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By A. F. Otero

During the electrowinning (EW) of copper significant quantities of highly toxic vapors (acid mist) are produced due to the liberation of oxygen at the cathodes. Acid mist affects the health of operators, the environment and plant infrastructure. Acid mist can be decreased to acceptable levels by a combination of physical means (e.g. ventilation, plastic spheres over electrolyte) and chemical surfactants that decrease the surface tension of the electrolyte, modifying the way oxygen bubbles burst at the surface of the electrolyte. However, only few chemical surfactants are compatible with electrolytic applications, and they are not always used due to their high costs. This paper describes the application of a novel surfactant of natural origin (commercial name Mistop®) to suppress acid mist in copper EW process. Mistop® contains triterpenic saponins derived from the Chilean quillaja tree Quillaja saponaria Molina. The product is non-toxic, and poses no risks to the environment or to EW operators. Mistop® was tested at a laboratory, pilot plant and industrial scale in the world?s largest copper EW production plant at Radomiro Tomic (RT), CODELCO, Chile. At a Mistop® dosage of 8-9 ppm, acid mist decreased below the value accepted by Chilean regulations (< 0.5 mg/m3). At this dosage, Mistop® represents and economical alternative to chemical surfactants, and it is currently industrially used at RT.

Jan 1, 2003

By Fatma Arslan

Alada (Kayseri-Turkey) lead-zinc sulfide-oxide ores contain 10.17% Pb, 10.98 %Zn, 164 g/t Cd and 57 g/t Ag. During the laboratory scale flotation tests of these ores, it was found that almost all zinc was remained in the tailings that contain 12.31% Zn, 1.35%Pb, 198.3 g/t Cd, and 22.3%Fe. Three different methods were studied such as basic (NaOH) leaching, roasting+acidic (H2SO4) leaching and direct acidic (H2SO4) leaching for recovering metals that these tailings contain. In the direct acidic leaching, which gave the best results, dissolution efficiencies of 91.5% zinc, 78.2% cadmium, and 14.3% iron were reached at the optimum leaching conditions while Pb remained in the leach residues and the acid consumption was 422.3 kg/ton of tailings.

Jan 1, 2006

By Robert J. Stevenson

The chemical variation of central North American lignite fly ash can be compared using the major and minor oxide analyses and the distribution pattern of the inter-grain chemistries of the individual fly ash have been used to illustrate the variations in bulk ,sample and individual grain chemistry. This information documents the chemical variability of the lignite fly ashes by geographic region. There is a direct relationship between grains rich in SiOa and AlaO, and in the NazO content of the grains in lignite derived fly ashes. There is also a direct relationship between grains rich in Ca0 and the MgO and SO, content of the grains in lignite derived fly ashes,. These variations are shown using CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 and CaO-Na2O-MgO ternary diagrams.

Jan 1, 1992

By Mike Santaluce

Smelting furnace rebuild projects often require a significant capital expenditure and an extended smelter outage. Smelter operators are increasingly searching for methods and initiatives to shorten furnace rebuild schedules, maintain manageable cost levels, enhance furnace performance and achieve excellent safety results. This paper describes the ?MEPC? Model for furnace rebuilds; a project driven approach which Auburn has developed in response to the need for improving furnace rebuild project outcomes. The ?MEPC? (Management, Engineering, Procurement and Construction) approach better addresses the unique challenges presented by furnace rebuild projects when compared to the traditional EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management) model widely in use for these projects today. One key feature of the MEPC model is that a dedicated project management team with representation from all of the major project stakeholder groups is put in place at the onset of the project. The project management team has ownership and accountability for meeting overall project goals over the entire lifecycle of the furnace rebuild project. A second key aspect of the model is emphasis on project management as a completely separate project function with its own specific skill sets, techniques, tools and best practices. These features of the MEPC model offer several advantages in terms of improved planning, coordination, communication and alignment with project goals which contribute to the overall success of furnace rebuild projects. Similar MEPC concepts have been used to deliver excellent project results in other industries and the MEPC approach has been successfully utilized on furnace rebuild projects.

