri dish containing 2 grams of silver granules, 4 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 10 ml of distilled water were stirred occasionally over a ten day period. A small sample of aqueous solution was then placed on a glass slide with cover. The slide was then examined under a Meiji binocular biological optical microscope. Live microbes could be observed with a dense band of metal atoms within its cellular structure at magnifications as low as 500.times.. Some of the live microbes were then examined with a LEO electron scanning microscope (SEM) at 10,000.times. and 20,000.times. magnifications. Clear bands of metal atoms in concentric rings could be observed. Using an EDAX x-ray spectrometer, the metal bands were determined to be metallic.
[0066] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are images of the mutant microbes viewed with the SEM. The SEM used was a Leo model 1430VP with tungsten filaments and an Edax 10 millimeter sapphire x-ray diffraction detector. The optical microscope used is Mieji lightfield model number 5500 with an Infinity 1100 camera.
Example 2
Silver Method
[0067] A 200 gallon tank reactor about 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 8 feet long was filled with about 600 liters of well water containing trace amounts of naturally occurring minerals. Three kilograms of silver granules prepared by melting a 99.9 purity silver bars in a gas furnace and pouring onto a stainless steel 60 mesh screen placed over a stainless steel drum filled with water. The silver was placed in a 6 cm diameter clear plastic percolation column. Three kilograms of commercially manufactured S. Cerevisiae was added to the tank. The tank reactor was heated to about 40 degrees centigrade with an immersion stainless heater and the aqueous solution was pumped to the top of the percolation column with a submersible pump at the rate of about 40 liters per minute.
[0068] The S. Cerevisiae was allowed to mutate for a period of about 30 days until the population density of mutated microbes reached about 3% to 5% by weight. The mutant microbes in the tank reactor were observed under the SEM to have concentric rings of metal within the cellular structure. Under the optical microscope the mutant microbes appeared rod shaped with a flatten bottom on one side. The size was about 1 to 10 micron. After the Sacchromyces had completely mutated and/or died, about 500 grams cane sugar was added as nutrient for the mutant microbes.
[0069] After about 30 days, a 10 gram sample of the microbial solution was dried in a desiccator with a vacuum pump for 18 hours. The residue in the desiccator weighed 0.5 grams. A ten gram sample of silver granules coated with the yellow metal was heated in a kiln at about 320 C. After one hour, the yellow metal had vaporized and the silver no longer had a yellow color. The silver granules were then cooled and weighed. After heating, the weight of silver granules decreased in weight by 6 mg. Based on this test, the maximum amount of yellow metal was in the range of 6 parts in 10,000 parts.
[0070] A 48 gram sample of silver granules coated with the yellow metal was placed in an Erlenmeyer flask and with 100 ml of 1 N nitric acid solution. The flask was heated on a hot plate until the nitric acid solution reached about 60 C. After about 30 minutes, a small amount of grey-black material was observed in the nitric acid solution and the silver granules no longer had a yellow color. The nitric acid was decanted from the silver granules and filtered onto a filter paper circle placed on sinister glass filtration unit under vacuum. The silver granules in the Erlenmeyer flask after decanting the nitric acid solution was dried and found to weigh 47.9 grams. The nitric acid solution was saved for processing as described below.
[0071] The filter paper and the grey-black material were washed with distilled water and placed on about 9 grams of a lead sheet, dried, folded and placed into a bone ash cupel. The cupel was heated at 1800 F for about 30 minutes. On cooling, the cupel had a pale yellow bead weighing about 3 milligrams. The yellow bead was examined on a scanning electron microscope. The spectrum showed silver and gold peaks.
[0072] The fire assaying and cupellation methods used above are standard metallurgical methods for precious metals. Fire assaying and cupellation are described by C. W. Ammen, Recovery and Refining of Precious Metals, second edition 1993, Chapter 12, pp 302-329.
[0073] Crooks Process. The nitric acid solution/filtrate was placed in a beaker and heated to dryness at 200 C. A white and gray residue was formed in the bottom of the beaker. The beaker was then heated to about 280 C until the white crystals melted to a clear liquid. Distilled water was then added. The grey material which did not dissolve in the water was filtered onto a filter paper circle placed on sinister glass filtration unit under vacuum. The filter paper and grey material were washed with distilled water and placed on about 10 grams of a lead sheet, dried, folded and heated and placed into a bone ash cupel. The cupel was heated at 1800 F for about 30 minutes. On cooling, the cupel had a pale yellow bead weighing about 3 milligrams. The yellow bead was examined on a scanning electron microscope. The spectrum showed silver and gold peaks.
[0074] A silver granule coated with yellow material produced by the method of Example 2 was examined with a scanning electron microscope. The spectrum showed a major peak for gold, as is shown in FIG. 3.
Example 3
Silver and UV Mutation
[0075] A 37 liter glass tank was filled with 12 liters distilled water, 100 grams of 100 micron to 1 millimeter silver particles, 500 grams of dry active Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The tank was maintained at about 25 degrees centigrade and agitated with a small fish aquarium pump and an air stone. The tank was exposed to an ultraviolet mercury lamp of 50 watts. After about five to nine days the microbe density was about 3 to 4% by weight.
[0076] The mutant microbes were analyzed with an Induced Coupling Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. Small amounts of silver and gold are detected.
Example 4
Silver Mutation
[0077] A 37 liter glass tank was filled with 12 liters distilled water, 100 grams of 100 micron to 1 millimeter silver particles, 1400 grams of the wet form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The tank was maintained at about 39 degrees centigrade and agitated with a fish aquarium air pump and an air stone. After about 5 days the microbe density was about 3 to 4% by weight and the silver granules were coated with a thin layer of a yellow material.
Example 5
Silver Mutation In Salt Water
[0078] A 37 liter glass tank was filled with 12 liters distilled water, 100 grams of 100 micron to 1 millimeter silver particles, 1400 grams of the wet form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 12 grams of sea salt. The tank was maintained at about 39 degrees centigrade and agitated with a fish aquarium air pump and an air stone. After about 7 days the microbe density was about 3 to 4% by weight and the silver granules were coated with a thin layer of a yellow material. The microbes were moderately active.
[0079] A one liter solution of the microbial solution prepared in Example 5 was heated to 95 C on a hot plate. After two days, the microbial density of the microbial solution was about 3 to 4% by weight and the mutant microbes were moderately active.
Example 6
Mutation In Electromagnetic Field
[0080] A 2-liter beaker was tightly wrapped with 125 feet of 14 gauge insulated copper wire. The ends of the wire were connected to an extension cord and plugged into a Superior Electric variable transformer. The beaker was filled with 100 grams of 99.9% casting silver granules of 1 mm to 10 mm, 100 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 1000 ml of distilled water. Transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps of current through the copper wire to create a magnetic field in the beaker. The temperature of the microbial solution varied from about 35 C to 39 C. An air pump and air stone was used to agitate and to provide air to the microbial solution. Distilled water was added as needed to maintain the microbial solution at about 1000 ml. After about five days, the microbe density was in the range of 1% to 3% by weight and the silver granules were coated with a thin layer of a yellow material.
Example 7
Mutation In Electromagnetic Field and Carbon Arc
[0081] A beaker wrapped with copper wire as described in Example 6 was equipped with two 3/8 inch diameter by 12 inch long carbon rods. The carbon rods were wired to an extension cord and plugged into a Superior Electric variable transformer. The beaker was filled with 100 grams of 99.9% casting silver granules of 1 mm to 10 mm, 100 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 1000 ml of distilled water. The transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps current through the copper wire to create a magnetic field in the beaker. The second transformer was adjusted to provide about 10 volts to the carbon arcs. The temperature of the microbial solution varied from about 40 C to 45 C. An air pump and air stone was used to agitate and to provide air to the microbial solution. After about 5 days, the microbe density was in the range of 1% to 3% by weight and the silver granules were coated with a thin layer of a yellow material.
Example 8
Mutation In Electromagnetic Field and Iron Arc
[0082] A beaker wrapped with copper wire as described in Example 6 was equipped with two 3/8 inch by 18 inch iron rods. The iron rods were wired to an extension cord and plugged into a Superior Electric variable transformer. The beaker was filled with 100 grams of 99.9% casting silver granules of 1 mm to 10 mm, 100 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 1000 ml of distilled water. Transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps current through the copper wire to create a magnetic field in the beaker. The second transformer was adjusted to provide about 8 to 10 volts to the iron arcs. The temperature of the microbial solution varied from about 40 C to 45 C. An air pump and air stone was used to agitate and to provide air to the microbial solution. Distilled water was added as needed to maintain the microbial solution at about 1000 ml. After about five days, the microbe density was in the range of 1% to 3% by weight and the silver granules were coated with a thin layer of a yellow material.
Example 9
Colloidal Silver Mutation
[0083] A 500 ml beaker was filled with 200 ml of distilled water, 10 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 50 ml of a 10 ppm colloidal silver solution. The beaker was maintained at about 35 C and agitated about every 24 hours with a glass stirring rod. After about 7 days, observation with an optical microscope showed a few live mutant microbes and no live S. cerevisiae. About two grams of silver granules were added to the solution. After about 3 days at a temperature of about 40 C, the silver granules were coated with a pale yellow material.
Example 10
Silver Bars
[0084] A ten ounce Engelhard 99.9 silver bar was placed in the bioreactor of Example 4. After about ten days, the silver bar was coated a light yellow color with nano gold particles.
Mineral Ores and Organic Sedimentary Matter Examples
Example 11
Digestion Test Lakebed Ore
[0085] A lakebed ore from the Franklin Lake alkali playa, Inyo County, Calif. was used in this test. 50 g of the ore milled to about 100 mesh, 100 ml of the microbe prepared in Example 4 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed into a 50 flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred with a magnetic stir bar and heated to 50 C for three days. The microbial solution was assayed by the HP 4500 ICP-MS. A two gram sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in aqua regia (one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid) at about 20 C.
[0086] A sample of the ore used in Example 11 was examined with a scanning electron microscope and the results are shown in FIG. 4. As is shown, the spectrum showed no silver and gold peaks. Nevertheless, the aqua regia solution was analyzed with the HP ICP-MS, and gold, silver and palladium in the amount of 10 ppm to 100 ppm were detected in the aqua regia solution. A sample of the ore after biotreatment with mutant microbes for 3 days by the method of Example 11 was dried and examined with a scanning electron microscope. The resulting spectrum, shown in FIG. 5, showed silver and gold peaks.
Example 12
Digestion Test Arizona Ore
[0087] The mutant microbes prepared by the method of Example 4 were used to digest a gypsiferous mineral ore of red mudstone and siltstone with thin-bedded to laminated gypsum and green mudstone from during the Tertiary period from the Tonto Basin area of Arizona. The digestion procedure was carried out according the procedure of Example 11 or three days. The microbial solution was assayed by the HP 4500 ICP-MS. A two gram sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in aqua regia (one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid) at about 20 C. The aqua regia solution was analyzed with the HP ICP-MS, and gold, silver and palladium in the amount of 10 ppm to 100 ppm were detected in the aqua regia solution.
Example 13
Digestion Test-Oil Shale
[0088] This test used oil shale from the Green River Formation of Wyoming and Colorado. A 50 g sample of the shale milled to about 100 mesh, 100 ml of the microbe prepared by the method of Example 4 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed into a 50 flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred with a magnetic stir bar and heated to 80 C for three days. The microbial solution was assayed by the HP 4500 ICP-MS and the solution was found to contain about 10 ppm silver.
Example 14
Digestion Test-Flotation Concentrates of Arsenosulfide Ore
[0089] A flotation concentrate having about 30 ppm gold was used in this test. The concentrate was prepared from an arsenosulfide ore from the Shandong Province of China. A 50 g sample of the concentrate, 100 ml of the microbe prepared by the method of Example 4 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed into a 50 flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred with a magnetic stir bar and heated to 50 C for three days. A two gram sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in aqua regia (one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid) at about 20 C. The aqua regia solution was analyzed with the HP ICP-MS, and trace amounts of silver were detected in the aqua regia solution.
Example 15
Digestion In Electromagnetic Field
[0090] A beaker wrapped with copper wire as described in Example 6 was filled with 1000 ml of mutant microbes prepared by the method of Example 4, 50 ml of nitric acid (68%) and 100 grams of the ore used in Example 14. Transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps through the copper wire to create a magnetic field in the beaker. The temperature of the microbial solution varied from about 40 C to 45 C. An air pump and air stone was used to agitate and to provide air to the microbial solution. After a few ays, a one milliliter aliquot of the microbial solution was dried on a 8 gram sheet of assay lead formed in the shape of a boat. The lead was folded and placed in a bone ash cupel and placed into an electric kiln at about 1800 F. After about 30 minutes a small silvery metal bead was produced in the cupel.
Example 16
Digestion Test-Flotation Tails
[0091] The tails from a flotation concentrate having about 1 ppm gold was used in this test. A 50 g sample of the tails, 100 ml of the microbe prepared by the method of Example 4 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed into a 50 flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred with a magnetic stir bar and heated to 50 C for three days. A one gram sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in aqua regia (one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid) at about 20 C. Trace amounts of silver was detected with the ICP-MS.
Example 17
Digestion Test on Vernal Oil Shale
[0092] A 500 g (100 mesh) sample of oil shale from Vernal, Utah (Bureau Land Management stockpile for research testing), 1000 ml of mutant microbe solution prepared by the method of Example 4 with about a 3% microbe density by weight was contacted in a 1500 ml open beaker at a temperature of about 80 C. The digestion mixture was stirred periodically with a glass stirring rod. After six hours, the mixture was allowed to settle. The shale settled to the bottom of beaker. On top of the shale was a thin layer of oil products released from the shale. On top of the oil layer was the aqueous microbial solution. The beaker was stirred periodically for another 48 hours at a temperature of about 80 C. After the additional digestion time, the mixture was allowed to settle. The shale residue settled to the bottom. The next layer was the microbial aqueous solution. The organic layer was on top of the aqueous solution.
