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By K. R. Barrett

The cupellation of dore/lead bullion to recover precious metals is one of the oldest metallurgical processes known to man. In recent times this has been carried out in small reverberatory furnaces but the process suffers from a number of disadvantages. A new process has been developed at the Northfleet refinery of Britannia Refined Metals Ltd, which gives much improved performance. The process depends upon the injection of oxygen through a nitrogen shrouded lance at the bottom of the furnace. The lance is consumable and of unique design. Reaction rates are high giving short process time; fuel consumption is low; oxygen efficiency is high and dore recirculation is low. The new process has resulted in substantially lower operation costs.

Jan 1, 1989

By E. M. Alcântara

This paper describes some aspects about the relationship between copper electrorefining addition reagents and the hydrogen in the cathode. The conditions of electrorefining were studied by factorial design methods. The advantages of this technique are reduction in the number of tests, well organized experiments; improvement in productivity and reliability of results. The dosage of the two main addition agents, glue and thiourea, were varied simultaneously and compared with the hydrogen content in the cathode. The influence of these factors, as well their interactions were analyzed by statistical methods denominated ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). The increase of thiourea quantities, within of levels studied, influenced significantly at 95% confidence in the hydrogen content in copper cathode.

Jan 1, 1999

Lead removal has been problematic in nickel production by electrowinning from chloride solutions, as developed by Falconbridge. The C12 leach liquor needs to be diluted by electrolyte to allow precipitation of the lead prior to electrowinning. This results in higher solution purification costs and an aversion to consider lead contaminated (secondary) feeds. In this paper, the electrowinning of nickel chloride is carried out in a membrane equipped electrolytic cell. When lead containing nickel solutions are fed into the anode compartment and the anolyte is separated from the catholyte with a cation exchange membrane, lead remains in the anolyte due to the presence of a negatively charged chloride complex. The positive nickel ions migrate preferentially through the membrane to the catholyte, allowing a lower lead nickel cathode to be produced. Lead concentration in the catholyte and the cathode product has been tested as a function of lead concentration in the anolyte. Results are presented and discussed.

Jan 1, 1998

By P. E. Nolan

The disproportionation of carbon monoxide is an important aspect of reduction processes, in the production of carbon filaments for composites, and in the removal of CO from CO,. It can also be a hindrance, causing carbon fouling of equipment and metal dusting. The reaction is thermodynamically favored at lower temperatures, but it occurs slowly. Catalysis of the reaction by transition metals has been examined. A materials science approach to the selection of a catalyst material and of optimum operating conditions is being taken in the present work. Of particular interest is characterization of a catalyst that can be repeatedly regenerated to prevent deactivation in long term use. Experimental data on a less studied catalyst, ruthenium, are reported.

Jan 1, 1992

By Youqi Fan

Complicated copper oxalate precursor powder was prepared using ammonium oxalate as precipitating agent in the Cu(II)-C2O42--NH3-NH4+-H2O system. The composition and morphology of the powder are characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR). The effects of temperature, copper ion concentration, pH value are investigated. It?s indicated by the experimental results that precursor of copper oxalate is prepared below a critical pH value, whereas the precursor turns to be a complicated copper salt combined with NH3 while over the pH value. Probable chemical formula CuC2O4?x(NH3)?yH2O can be assumed which x and y are relation to experimental conditions. Technological parameters, such as temperature, initial copper concentration and solution pH value, have significant effects on particle size, morphology and dispersion of precursor powder. By controlling certain technological conditions, various morphologies of precursor, pie shape, spindle shape and rod shape can be synthesized.

Jan 1, 2009

By Judy Che, Steven Ceccio, Gretar Tryggvason

"A detailed understanding of drop deformation and solidification is essential for quantitative predictions of geometry and properties of parts made by ballistic particle manufacturing processes. Axisymmetric results of towers built by the deposition of multiple drops are presented. In these computations, fluid flow, heat transfer, and phase change are fully coupled throughout the drop deformation and solidification process. The solution method is based on a single set of conservation equations written for all phases simultaneously. The phase boundaries are treated as imbedded interfaces by adding the appropriate source terms to the conservation equations. A parameter study demonstrates the effect of Weber number, Peclet number, and drop deposition frequency on the final shape of the structure. Numerical results show that most successful method of building uniform towers is when two conditions are met. First, each drop solidifies at the same time in the deformation cycle. Second, the cooling rate is slow enough to allow for good adhesion between drops. The ability to predict the final shape of deposited drops will greatly reduce the amount of experimentation necessary to select the desired set parameters for any artifact.IntroductionMaterial deposition techniques based on layering small molten metal drops holds the promise to build small, coherent three-dimensional structures. In this process, numerous 20-100 µm diameter drops are deposited onto a substrate with a low impact velocity (on the order of 5 mis). Both the momentum and trajectory of each drop are controlled precisely to build up complex parts. This material layering technique differs from processes such as spray forming and splat quenching which involve high impact velocities (on the order of 100 mis) and high frequency deposition with little control over individual drop placement. This process of layering small drops can produce parts with near net shape accuracy, while spray forming produces slabs of material which must then be worked to make a usable part. The ability to computationally predict final drop shape and cooling rate has the advantage of allowing the user to select parameters to produce parts with desired shape and mechanical properties. However, the development of such predictive methods requires a thorough understanding of both drop deformation and solidification"