Jan 1, 2006

By David Langberg

Recovery of dissolved copper from discard slags is a critical consideration affecting the economics of copper smelting. Slag cleaning is frequently carried out in electric furnaces, however reduction by injection of natural gas in a holding furnace may offer a lower cost alternative in some circumstances. As the residence time of the injected gas is short, the factors controlling the rate of reduction need to be clarified in order to optimise the design of the slag cleaning furnace. A series of medium scale (200 kg) reduction tests to investigate the rate of reduction of copper-containing slags by injection of natural gas-nitrogen mixtures between 1150-1250C was carried out by CSIRO Minerals. The composition of the gas in the top-space of the reactor was found to be significantly more reducing than the slag, indicating that thermodynamic equilibrium was not established between the slag and the gas in the bubble plume. An apparent first order rate law was observed between the rate of oxygen elimination from the bath and the magnetite concentration of the bath. The dissolved copper concentration was closely correlated with the oxygen potential of the slag, suggesting a partial equilibrium between the dissolved components of the slag. The utilisation efficiency of the natural gas decreased as the natural gas flow rate was increased. The results of the tests tend to indicate that the rate is controlled by a mixed reaction kinetics/ mass transport mechanism. The work was supported by Xstrata Copper ? Mt Isa Mines.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. Padilla

The reaction of chalcopyrite with gaseous sulfur has been investigated in the range 350-450 °C in order to transform this mineral into a more acid soluble copper sulfide and insoluble iron sulfide. The results of thermodynamic analysis of this system as well as the X-ray diffraction analysis of the reaction products showed that in the temperature range 350 400°C the sulfidation reaction proceeded without formation of intermediate copper-iron sulfides according to: The effects of temperature and time on the conversion of chalcopyrite were studied. Conversion of chalcopyrite reached about 80% very rapidly with increase in temperature up to about 400°C. The recovery of copper from the sulfidized samples was determined by leaching in oxygenated 1.2M H2S04, 2M NaCI solution. Copper recoveries over 90 % were obtained from samples sulfidized for 30 min at temperatures lower than 400°C.

Jan 1, 2001

By Nedam Abed

A fundamental study of the sonochemical leaching of chalcopyrite in ferric ion media has been performed to understand and quantify the effects of sonication and other parameters on leaching reactions. The study covers sulfate and chloride media. The main leaching reaction: CuFeS2(s) + 4Fe3+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + 5Fe2+(aq) + 2S(s) (1) was found to be dependent on temperature and initial particle size, but less dependent on ferric ion concentration. Leaching kinetics were not affected by ferrous ion concentration or the amount of chalcopyrite added. Leaching was performed under a variety of sonication and leaching conditions. Reaction stoichiometry was confirmed through detailed wet chemistry analysis and mass balance calculations. The use of ultrasound activation showed a clear improvement in leaching kinetics and amount of copper extracted, sonication having a catalytic-like effect on the leaching reaction. Compared to experiments without sonication, reaction rates were 2-3 times faster at the same temperature, and could be faster by a factor of 20 for the same initial particle size. Regardless of initial particle size, the amount of copper extracted was comparable under sonication, and could be twice that under chemical leaching, implying the avoidance of fine particle grinding. Sonochemical leaching was found to be only temperature dependent, where the best copper extraction was at 75C. Leaching was further enhanced by the use of a grinding aid. The leaching behavior of chalcopyrite particles remained similar with and without ultrasound activation, implying that the known passivation mechanism in the oxidative leaching was not eradicated. Sonication resulted in coarse particle breakage (ultrasonic milling). Sonication did not contribute to particle passivation, as affirmed from different leaching procedures and sonication in aqueous and organic media. Parabolic leaching kinetics were confirmed for leaching experiments.