Example 18
Digestion Test on Tar Sands
[0093] A 50 g sample of tar sands from the Athabasca deposit in Alberta, Canada and 200 ml of the microbial solution prepared by the method of Example 4 were placed in 500 ml beaker. The beaker was agitated with a fish aquarium pump and air stone and heated to 60 C. on a hot plate. After about 5 days at 60 C, the tar was released from sands leaving a mixture of light grey sand and tar in the microbial solution. When the beaker was heated at 80 C for 24 hours, the tar became a light oil that floated to the top of the microbial solution.
Precious Metal Production Examples
Example 19
Metal Recovery with Nitric Acid
[0094] A 2-liter beaker was filled with 1500 ml of microbial solution prepared by the method of Example 4, 100 grams of silver granules and 50 ml of nitric acid (68%). The beaker was heated on a hot plate and stirred with a magnetic stir bar. After about 3 days at a temperature of about 39 C, 96 grams of silver was removed from the beaker. The amount of silver dissolved by the nitric acid was about 4 grams. The microbial solution was then allowed to evaporate to dryness in the beaker at about 100 C. The brown/yellow organic residue was wrapped in about 100 g of lead sheet and placed in a cupel. The cupel was heated at 1800 F in an electric kiln. After one hour, a 7 gram silver bead was obtained.
Example 20
Metal Recovery with Nitric Acid
[0095] A 2-liter beaker was filled with 1500 ml of microbial solution prepared by the method of Example 4 and 50 ml of nitric acid (68%). The beaker was heated on a hot plate and stirred with a magnetic stir bar. After about 3 days at a temperature of about 35 C, the beaker was stirred and agitated with a glass stirring rod and a 5-ml aliquot of the microbial mixture was removed. The 5 ml aliquot was placed in 20 grams of lead sheet folded to the shape of a boat. The boat was heated at about 150 C to dryness, folded and placed in a bone ash cupel. The cupel was heat was heated at 1800 F in an electric kiln. After one hour, a small silvery metal bead was obtained.
Example 21
Metal Recovery in Electromagnetic Field and Carbon Arc
[0096] A beaker wrapped with copper wire described in Example 6 was equipped with two 3/8 inch by 18 inch carbon rods. The carbon rods were wired to an extension cord and plugged into a Superior Electric variable transformer. The beaker was filled with 50 grams of 99.9% casting silver granules of 1 mm to 10 mm, 1000 milliliters of microbial solution prepared by the method of Example 4. Five milliliters of nitric acid (70%) was added. Transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps current through the copper wire to create a magnetic field in the beaker. The second transformer was adjusted to provide about 8 to 10 volts to the carbon arcs. The temperature of the microbial solution varied from about 40 C to 45 C.
[0097] After about 30 days, the microbial mixture of live and dead microbes was decanted from the solid silver granules. After washing with water and drying, the recovered silver granules weighed 100 grams. The microbial mixture then was allowed to slowly evaporate at about 25 C. After a period of about 45 days, the microbial mixture produced a black biomass of dead microbes weighing about 100 grams. A two gram sample of the biomass was placed into about 10 grams of lead sheet folded in the shape of boat. The lead was folded and placed in a bone ash cupel and heated in a kiln at 1800 F for one hour. A silver bead weighing about 0.2 gram was produced.
Example 22
Metal Recovery in Electromagnetic Field
[0098] A beaker wrapped with copper wire as described in Example 6 was filled with 1000 milliliters of microbial solution prepared by the method of Example 4. Transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps through the copper wire to create a magnetic field in the beaker. The temperature of the microbial solution varied from about 35 C to 39 C. An air pump and air stone was used to agitate and to provide air to the microbial solution. After a period of about 30 days, the microbial solution was allowed to evaporate to produce a black biomass of dead microbes weighing about 50 grams. A five gram sample of biomass was placed into about 20 grams of a lead sheet folded in the shape of boat. The lead folded and placed in a bone ash cupel and heated in a kiln at 1800 F. A 10 mg silver bead was produced.
Example 23
Metal Recovery from Microbial Solution
[0099] A microbial solution prepared by the method of Example 4 was maintained at about 25 C for 30 days. A 2 ml sample of the microbial solution was placed into a clay scarifying dish and evaporated. The dish was then placed into an electric kiln with tungsten elements and heated at about 320 C for 14 hours. About 10 grams of lead sheet was added and the dish heated to about 980 C. The molten lead and slag was then poured into a cone mold. The lead was separated and pounded into a cube. The lead cube was placed into a bone ash cupel and heated at 980 C to give 5 mgs of a silvery bead with a light yellow color.
Example 24
[0100] A quart jar with a metal lid was filled with 500 ml of distilled water, 7 grams of Sacchromyces Cerevisiae and 10 grams of silver granules of about 1 mm to 5 mm. The jar was loosely covered with the lid and heated on a hot plate to bring the solution temperature to about 35 C. After about 5 days, the silver was coated a pale yellow color with a yellow material. The observation of the microbial solution with an optical microscope showed that the mutant microbe density was about 1%.
Example 25
[0101] A second test in a quart jar was done as described in Example 24. All reaction conditions and materials were identical except that an air stone was used to pump air into the bottom of the jar. After about 5 days, the silver was coated a yellow color that was visually observed to be more yellow than the Example 24. Also, the observation of microbial solution with an optical microscope showed that the mutant microbe density was about 2%.
Example 26
[0102] A 500 ml sample of the microbial solution prepared by the method of Example 4 having a mutant microbe density of about 3% was placed in a beaker with 20 grams of silver granules sized about 1 mm to 5 mm. The solution was heated at 39 C. After about 4 hours, the silver was observed to have a yellow coating.
Example 27
A 500 ml sample of the same microbial solution used in Example 26 was placed in a beaker with 20 grams of silver granules sized about 1 mm to 5 mm. The solution was heated at 80 C. After about two hours, the silver granules were coated with a yellow color.
Example 28
A 500 ml sample of the same microbial solution used in Example 26 was placed in a beaker with ten (10) grams of sea salt. The microbial solution was heated to 90 C. for 24 hours. Observation of the microbial solution after cooling with an optical microscope showed the microbial solution had a mutant microbe density of about 3 percent that was moderately active.
Example 29
After 90 days, the contents of the microbial tank of Example 2 was evaporated to dryness at about 25 C to 30 C to give a biomass of dead microbes. The biomass was examined with a scanning electron microscope.
FIG. 6 is an SEM image showing the spectrum which indicates a major peak for gold.
Methods for producing mutant microbes that coat silver with a yellow metal and uses of the mutant microbes for recovering precious metals and producing biofuels and oil products have been described in the accordance with the embodiments shown. The mutant microbes are particularly useful for industrial applications because they survive high temperatures and highly acidic and basic environments.
One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments, and any variation would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Method for Transmutation of Select Isotopes of Individual Elements from Compositions Containing Such
1993-09-17
Classification: - international: G21G1/00; G21G1/00; (IPC1-7):
G21G; C08J; G21H - European: G21G1/00
Abstract -- A method permitting the converting of a
select isotope of certain predetermined elements to elements of
lower mass and atomic number. More particularly, the method
produces select isotopes of new elements such as transmutations
(T). The isotope to be transmuted has a magnetic moment, it is
provided along with a heat generator and a resonance generator
to form a mixture. The mixture is heated and subjected to a
resonant frequency unique to the nucleus of the isotope for a
time sufficient for the isotope to undergo an alpha fission to a
new element of lower mass and atomic number.
Inventor:
CHAMPION JOE E JR
Applicant:
TELANDER WILLIAM L
The method allows one to convert a select isotope of certain
predetermined elements to elements of lower mass and atomic
number.
It more particularly refers to a novel technique for production
of select isotopes of new elements such as the following
transmutations (T):
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that throughout the Universe, transmutation
occurs through various forms of nuclear reactions.These
reactions can be generated from natural interstellar radiation
sources, normal decay of unstable isotopes, or synthetic
production of new isotopes by irradiation of stable and unstable
isotopes using high energy accelerators. It is also understood
in science that there are no absolutes in the way a nuclear
reaction can occur, for a probability factor always exists. It
is also well known that, even though theoretical postulations
have been established, until now there has been no experimental
proof of how the elements were formed throughout the universe.
It is certainly known that in geological deposits noble metals
are associated with select minerals, the pry arty one being
quartz.
In the past, many attempts have been made to transmute one
element to another, such as mercury to gold. Despite such
research effort toward this end, ecconomically attractive
processes have not, to date, been found which have made their
way into the commercial world. Thus, the potential to take a
radioactive isotope and render it non-radioactive; take a
non-radioactive isotope and convert it to a radioactive isotope;
or convert a stable isotope to a stable isotope of another
element, has not been viable until now.
Of course, it is well known that particle accelerators can cause
select isotopes of certain elements to undergo a fission by the
bombardment of neutral particles. This fission rate is a
correlation of the thermal neutron cross section, in
relationship with the speed and quantity of particles.
It is the object of this method to cause a transmutation of a
starting isotope of the selected element to transform into a
element of less mass. An essential criteria of this method is
that the starting isotope has a magnetic moment. If the starting
isotope does not have a magnetic moment it will not be
susceptible to this method.
It is another object of this method to provide a means of
transformation (transmutation) without the requirement of any
radioactive stimulation to start the method.
Other and additional objects of this method will become apparent
from the following disclosure the claims appended hereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This method is based upon the discovered ability to selectively
manipulate predetermined isotopes in a process that causes the
starting isotope to undergo a transmutation to an isotope of a
lesser mass and atomic number. A requirement for this
transmutation to occur is the starting isotope must have a
magnetic moment, thus having nuclear magnetic resonance
qualities. Another requirement is that the reaction requires a
heat generator which can be obtained from an endothermic or
exothermic reaction. It is also required to have a resonance
generator. In the preferred embodiment of the method the
resonance generator is SiO2, however other resonance generators
can be substituted.In accordance with and fulfilling the above
setforth requirements, this method takes advantage of the recent
discovery that isotopes of elements having characteristic
resonant components (magnetic moments), in a specified state,
and has imposed upon them the heat generator and resonant
generator, a transmutation will occur. This transmutation is
preferably an alpha particle fission, but is not limited to this
reaction, and even with the alpha particle fission there can
also occur secondary and tertiary radioactive decays. For
example:
In this transmutation, the mercury201 isotope's first
transmutation is an alpha decay that ends with a platinum'97
isotope.Platinum'97 is a natural radioactive isotope which
undergoes decay through a beta emission to gold197. It is well
known and accepted that gold has only one stable isotope in
nature which is Au197.
It has been discovered, and it is an important attribute of this
method, that elements that have become radioactive by
irradiation can be converted to isotopes of new elements that
are no longer radioactive. To illustrate this point:
Cobalt60 is a radioactive isotope synthetically produced from
Co59 by irradiating Co59 with neutrons. Cobalt has many
industrial and biomedical uses, but it has a half life of 5.275
years. Cobalt meets the requirements of this method for it has
an established magnetic moment. As shown in the example above,
if cobalt60 was processed to undergo an alpha decay it would be
converted to manganese56, which is also. a radioactive isotope,
but the half life of manganese56 is only 65 seconds.Manganeses
undergoes a natural decay by beta emission to irony This
particular isotope of iron is non-radioactive and is found in
nature at an abundance of 0.28%.
Many examples of conversion from radioactive isotopes exist and
are applicable to this method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
The method can be substantially started at any ambient
temperature and pressure. The method has been carried out at
pressures of atmospheric, subatmospheric, and superatmospheric
and temperatures starting from ambient to temperatures as high
as 15000C. Thus, the operating parameters of the method are a
matter of choice on the part of the engineering process
designer. It does appear, however, that there is an important
relationship between the allotropic crystalline configurations
of the molecular chemical compounds of the heat and resonance
generators. It is also thought, that there is an important
relationship between the magnetic properties of the susceptible
transmutation isotopes. That is to say, the isotopes of the
elements that have magnetic moments have properties that are
unique to themselves. Because of this fact, the final chemical
matrix will vary dependent upon the inter-relationship of
resonance qualities of the elements (isotopes) within the total
matrix.
Also, there is an important relationship between the aggregate
physical size of the chemical crystals and the metallic
particles that make up the entire chemical matrix Thus, it can
be said that for a given temperature there must be proper
crystalline configuration of the chemical molecules, and proper
aggregate size of the starting chemicals and elements, for
transmutation to be achieved.
As stated above, there is a characteristic resonance unique to
the starting isotope to be transmuted. According to this method,
it is preferred that the strongest resonant generation be
established by the introduction of SiO2, generically known as
quartz. This resonance is absorbed by the targeted isotope to be
transmuted and the other isotopes within the chemical matrix
that have like qualities. For example refer to the Table I where
a correlation between certain of the isotopes can be seen.
EMI5.1
TABLE 1
TABLE I - CONTINUED
Table I shows the relationship of the nuclear magnetic resonance
frequencies of the isotopes used in the preferred embodiments.
There is a direct correlation between the starting magnetic
resonance frequencies and the ending magnetic resonance
frequencies in the production of precious metals. This
relationship can be illustrated by the following Table II:
Table II
To simplify the relationship between the magnetic resonances of
the starting chemical matrix and the ending transmuted precious
metal isotopes, the following tables set forth the correlation.
Table III
Table IV
The imposition of the characteristic resonant frequency as
denoted in Tables III and IV, show a direct relationship between
the resonant qualities of the starting chemical matrix and that
of the ending precious metals. The resonance data of Tables III
and IV, is exemplary of the two strongest characteristic
resonant groups.
The physical size of the chemical compounds and the metallic
elements has a direct relationship to the efficiency of the
overall method. It is preferred that all compounds and elements
be reduced to a physical size less than 200 mesh (sieve size).
Also, it is important to have a totally homogeneous mixture, for
it is necessary for all of the compounds and elements to be in
intimate contact with each other.
Chemical compounds within the matrix can be substituted, such as
replacement of all but the heat generator and the required
starting isotopes to be transmuted, with a sulfide mineral that
contains all of the qualities of the resonant generator.
It is also possible to substitute for the heat generator
specific gases under pressure. Such gases act in place of the
heat generator compounds when added to the resonance generator
and transmutive isotopes. Preferred examples of such gases are:
CO2 + H + N + 0
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION
The following are specific examples of the practice of this
method and will serve to illustrate it. These examples are not
to be considered in any way as limiting the scope of this method
but only as examplary of it. In these examples, chemicals and
precentages are by weight unless specified to the contrary.
