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By Marcelo Jimenez Bustos

The Chagres Smelter was the first in Chile to follow environmental regulations to control sulfur dioxide emissions. Because of this, the operation and development plans have had to incorporate environmental planning as part of its policies for almost three decades. The present article shows the development of the environmental standards applied to its operations, investments and operational improvements carried out to meet the regulations and improve competitiveness. Results to-date and future plans are outlined, as well as their impact on operations and the environment.

Jan 1, 1993

By Mansoor Barati, Leili Tafaghodi Khajavi

"This study involves employing solvent refining as a purification process in which silicon recrystallization takes place from an iron-silicon melt. It is believed that iron will act as the impurity “getter” and purified silicon crystals will grow from the alloy melt, while the impurities are segregated to the liquid alloy. Phosphorous is a problematic impurity to remove since its segregation coefficient in pure silicon is relatively large. To assess the feasibility and efficiency of phosphorous removal through solvent refining, it is critical to study its equilibrium distribution between solid Si and the Fe–Si alloy phase.The distribution of phosphorous between solid silicon and iron-silicon melt at 1210-1310 °C was measured to evaluate the impurity removal potential of each alloy. Interaction parameter between phosphorous and iron was calculated by varying the concentration of phosphorous in silicon.IntroductionAmong various semiconductor materials for manufacture of solar cells, silicon accounts for over 90 percent of today's PV materials [1, 2].The major challenge in producing solar silicon that operates efficiently is to meet purity level requirement through a cost efficient route. Silicon solar cells can play a significant role in answering the world's need for energy if cost reductions can be achieved through manufacturing process. Considerable effort has been made to replace the expensive, complex vapor-phase purification by a simpler and less costly process. One of the refining approaches that have attracted wide research interests is producing low-cost solar grade silicon by purification of metallurgical grade silicon. Since metallurgical processes are selective in removing impurities, a combination of various purification processes can be used to reduce the impurity level in silicon. Considering different thermodynamic characteristics of impurities, each refining step is responsible for lowering specific impurities."

Jan 1, 2012

By David R. Jessey

An ore microscopic and geochemical study of the nickel-cobalt occurrence in the Southeast Missouri Mining District has revealed several significant relationships. Siegenite [(Ni,Co)3S4] is the dominant nickel-cobalt sulfide in the ores, however, several other members of the thiospi¬nel group (AB2S4) occur: carrollite (CuCo2S4), nickelean carrollite [(Co,Ni,Cu)3S4], fletcherite [Cu(Ni,Co)2S4] and polydymite (Ni 3S4). In addition, bravoite [(Ni,Fe)S2], vaesite (NiS2), millerite (NiS) and gersdorffite (NiAsS) are present. Thiospinel composition varies dramatically within the district. Paragenetic studies have shown that the stratigraphically lowest thiospinels are the most cobalt-copper-rich. A detailed ore microscopic study of the AMAX Lead Company Buick mine has also shown significant changes in mineralogical association, texture and grain size of the siegenite along the north-south strike of the major ore bodies. Siegenite commonly replaces and veins chalcopyrite and is subsequently replaced by sphalerite. Less commonly, siegenite and chalcopyrite are observed to form linear replacements along sphalerite grain boundaries. The grain size of the siegenite varies markedly, but in a predictable north-south pattern that is consistent with a genetic model formulated from geo-chemical data. The compositional as well as textural trends displayed by the thiospinel mineralization could be exploited to optimize recovery of any or all thiospinels of economic interest.