Jan 1, 2003

By Zhong Juya, Wang Yong, Guo Xueyi, Song Yu, Tian qinghua

"In this work, the flow of zinc in China, 2004, was traced within the STAF model, and the situation of production, consumption and recycling of zinc resources in China were introduced. The SFA is performed on zinc flows during its one year life cycle in detail. The result reveals that China produces and utilizes a large amount of zinc, while the efficiency of renewable zinc resources is still relatively lower. As one of the biggest producer and consumer of zinc in the world, China is facing a severe depletion of zinc resources. How to increase the resource efficiency is a significant issue for zinc industry of China. Based on the result, several advices were proposed in the paper, aiming to contribute important reference information for the industrial metabolism and resource management and recycling of zinc industry in China. IntroductionZinc is one of the important metals in national economic development in China; it has good conductivity and corrosion resistance, with high scalability when heated to 100 ~105_. Zinc is mainly used for galvanized zinc industry, as the coating of steel and various parts, and it has also been applied to the manufacture of brass, bronze and corrosion-resistant alloys, which are widely used in machinery manufacturing, printing, national defense and so on. In addition, zinc compounds are utilized in various fields, for example, ZnO is used for infiltration wood, paper, rubber, paints, etc.; ZnSO4 for leather, ceramics, textiles, medicine, etc.; ZnCl2 for infiltration wood; ZnS2O4 and Zn (HSO2 • CH2O) 2 for the paper and textile bleaching, etc. [1]. The extensive use and consumption of zinc in industrial production and social life promot the rapid development of zinc industry, which made zinc the third largest non-ferrous metals in the world."

Jan 1, 2008

By Gaifeng Xue, Jingxuan Zhou, Shangchao Liu

"Both COD and TOC can characterize organic pollution of coking wastewater. In theory, there is a linear correlation between these two indicators. After continuous monitoring TOC and COD of coking waste water, linear regression relationship between of these to indicators was studied with the use of mathematical statistics. And conversion equation between these two indicators was established, and using t-test method for significance testing. The results showed that the linear relationship of COD and TOC was significant. Also interval estimation of equation slope and intercept were given in the condition of 95% confidence level. A linear regression equation established can be used to indirectly convert TOC to COD with high precision and accuracy.IntroductionBoth chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) are measure of the degree of characterization for organic pollution of water bodies. The current COD standard analytical methods is Potassium dichromate titration method [1] . there are some disadvantages in this method, such as only part of organic matter in the water bodies being oxidated, the refluxed steps, a long time needed for each measurement, high cost. It is the most important that sulfuric acid silver and mercury sulfate reagents used in the measurement may easily lead to secondary pollution. In contrast, the measurement of TOC is by the method of combustion or Photocatalytic Oxidation. The result could be easily got from the instrument. There are some advantages in this way, such as easy operation, short time and little expenses for each measurement and no secondary pollution 121• In addition, the measurement of TOC has higher degree of precision and accuracy than the measurement of COD both in the determination of calibration standards and actual samples. The meaning and contrast of TOC and COD are listed in the table 1."

Jan 1, 2013

By D. A. Robbins

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. of 1976 (RCRA) requires testing of waste materials as part of the determination of whether these materials are classified and managed as hazardous wastes. The adoption of one standard testing procedure and its application to all types of waste materials has stirred much controversy. In the center of this controversy is the appropriateness of this testing procedure in characterizing non-ferrous metal intermediates and slags. The authors have evaluated the relative availability of metals in several types of copper and lead slags as defined by various testing protocols. Also discussed is the relationship between the chemical character of the slag and the availability of metals to leaching and certain metallurgical practices that can influence metals availability.