Example 1
A 2.0 liter stainless steel container was utilized, in which the
above compounds and elements were physically reduced in size to
less than 200 mesh and thoroughly homogenized by physical
mixing.
Next, the container, with the prepared chemical matrix within,
was placed in a fume hood and ignited. The average time for
total ignition was approximately 200 seconds.
After the thermal melt process, the residue was allowed to cool
and then was removed from the original container. At this point,
the reaction was complete and there was an observable presence
of gold, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are then
separated from the residue by any one of many standard accepted
metallurgical processes.
Another example of the method is as follows:
Example 2
(')Mineral can be any sulfide compound containing > 30%
natural quartz having a sufficient native Ag content to permit
transmutation to rhodium.
In accordance with Example 1 a 2.0 liter stainless steel
container was utilized, in which the above chemicals and
elements were physically reduced in size to less than 200 mesh,
and thoroughly homogenized by physical mixing. Next, the
container, with the prepared chemical matrix within, was placed
in a fume hood and ignited. The average time for total ignition
was approximately 90 seconds.
After the thermal melt process, the residue was allowed to cool
and then removed from the original container. At this point, the
reaction was complete and there was an observable presence of
gold, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are then
separated from the residue by any one of many standard accepted
metallurgical processes.
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METHODS FOR PRODUCING MUTANT
MICROBES USEFUL FOR PRECIOUS METAL AND BIOENERGY PRODUCTION
US2009087892
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/862,424, filed Sep. 27, 2007, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document
contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction
by anyone of the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or
records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to methods of mutation of
yeast of the genus Saccharomyces with metallic silver and nano
silver atoms. The mutant microbes carry out biological
transmutation in coating silver with a yellow material
comprising trace amounts of nano gold particles. The mutant
microbes are useful in a number of applications including the
production and recovery of precious metals from mineral ores and
the production of biofuels and oil products using both inorganic
and organic matter as nutrient sources. The mutant microbes and
yeast of the genus Saccharomyces are also useful for aggregating
and coalescing nano precious metal atoms into clusters of bulk
precious metals where the nano atoms are produced by the
resonance of an aluminum or a silver tube in an electromagnetic
field.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Biological Transmutation. Biological transmutation can be
defined as a nuclear transmutation occurring in living
organisms. The phenomenon is not accepted by mainstream science,
which argues that transmutations are only possible in
high-energy nuclear reactions. Such reactions are physically
impossible in biological systems, as the amount of energy used
in such a manner would be fatal within a several-kilometer
radius. Proponents respond that evidence shows that
transmutations do occur, and that the lack of a theoretical
model adequately explaining the mechanisms involved (that is,
without the emission of deadly amounts of energy) does not
render that evidence invalid. The most prominent defender of the
existence of biological transmutations is the French scientist
Corentin Louis Kervran, who investigated discrepancies between
the dietary or environmental intake of elements such as calcium,
potassium or magnesium by various organisms and the quantities
they hold or excrete. For instance he investigated the source of
calcium which chickens use for production of their eggshells,
and concluded that they probably convert the calcium from
dietary potassium.
[0005] Applicants have discovered mutant microbes obtained by
treating microbes in aqueous solution with silver and nano
silver atoms. The mutant microbes coat metallic bulk silver with
a thin layer of a yellow material comprising a trace amount of
nano gold particles by a biological transmutation process.
Allotropic silver is a yellow-colored metal. But spectroscopic
x-ray analysis and conventional metallurgical fire assay methods
show the yellow material deposited on silver by the mutant
microbes comprises trace amounts of nano gold particles.
[0006] Nanotechnology.
Nanoparticles are of great scientific interest as they are
effectively a bridge between bulk materials and atomic or
molecular structures. A bulk material should have constant
physical properties regardless of its size, but at the
nano-scale this is often not the case.
[0007] The properties of materials change as their size
approaches the nanoscale and as the percentage of atoms at the
surface of a material becomes significant. For bulk materials
larger than one micrometer the percentage of atoms at the
surface is minuscule relative to the total number of atoms of
the material.
[0008] Nanoparticles exhibit a number of special properties
relative to bulk material. At the nanoscale, matter behaves
differently than it does at the bulk scale (>100 nm). A
metal's color, melting point, strength, conductivity, magnetism,
and crystal structure can be drastically different at the
nanoscale. Nanoparticles often have unexpected visible
properties because they are small enough to confine their
electrons and produce quantum effects. For example, gold
nanoparticles appear deep red to black in solution and have
melting points in the range of 350 C for nano gold particles
with a diameter of 2 nm (nanometer) to 600 C (600 degrees
centigrade) for nano gold particles with a diameter of 9 nm. See
Cortie, M. B, the Weird World of Nanoscale Gold, Gold Bulletin,
vol. 37, 2004, pp. 12-19.
[0009] British Patent #GB2,219,995A (Dec. 28, 1989) of David
Hudson reports that noble metal elements in monoatomic forms are
stable and non-metallic, have electron orbital arrangements in
the "d", "s", and "p" orbitals that bestow upon the monoatomic
forms unique electronic, chemical, magnetic and physical
properties.
[0010] Microbes for
Aggregating and Coalescing Nano Gold. Researchers in
Australia have uncovered evidence that a bacterial known as
Ralstonia metallidurans may accumulate nano gold particles and
aggregate them into bulk gold that looks like coral.
[0011] Nano Gold Particles
Production. Gold salts are readily reduced to elemental
nano gold particles, and chemical methods for making old
nanoparticles have been known for a long time. In 2002,
Gardea-Torresdey, J. L. et al; Nano Lett,; (Communication);
2002; 2(4); 397-401 reported a biologically based process using
ordinary alfalfa plants to accumulate very small nano particles
of gold. It is important that gold nano particles be benign to
human health and the environment. A goal of many scientists is
to introduce gold nano particles into humans to fight cancer and
other diseases in pure water, food or nutritional supplements.
Potentially, the most environmental friendly method for
producing nano gold particles for human health would be nano
gold atoms produced by safe and non-pathogenic microbes such as
baking yeast.
[0012] Phonon Resonance.
Online publications in 2001 by co-inventor, Joe E Champion, in
the area of phonon resonance proposes a mathematical formula
that calculates the exact frequency that a known element will
resonate at the resonance frequency of another element and
theorizes that when a first element is made to vibrate at the
resonance frequency of a second element, the first element can
be transformed into the second element.
[0013] According to Champion the phonon technology for gold
production uses a phonon reactor for resonating silver or
aluminum in an electromagnetic field of an electric circuit at
certain critical temperatures. Silver is resonated at 43.2[deg.]
C. and an aluminum block is resonated at 302.9[deg.] C.
According to Champion, aluminum is transformed to gold and
silver is transformed to gold in a low energy nuclear reaction.
The nano gold atoms are captured in a water bath. Research is
ongoing to verify this phenomena.
[0014] Microbes for Precious
Metal Recovery. The uses of microbes for recovering
precious metals from mineral ores are known. Precious metals are
frequently occluded, encapsulated, bonded and/or alloyed in
mineral ores and are not amenable to conventional recovery
methods. For example, gold often occurs as finely disseminated
sub-microscopic particles within a refractory sulfide host of
pyrite or arsenopyrite. Bio-oxidation is used to liberate the
gold occluded within the sulfide host. A number of processes for
bio-oxidizing the sulfide minerals are known in the art. One
known method of bio-oxidizing the metal sulfides in an ore is to
use bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, sulfolobus,
acidianus species and facultative-thermophilic bacteria in a
microbial pretreatment.
[0015] Microbes for Biofuel
Production. The use of microorganisms to produce
methane and ethanol from organic matter are known in the art.
For example, ethanol for use as fuel and in alcoholic beverages
is produced by fermentation of sugar by certain species of yeast
(most importantly, Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
[0016] Applicants have discovered that mutant microbes obtained
by mutating microbes in aqueous solution with metallic silver or
nano silver atoms deposit a thin layer of nano gold atoms and
particles onto silver by a biological transmutation process.
[0017] Applicants have discovered that nano silver and gold
atoms are formed during the mutation process and that these nano
atoms can be aggregated and recovered as metallic bulk silver
and gold.
[0018] Applicants have discovered that the mutant microbes
produce silver and nano gold particles and that the silver and
gold can be recovered from the biomass of dead mutant microbes
of the invention.
[0019] Applicants have discovered that the mutant microbes
aggregate naturally occurring nano precious metal particles in
mineral ore into bulk metal.
[0020] Applicants have discovered that the mutant microbes of
this invention are useful for production of biofuels and oil
products from sedimentary organic matter and biomass, including
heavy oil.
[0021] Applicants have discovered that precious metals are
produced by resonating aluminum or silver tubing in an
electromagnetic field.
[0022] Applicants have discovered that a biodegradable organic
medium, including the mutant microbes of this invention and
yeast of the genus Saccharomyces, are useful for coalescing and
aggregating nano precious metal atoms produced by resonating an
aluminum or silver tube in an electromagnetic field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, a mutant microbe
that generates trace amounts of gold on silver, and uses of the
mutant microbe for producing and recovering precious metals and
for producing biofuels and oil products from biomass and
sedimentary organic matter are described. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the mutant microbe is produced by placing
metallic silver in an aqueous solution and adding a species of
Saccharomyces to the aqueous solution. When the species of
Saccharomyces comes in contact with the metallic silver, at
least a portion of the species of Saccharomyces transforms into
the mutant microbe that interacts with the metallic silver to
form a layer comprising a trace amount of nano gold particles on
the metallic silver.
[0024] According to exemplary embodiments, the mutant microbes
are used for recovering nano precious metals atoms from mineral
ores by contacting an aqueous solution of the mutant microbes
with a mineral ore.
[0025] According to other exemplary embodiments, a method for
producing oil products and biofuels from a sedimentary organic
rock, heavy oil, and/or a biomass comprises contacting the
sedimentary organic rock, heavy oil and/or biomass with the
mutant microbe in aqueous solution.
[0026] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for
bioconverting heavy oil to lower viscosity oil comprises
contacting the heavy oil with the mutant microbe in aqueous
solution.
[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, the mutation process and
production of precious metals and biofuels is carried out with
air flow from a phonon resonance reactor using coiled silver or
aluminum tubing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE
DRAWINGS
[0028] Objects and advantages
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art upon reading this description in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
have been used to designate like elements, and in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block
diagram of an exemplary phonon resonance reactor according to
one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an image
generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting
mutant microbes at 10,000* magnification;
[0031] FIG. 3 is an image
generated by an SEM depicting mutant microbes at 20,000*
magnification;
[0032] FIG. 4 is an image
generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting
Silver Granules Coated with Yellow Material at 1000*
magnification;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an image
generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting
Mineral Ore before Biotreatment at 1000* magnification;
[0034] FIG. 6 is an image
generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting
Mineral Ore after Biotreatment at 10,000* magnification; and
[0035] FIG. 7 is an image
generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) depicting
Biomass of Dead Mutant Microbes at 1000* magnification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Silver Mutation.
In an exemplary embodiment, the microbes are mutated from
industrial microbes by a process which comprises contacting the
microbe(s) in an aqueous solution with metallic silver
particles, grains, granules, and/or bars, e.g., silver ranging
in size from 1 micrometer (micron) particles to silver bars of
10 kilograms or more. Colloidal silver solutions with colloidal
silver in aqueous solution ranging in concentration from 1 ppm
to 10 ppm and particle sizes from 1 nanometer to 1 micron can be
used. However, metallic silver of 1 micron or more in size to
silver bars of 10 kilogram or more is preferably used. In one
embodiment, silver grains of particle size from 0.1 millimeter
to 1 millimeter and silver needles with high surface area,
produced by electrolytic refining, from about 10 microns to 200
microns, can be used. The mutation process can also use nano
silver atoms produced in situ by resonating a silver or aluminum
tube in an electromagnetic field. In another embodiment, the
bioreactor for contacting the silver and microbes is made of
silver, for example, a silver tank or container of any size or
configuration.
[0037] Microbes. In the
embodiments described, microbes used in the invention are known
commercial microbes widely used in industrial microbiology,
including those of the genus of Saccharomyces and
Schizosaccharomyces. Species of Saccharomyces include the
species: S. cerevisiae, S. bayanus, S. boulardii, S.
pastorianus, S. uvarum, S. carlsbergensis, S. ellisoidesu, S.
exiguus, S. fragilis, S. chevalieri, S. chodati, S. diastaticus
and S. rouxii. Species of Schizosaccharomyces is
Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Other commonly known and industrial
microbes that can be used include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus
orzae, Ashbya gossypii, Streptomyces species, Bacillus
thuringiensis, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus subtilis,
Corynebacterium glutamicum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides,
Streptodornase pyogenes, and Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The
genus Saccharomyces is a fungi that can be used. The species are
S. cerevisiae and S. carlsbergensis. These yeasts are
commercially available and have been used for baking and beer
making for thousand of years.
[0038] Mutation Conditions.
The contacting can be done without agitation, but preferably
with mechanical agitation, air agitation (pumping air or oxygen
into the aqueous solution) and/or pumping and passing the
microbe in an aqueous nutrient solution through columns, tubes
and tanks containing metallic silver or constructed with
metallic silver. The mutation may be done at temperatures
ranging from 20[deg.] C. to 90[deg.] C. In one embodiment, a
temperature ranging from 30[deg.] C. 50[deg.] C. is used.
Natural sunlight can be a heat source in one embodiment.
[0039] Nutrients. The
aqueous solution may contain sufficient nutrients to support
microbial growth. The useful nutrients are both inorganic and
organic compounds commonly used to grow and nourish microbes.
Inorganic nutrients include nitric acid, ammonium nitrate,
ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate, sulfur,
sodium sulfide, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium
phosphate, potassium phosphate, ferric chloride, calcium
chloride, and ammonium phosphate. Organic nutrients include
microbes used for mutation, microbial biomass, glucose,
dextrose, sodium acetate, amino acids, and purines. Microbial
biomass may be dead microbes being used for mutation Vitamins
that can be included in the nutrient solution include
pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin,
pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, and biotin.