Jan 1, 1981

By Jeong-Soo, Joon Soo Kim, Rajesh Kumar, Sohn, Jin-Young Lee

"Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) studies of tetravalent platinum from acidic chloride solutions have been carried out with Alamine 336 as an extractant diluted in kerosene. The title metal shows the inverse behavior at higher acid concentrations. Plot of log D vs. log [Acid], mol.L-1 gave a straight line with a negative slope of 0.8±0.03 indicating the exchange of one mole of hydrogen ions for every mole of platinum(IV) extracted into the organic phase. Extraction of platinum(IV) increases with increase of extractant concentration. The plot of log D vs. log [Extractant], mol.L-1 is linear with slope 1±0.3, indicating the association of one mole of extractant with the extracted metal species. The plot between metal distributions to aqueous to organic phases is 1.3±0.01; it indicates monomeric species was formed in organic phase. Stripping of metal from the loaded organic (LO) with mineral acids such as hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric acids and bases like ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide are studied. The results indicated that hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are the better stripping agents when compared with other acids and bases. Increase of temperature decreases the percentage extraction of metal indicating the process is endothermic. Regeneration and recycling capacity of Alamine 336 and extraction behavior of associated elements such as aluminium(III), magnesium(II), cobalt(II), iron(III) and nickel(II) were studied.IntroductionThe demand for platinum group metals (PGM’s) has risen in the last five years expected to keep in rising. Right now, the demand is already beyond the supply. The primary use of PGM’s today is in the automotive industry. Catalytic converters used in the PGM’s process to reduce greenhouse gases. Because of the current demand to reduce the green house effect the expected need for platinum is here stay. Country’s now advancing in the use of car production also are phasing increasing the needs for this metal. Chemical processing also use it, too. These industries account for more than 50% of all platinum production. Jewelry is other primary use of this precious metal whose value is much greater than gold. Other uses include computer data storage, scientific developments, fuel cell technology and in the glass manufacturing processes."

Jan 1, 2008

By V. Ramachandran

The Amarillo Copper Refinery, the newest and most modern copper refinery in the world, has been in operation for the last eleven years and has a rated capacity of 460,000 st/yr. The tankhouse - a structure that covers 500,000 ft2 under one roof - extends one-half mile in length and is a model of materials-handling efficiency. The use of recently developed and patented* reagent control technology, termed "Reatrol Process", has increased current efficiencies to an average of 98% and has considerably improved the physical and chemical quality of the cathode deposit. The present paper describes the current operations at the Amarillo Copper Plant with special emphasis on tankhouse operation.

Jan 1, 1987

By Ting Luo, Hongmin Zhu, Kai Huang, Shuanglong Du, Tao Gui, Yifan Xiu

"Poplar cotton, a cellulosic material, was found to adsorb metals ions effectively. In the present study, the biosorption characteristics of Pb(II) onto poplar cotton, were evaluated as a function of pH, contact time, biomass dosage, initial concentration and temperature. Within the pH range investigated (1.0-6.0), the optimal pH value suitable for the uptake of Pb(II) was determined. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model is around 0.52mol kg for the poplar cotton sorbent. Equilibration is achieved in 60min for the studied concentrations. Results suggest that the poplar cotton can be directly used as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution.IntroductionHigh value utilization of various biowastes produced in agricultural, forestry, fishing industries, etc. have attracted great interest from many researchers [1], Biomass, due to its easy availability, great abundance, low cost, easy processing, eco-friendliness and biodegradability, has exhibited exciting potential for being used as raw materials for the preparation of many new hi-tech functional products [2]. For example, using biowastes to synthesize sorbents for application in the removal of toxic substances such as dyes [3], heavy metals from the waste water [4] or in the recovery of valuable metals [5] from the ore tailings and secondary metals resources has made great progress in last decade. In present study, poplar cotton, a kind of white light fluff of poplar trees, like that of dandelion, usually flying in the air each spring was tested as a biosorbent for the remove lead ions from the water. It may also provide some good ideas for new sorbent design. Lead, as one of the typical poisonous heavy metals, for its typical toxicity and extensive pollution, was chosen to test the adsorption behavior of poplar cotton in aqueous solutions."

Jan 1, 2012

By František Molnar, Zsolt Szentirmai, Juraj Schmiedl, Felix Sekula

"Hydrometallurgical nickel production in Sered Nickel Plant (Slovakia) that treated roasted Albanian ore left behind a considerable amount of the solid leaching residue. About 6 million tons of this fine-powder residue containing approximately 52 wt.% of iron in the form of oxides is to the present day stored in a stockpile. However, its iron content makes it a potentially interesting secondary raw material for iron production. This secondary raw material is not, unfortunately, suitable for direct treatment in iron and steelmaking processes.This paper presents results of the laboratory tests of pyrometallurgical method of processing of the leaching residue by its roasting and subsequent refining melting. The objective of the selective reducing agglomeration roasting was to reduce iron oxides and to simultaneously avoid reduction of chromium oxides and silica. Refining melting is carried out in an inert atmosphere. The products of melting are technically pure iron and slag.IntroductionThe leaching residue stockpiled on waste dump near already non-existing Nickel Plant Sered, Slovakia, is considered to be one of the most important environmental burdens in this country. The 40-years of an on-going effort focused on finding the methods for extracting metals and thus remove the waste dump have not been successful [1,4,5,6]. From the literature survey it is evident that past investigations have been following three main routes:1.Removal of chromium by mineral processing methods prior to its metallurgical treatment to achieve final chromium concentrations below 0.3 wt.%.2.Pelletization of solid leaching residue and its subsequent reduction in blast furnace and steelmaking plant and simultaneous removal of chromium.3.Pelletization of solid leaching residue followed by metallurgical processing of preliminary reduced semi-product in electric arc furnace (EAF) accompanied by partial reduction of chromium."