Jan 1, 1983

By Jie Li, Thomas A. Rawdanowicz, W. J. Collis, S. Venkatraman, S. Iyer

"InSb being the lowest band gap. material amongst the 111-V semiconductors with low effective mass has long attracted research interest, due to its potential application in far infrared devices and for high speed circuit elements. In this paper, we report, for the first time, Te-doping of InSb on GaAs substrate using SnTe doping source with molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique and its electrical characterization. The undoped epilayers are n-type in the temperature range of 10 K to 300 K investigated. The room temperature (RT) mobility as high as 64,810 cm2/V·s (1.9x1016 cm-3) have been measured on a 4.8 µm thick epilayer. Sn Te doping at different doping levels were investigated. 5. 7 µm thick doped layers with RT carrier concentrations ranging from 2x1016 cm-3 to 3.2x1018 cm-3 with corresponding full width at half maximum (FWHM) of x-ray (400) rocking curve varying from 170-200 arc-seconds have been achieved. The Hall mobility of 20,000 cm2/V·s at 1.3xl018 cm-3 carrier concentration was obtained indicating that SnTe is a good candidate as source material for n-type doping of InSb.IntroductionThe thin films of InSb and InSb-based alloys have found considerable interest because of potential applications in III-V semiconductor-based infrared optoelectronic devices1• In addition, the advantage of the small effective mass and the consequent high mobility can be utilized in high frequency and high-speed circuit devices2 InSb can also be used in magnetoresistive sensors for position sensing3. Epitaxial InSb films grown by MBE may be doped n-type with Si or Sn, or with the group VI elements, namely, S, Se, or Te. Of the group VI elements, Te may be advantageous because of its relatively low vapor pressure. However, the vapor pressure is high enough to have sufficient memory effect during MBE growth. Hence different telluride compounds such as GaTe45, PbTe6 and Sb2Te37 have been used as the dopant source for Sb-based compounds. SnTe has also been used as a successful n-type dopant in the MBE growth ofGaSb8 But, to our knowledge, there is no report on the investigation of SnTe doping of InSb. In this paper, we report the first doping characteristics of SnTe in InSb layers grown on GaAs substrate."

Jan 1, 1998

By George Grandy

Kvaerner experience is being used to develop software to design or simulate crushing and screening plants. The model techniques discussed are presently being used for open-circuit plants and are being extended to closed circuit plants. The program contains a library of routines, each representing a piece of equipment or unit operation, which are assembled into one of several open-circuit plant configurations. Routines include gyratory primary crushers; standard secondary and shorthead tertiary cone crushers; single, double or triple deck screens; and stockpiles, feed bins and belt conveyors. The program uses steady-state models to simulate the performance of crushers and screens that have small residence times and quickly reach equilibrium when operating conditions and/or parameters are changed. The dynamic aspect of the total circuit model concerns the storage units within the circuit, i.e. stockpiles and bins, and, in the closed circuit configuration, circulating loads and size distributions. In many cases, just vendor&apos;s catalog data are necessary for a pre-feasibility simulation; in other cases, actual plant test data are required to obtain more accurate simulations. The entire plant is shown in a single graphic screen so the user can see all the relevant information he might want, and soft-keys are provided for the user to make on- line parameter changes and observe the effects on storage elements, equipment feed rates and the final product size distributions. The model also reports equipment utilization in percentage, power consumption, and other related operating information, and soon, will be able to report estimated capital and operating costs.