Very small amounts of trace elements such as iron, copper,
molybdenum and zinc can also be provided in the nutrient
solution. Useful nutrients can also be mineral ores used for
recovery of metals and sedimentary organic matter and rocks used
for liberation of oil products.
[0040] In one embodiment, the mutation process is done in an
aqueous solution and the microbes being mutated and the biomass
from dead microbes are used as nutrients until the mutant
microbes reach a density of 5% to 10% or more. The highest
mutant microbe population density is obtained with silver with
high surface area produced by electrolytic refining and silver
grains of from 0.1 to 1 millimeter.
[0041] Silver and Ultraviolet
Germicidal Irradiation. In another exemplary
embodiment, microbes can be mutated by ultraviolet (UV)
germicidal irradiation and by a combination of metallic silver
and UV irradiation. UV light is electromagnetic radiation with
wavelengths shorter than visible light. UV radiation can be
separated into various ranges, with near range (less than 280
nm/2800 Angstrom) considered "germicidal UV". In one embodiment,
UV radiation in the range of 280 nm to 390 nm is used. Exposure
of microbes to UV irradiation is done with germicidal lamps that
emit germicidal UV electromagnetic radiation. Forced flow of air
or water can be used to agitate the microbial solution to ensure
exposure to the UV radiation. The mutation using UV light may be
done at temperatures ranging from 20[deg.] C. to 80[deg.] C.,
and preferably at temperatures ranging from 30[deg.] C. to
50[deg.] C. In a preferred embodiment, the UV irradiation and
the silver germicidal mutation processes are done together.
[0042] Electromagnetic Field.
In another embodiment, the mutation process is conducted in a
bioreactor with means to provide an electromagnetic field. The
electromagnetic field can be provided by wrapping the
bioreactor, such as a beaker, with copper wire, aluminum wire or
silver wire and running an AC current of about 5 to 10 amps
through the wire. In large bioreactors, for example, 1000 liters
to 10000 liters, the microbial solution can be pumped through a
glass column wrapped with copper, aluminum or silver wire for
current flow. The current can be provided with a variable
transformer power supply.
[0043] Phonon Resonance
Reactor. In another embodiment, the mutation process of
contacting silver with a microbe is conducted with air flow from
a resonating aluminum or silver tubing carrying an electric
charge or from aluminum or silver tubing placed in an
electromagnetic field of an electric furnace. Such a furnace,
referred to as a phonon resonance reactor, is illustrated in
FIG. 1. The silver or aluminum tubing 110 is coiled and placed
in the furnace 102. In one embodiment, both ends of the tubing
112a, 112b are passed through holes in the walls or door of the
furnace 102. In one embodiment, at least one end of the tubing,
e.g., 112a, can be coupled to an external power supply 104 that
provides a current through the tubing 110, thereby creating the
electromagnetic field.
[0044] An air stream is passed through one end, e.g., 112a, and
out the other end 112b of the tubing to a bioreactor used for
contacting silver with microbes to mutate. Air flow with
pressure from 1 psi to 10 psi is passed through to the
bioreactor at about 1 ccm (cubic centimeter per minute) to 100
ccm.
[0045] In one embodiment, an aquarium-type bubble stone or
bubble curtain (not shown) which produces very small bubbles in
the range of 1 millimeter or less is used to increase the
surface area of the air bubbles flowing to the bioreactor. The
tube diameter can range from 1 mm to 2 cm, preferably from 1 mm
to 5 mm. The air flow can be passed through the tube clockwise
or counterclockwise. The coiled tube 110 can be placed in the
furnace 102 with the central axis, i.e., an axis running through
the center of each coil, vertical or horizontal. The
configuration can also include a plurality of parallel tubes 110
or other common configuration of tubes used for heat exchangers.
[0046] For air flow from a silver tube 110, the temperature of
the tube 110, and therefore the airflow, can be between 20[deg.]
C. to 100[deg.] C., preferably from 40[deg.] C. and 45[deg.] C.
In one embodiment, the airflow tube 110 temperature is about
43.2[deg.] C. For air flow from an aluminum tube, the
temperature of the tube 110 and airflow temperature can be
between about 20[deg.] C. to 350[deg.] C., preferably from
270[deg.] C. to 310[deg.] C. In one embodiment, the temperature
is approximately 302.9[deg.] C.
[0047] It is believed that heating silver to approximately
43.2[deg.] C. produces the mechanical vibrations of silver which
are the same mechanical vibrational frequencies of gold.
Similarly, it is believed that heating aluminum to about
302.9[deg.] C. produces the mechanical vibrations of aluminum
which are the same as the mechanical vibrational frequencies of
gold and silver. The vibrational frequencies in turn assist the
microbes in the formation of gold and silver nano atoms and
improve and increase the rate of the mutation process.
[0048] The mutation process can be conducted at, below or above
atmospheric pressure. The mutation can be done in the presence
of light or in the absence of light. Light bulbs and sunshine
can be used as light sources.
[0049] The mutation can be conducted in aerobic or anaerobic
conditions. Moreover, the mutation can be conducted in the
presence of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or oxygen in the
atmosphere. Oxygen can be provided chemically, for example, with
hydrogen peroxide, or as a gas from pressurized vessels.
[0050] Microbial growth and population density can be measured
by conventional direct methods such as plate count, serial
dilution, pour plates, spread plates and direct microscope
count. Microbial growth can also be measured by indirect methods
such as turbidity and metabolic activity. In one embodiment,
microbial growth can also be measured by the time period
required to coat silver grains of 1 mm to 3 mm with a yellow
coating of nano gold particles. With a healthy population of
about 5% to 10% or more, the yellow coating is produced in about
2 hours to 24 hours. The yellow coating formed on silver is one
test for identifying the mutant microbes of the invention. No
other known microbes can coat silver with a yellow colored layer
comprised of nano gold particles.
[0051] The mutant microbes may be single-celled or multi-celled
microbes. They are usually round but can be oval, elongated or
flattened on one side. The mutant microbes from the genus
Saccharomyces have also been observed to be rod-shaped bacillus.
They range from 0.20 to 2.0 micron in diameter and 2 to 8 micron
in length. They have been observed to divide by budding and
binary cell division. The mutant microbes are also characterized
by the ability to stay alive when subjected to high temperatures
from 100 C to 150 C, and to strongly basic and acidic
environments.
[0052] According to one embodiment, the mutant microbes can be
identified and characterized by their ability to coat silver
granules with a coating of a yellow material which comprises
trace amount of nano gold particles. The coating process is done
by contacting an aqueous solution of the mutant microbes with
metallic silver. The amount of yellow material coated onto the
silver ranges from 1 ppm to 1000 ppm and depends upon the
contact time, contact temperature and density of the microbial
solution. The temperature ranges from 20[deg.] C. to 90[deg.] C.
The contact time ranges from one hour to 100 hours. With a high
microbial density of approximately 3 to 5% by weight, the
contact time is about 1 to 4 hours. The amount of nano gold
particles in the yellow coating is about 100 ppm to 200 ppm or
more based on X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron
microscope analysis.
[0053] Once created, the mutant microbes can be stored and
maintained by conventional microbiological techniques. A healthy
mutant microbe can be isolated and grown to microbe colonies of
1% to 5% by weight in nutrient solutions. Nutrients can be
inorganic, including nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, ammonium
chloride, ammonium sulfate, sulfur, sodium sulfide, sodium
nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate,
potassium phosphate, ferric chloride, calcium chloride, ammonium
phosphate, and organic, including microbes used for mutation,
microbial biomass, glucose, dextrose, sodium acetate, amino
acids, and purines. Vitamins that can be included in the
nutrient solution include pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl,
riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic
acid, folic acid, and biotin. Microbial biomass may be dead
microbes being used for mutation. Very small amounts of trace
elements such as iron, copper, molybdenum and zinc can also be
provided in the nutrient solution. When it is desirable to grow
the mutant microbes on a solid medium, a solidifying agent such
as agar (a complex polysaccharide derived from a marine alga) is
added to the media.
[0054] According to one embodiment, the mutant microbes
described herein have been found to contain clusters of precious
metal atoms within the cytoplasm of the cell. The metals within
the cytoplasm are observed as clusters, curved bands and/or
circular rings of metal atoms. Some mutant microbes have sets of
two to ten concentric rings. Using a scanning electron
microscope, the clusters, bands, and/or concentric rings of
metal atoms within the cellular structure can be identified as
silver and gold atoms and particles.
[0055] Mineral Ores.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term "mineral" or "mineral
ore" means a composition that comprises precious metal values in
the form of nano precious metal particles. Thus, a mineral may
be a mined mineral, ancient seabed deposit, ancient lakebed
deposit, black sands, an ore concentrate, metal bearing sea
water, and waste products, such as mining tails, industrial
waste water, oil well brine, coal tars, oil shales, tar sands,
and oil sands. Useful minerals contain amounts of nano precious
metals atoms or particles in the range of 0.1% to 5% by weigh.
Generally, the amount of nano particles is only 0.1% to 1% by
weight. It is extremely difficult to detect nano precious metal
atoms in mineral ores by conventional metallurgical assay
procedures such as fire assay, AAS (atomic adsorption
spectroscopy), ICP-MS (inductive coupled plasma-mass
spectrometer), ICP-AES (atomic emission spectroscopy) and other
spectroscopic instrumentation commonly used in analytical
laboratories. Thus, the amount of nano metal particles in a
mineral ore can only be known after biotreatment with the mutant
microbes and the yield of bulk precious metals is determined by
recovery. Also, biotreatment with mutant microbes can be used as
a diagnostic test for nano precious metal values in mineral
ores.
[0056] Biomining-Digestion and
Nano Metal Recovery. In one embodiment, the digestion
and biotreatment of the mutant microbes with the mineral ores
are conducted in commercially available bioreactors consisting
of a reactor having an agitation means. The agitation means can
be mechanical stirring with a flat bladed impeller, percolation
column, or air agitated pachuca reactor. The bioreactor can have
air intake means, sterilization means, harvesting means, heating
and/or cooling means, temperature controller means, pH
controller means, filtration means and pressure controller
means. All these features of bioreactors are known and
commercially available in the biotechnology industry. The
digestion the mineral ores by the mutant microbes can also be
done by heap leaching techniques. In heap bio leaching
techniques, a large body of mineral ore is treated with mutant
microbes in nutrient solution in large contaminant ponds with no
agitation and/or only occasionally agitation. Generally, the
contact time for heap type bio treatment is substantially longer
than the agitated bioreactors, and range from 10 days to 100
days.
[0057] The mineral ore can be milled and ground to 10 mesh to
300 mesh, preferably 100 to 200 mesh. The minerals useful in the
invention are low grade and high grade precious metal minerals
containing the nano precious metal particles. Low grade minerals
contain from 1 ppb to 1 ppm of a precious metal, preferably gold
and silver (1 oz/ton is 34.3 ppm). High grade minerals contain
from 2 ppm to 100 ppm. Bio treatment temperature ranges from
15[deg.] C. to 50[deg.] C., preferably from 20[deg.] C. to
30[deg.] C. pH can be acidic (pH 1 to 3) or basic (pH 9 to 12),
although slightly acidic (pH 4) to slightly basic (pH 8) pH
ranges are preferred. The most preferred pH ranges are the
neutral range of from pH 6.5 to pH 7.5. At low mutant microbe
concentrations, the contact duration is generally longer to
allow the mutant microbe to grow and multiply. In one
embodiment, the microbe concentration does not exceed the
maximum microbe concentration that the nutrient solution can
sustain. Contact time can vary from a few hours to several weeks
and depends in part on the type and mesh size of the mineral ore
digested. Contact time ranges can be from 1 day to 30 days, more
preferably from 1 day to 10 days. Generally for ease of
agitation, a ratio of mineral ore to microbe/nutrient solution,
i.e., the pulp density, varies from 10% by weight mineral ore in
the nutrient solution to 50% by weight mineral ore in the
nutrient solution.
[0058] The digestion can be conducted in aerobic or anaerobic
conditions. However, the digestion is preferably conducted in
the presence of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. Nutrients can also be provided in the digestion of
mineral ore to support growth of the mutant microbes. Nutrients
can be inorganic, including nitric acid, sulfur, ammonium
nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate,
sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, potassium
nitrate, potassium phosphate, ferric chloride, calcium chloride,
ammonium phosphate, and organic, including the microbes used for
mutation, glucose, dextrose, sodium acetate, amino acids, and
purines. Vitamins that can be included in the nutrient solution
include pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl, riboflavin, thiamine,
niacin, pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, folic acid, and
biotin. Very small amounts of trace elements such as iron,
copper, molybdenum and zinc can also be provided in the nutrient
solution. In one embodiment, the organic nutrients are present
in the mineral ores as sedimentary organic matter. Examples are
sedimentary organic rocks such as oil shale, tar sands and other
fossil fuels such as anthracite coal, bituminous coal,
sub-bituminous coal, and lignite. In one embodiment, inorganic
nutrients are present in the metal mineral ores for liberation
of metals.
[0059] Nutrients, including additional microbes used for
mutation, can be added to the digestion as needed to maintain
the sufficient mutant microbes for microbial growth and nano
metal aggregation. Microbial growth can be measured by
conventional direct methods such as plate count, serial
dilution, pour plates, spread plates and direct microscope
count. Microbial growth can also be measured by indirect methods
such as turbidity and metabolic activity.
[0060] After digestion with the mutant microbes, the recovery of
metal from the mineral ore and microbial solution can be carried
out by conventional metallurgical methods such as gravity
concentration, smelting, leaching, electrolysis, resins and
other methods known to those skilled in art of metallurgy. The
nano silver and gold atoms produced in the bioreactor are
generally coalesced and aggregated into metal particles which
drop to the bottom of the bioreactor and are recovered by
decanting. panning or conventional gravity methods of precious
methods such vibrating tables, sluice boxes, spiral gold panning
bowls, or trommels commonly used in the placer mining industry
for the separation and recovery of precious methods.
[0061] In another embodiment, the precious metals in the mutant
microbes or biomass of dead mutant microbes can be recovered
from the biomass of dead mutant microbes. In this embodiment,
the precious metals in the biomass of dead mutant microbes can
be recovered by burning off the biomass at a temperature of
150[deg.] C. to 350[deg.] C. to produce a residue of silver and
gold, which can be recovered by conventional metallurgical
methods.