Jan 1, 1999

By Junhong Noh, Kug Sun Hong, Jung-Kun Lee, Bo Ding

"The photocatalytic splitting of water into H2 and O2 by oxide nanoparticles has received much attention. However, the full potential of photo-catalysts for efficient hydrogen generation out of water has not been fully realized yet due to unresolved limitations including the low electrical conductivity and ineffective carrier extraction. Here, we report composite oxide materials consisting of 1-dimensional (1-D) transparent conducting oxide (TCO) core and TiO2 shell. Highly conductive ITO nanowires were grown on a flexible SUS mesh as a core component. The photoelectrodes consisting of these 1-D nanocomposites have increased carrier mobility due to the TCO core, while the TiO2 shell provides the photocatalytic functionalities. In addition, the built-in-potential at the interface between TCO core and the TiO2 shell improves the collection of charge carriers from TiO2 to TCO. These factors altogether contribute to increasing the photocurrent of the device under light.I. IntroductionPhotocatalytic behavior of semicondcutors has been extensively explored since it was discovered in TiO2 in 197Os. When TiO2 is exposed to UV light, the light is absorbed and electron/hole pairs are generated in the conduction and valeence bands. Holes in valence band will oxide/mineralize pollutant target directly or indirectly (via mediator hydroxyl radical). If the adsorbed A is O 2, O 2 will react with electron from conduction band to generate hydroxyl radical as described in the second set ofreactions. The photocatalytic reaction is schematically explained in Figure 1.Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells using the photocatalytic reaction have attracted emerging interest as a potential route to convert solar radiation into useful forms of energy by reaction such as water splitting to generate hydrogen1 or the reduction of carbon dioxide.2 Another application ofphotocatalysis is water splitting and CO2 reduction, both of which utilize the electrons that are optically excited to the conduction band. 3•4 For this purpose, the conduction level of the semiconductor should be higher than hydrogen production level (EHZ1HZO) while the valence band should be lower than water oxidation level (Eo21112O). Electrons and holes will be generated on the semiconductor site, and holes generate O 2 at semiconductor site, while electrons will migrate to counter electrode to execute reduction forming H2. In addition to that, materials should be chemically stable to resist photocorrosion and have long lifetime of electron/hole pairs. TiO2 is a suitable material from the viewpoint of band arrangement and chemical stability requirement"

Jan 1, 2012

By W. G. Davenport

Flash smelting is used. mainly for making molten Cu-rich matte* from fine Cu-Fe-S** flotation concentrates. It blows dried concentrate particles into a hot fumace, surrounds them with 01-rich gas and allows them to react. The results are: (a) partial oxidation of Fe and S from the concentrate (b) generation of heat (c) melting of the oxidized particles to form molten Cu-rich matte, ~65% Cu and Cu-barren slag, ~1 % Cu. The melted particles fall to the hearth of the flash furnace where they fonn matte and slag layers, The matte is tapped from the furnace and oxidation-converted to metallic copper. The slag is skimmed, treated for Cu recovery then stockpiled or sold. Figures 1.1 and 1.2 show industrial flash furnaces and the position of flash smelting in the coppermaking flowsheet. ,Fig. 1.3 shows the locations of flash furnaces around the world.

Jan 1, 2001

By Martin Reyes, Juan Hernández, Julio Cesar Juárez, Isauro Rivera, Ma. de los Ángeles Hernández, Francisco Patiño

The dissolution of Ag contained in metallurgical tailings was studied by adding ions Cu2+ and Zn2+ in S2O3 2- medium. Chemical analysis of mine tailings by cupellation revealed a Ag concentration of 71 g/ton. The XRF and XRD analysis confirmed the preponderance of SiO2 in the mineral matrix. The experimental dissolution process was conducted in alkaline solution using six concentrations of NaOH and five of S2O3 2-, at different temperatures, also using five concentrations of Cu2+ and Zn2+ as a catalyst. The results showed similar values for both systems (96.8% and 97.13%). The ion Cu2+ and Zn2+ increases the dissolution of Ag, and decrease the reaction time of dissolution. Under the conditions used, pH and stirring rate did not affect the dissolution of Ag.