Jan 1, 2008

By G. C. Yao

Branch and needle-shaped intermctallic compounds of iron, silicon and aluminum normally exist in the molten aluminum. If a suitable amount of manganese metal is added into molten aluminum, the shape of the intermallie compound particlcs may become lumpish and spherical. According to the difference in electric and magnetic properties of these impurity particles and molten aluminum, these impurity intermctallie compound particles can be separated by applying an alternating magnetic field. In this experiment the alternating magnetic field was formed by a "C" type loop with AC (50Hz) current. The inner vacuum of the fireclay refractory separator is 25>< 15" 130mm3 with a lateral baffle inside. The separator was put into the interspace of the "C" type loop. It was found that the longer the separation time, the larger the amount transferred of impurities. The amount of transferred impurities increases with the increase of separation time and intensity of magnetic field. The addition of manganese metal enhanees signifieantly the efficiency of impurity separation.

Jan 1, 2003

By Maura Malone, Neil Gao, Daniel Liu

"Corrosion is the primary failure mode for aluminum cathode sheets used in Teck's Trail Operations electrolytic zinc plant. It was observed that the corrosion performance of Al cathodes from different suppliers varied considerably. This suggests that the material properties of Al cathodes have a strong influence on corrosion resistance. In the current study, various types of Al alloys, including 1050, 1060, 1070, HIS and 1090, were characterized through chemical analysis, corrosion testing, mechanical testing and metallography. The results are discussed with a focus on the effects of impurity elements and second phase particles on corrosion resistance. The findings were used to improve the Al cathode sheet specification and to develop a standardized screening procedure which details qualification steps for comprehensive evaluation prior to a plant trial.IntroductionAluminum (Al) cathode replacement is a major operating expense at Teck's Trail Operations zinc electrolytic plant. Currently, approximately 0.5% of daily stripped Al cathodes are removed from service because of failures caused mainly by corrosion. Edge corrosion and acid (solution) line corrosion are the most severe types of corrosion, resulting in more than 50% of cathode failures.Corrosion of Al cathodes has been intensively investigated for over two decades and the origins and mechanisms of Al cathode corrosion are well understood [1-4]. Halide anions contained in the electrolyte are the primary culprits for the corrosion and sticking problems of Al cathodes. Both fluoride (F') and chloride (Cl"") result in localized passivity breakdown on the surface of the Al cathode, causing pitting corrosion. Bouarzaiga investigated the corrosion of Al cathode samples partially immersed in electrolyte and found that the formation of Ch at the electrolyte/air interface was the primary contributor to solution line corrosion [2]. Because of the significant impact of F"" and Cl"" on Al cathode corrosion, it is imperative to maintain these concentrations as low as possible in the electrolyte."

Jan 1, 2012

By Keiji Watanabe, Hiroyuki Tobo, Yasutaka Ta, Hisahiro Matsunaga

Recently, effective utilization of by-product slag as aggregate for concrete has been expected from the viewpoints of depletion of natural crushed stone and suppression of environmental loads. We developed a new process for continuous solidification of blast furnace slag as coarse aggregate. In this process, molten slag is continuously poured into molds, and the slag is solidified at the thickness of 20–30 mm. The flow rate of the molten slag is 1 t/min, and maximum production per ladle is about 30 t. After solidification, blast furnace slag coarse aggregate (BFG) is produced by crushing and adjusting the particle size of the solidified slag. The new BFG has water absorption of less than 1%, and concrete containing the BFG has the same fresh property and compressive strength after 28 day as concrete using natural crushed stone aggregate.