[0062] Sedimentary Organic
Matter and Rocks. According to other exemplary
embodiments, the mutant microbes can be used for producing oil
products and biofuels from sedimentary organic matter and rocks.
Suitable sedimentary organic matter includes coal, bituminous
coal, sub-bituminous coal, lignite, bitumen, coal tar, fly ash,
oil shale, tar sands and oil sands. Sedimentary organic matter
that contains a high content of sulfur and sulfides can be used.
Oil shale is found in the Western United States, especially the
states of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, and oil sands found in
northern Alberta, Canada. Oil shale is a general term applied to
a group of rocks rich enough in organic matter (called kerogen)
to yield oil products upon distillation. Oil sands, also
referred to as tar sands or bituminous sands, are a combination
of clay, sand, water and bitumen. Sedimentary organic matter and
rocks generally contain from 1% to 99% organic matter,
preferably 10 to 90% organic matter.
[0063] Minerals for Metals and
Biofuels Co-Production. With sedimentary organic matter
and fossil fuels containing precious and base metals, both
metals and gaseous and liquid petroleum and metals can be
liberated and produced by the mutant microbes. After bio
treatment, petroleum products are recovered and refined by
conventional petroleum processes and the precious and base
metals are recovered by conventional precious metal
beneficiation processes such as gravity concentration,
amalgamation, electrowinning, cyanidation, etc. In one
embodiment, the mutant microbes can be used to treat a mixture
of a metal mineral ore and sedimentary organic matter and/or a
fossil fuel. In this embodiment, the liquid oil products
released from the sedimentary organic matter captures and floats
the metals released from the metal mineral ore by a process
similar to flotation or froth flotation processes used in the
mining industry. The bio treatment procedures used for
bio-energy and bio-fuel production are the same as the
biotreatment and digestion procedures used for liberation of
metals, and are known industrial biotech processing procedures.
[0064] Biofuels from Biomass.
According to other exemplary embodiments, the mutant microbes
can be used for producing oil products and biofuels from
biomass. Biomass is any recently living organisms or their
metabolic by products. Biomass can be of plant or animal origin.
Useful biomass include agricultural residues such as rice straw,
stover, wheat straw; agricultural wastes such as sugarcane
bagasse, rice hulls, corn fiber, sugar beet pulp, citrus pulp,
citrus peels; forestry wastes such as hardwood and softwood
thinning and hardwood and softwood residues from timber
operations; and wood wastes such as saw mill waste and pulp and
paper mill waste; urban wastes such as the paper fraction of
municipal solid waste; urban wood waste and urban green waste,
and dedicated crops such as switchgrass, hybrid poplar wood,
grains, maiden grass. Simple sugars or monosaccharides, such as
glucose, fructose, and dextrose can also be used. Preferred
biomass feed stocks are plant cellulosic biomass-that is,
biomass composed primarily of inedible plant fibers having
cellulose and hemicellulose as a prominent component. The
biofuel produced depends on the biomass feedstock, and include
methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, mixed alcohols, and other
biogases. In biorefining and bioconverting embodiments, the
mutant microbes are used to convert, refine and degrade heavy
oils, bitumen, asphalt and tar to lower molecular weight and
density petroleum products.
[0065] Heavy Oil and Enhanced
Oil Recovery. A preferred form of biomass is heavy oil.
The mutant microbes can be used for bioconversion, biorefining
and biodegradation of heavy oil that is too viscous to ship
through a pipeline to lighter oil that can be shipped in
pipelines. Examples are surface heavy oil deposits, heavy oil
recovered from oil sands and oil shale and heavy oil in oil
wells and in depleted and abandoned oil wells. The mutant
microbes can be injected into the oil wells with water and/or
steam commonly used for secondary and enhanced oil recovery.
Once the heavy oil is biodegraded to oil of a lower viscosity,
it can be pumped from the oil well and transported in pipelines.
The mutant microbes can also be used to bioconvert surface heavy
oil deposits to lighter oil products that can also be shipped in
pipelines.
[0066] Biorefining,
bioconversion and biodegrading methods. The digestion
and biotreatment of the mutant microbes with biomass, heavy oil
and sedimentary organic matter can be conducted in commercially
available bioreactors consisting of a reactor having an
agitation means. The agitation means can be mechanical stirring
with a flat bladed impeller, percolation column, air agitated
Pachuca reactors, and continuous flow stirred tank reactors. The
bioreactor can have air intake means, sterilization means,
harvesting means, heating and/or cooling means, temperature
controller means, pH controller means, filtration means and
pressure controller means. All these features of bioreactors are
known and commercially available in the biotechnology,
biorefining and biomining industry. The digestion the biomass
and sedimentary organic matter by the mutant microbes can also
be done by heap leaching techniques. In heap bio leaching
techniques, a large body of mineral ore is placed in a heap or
dump where is it irrigated and treated with mutant microbes.
Generally, the contact time for heap type bio treatment is
substantially longer than the agitated bioreactors, and range
from 10 days to 100 days.
[0067] The biomass and sedimentary organic matter can be milled
and ground to particles in the range of 10 mesh to 300 mesh,
preferably 100 to 200 mesh. Bio treatment temperature ranges
from 15[deg.] C. to 90[deg.] C., preferably from 20[deg.] C. to
50[deg.] C. pH can be acidic (pH 1 to 3) or basic (pH 9 to 12),
although slightly acidic (pH 4) to slightly basic (pH 8) pH
ranges are preferred. The most preferred pH ranges are the
neutral range of from pH 6.5 to pH 7.5.
[0068] At low mutant microbe concentration, the contact duration
is generally longer to allow the mutant microbes to grow and
multiply. Contact time can vary from a few hours to several
weeks and depends in part on the type and mesh size of the
biomass and sedimentary organic matter digested. Contact time
ranges can be from 1 day to 30 days, more preferably from 1 day
to 10 days. The ratio of biomass and sedimentary organic matter
to microbial solution can vary. Generally for ease of agitation
in stirred-tanks, the pulp density can vary from 10% by weight
mineral ore in the microbial solution to 50% by weight mineral
ore in the microbial solution, preferably about 15% by weight to
25% by weight. The digestion can be conducted in aerobic or
anaerobic conditions. However, the mutation is preferably
conducted in the presence of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere.
[0069] Nutrients can also be provided in the digestion of
biomass, heavy oil or sedimentary organic matter to support
growth of the mutant microbes. Nutrients can be inorganic,
including nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride,
ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium
phosphate, potassium phosphate, ferric chloride, calcium
chloride, ammonium phosphate, and organic, including microbes
used for mutation, glucose, dextrose, sodium acetate, amino
acids, and purines. Suitable media for growing mutant microbes
and producing precious metals are nutrient media containing 1 to
10% by weight nitric acid. Vitamins that can be included in the
nutrient solution include pyridoxine, pyridoxamine-HCl,
riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, p-aminobenzoic
acid, folic acid, and biotin. Very small amounts of traces
elements such as iron, copper, molybdenum and zinc can also be
provided in the nutrient solution. The microbes used for
mutation, biomass and organic matter present in sedimentary
organic matter also serve as nutrients.
[0070] Nutrients can be added to the digestion as needed to
maintain the sufficient mutant microbes for microbial growth.
Microbial growth can be measured by conventional direct methods
such as plate count, serial dilution, pour plates, spread plates
and direct microscope count. Microbial growth can also be
measured by indirect methods such as turbidity and metabolic
activity.
[0071] Metals and Biofuels
Co-Production. With sedimentary organic matter and
fossil fuels containing precious and base metals, both metals
and gaseous and liquid petroleum and metals are liberated and
produced by the mutant microbes. After bio treatment, petroleum
products are recovered and refined by conventional petroleum
processes and the precious and base metals are recovered by
conventional precious metal beneficiation processes such as
gravitation concentration, amalgamation, electrowinning,
cyanidation, etc. In one embodiment the mutant microbes are used
to treat a mixture of a metal mineral ore and sedimentary
organic matter and/or a fossil fuel. In this embodiment, the
liquid oil products released from the sedimentary organic matter
captures and floats the metals released from the metal mineral
ore by a process similar to flotation or froth flotation
processes used in the mining industry. The bio treatment
procedures used for bio-energy and bio-fuel production are the
same as the biotreatment and digestion procedures used for
liberation of metals and are known industrial bio tech
processing procedures.
[0072] Biotreatment
Enhancement with Phonon Resonance Reactor. In another
embodiment, the biotreatment and digestion of mineral ores,
sedimentary organic matter and biomass is conducted with air
flow from a resonating aluminum or silver tube excited with
electromagnetic resonance, i.e., a phonon resonance reactor, as
shown in FIG. 1. Although it is not known with certainty, it is
believed that the resonance of the electric field causes the
silver to resonate at the same mechanical vibrational
frequencies of gold which assists the microbes in the production
of gold and the aggregation of nano metal atoms. Similarly, it
is believed that the force of the electric field causes aluminum
to resonate at the same mechanical vibrational frequencies of
gold and silver. The coiled tube greatly enhances and improves
the resonating of the aluminum and silver vibrations due to
containment within tube and increases excitation from resonating
back and forth within the tube. The gold and silver vibrational
frequencies in turn assist the mutant microbes in the formation
of gold and silver nano atoms and improve the digestion and
biotreatment processes.
[0073] Precious Metal
Production inside a Resonating Aluminum and Silver Tube.
In another embodiment, precious metals are produced by phonon
resonance produced inside aluminum and silver tubing in an
electromagnetic field. Other types of metal tubing, for example,
platinum, palladium, gold, iron, zinc, titanium, copper, and
magnesium, can also be used. For precious metal production, the
same metal tube as the desired metal product can be used. For
example, a gold tube is used to resonate gold to produce gold
and a platinum tube is used to resonate platinum to produce
platinum. The precious metals are produced as nano atoms which
are coalesced and aggregated with a biodegradable organic
medium. The phonon resonance inside aluminum or silver tubing is
created with force of an electromagnetic field of an electric
kiln shown in FIG. 1 or any known means of producing an
electromagnetic field from an electrical circuit. The tubing can
be placed inside a glass tube wrapped with electrical wire made
of copper, aluminum or silver and an electric current passed
through the electrical wire. The tubing can be wrapped with
insulated electrically conductive wire, such as ceramic coated
electric wire, and an electromagnetic field produced by passing
a electric current through the wire. The tubing can be coiled
and placed in the proximity of any means to provide an
electromagnetic field. For example, an electromagnetic field
created by wrapping a non-conducting container, such as a glass
container, with copper wire, aluminum wire or silver wire and
running an electric current of about 5 to 10 amps through the
wire. The current can be provided with a variable transformer
power supply with a voltage range of 1 to 100 volts. The
aluminum or silver tubing temperature will depend upon the
amount electric current passed through the aluminum or silver
tubing or the amount of electric current in the electric circuit
used to produce the electromagnetic field.
[0074] Coalescing and
Aggregation of Nano Atoms. The biodegradable organic
medium includes the mutant microbes, common commercial
microorganisms such as yeast from the genus Saccharomyces or a
biodegradable organic compound. Preferred organic compounds are
soluble or partially soluble in water and have a decomposition
and boiling point of 500[deg.] F. or less so that the organic
compound can be separated and removed by heating and
vaporization in an oven and include low molecular weight
aliphatic organic compound with oxygen containing functional
groups such as hydroxyl, ether, carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester
and include common organic compounds such as sugars, citric
acid, acetic acid, oils, and fats. The extent of aggregation and
the size of the precious metals produced are dependent upon the
time period used for aggregation. Generally, metal clusters can
be harvested about every 24 hours by gravity separation.
However, the clusters of precious metals are large enough to
recover by decanting or gravity separation in about 1 to 2
hours. The metal clusters are off-white to black powders and
generally contain about 5 to 10% of the organic medium which can
be removed by vaporization at about 500[deg.] F.
[0075] Cupellation and Fire
Assaying. In the embodiments described, cupellation is
used to separate noble metals such as gold or silver from base
metals such as lead. It is often used to assay gold in order to
test its purity. Sometimes cupellation is called "fire
assaying." In this process, an alloy or mineral ore consisting
of both noble and base metals is placed in a crucible. Flux
materials such as borax glass, sodium carbonate, and wheat
flour, can be added. This mixture is then melted and allowed to
freeze. When solidified, a button consisting of precious metals
and lead can be removed from the slag of metal oxides and other
materials. After cooling, the metals are placed in a special pot
made of bone ash or clay called a cupel. Under high heat, lead
turns to litharge, a lead oxide, which is absorbed by the cupel
or lost to the atmosphere. At the end of the cupellation
process, a button of pure gold and silver remains in the bottom
of the cupel. The button is then placed in nitric acid to
dissolve the silver, and the remaining gold weighed to determine
the gold content present in the material being assayed. Fire
assaying and cupellation are described by C. W. Ammen, Recovery
and Refining of Precious Metals, second edition 1993, Chapter
12, pp 302-329.
[0076] Metals produced by phonon resonance in an electromagnetic
field according to the invention can be cupelled by wrapping in
a lead sheet and heating in an electric kiln at about 1000 C.
Base metals and lead are absorbed into the cupel and the
precious metals form a metallic bead on the cupel.
EXAMPLES
[0077] The above embodiments and other objects, features and
advantages of this invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following examples and descriptions
of the embodiments. The examples are presented to one of
ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and are
provided in the context of a patent application and its
requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments
and the generic principles and features described herein will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope and consistent
with the principles and features described herein.
Example 1
[0078] Mutation With Silver
Granules. A Petri dish containing 2 grams of silver
granules, 4 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 10 ml of
distilled water was stirred one or two times per day over a ten
day period. A small sample of aqueous solution was then placed
on a glass slide with cover. The slide was then examined under a
Meiji binocular biological optical microscope. Live microbes
could be observed with a dense band of metal atoms within its
cellular structure at magnifications as low as *500 Some of the
live microbes were then examined with a LEO model 1430VP
electron scanning microscope with an EDAX x-ray diffraction
detector (SEM) at 10,000 and 20,000 magnifications. Clear bands
of metal atoms in concentric rings can be observed. Using an
EDAX x-ray spectrometer, the metal bands were determined to be
metallic. Pictures of the mutant microbe viewed with the SEM are
provided in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
Example 2
[0079] Mutation in a Silver
Container. A 200-ml silver cylindrical container was
filled with 100 ml of water and 5 grams of dry active
Fleischmann's yeast. The microbial solution was heated at
43[deg.] C. on a hot plate for 4 hours. The inside walls of the
silver container was coated with a yellow color.