Jan 1, 1999

By Thomas Gliick, Jianming Lu, David Dreisinger

"The Boleo project of Baja Mining (Vancouver) will process a mixed oxide-sulfide ore using an acid oxidation and reduction process in seawater to extract copper, zinc, cobalt and manganese. Copper will be extracted via SX-EW as copper cathode, zinc will be recovered as a zinc sulphate monohydrate crystal and cobalt will be produced as a cobalt cathode product after phosphinic acid extraction. Manganese may be recovered from the final solvent extraction raffinate by precipitation as manganese carbonate.The development of the cobalt recovery process (solvent extraction and electrowinning) will be discussed. The pilot plant solvent extraction circuit and subsequent bench and small pilot testing of cobalt electrowinning will be discussed. The Boleo project will produce approximately 1708 tonnes per armum of cobalt metal when fully commissioned.INTRODUCTIONThe Boleo property is held by the Mexican company, Minera y Metalllrgica del Boleo S.A. de C.V. (MMB). MMB is owned 70% by Baja Mining Corp. and 30% by a consortium of Korean companies consisting of KORES - Korea Resources Corporation, LS Nikko Copper, Hyundai Hysco, SK Networks and Iljin Copper. The project is fully financed and is now under construction with an expected startup in early 2013 .Average annual production, for the first six years for each of the metals is forecast as: 56,697 tonnes of copper cathode, 1,708 tonnes of cobalt cathode and 25,364 tonnes of zinc sulphate monohydrate. The project has an average life-of-mine cash cost (based on the three year trailing average metal prices, as of December 31, 2009, in accordance with SEC guidelines) of -$0.29/lb Cu, net of by-product credits for cobalt and zinc and with no credit for manganese production. There is the potential to produce up to 220,000 tonnes per armum of manganese carbonate (- 100,000 tpa contained Mn) via the relatively simple addition of a small number of unit operations to the proposed plant. The recovery of manganese metals from the manganese carbonate intermediate material is discussed in a separate paper in this proceeding."

Jan 1, 2012

By Hua Hou, Xiaofeng Niu, Wei Liang

"The explicit finite difference (EFD) method is used for calculating the casting temperature field during solidification. Because the time step is limited, the computational efficiency of the EFD method is lower. In order to improve the computational efficiency, a fourth-order in space and second-order in time model based on the equivalent specific heat method and the alternating direction implicit (ADI) method is established. The degree of similarity between the simulation results and the experimental results is analyzed. The results show that the simulation results of this high order mathematical model are close to the experimental results.IntroductionThe 3D heat transfer equation of temperature field during solidification process is as the following: [1-3]."

Jan 1, 2013

By Fang-Qui Zu

Understanding the nature of liquid structures and properties remains an open problem for many fundamental and applied fields such as materials sciences and processing. And as well known, there is no other defined phase line above liquidus (TL ) in phase diagrams of ordinary binary systems. However, via different experimental resorts, our research results on over 30 metallic melts including alloys and elements show a novel physical image: temperature induced liquid-liquid structure transition (TI-LLST) can occur hundreds of degrees over TL. On the other hand, the solidification behaviors and structures out of the melts experienced TI-LLST are distinct from those out of the melts before TI-LLST. In this presentation, some characteristic aspects of the TI-LLST and the effects on solidification behaviors and structures are briefly summarized, and the pertinent rules and mechanism are also analyzed.

Jan 1, 2009

By E. A. Chavarriaga, L. J. Jaramillo, O. J. Restrepo

"This paper presents the results of the manufacturing ceramic pigments with spinel structure, using methods of synthesis of low temperature. In this work we obtained spinel structures type by the methods of Self-combustion, Coprecipitation, Microemulsion, Gel citrate and Pechini. These methods become an attractive alternative to traditional method (ceramic method), since we can work at a lower temperature, reducing manufacturing costs, lower fuel consumption, less wear on equipment and other environmental and economic implications. Also it is possible to have control over features such as stoichiometry, morphology of the products, reaction times and structures. The products obtained by these routes will be used in the manufacture of ceramic pigments and characterized using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS spectrophotometry.IntroductionSpinels are ternary oxides AB204, where A and B are cations occupying tetrahedral and octahedral positions respectively. These oxides exhibit interesting electrical, magnetic and catalytic properties [1-4], depending on its nature, charging and intrinsic distribution of ions [5].The most widely used method to prepare spinels has been through solid state reaction, which consists of mixed oxides at high temperatures [6, 7]. In the last years, there have been a strong tendency to use chemical routes for the synthesis of crystalline ceramic particles at low temperatures [8,9]. Unconventional methods currently employed for the synthesis of complex oxides are Gel citrate method, Pechini, Spontaneous combustion, Microemulsion and Coprecipitation. Pechini method [10, 11], based on polymeric precursors, does not require high temperatures and allows stoichiometric control for greater reproducibility. This method involves the formation of a polymeric resin between a metal quelate and polyhydroxy acid of alcohol by polyestirification.Coprecipitation is important for many environmental problems related to water resources, including acid mine drainage, migration of radionuclides in waste repositories dirty, transport of contaminant metals in the industry, metal concentrations in aqueous systems and the technology of wastewater treatment. The coprecipitation process can vary in each case; the partition in the solid phase can be carried out by surface adsorption, ion exchange, surface precipitation, occlusion and formation of solid solution. The formation of solid solution is the result of structural incorporation of the marker in structural support sites resulting in a minor component in the solid solution with the host phase that has a very low solubility of pure solid [12]. Synthesis by gel citrate method allows the use of a route to obtain ceramic pigments from a very simple experimental system in which the stoichiometric control, the size and shape of the particles and the purity of the phases obtained can be controlled more accurately [13]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Enrique Posada