Mar 1, 2018

By Sung-Mo Jung

Experiments were carried out on a system with artificially prepared slags in a graphite crucible, in order to examine the possibility of recycling BOF slags produced in the steelmaking process. More than 80% of FeO and P2O5 was reduced within 20 minutes and the FeO reduction rate was greater than that of P2O5. P2O5 reduction began after more than 60% of FeO was reduced. Increasing slag basicity enhanced the reduction of FeO and P2O5. Temperature also improved slag reduction. The overall reduction rate was controlled by the chemical reaction at the slag/carbon interface. The reduction rates of FeO and P2O5 were second and first order with respect to their respective contents. Most of the reduced phosphorous is believed to vaporize in the form of P2 gas.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. F. Hammen

Copper is one of the most widely used metals in industrial processes and is also present in most mining operations. Extraction of copper from solutions often proves difficult due to the presence of complexing agents. ChromatoChem, Inc. has developed a Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) support (HiPAC) for removal and recovery of metals from wastewater. The HiPAC SPE support employs chelating agents covalently coupled to a long linker molecule. Several solutions containing copper and complexing agents were tested including 1) copper and carbonate, pH 9.8, 2) mixed metals and anions with copper and cyanide, pH 11, and 3) copper and the chelating agent EDTA, pH 11. The copper was extracted from solutions one and two at high pH, but the EDTA containing solution needed the pH lowered to make the copper available for capture. In each example, the copper concentration was significantly reduced by HiPAC SPE treatment.

Jan 1, 1994

By José Sancho, Julia Ayala, Purificación García, Begoña Fernández

"A study is carried out to see the adequacy of using flying ashes coming out from a Power Station to eliminate the copper present in waste cyanide waters that are generated in gold mines.Tests were carried out to see how effective the use of ashes taken from two Power Stations could become. Later, the tests are made using ashes coming from Narcea Power Station as this station is near the mine under study.The work is centred on looking for an economically adequate solution to close the waste decanting ponds of the mine. After several tests, a solution is reached through filtration in static layers.IntroductionThe use of coal to adsorb some water-soluble substances has been widely studied [1,2,3,4,] both in the treatment of drinking waters and in determined stages of selective detachment of cyanide gold complexes in cyanide lixiviation processes [5]. Flying ashes sent to the atmosphere by Power Stations as a sub-product of the combustion of this combustible are generally made of more of a 70 % of a vitreous aluminosilicated material and of an active residual material which may be changeable making them potentially useable as adsorbents. Nevertheless, the properties of each kind of ashes depend on the characteristics of the Power Station, of the combustibles being used, of the combustion system, etc.The aim of this work is to demonstrate the adequacy of flying ashes to eliminate the copper present in cyanide waters coming from gold mines either by adsorption or precipitation of the metal. For this study, tests are carried out with Asturian ashes which have a low quantity of lime. The results obtained in the tests demonstrate the effectivity of the method used. To be absolutely concrete, the work is carried out to establish the use of these ashes in the closing of Asturian installations of cyanide lixiviation"

Jan 1, 2008

By Bin Xu, Qian Li, Xin Min, Xiaoliang Liu, Yongbin Yang, Tao Jiang, Yan Zhang

The ringing characteristics of acid and alkaline iron ore pellets powder in kiln were studied by the thermodynamic calculation using software FactSage7.0, roasting experiments using briquetting method and analysis of SEM-EDS. The thermodynamic calculation demonstrated that liquid phase could be generated from alkaline pellets powder at a lower temperature and the amount of formed liquid phase was much more than that from acid pellets powder at the same temperature. Roasting experiments indicated that the compression strength of alkaline pellets powder briquettes were also higher than that of acid pellets powder briquettes. Additionally, the analysis of SEM-EDS suggested that the alkaline pellets powder briquette presented more liquid phase and a more compact structure comparing with the acid pellets powder briquette, which was consistent with the results of thermodynamic calculation and roasting experiments. Hence, in comparison with acid pellets powder, alkaline pellets powder is much easier to ring in the kiln.

Mar 1, 2017

By M. H. Ghandehari

Sintered (Pr,Sm)Co5 displays a multi-phase microstructure in which closely related intermetallic compounds are formed during the process of fabricating useful magnets from over-stoichiornetric compositions. These compounds have much lower magnetic crystalline anisotropies compared to those of SmCo5 and PrCo5. Despite a careful control of the microstructure in producing "single phase" PrCo5 base magnets, sufficient concentrations of the lower anisotropy phases are formed which act as nucleation centers for domain reversal, resulting in a drop in coercivity. This article describes the use of sintering additives, primarily oxides, to prevent the formation of the magnetically soft phases in the final microstructure.