Example 3
[0080] Mutation with Silver in
Column. A 200 gallon tank reactor about 2 feet wide, 2
feet deep and 8 feet long was filled with about 600 liters of
well water containing trace amounts of naturally occurring
minerals. Three kilograms of silver granules was prepared by
melting a 99.9% purity silver bars in a gas furnace and pouring
the molten silver onto a stainless steel 60 mesh screen placed
over a stainless steel drum filled with water. The silver
granules were placed in a 6 cm diameter clear plastic
percolation column. Five hundred grams of commercially
manufactured S. Cerevisiae was added to the tank. The tank
reactor was heated to about 40 degrees centigrade (40[deg.] C.)
with an immersion stainless heater and the aqueous solution was
pumped to the top of the percolation column with a submersible
pump at the rate of about 40 liters per minute. Water was added
as needed to keep the microbial solution volume at about 600
liters. The S. Cerevisiae was allowed to mutate for a period of
about 30 days until the population density of mutated microbes
reached about 3% to 5% by weight. The mutant microbes in the
tank reactor were observed under the SEM to have concentric
rings of metal within the cellular structure. Under the optical
microscope the mutant microbes appeared were rod shaped with a
flatten bottom on one side. The size was about 1 to 10 microns.
[0081] After about 10 days, the S. Cerevisiae have been
completely mutated and/or died, about 500 grams cane sugar was
added as nutrient for the mutant microbes. After about 30 days
after most of S. Cerevisiae had been mutated, a 10 gram sample
of the microbial solution was dried in a desiccator with a
vacuum pump for 18 hours. The residue in the desiccator weighed
0.5 grams.
[0082] In addition, the silver in the silver column was emptied
and mixed. A ten gram sample of silver granules was removed and
the balance returned to the column. The silver granules from the
column were a slight to dark yellow color. The ten gram sample
was heated in a kiln at about 320[deg.] C. After one hour, the
yellow-colored metal had vaporized and the silver granules were
a silvery color. The silver granules were then cooled and
weighed. After heating, the weight of silver granules decreased
in weight by 6 mg. Based on this test, the amount of yellow
metal coated on the silver granules was in the range of 6 parts
in 10,000 parts.
[0083] In addition, a 48-gram sample of silver granules coated
with the yellow metal from the silver column in the tank reactor
was removed after 35 days and placed in an Erlenmeyer flask and
with 100 ml of 1N nitric acid solution. The flask was heated on
a hot plate until the nitric acid solution reached about
60[deg.] C. After about 30 minutes, a small amount of grey-black
material was observed in the nitric acid solution and the silver
granules no longer had a yellow color. The nitric acid was
decanted from the silver granules and filtered onto a filter
paper circle placed on a sinister glass filtration unit under
vacuum. The nitric acid solution was saved for processing as
described below in Example 3D. The filter paper and the
grey-black material were washed with distilled water and placed
on about 9 grams of a lead sheet, dried, folded and placed into
a bone ash cupel. The cupel was heated at 1800[deg.] F. for
about 30 minutes. On cooling, the cupel had a pale yellow bead
weighing about 3 milligrams. The yellow bead was examined on the
SEM. The spectrum showed silver and gold peaks.
[0084] The silver granules in the Erlenmeyer flask after
decanting the nitric acid solution was dried and found to weigh
47.9 grams. The nitric acid solution/filtrate was placed in a
beaker and heated to dryness at 200[deg.] C. A white and gray
residue was formed in the bottom of the beaker. The beaker was
then heated to about 280[deg.] C. until the white crystals
melted to a clear liquid. Distilled water was then added. The
grey material which did not dissolve in the water was filtered
onto a filter paper circle placed on sinister glass filtration
unit under vacuum. The filter paper and grey material were
washed with distilled water and placed on about 10 grams of a
lead sheet, dried, folded and heated and placed into a bone ash
cupel. The cupel was heated at 1800[deg.] F. for about 30
minutes. On cooling, the cupel had a pale yellow bead weighing
about 3 milligrams. The yellow bead was examined on a scanning
electron microscope. The spectrum showed silver and gold peaks.
The recovery of precious metals, particularly platinum and
palladium, from silver nitrate solutions as described in this
Example is commonly called the "Crooks Process" by those skilled
in the art of metallurgy.
[0085] A yellow-colored silver granule from the silver column of
was examined with the scanning electron microscope. The spectrum
showed a major peak for gold, as shown in FIG. 4.
Example 4
[0086] Silver and UV Mutation.
A 37 liter glass tank was filled with 12 liters distilled water,
100 grams of 100 micron to 1 millimeter silver particles and 500
grams of dry active Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Fleischmann
brand). The tank was maintained at about 25[deg.] C. and
agitated with a small fish aquarium pump and an air stone. The
tank was exposed to an ultraviolet mercury lamp of 50 watts.
After about five to nine days the microbe density was about 3 to
4% by weight.
[0087] The mutant microbes were analyzed with an Induced
Coupling Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. Small amounts of silver and
gold were detected.
[0088] Inductive Coupled
Plasma (ICP)-Mass Spectrometer (MS) Assays. ICP-MS
assays were done on a HP 4500 Series ICP/MS with ShieldTorch
System with G1821C Version C.01.01 software.
Example 5
[0089] Silver Mutation with
Air Agitation. A 37 liter glass tank was filled with 12
liters distilled water, 100 grams of 100 micron to 1 millimeter
silver particles and 1400 grams of the wet form of Saccharomyces
cerevisiae (Fleischmann brand). The tank was maintained at about
39[deg.] C. degrees centigrade and agitated with an aquarium air
pump and an air stone. After about 5 days the microbe density
was about 3 to 4% by weight and the silver granules were coated
with a thin layer of a yellow material.
Example 5A
[0090] Microbe Growth At High
Temperature. A one liter solution of the microbial
solution prepared in Example 5 was heated to 95[deg.] C. on a
hot plate. After two days, the microbial density of the
microbial solution was about 3 to 4% by weight and the mutant
microbes were moderately active.
Example 6
[0091] Silver Mutation In Salt
Water. A 37 liter glass tank was filled with 12 liters
distilled water, 100 grams of 100 micron to 1 millimeter silver
particles, 1400 grams of the wet form of Saccharomyces
cerevisiae (Fleischmann brand) and 12 grams of sea salt. The
tank was maintained at about 39[deg.] C. and agitated with a 3
psi aquarium air pump and an air stone. After about 7 days the
microbe density was about 3 to 4% by weight and the silver
granules were coated with a thin layer of a yellow material. The
microbes were moderately active.
Example 7
[0092] Colloidal Silver
Mutation. A 500 ml beaker was filled with 200 ml of
distilled water, 10 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 50 ml
of a 10 ppm colloidal silver solution. The beaker was maintained
at about 35[deg.] C. and agitated one time every 24 hours with a
glass stirring rod. After about 7 days, observation with an
optical microscope showed a few live mutant microbes and no live
S. cerevisiae. About two grams of silver granules were added to
the solution. After about 3 days at a temperature of about
40[deg.] C., the silver granules were coated with a pale yellow
material.
Example 8
[0093] Mutation with Silver
Bars. A ten ounce Engelhard 99.9 silver bar was placed
in the tank reactor of Example 3 which uses silver granules in a
column. After about ten days, the silver bar was coated a light
yellow color with nano gold particles.
Example 9
[0094] Digestion Test Lakebed
Ore. A lakebed ore from the Franklin Lake alkali playa,
Inyo County, California was used in this test. A 50 g of the ore
milled to about 100 mesh, 100 ml of the microbe prepared in
Example 3 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed into a 500
ml flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred with a
magnetic stir bar and heated to 50[deg.] C. for three days. The
microbial solution was assayed by the HP 4500 ICP-MS. A two gram
sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in aqua regia (one
part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid) at about
20[deg.] C. The aqua regia solution was analyzed with the HP
4500 ICP-MS. Gold, silver and palladium in the amount of 10 ppm
to 100 ppm are detected in the aqua regia solution.
Example 9A
[0095] A sample of the ore used in Example 9 was examined with
the Leo 1430VP scanning electron microscope. The spectrum showed
no silver and gold peaks. See FIG. 5.
Example 9B
[0096] A sample of the ore biotreated in Example 9 for 3 days
was dried and examined with the Leo 1430VP scanning electron
microscope. The spectrum showed silver and gold peaks. See FIG.
6.
Example 10
[0097] Silver Needles Mutation
& Metal Production -A 15-gallon round rubber
container about 30 cm high and 60 cm diameter at the top and 40
cm diameter at bottom was filled with 900 grams of Fleischmann's
active yeast, 20 liters of water and 400 grams of 150 micron to
250 micron (60*100 mesh) electrolytic silver needles purchased
from Academy Corporation, New Mexico, USA. Most of the silver
needles used had a smooth surface from being electroplated on a
smooth cathode plate in the electrorefining process. The tank
was placed on level ground with full sun exposure at St. George,
Utah during April to June when the average temperature ranged
from 75-80[deg.] F. during the day to 35-50[deg.] F. during the
evening. The container was stirred with a wooden spoon about two
to three times a day to thoroughly suspend and disperse the
silver through the yeast and water mixture. About every 3 to 4
days, another 450 grams of yeast was added. Water was added as
needed to maintain the volume in the container at about 20
liters. After 10 days, about 60 grams silver needles were
scooped from the bottom of the container, placed in a beaker and
washed with water. The silver needles were a dark yellow color
and has the appearance of gold dust.
Example 10A
[0098] Gold in Starting Silver
Needles. A 60 gram sample of the dried silver needles
of Example 10 was placed in a 250 ml beaker with 100 ml of
nitric acid (1 part 70% nitric and 4 parts water). The beaker
was warmed on a hot plate to about 50[deg.] C. The 60 grams of
silver needles dissolved and a trace amount of black sponge was
formed. The contents of the beaker were evaporated to dryness on
a hot plate at 200[deg.] C. The temperature of the hot plate was
raised to 280[deg.] C. and the residue in the beaker turned a
brown color. The temperature was then raised to 325[deg.] C. and
the residue in the beaker formed a clear molten liquid with a
black spongy material. The beaker as cooled to 30[deg.] C. and
50 ml of distilled water was added. The beaker was warmed to
dissolve any silver nitrate residue in the beaker. The contents
of the beaker were then filtered. The filter paper which
contained a black material was dried. The black material and
dried filter paper were heated in ceramic dish to give 1.4 grams
of metallic gold.
Example 10B
[0099] Gold in Microbial
Solution. Water was added to the 15-gallon container of
Example 10 as needed to keep the volume of the microbial mixture
at about 20 liters. About 450 grams of additional yeast was
added every 4 to 6 days. The container was stirred about 1 or 2
times a day. After 30 days, the silver needles in the container
of Example 10 were allowed to settle to the bottom. A cup of
microbial mixture was then taken from the top of the mixture in
the container and placed into an aluminum pie pan and dried in
an oven at 180[deg.] C. for 4 hours to produce brown residue of
biomass weighing about 50 grams. The residue was then placed in
a scorifying dish and heated in an electric kiln at 260[deg.] C.
for 3 hours and then at 370 hours for another 3 hours. Black
smoke was produced from the residue. After the black smoke
stopped, the residue was heated at 1090[deg.] C. and kept at
this temperature for 30 minutes. On cooling a pale yellow metal
bead weighing 21 grams was obtained. The bead dissolved in
nitric acid and was primarily silver.
Example 10C
[0100] Nitric Acid Parting.
The 21-g metal bead of Example 10B was placed in a 100 ml beaker
with 100 ml of nitric acid (1 part 70% nitric and 4 parts
water). The beaker was warmed on a hot plate to about 50[deg.]
C. The bead dissolved and a trace amount of black sponge was
formed. The contents of the beaker were evaporated to dryness on
a hot plate at 200[deg.] C. The temperature of the hot plate was
raised to 280[deg.] C. and the residue in the beaker turned a
brown color. The temperature was then raised to 325[deg.] C. and
the residue in the beaker formed a clear molten liquid with a
black spongy material. The beaker was cooled to 30[deg.] C. and
20 ml of distilled water was added. The beaker was warmed to
dissolve any silver nitrate residue in the beaker. The contents
of the beaker were then filtered. The filter paper which
contained a black material was dried. The black material and
dried filter paper were heated in a ceramic dish to give 2 grams
of metallic gold.
Example 10D
[0101] Removal of Starting
Silver. Water was added to the container of Example 10
as needed to keep the volume at about 18 to 20 liters. About 450
grams of yeast was added every 5 to 7 days. The container was
manually stirred one to two times a day. After 45 days, the
silver needles in the 15-gallon container of Example 10 which
was allowed to settle to the bottom of tank. The microbial
mixture was decanted into two 5-gallon buckets. Water was used
to wash the silver needles on the bottom of container. From the
bottom of the container, 290 grams of silver needles which
looked like gold dust was recovered. The rinse water used to
wash the silver needles was added to the two 5-gallon buckets of
microbial solution to give a volume of about 10 liters in each
bucket.
Example 10E
[0102] Metal Recovery With
Phonon Resonance Unit. The two 5-gallon buckets from
Example 10D was placed side by side outdoors in full sunlight
and a temperature of 75-85[deg.] F. during the day. One of the
buckets (bucket #1) from example 10D was treated with air flow
from the aluminum phonon resonance reactor described in Example
26 for about 12 hours per day for a period of 15 days. The
phonon reactor was operated at 302-305[deg.] C. After 15 days,
the bucket was shaken with an industrial shaker for about 30
minutes. The shaking caused a metal product to drop to the
bottom of the bucket. The microbial solution was decanted from
the bucket and the metal product on the bottom of bucket was
washed with water and dried to give 120 grams of dark yellow
metal product of about 0.1 milliliter to 0.5 milliliter size.