"The Valle de Aburrá area, corresponds to the city of Medellín and neighboring municipalities, with more than 3 million people. The area generates a sizable amount of solid waste, which has been taken to landfills for the last 20 years. This paper proposes a model for public policy making which considers the cost and benefit of different alternatives to handle the wastes in the coming 20 years. Combinations of several alternatives: Recycling, waste reduction, waste separation, incineration, land filling with lixiviate treating and gas energy recovery, and organic waste composting are considered and modeled and the results presented as a contribution for a more rational approach to policy making than the one currently being employed.IntroductionThe author, working for INDISA S.A., acted as a consultant for the direction of planning of the Empresas Varias de Medellín in 2004. This entity has the responsibility for the handling of the solid wastes of the city of Medellín and some of the neighboring municipalities. At the present time more the 700.000 annual tons of waste are taken to the site of La Pradera, located in very rainy location (3.000 mm of precipitation per year), with complex in topography and very far away from the sources of the waste. During the work the author detected important problems that should be addressed, as follows:Lack of adequate technical administration and resources. The entity did not count with sufficient human resources to focus on the appropriate technical handling of the solid waste. The organization worked mostly with independent contractors, lacking enough coherence and integration. The internal workload was too large for the few people who had technical responsibility and this gave rise to attention problems. It is important to have clear technical procedures, technical know how and human resources, continuity in the activities. It is important to have a clear capacity to plan, to study, to make tests and monitoring, to pursuit and develop ideas, to optimize the processes and to introduce changes, to respond to environmental authorities, to the communities and to mass media and to handle the contractors. All this was basically lacking. In the case of the handling of the sanitary filling of La Pradera, for example, although the people in charge were very able and dedicated, the magnitude of the task was too large and the resources they had were insufficient. As a result, the site had at the time of the study, problems with thousands of vultures, lack of immediate cover up for the waste, uncontrolled leaching, the area being dirty and little attractive, despite being called a park."

Jan 1, 2008

By Ki Bui Ma

Momentum wheels with superconducting bearings can integrate both attitude control and energy storage functions, with attendant savings in the total volume and weight of hardware, and power consumption, all of which are in short supply on mini-satellites. We have built and tested a prototype with a wheel of mass 1.9 kg, diameter 3.25 in, and height 3 in, which can store 3.5 J-sec of angular momentum and 5 kJ of energy when it rotates at an angular speed of 15000 RPM. The energy density of 2.5 kJ/kg achieved is comparable with the lower range for lead-acid batteries. To show that the wheel is energy efficient, we have performed spin down tests and measured the input power required to sustain rotational speed. Results indicate that power consumption, even accounting for the needs of cooling system, is significantly smaller than that for state of the art commercial reaction wheels.