Jan 1, 1989

By R. I. Rodriguez

Since the 1973 energy crisis, high fuel oil costs have been eroding the economics of the Nicaro and Punta Gorda Plants that employ the Caron Process for laterites processing. Since 1995, Cuban crude oil production has growth dramatically, with progressive utilization in power generation, cement and nickel plants. This paper shows how Nicaro and Punta Gorda plants have been able to shift from expensive Bunker C Fuel Oil to heavy but cheaper Cuban Crude Oil of high Sulfur content and achieve a significant reduction in operating cost. Problems related to the high sulfur content of the Cuban crude oil have demanded extensive investigations of the process chemistry and novelty solutions are proposed, with corresponding changes in process conditions. Innovative options are shown that will allow further cost reductions in the future. Keywords: Cuban Crude Oil, Sulfur, Ammonia.

Jan 1, 2004

By Niander A. Cerqueira, Afonso G. Azevedo, Mairyanne S. Souza, Victor B. Souza, Victor T. Bartolazzi, Igor W. D. C. Pereira, Rondinelli C. Ribeiro

The common glass machining process used in the market of Brazil’s civil construction generates tons of waste through the folder of that waste disposal out by the water used during machining. After drying the product is intended for landfill representing a great environmental liabilities since these deposited glass waste in the environment have a decomposition time greater than four thousand years due to its high chemical and mechanical resistance. Aiming to give a destination that addresses this waste disposal problem in the environment, much has been studied in an attempt to incorporate them into the mix cement to partially replace the sand. In this work it was decided to carry out specific studies using common traits comparing the stroke with sand with a dash with partial replacement of 30% of the sand for the glass machining residue was analyzed resistance compressive resulting in a potential good product.

Mar 1, 2017

By Kenji Morinaga, Hiromichi Takebe

"Ge-S binary glasses in the range 57 to 90 at %S at 0.5 to 3 at %S intervals were prepared by a conventional melting technique using fused quartz ampoules as melting containers. Impurities contaminated during preparation process are evaluated by IR spectroscopy. The causes of impurity contaminations are discussed. Density data in a systematic series of Ge-S glasses is demonstrated. IntroductionSulfide glasses are of particular interest for new laser and nonlinear optical materials in the near-infrared and infrared regions [1]. Sulfide glasses have the features of low-phonon-energy and high refractive index with moderate rare-earth ion solubility. The low-phonon-energy is favorable for the reduction of nonradiative rate for the emission of rare-earth ions. The high refractive index results in a high radiative-rate and in a high third-order nonlinearity. However, impurities may degrade the superior optical properties of sulfide glasses.In this work Ge-S glasses were prepared by a conventional melting technique. Impurities contaminated during the preparation process are evaluated and their causes are discussed for future improvements. The measured densities of Ge-S glass samples were compared with the results of previous studies [2], [3]. Ge-S glasses have some favorable properties for practical .applications including non-toxicity, good thermal and chemical stabilities."

Jan 1, 2000

By Liu Wei-feng

Base on the thermodynamic calculation of vapor pressure of lead, antimony and arsenic at high temperature, the possibility of separating lead, antimony and arsenic in different temperature was analyzed ,and the practice of producing qualified antimony white from lead-antimony alloy by direct blowing was introduced in detail in this paper. The blast furnace reduction smelting was brief introduced firstly, and then alkaline refining was applied to removing arsenic from lead-antimony alloy that contains As1%,Sb39%,Pb58%,the arsenic in the treated lead-antimony alloy could decrease to 0.009% by that method. The antimony white containing Sb2O3 99.5% could be produced by air blowing in the special furnace at 650? from the treated lead-antimony alloy. And the electrolytic lead could be achieved by electrolysis from the lead-rich alloy which contained 83% lead.With high-grade product being obtained the process was shortened. The technology has been applied successfully many years in Guangxi, China.

Jan 1, 2009

By Vineet Kumar Yadav, Akshay Dvivedi, Pradeep Kumar

Near-dry electric discharge machining (EDM) is a process variant of EDM, which uses two-phase flow of liquid and gas as dielectric medium. This article reports the results of an investigation pertaining to the drilling of holes on high speed steel (T2 grade) by a rotary tool near-dry EDM. The One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) approach was used for experimentation. The effects of process parameters, viz. tool rotation speed, peak current, pulse duration, gas pressure and liquid flow rate on material removal rate (MRR) and overcut were investigated. The dielectric medium used was a mixture of glycerin-air. The experimental results reveal that rotation of the tool electrode along with high pressure of two-phase dielectric medium contribute in an effective flushing of inter electrode gap (IEG). Further, in rotary tool near-dry EDM process, higher values of current can be used. This improves process economics in terms of MRR. The MRR measured with rotary tool near-dry EDM was three to four times higher in comparison with conventional EDM. Additionally, appreciable surface quality was achieved.

Mar 1, 2017