Under the 100-power microscope the metal product looked like
tiny nuggets without any smooth metallic surfaces found in the
starting silver needles. A ten gram sample was wrapped in about
9 grams of lead sheet; the lead sheet was folded and placed onto
a 1.5 inch bone ash cupel. The cupel was heated slowly to
1850[deg.] F. in an electric kiln and maintained at this
temperature for 30 minutes. The cupel was removed from the kiln
and cooled. A very pale yellow bead weighing 9.5 grams was
obtained. A second bead weighing 0.9 grams was made in the same
manner from a 1 gram sample of dark yellow metal product. The 1
gram bead was placed in dilute nitric acid (1 part 70% nitric
acid and 4 parts water) at 45-50[deg.] C. for about 60 minutes.
The bead dissolved to give only about 5 milligrams of black
sponge. The addition of sodium chloride to the nitric acid
solution gave a thick white precipitate of silver chloride. The
HP 4500 ICP-MS showed only silver in the nitric acid solution.
Example 10F
[0103] Metal Recovery Without
Phonon Resonance Reactor. After 15 days, the second
5-gallon bucket (bucket #2) from Example 10D was processed as
described for bucket #1 in Example 10E, except no air flow from
the aluminum phonon resonance reactor was provided. This bucket
gave 85 grams of silver product. Under the 100-power microscope
the silver product looked like tiny nuggets without any of
smooth metallic surfaces found in the starting silver needles. A
10-gram sample was cupelled as described in Example 10E. A 9.5
gram bead was obtained. This bead had the same color as the bead
from Example 10E and parted in nitric acid to give silver
nitrate. The HP 4500 ICP-MS showed only silver in the nitric
acid solution.
Example 11
[0104] Silver Needles Mutation
-Into a 5-gallon plastic white bucket were placed 1 kilogram of
60*100 mesh of silver needles, 906 grams of Fleischmann's yeast
and 7.5 liters of municipal tap water from Washington County,
Utah. The silver and yeast were thoroughly mixed and the bucket
was placed on level ground at Washington County, Utah with full
exposure to sunlight at a temperature of about 35-50[deg.] F. in
the evening and 60-80[deg.] F. during the day. The bucket
contents were mixed with a wooden spoon about two to three times
a day. The silver needles became suspended throughout the yeast
water mixture. After 2 days, another 453 grams of yeast was
added. The water was allowed to slowly evaporate over the next
eight days to give a thick biomass of yeast, mutant microbes and
silver needles. The contents of bucket weighed about 2.2
kilograms.
Example 11A
[0105] Silver Recovery.
The contents of the bucket from Example 11 were transferred into
three 5-gallon white plastic buckets. Into one bucket (marked
#11A1) was placed [1/3] of the contents of bucket and 3.7 liters
of distilled water and 900 grams of Fleischmann's yeast. This
bucket was placed in the sunlight during the day at Washington,
Utah and stirred with a wooden spoon about 2 to 3 times a day.
After three days another 450 grams of yeast and 1.8 liters of
water were added. After about another 7 days, another 450 grams
of yeast and 1.8 liters of water were added. The silver needles
in this bucket were allowed to settle to the bottom of the
bucket. A sample of silver needles was scooped from the bottom
of the bucket, washed with water to remove most of the organic
matter, and then dried to give 8.9 grams of silver needles
colored a dark yellow color.
Example 11B
[0106] Nitric Acid Parting and
Crooks Process. The 8.9 grams of silver needles
recovered from bucket #11A1 as described in Example 11A was
placed in a 100 ml beaker with 20 ml of nitric acid (1 part 70%
nitric and 4 parts water). The beaker was warmed on a hot plate
to about 50[deg.] C. The silver needles dissolved and a trace
amount of black sponge was formed. The contents of the beaker
were evaporated to dryness on a hot plate at 200[deg.] C. The
temperature of the hot plate was raised to 280[deg.] C. and the
residue in the beaker was a brown color. The temperature was
then raised to 325[deg.] C. and the residue in the beaker formed
a clear molten liquid with a black spongy material. The beaker
was cooled to 30[deg.] C. and 20 ml of distilled water was
added. The beaker was warmed to dissolve any silver nitrate
residue in the beaker. The contents of the beaker was then
filter. The filter paper which contained a black material was
dried. The black material and dried filter paper were heated in
a ceramic dish to give 1.1 grams of metallic gold.
Example 12
[0107] Silver Shots In Black
Bucket. Into a 5-gallon plastic black bucket were
placed 300 grams of 99.9 purity silver grains of about 1 mm to 3
mm, 906 grams of Fleischmann's yeast and 7.5 liters of municipal
tap water from Washington County, Utah. The bucket was covered
with a black plastic top, and the contents were thoroughly
mixed. The bucket was placed on level ground at Washington
County, Utah with full exposure to sunlight at a temperature of
about 35-50[deg.] F. in the evening and 60-80[deg.] F. during
the day. The bucket contents were mixed by swirling the bucket
about two to three times a day to loosen the silver shots on the
bottom of the bucket. After 2 days, another 453 grams of yeast
was added. After 4 days, the silver shots were a pale yellow
color. After 7 days, the silver shots were a golden yellow
color.
Example 12A
[0108] Coiled Silver Phonon
Resonance Treatment. After 7 days, the microbial
solution in Example 12 was decanted from the silver shots at the
bottom of the bucket and transferred to a clean new white
plastic bucket. Air flow at 4 psi from the phonon resonance
reactor with a silver coil described in Example 27 was passed
into the new bucket for 7 days. The phonon resonance reactor
temperature was from 40 to 45[deg.] C. A small sample of the
microbial mixture in the bucket was panned in a gold plastic
panning dish about 18 inches in diameter. A small amount of a
metallic material with a silvery color about 0.1 to 0.5 mm in
size was obtained. After 9 days, the bucket was shaken with an
industrial shaker and the metal produced was dropped to the
bottom of the bucket. The microbial mixture was decanted from
the metal product on the bottom of bucket. The metal product was
washed with water and dried to give 71 grams of silvery product.
The silver product was melted at 2000[deg.] F. in an electric
kiln to give 63 of grams of silver metal.
Example 13
[0109] Digestion Test Arizona
ore. The mutant microbes prepared by the method of
Example 3 was used to digest a gypsiferous mineral ore of red
mudstone and siltstone with thin-bedded to laminated gypsum and
green mudstone from during the Tertiary period from the Tonto
Basin area of Arizona. The digestion procedure was carried out
for three days according to the procedure of Example 9. A two
gram sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in aqua regia
(one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid) at
about 20[deg.] C. The aqua regia solution was analyzed with the
HP 1500 ICP-MS. Gold, silver and palladium in the amount of 10
ppm to 100 ppm are detected in the aqua regia solution.
Example 14
[0110] Digestion Test-Oil
Shale. This test used oil shale from the Green River
Formation of Wyoming and Colorado. A 50 g sample of the oil
shale (about 100 mesh), 100 ml of the microbe prepared by the
method of Example 3 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed
into a 500 ml flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred
with a magnetic stir bar and heated to 80[deg.] C. for three
days. The microbial solution was assayed by the HP 4500 ICP-MS
and the solution was found to contain about 10 ppm silver.
Example 15
[0111] Digestion
Test-Flotation Concentrates of Arsenosulfide Ore. A
flotation concentrate having about 30 ppm gold was used in this
test. The concentrate was prepared from an arsenosulfide ore
from the Shandong Province of China. A 50 g sample of the
concentrate, 100 ml of the microbe prepared by the method of
Example 3 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed into a 500
ml flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred with a
magnetic stir bar and heated to 50[deg.] C. for three days. A
two gram sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in aqua
regia (one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid)
at about 20 C. The aqua regia solution was analyzed with the HP
ICP-MS. Trace amounts of silver was detected in the aqua regia
solution.
Example 16
[0112] Digestion
Test-Flotation Tails. The tails from a flotation
concentrate having about 1 ppm gold was used in this test. A 50
g sample of the tails, 100 ml of the microbe prepared by the
method of Example 3 and 100 ml of distilled water were placed
into a 500 ml flat bottom Florence flask. The flask was stirred
with a magnetic stir bar and heated to 50[deg.] C. for three
days. A one gram sample of the ore residue/solids was placed in
aqua regia (one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric
acid) at about 20[deg.] C. Trace amounts of silver was detected
with the ICP-MS.
Example 17
[0113] Digestion Test on
Vernal Oil Shale. A 500 g (100 mesh) sample of oil
shale from Vernal, Utah (Bureau Land Management stockpile for
research testing), 1000 ml of mutant microbe solution prepared
by the method of Example 3 with about a 3% microbe density by
weight was contacted in a 2 liter beaker at a temperature of
about 80[deg.] C. The digestion mixture was stirred periodically
with a glass stirring rod. After six hours, the mixture was
allowed to settle. The shale settled to the bottom of beaker. On
top of the shale was a thin layer of oil products released from
the shale. On top of the oil layer was the aqueous microbial
solution. The beaker was stirred periodically for another 48
hours at a temperature of about 80[deg.] C. After the additional
digestion time, the mixture was allowed to settle. The shale
residue settled to the bottom. The next layer was the microbial
aqueous solution. The organic layer was on top of the aqueous
solution.
Example 18
[0114] Digestion Test on Tar
Sands. A 50 g sample of tar sands from the Athabasca
deposit in Alberta, Canada and 200 ml of the microbial solution
prepared by the method of Example 3 were placed in 500 ml
beaker. The beaker was agitated with an aquarium pump and air
stone and heated to 60[deg.] C. on a hot plate. After about 5
days at 60[deg.] C., the tar was released from sands leaving a
mixture of light grey sand and tar in the microbial solution.
When the beaker was heated at 80[deg.] C. for 24 hours, the tar
became light oil that floated to the top of the microbial
solution.
Example 19
[0115] Metal Recovery from
Microbial Solution and Biomass. A 2 ml sample from the
tank reactor described in Example 3 was removed after 60 days
and placed into a clay scorifying dish and evaporated to dryness
at 100[deg.] C. The dish was then placed into an electric kiln
with tungsten elements and heated to about 320[deg.] C. for 14
hours. About 10 grams of lead sheet was added and the dish
heated to about 980[deg.] C. The molten lead and slag was then
poured into a cone mold. The lead was separated and pounded into
a cube. The lead cube was placed into a bone ash cupel and
heated at 980[deg.] C. to give 5 mgs of a bead with a light
yellow color. The bead was placed in dilute nitric acid (1 part
70% nitric acid and 4 parts water) at 45-50[deg.] C. for about
60 minutes. The bead dissolved to give only a trace of black
sponge. The addition of sodium chloride to the nitric acid
solution gave a thick white precipitate of silver chloride. The
HP 4500 ICP-MS showed silver in the nitric acid solution.
Example 20
[0116] Mutation with Silver
Granules. A quart jar with a metal lid was filled with
500 ml of distilled water, 7 grams of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
(Fleischmann's brand) and 10 grams of silver granules of about 1
mm to 5 mm. The jar was loosely covered with the lid and heated
on a hot plate to bring the solution temperature to about
35[deg.] C. After about 5 days, the silver was coated with a
pale yellow metallic material. The observation of the microbial
solution with an optical microscope showed that the mutant
microbe density was about 1%.
Example 21
[0117] Aerobic Silver Mutation.
A second test in a quart jar was done as described in Example
20. All reaction conditions and materials were identical except
that an air stone was used to pump air into the bottom of the
jar. After about 5 days, the silver was coated a yellow color
that was visually observed to be more yellow than the Example
20. Also, the observation of the microbial solution with an
optical microscope showed that the mutant microbe density was
about 2%.
Example 22
[0118] Mutant Microbe
Diagnostic Test. A 500 ml sample of the microbial
solution prepared by the method of Example 3 having a mutant
microbe density of about 3% was placed in a beaker with 20 grams
of silver granules sized about 1 mm to 5 mm. The solution was
heated at 39[deg.] C. After about 4 hours, the silver was
observed to have a yellow coating.
Example 23
[0119] Mutation At Elevated
Temperature. Mutation at 80[deg.] C. A 500 ml sample of
the same microbial solution used in Example 22 was placed in a
beaker with 20 grams of silver granules sized about 1 mm to 5
mm. The solution was heated at 80[deg.] C. After about two
hours, the silver granules were coated with a yellow color.
Example 24
[0120] Mutation in Salt Water.
A 500 ml sample of the same microbial solution used in Example
22 was placed in a beaker with ten (10) grams of sea salt. The
microbial solution was heated to 90[deg.] C. for 24 hours.
Observation of the microbial solution after cooling with an
optical microscope showed the microbial solution had a mutant
microbe density of about 3 percent that was moderately active.
Example 25
[0121] SEM Scan of Microbe
Biomass. After 90 days, the content of the microbial
tank of Example 3 was evaporated to dryness at about 25[deg.] C.
to 30[deg.] C. over a 90-day period to give a biomass of dead
microbes. The biomass was examined with the Leo 1430VP scanning
electron microscope. The spectrum shows a major peak for gold.
See FIG. 7.
Example 26
[0122] Coiled Aluminum Phonon
Resonance Reactor. An 8-feet length of Anderson Barrows
[3/8] inch soft aluminum coil tubing purchased at Ace Hardware
was coiled in loops of about 2.5 to 3 inch diameter. The coil
was installed in an electric kiln, (Vcella Kilns, Model #9) with
inside dimensions of 9 inch wide, 10 inch deep and 6.5 inches
high. Three small holes were drilled into a wall of the kiln.
The ends of the coiled aluminum tube are placed into two of the
holes. A temperature probe connected to a model #210 J-KEM
Scientific temperature controller was inserted into the third
hole. One end of the aluminum tube is connected to a 4 psi air
pump. The other end of the coiled tube is connected to an
aquarium-type bubble curtain or stone and placed on the bottom
of a container (bioreactor) with a biodegradable organic medium.
Example 27
[0123] Coiled Silver Phonon
Resonance Reactor. A phonon resonance reactor was
constructed as described in Example 26, except that the coiled
aluminum tube was replaced with a coiled silver tube made from 2
meters of a 99.95% purity silver tube with 3 mm inside diameter
and 3.5 mm outside diameter, manufactured by Goodfellow
Corporation, Oakdale, Pa.