Jan 1, 2002

By R. S. Tahautdinov, A. N. Posazhennikov, V. V. Bastrygin

"The Bakal (South Ural, Russia) deposit of iron ore bearing iron carbonate (siderite) with the capacity of more than 1 billion tones belongs to the MMK. This ore cannot be fully processed via blast furnace technology because of high content of MgO. According to the investigations carried out in the USA and Japan in 1999-2004 the ITmk3 (Ironmaking Technology mark three) RHF technology is a breakthrough in Ironmaking. Four iron ore types (hematite, magnetite, high and low Al2O3/SiO2) were tested. Reduction, melting and slag removal can be achieved in just 10 min. The main objective of the investigation is to establish optimum operation conditions for the production of iron nuggets from iron carbonate bearing ore via the ITmk3 by means of the lab scale testing. Samples of iron ore and carbon reductant were chemically and physically analyzed. Green pellets were processed via a lab tube furnace to simulate RHF conditions. The nuggets and slag were chemically analyzed. This preliminary test work provides valuable information which may be used for large-scale testing in a commercially sized RHF.IntroductionThe ITmk3 process upon which this paper focuses was developed by Kobe Steel in its research facilities in 1996 [1]. After pilot testing at Kobe Steel’s Kakogava Works in 1999-2004 the pilot demonstration plant was built and operations were successfully carried out by Mesabi Nugget joint venture in 2002-2004. Steel Dynamics has committed to building the commercial plant at the Mesabi Nugget site in Hoyt Lakes (Minnesota). Only 4 iron ore types (hematite, magnetite, high Al2O3/SiO2 and low Al2O3/SiO2), as well as 4 coal types with range of volatility, ash and fixed carbon were tested. Results were consistent with nugget characteristics confirming ITmk3’s flexibility with respect to raw material inputs. At the same time, no research in the field of nugget from iron carbonate bearing ore with high content of MgO has been done. Such kind of iron ore is restricted for charging into the blast furnace due to contamination of MgO. The reason for restriction is the limitation of load of MgO in the blast furnace. If a lot of MgO enters the blast furnace, slag becomes viscous. The viscous slag is obstacle for stable operation of the blast furnace."

Jan 1, 2011

By E. V. Redin

"The Bakal (South Ural, Russia) deposit of iron ore bearing iron carbonate (siderite) with the capacity of more than 1 billion tones belongs to the MMK. This ore cannot be fully processed via blast furnace technology because of high content of MgO. According to the investigations carried out in the USA and Japan in 1999-2004 the ITmk3 (Ironmaking Technology mark three) RHF technology is a breakthrough in Ironmaking. Four iron ore types (hematite, magnetite, high and low Al2O3/SiO2) were tested. Reduction, melting and slag removal can be achieved in just 10 min. The main objective of the investigation is to establish optimum operation conditions for the production of iron nuggets from iron carbonate bearing ore via the ITmk3 by means of the lab scale testing. Green pellets were processed via a lab tube (chamber) furnace to simulate RHF conditions. This preliminary test work provides valuable information which may be used for large-scale testing in a commercially sized RHF.IntroductionThe ITmk3 process upon which this paper focuses was developed by Kobe Steel in its research facilities in 1996 [1]. After pilot testing at Kobe Steel’s Kakogava Works in 1999-2004 the pilot demonstration plant was built and operations were successfully carried out by Mesabi Nugget joint venture in 2002-2004. Steel Dynamics has committed to building the commercial plant at the Mesabi Nugget site in Hoyt Lakes (Minnesota). Only 4 iron ore types (hematite, magnetite, high Al2O3/SiO2 and low Al2O3/SiO2), as well as 4 coal types with range of volatility, ash and fixed carbon were tested. Results were consistent with nugget characteristics confirming ITmk3’s flexibility with respect to raw material inputs. At the same time, no research in the field of nugget from iron carbonate bearing ore with high content of MgO has been done. Such kind of iron ore is restricted for charging into the blast furnace due to contamination of MgO. The reason for restriction is the limitation of load of MgO in the blast furnace. If a lot of MgO enters the blast furnace, slag becomes viscous. The viscous slag is obstacle for stable operation of the blast furnace."

Jan 1, 2012