[0124] The silver phonon resonance unit can also be a coiled
silver tube heated in a water bath or other heating means to an
operating temperature of 40[deg.] C. to 45[deg.] C.
Example 28
[0125] Mutation With Silver
and Coiled Aluminum Phonon Resonance Reactor. A 20
gallon plastic tank reactor about 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 2
feet long was filled with about 10 gallons of distilled water.
One kilogram of 99.9% purity silver grains from 1 mm to 5 mm was
placed in the bottom of the tank. One kilogram of commercially
manufactured S. Cerevisiae (Fleischmann's yeast) was added in
about 100-gram portions to the tank. The tank reactor was heated
to about 43[deg.] C. with an immersion stainless heater. Air
flow at 4 psi from an aluminum phonon resonance reactor as
described in Example 26 was provided to the tank reactor through
a bubble curtain placed on the bottom of the tank. Air flow was
heated to 300[deg.] C. to 305[deg.] C. in the phonon resonance
reactor. Every 3 to 4 days another 100 grams of yeast was added
to the tank reactor. After 2 days, the silver in the tank turned
to a pale yellow color. After 4 days, the silver was a golden
yellow color. After 7 days, the silver was a dark yellow color.
Water was added as needed to keep the tank reactor volume at
about 9 to 10 gallons. After 10 days the microbial solution was
pumped into another container and the silver was removed from
the bottom of tank reactor.
Example 29
[0126] Vibrational Table
Collection. The microbial solution from Example 28 was
returned to the tank reactor after the starting silver was
removed from the tank. The air flow from the phonon resonance
reactor to the tank reactor was kept in operation about 15 hours
per day. About 100 grams of yeast was added every 3 to 4 days
and water was added as needed to maintain a volume of about 10
gallons. The microbial solution was heated to about 40[deg.] C.
to 45[deg.] C. After about 3 days, a silvery metal product
started to drop to the bottom of the tank. The metal product and
microbial solution were pumped to a commercial gravitational
vibrating concentrating table with a [1/4] HP motor, neoprene
top and tapered riffles. The table collected a silvery metal
product at a rate of about 30 to 50 grams per day. The microbial
solution was recycled back to the tank reactor.
Example 30
[0127] Mutant Microbes with In
Situ Silver Production. No silver was used in this test
and silver for mutation is made in situ. A 20 gallon plastic
tank reactor about 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 2 feet long was
filled with about 10 gallons of distilled water. One kilogram of
dry active Fleischmann's yeast was added in 100 grams portions
to the tank. The tank reactor was heated to about 43[deg.] C.
with an immersion stainless heater Air flow at 4 psi from a
phonon resonance reactor with a silver coil as described in
Example 27 was provided to the tank reactor through a [1/4] inch
plastic tube a with bubble curtain placed on the bottom of the
tank. Air flow was heated to 43[deg.] C. in the phonon resonance
reactor. Every 3 to 4 days another 100 grams of yeast was added
to the tank reactor. Every day a small sample of the microbial
solution was panned in a gold plastic panning dish about 18
inches in diameter. A small amount of a metallic material with a
silvery color about 0.1 to 0.2 mm in size was obtained after two
days. After 5 days, panning of the microbial solution showed a
metallic material with a silver color about 0.1 to 0.5 in size.
After 9 days, the test with the tank reactor was stopped and the
metallic product was allowed to settle for a two day period. The
microbial mixture was decanted from the metal product on the
bottom of tank. The metal product was washed with water and
dried to give 23 grams of metal product. The metal product was
melted at 2000 F in an electric kiln to give 115 grams of grams
of a silver-colored metal.
Example 30A
[0128] Mutant Microbe
Diagnostic Tests. The microbes in the tank reactor of
Example 30 were observed under the SEM to have concentric rings
of metal within the cellular structure characteristic of the
mutant microbes of the invention. Under the optical microscope
the mutant microbes appeared were rod shaped with a flatten
bottom on one side. No starting yeast was observed in the
microbial solution. A 10 gram sample of 99.9% purity silver
grains of about 1 mm to 4 mm and 100 ml of the microbial
solution were placed in a beaker. The beaker was heated at
43[deg.] C. for 10 days. The silver grains had a pale yellow
color after two days and a pale to dark yellow color after 5
days.
Example 31
[0129] Yeast Mutation with In
Situ Silver from Aluminum Phonon Resonance Reactor. No
silver was used in this test and silver for mutation was made in
situ. A 20 gallon plastic tank reactor about 2 feet wide, 2 feet
deep and 2 feet long was filled with about 10 gallons of
distilled water. One kilogram of commercially manufactured S.
Cerevisiae (Fleischmann's yeast) was added in 100 grams portions
to the tank. The tank reactor was heated to about 43[deg.] C.
with an immersion stainless heater. Air flow at 4 psi from an
aluminum phonon resonance reactor as described in Example 26 was
provided to the tank reactor through a bubble curtain placed on
the bottom of the tank. Air flow was heated to 300[deg.] C. to
305[deg.] C. in the phonon resonance reactor. Every 3 to 4 days
another 100 grams of yeast was added to the tank reactor. Water
was added as needed to keep the tank reactor volume at about 9
to 10 gallons. Every day a small sample of the microbial
solution was panned in a gold plastic panning dish about 18
inches in diameter. A small amount of a very fine metallic
material with a silvery color about 0.1 mm or less was observed
after about 8 hours. After two days, panning of the microbial
solution showed a silver colored metal about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.
After 5 days, panning of the microbial solution showed metallic
material with a silver color about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm in size.
Example 31A
[0130] Collection with Spiral
Gold Panning Wheel. After 9 days of operation, the
collection of the metal product in microbial mixture of Example
31 was started using a model GRAC vibrating spiral gold panner,
manufactured by Keene Engineering, Chatsworth, Calif. The
machine comprises a rotating 24 inch wheel with undercut riffles
that vibrates up to 100 times per minute. The wheel was set at
an angel of 45 degrees. The microbial mixture was pumped to the
bottom of edge of the wheel and the microbial solution is
recycled to the tank reactor of Example 31. The metal product
was collected as it vibrates to the center of wheel. The wheel
was operated about 2 hours per day and collected about 30 grams
of a silvery metal product per day. The SEM showed that the
product was primarily silver with about 1% gold, 0.5% platinum
and 0.5% palladium.
Example 32
[0131] Oil Shale with Microbes
and Coiled Aluminum Phonon Resonance Reactor. A 20
gallon plastic tank reactor about 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 2
feet long was filled 5 kilograms of oil shale from Vernal, Utah
that was milled to about 40 to 50 mesh and with 10 gallons of
mutant microbes with a microbial density of about 5%, prepared
as described in Example 28. One kg of dry active Fleischmann's
yeast was added in 100 grams portions to the tank. The tank
reactor was heated to about 43 degrees centigrade with an
immersion stainless heater Air flow at 4 psi from a phonon
resonance reactor with an aluminum coil as described in Example
26 was provided to the tank reactor through a bubble curtain
placed on the bottom of the tank. Air flow was heated to
302[deg.] C. to 305[deg.] C. in the phonon resonance reactor.
After one day, a thin oil layer was observed on top of the
microbial solution. Every 3 days, a small sample of oil shale
was scooped from the tank and panned in a gold plastic panning
dish about 12 inches in diameter. A small amount of a metallic
material with a silvery color about 0.1 to 0.2 mm in size was
separated from the oil shale. After 5 days, the oil shale was
scooped from the tank and processed in the spiral gold panner
described in Example 31A. A silver-gray powder about 0.1 to 0.5
in size was collected. The microbial solution was recycled to
the tank reactor and oil shale was removed from the collection
tank of the spiral wheel as a waste product. After all the oil
shale had been processed in the spiral wheel, about 30 grams of
an oil product was separated by from the oil layer by skimming
the top of microbial solution and oil layer into a 1 liter
separatory funnel.
Example 33
[0132] Oil Shale with Coiled
Aluminum Resonance Reactor. A 20 gallon plastic tank
reactor about 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 2 feet long was
filled 5 kilograms of oil shale from Vernal, Utah that was
milled to about 40 to 50 mesh and 10 gallons of water. The tank
reactor was heated to about 50[deg.] C. with an immersion
stainless heater Air flow at 4 psi from a phonon resonance
reactor with an aluminum coil as described in Example 26 was
provided to the tank reactor through a bubble curtain placed on
the bottom of the tank. Air flow was heated to 302[deg.] C. to
305[deg.] C. in the phonon resonance reactor. After 8 hours, a
few drops of oil were observed on the surface of the oil shale.
After two days, a thin layer of oil was observed floating on the
surface of water.
Example 34
[0133] Mutation and X-ray
Tests. Into a plastic 5-gallon white bucket were place
1 kilogram of 99.9 silver shots of about 1 mm to 10 mm, 1
kilogram of Fleischmann's instant dry yeast and 1 gallon of
Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water. The mixture was thoroughly
mixed with a wooden spoon and the bucket was placed in an
electric kiln heated a temperature of 43[deg.] C. (109[deg.]
F.). The contents of the bucket were stirred about every 12
hours. After 4 days, the silver shots were a light yellow color.
After eight days, the yeast mixture was decanted into another
bucket and the silver shots were thoroughly washed with water.
The silver shots were now a yellow color. About 10% of the
silver shots were a pale bluish color and about 10% of the
silver shots were a light copper color.
Example 34A
[0134] An Oxford 2000 X-ray fluorescence scan of the surface of
a silver shot recovered after 8 days of mutation in Example 34
showed about 0.001 percent gold.
Example 35
[0135] Mutation in
Electromagnetic Field. A 2-liter beaker was tightly
wrapped with 125 feet of 14 gauge insulated copper wire. One end
of the copper wire was connected to the white wire and the other
end was connected to the black wire of a two wire 12 gauge
extension cord. The cord plugged into a Superior Electric
variable transformer. The beaker was filled with 100 grams of
99.9% casting silver granules of 1 mm to 10 mm, 100 grams of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Fleischmann brand) and 1000 ml of
distilled water. Transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps of
current through the copper wire to create an electromagnetic
field in the beaker. The temperature of the microbial solution
varied from about 35[deg.] C. to 39[deg.] C. An air pump and air
stone was used to agitate and to provide air to the microbial
solution. Distilled water was added as needed to maintain the
microbial solution at about 1000 ml. After a few days, the
microbe density was in the range of 1% to 3% by weight and the
silver granules were coated with a thin layer of a yellow
material.
Example 36
[0136] Precious Metal
Production in Resonating Aluminum Tubing. A 14-feet
length of Anderson Barrows [3/8] inch soft aluminum coil tubing
purchased at Ace Hardware was coiled in loops of about 2.5 to 3
inch diameter. The coiled tubing was place into a 2-liter beaker
was tightly wrapped with 125 feet of 14 gauge insulated copper
wire. The ends of the copper wire were connected to a two wire
extension cord and the cord was plugged into a Superior Electric
variable transformer. Transformer was adjusted for 7 to 7.5 amps
of current through the copper wire to create a magnetic field in
the beaker. The air temperature in the beaker at the center of
coiled aluminum tube varied from about 30[deg.] C. to 35[deg.]
C. An air pump was used to transfer the air flow from the
resonating aluminum tubing to a 2 liter beaker filled with 1
liter of distilled water and 20 grams of S. Cerevisiae
(Fleischmann's yeast). After 24 hours, S. Cerevisiae solution
was decanted from the beaker to give 3.9 grams of a black metal
powder. The metal production was continued for six days. A total
of 24 grams of black metal was produced. The black metal was
separated and dried. A 7.0 gram sample of the black metal was
wrapped in 10 grams of assay-grade lead sheet, placed in a bone
ash cupel and heated in an electric kiln heated to 500[deg.] C.
The temperature was gradually increased to 1000 C during a 1
hour period and then maintained at 1000[deg.] C. for 30 minutes.
The cupel was removed from the kiln and cooled. A silvery
precious metal bead weighing 6.4 grams was produced.
Example 37
[0137] Precious Metal
Production in Aluminum Tubing with Internal Electrical
Circuit. A 10-feet length of Anderson Barrows [3/8]
inch soft aluminum coil tubing purchased at Ace Hardware was
coiled in loops of about 2.5 to 3 inch diameter. Alligator clips
were added near to the ends of a two wire 12 gauge cooper
extension cord. The extension cord was plugged into a Superior
Electric variable transformer and one alligator clip was
connected to each end of the aluminum tubing. Transformer was
adjusted for 5 to 6 amps of AC current through aluminum tubing
to create an electromagnetic field inside the aluminum tubing.
The air temperature at the center axis of coiled aluminum tubing
varied from about 30[deg.] C. to 35[deg.] C. An air pump was
used to transfer the air flow from the resonating aluminum
tubing to a 2 liter beaker filled with 1 liter of distilled
water and 20 grams of S. Cerevisiae (Fleischmann's yeast). After
24 hours, S. Cerevisiae solution was decanted from the beaker to
give 3.1 grams of a white metallic metal. The metal production
was continued for 3 days. A total of 9.0 grams of off-white
metal was produced. The off-white metal was separated and dried.
A 4.0 gram sample of the off-white metal was wrapped in 6 grams
of assay-grade lead sheet, placed in a bone ash cupel and heated
in an electric kiln heated to 500[deg.] C. The temperature was
gradually increased to 1000 C during a 1 hour period and then
maintained at 1000[deg.] C. for 30 minutes. The cupel was
removed from the kiln and cooled. A silvery precious metal bead
weighing 3.6 grams was produced.
[0138] The aluminum tubing in Example 37 was weighed before and
after six days of operation as described in Example 37 on an
electronic balance with an accuracy of 0.1 milligram. No weigh
change was detected.
[0139] Methods for producing mutant microbes that coat silver
with a yellow metal and uses of the mutant microbes for
producing and recovering precious metal and producing biofuels
and oil products have been described in the accordance with the
embodiments shown, and one of ordinary skill in the art will
readily recognize that there could be variations to the
embodiments, and any variation would be within the spirit and
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications
may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.