Jan 1, 2015

By Susumu Nagae, Hajime Ikeda

Recently, a number of mine development projects have been setback by social, economic and, environmental circumstances that had not been seen before. Many of these problems do not always originate from direct mine pollution. Typical examples of these are· conflicts between the exploration company and the local residents, sudden objections just before the development is to begin, and unexpected tightening of environmental regulations. The common background to these problems is expanding global environmental awareness. This includes complex factors ·such as the expansion of exploration to remote regions, the brisk activities of environmental NGOs, the increase of international environmental laws and, governmental policy changes. Today, the range of issues concerning mine development is widening significantly. The participation of local residents arid NGOs in the development planning, together with the company and government, has become essential for smoothly carrying out mine projects and making them more beneficial for stakeholders. Introduction The common image of the environmental problem with respect to mining is direct mine pollution, such as the collapse of tailings dams, pollution from refineries, and acid mine drainage. All over the world, the mining industry has made large investments in capital and technology to solve and prevent mine pollution, and these efforts have been making steady achievements. However in recent years, new cypes of environmental problems which are not originating directly from mine pollution are emerging frequently. Most of the problems are concentrated at the exploration stage to early stage of development, which have less impact on the environment. In the worst case, mining project may be forced to cancel and could cause serious damage to the industry because they could not collect their investment. I would like to take a general view of the examples of new types of trouble, their characters, background, and strategies against these problems.

Jan 1, 2000

By Miller, Geoffrey W.

The Ravensthorpe Nickel Project (RNP) flow sheet provides for the upgrading of Ni & Co in a size based beneficiation process prior to leaching. The upgrading effect on Ni and Co makes the beneticiation process a powerful addition to the flow sheet. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis based on 351 individual batch tests, 52 large scale composites and 21 pilot plant tests has been used to successfully model beneticiation product grade, recovery, upgrade and mass recovery. Statistically, 83% and 96% of the variability in nickel recovery and nickel product grade respectively was accounted for. Algorithms have been developed for Ni, Co, Mg, Al and Fe, which represents the revenue and operating cost factors for the process. The algorithms have subsequently been applied to the resource model, allowing prediction of elemental grade and recovery for the development of the mine schedules based upon these parameters and not head grades alone. This has allowed optimisation of the mine schedule for improvement to the project's NPV. Keywords: Ni Laterite, Prediction, Multiple Linear Regression, Beneficiation

Jan 1, 2004

By Yoshiaki Suzuki

Since 1973, Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery had operated two flash smelting furnaces together to produce 330,000 mtpy of copper. However, in 1990's, economical situation required the smelter more increased productivity to remain competitive. The program, to integrate two flash furnaces into one was carried out maintaining the same production. Modifications were done on the pneumatic concentrate drying system, concentrate feeding system, concentrate burner and furnace cooling system, etc. to double the, furnace throughput. A new large cryogenic oxygen plant was constructed replacing two old plants. Single flash smelting furnace operation has started in March 1996. This paper describes about details of modifications and operational results.

Jan 1, 1998

By Baokuan Li, Fang Wang, Meilong Shan

"As the advantage of uniform bus loading, the electroslag remelting (ESR) furnaces with three - phase installation by delta or star connection are mainly used to produce the large or super large ingot. The electrical efficiency is significantly improved as the short circuiting through the molten slag. However, little is found about fiindamental research on the electromagnetic field of the ESR system with three -phase installation. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model was developed to simulate the current density, magnetic field, electromagnetic force and Joule heating for a system of electrode, slag and ingot in the ESR system with three -phase installation.IntroductionThe metallurgical performance of the ingot is the fundament and precondition to obtain the large forging of high quality, which has a critical role in the producing of forging. The electroslag process (ESR) to product the metal materials of high homogenization and clarity become more and more popular[1].The electroslag process is a special smelting technology of producing small ingots, which originate in 1950[2].At present the three, four or six electrode is used in large scale electroslag furnace. It has been found that the deeper molten pool and the wider of the two-phase zone with only one large diameter of electrode to product large ingot effect the solidification microstructure of ingot[3]. However, the molten pool becomes shallow relatively with several electrodes producing the large ingot, which is benefit to the solidification microstructure of ingot. Three electrodes electroslag remelting furnace take the three phase equilibrium power supply to making the load and electric power network balance, avoiding the distortion phenomenon induced by single phase power supply and saving electric power. It also can uniformize the distribution of heat source."

Jan 1, 2012

By A. Valenzuela

During the last years, Chile has been the largest copper producer, either as concentrates or cathodes. Copper obtained via pyrometallurgy is produced by seven smelters, which have carried out modernization plans to increase smelting capacity or to achieve environmental regulations established in the Chilean legislation. Thus, the present work updates technological innovations in smelters, environmental regulations and presents solutions for S02 handling, particulate matter and arsenic. Also, the authors emphasize the important role of CODELCO Chile, the most important state-owned copper company, in developing technologies such as El Teniente Converter and El Teniente Slag Cleaning Furnace.

Jan 1, 2003

By A. V. Tarasov

The proposed process is based on creating a controlled frothed layer of molten slag, in which fine particles of carbonaceous reductant and raw material to be processed are mixed with emulsified iron. Frothing of the slag layer without external blowing occurs as a result of intensive evolution of gaseous reduction products. The froth reaction process is maintained due to the heat of an electric arc in the slag layer. When the metal bath is heated by the arc to 1400- 1 500°C, the low temperature of the slag surface of about 1200-1 300°C is maintained due to low thermal conductivity of slag froth preventing heat loss. In order to maintain the required slag froth level and control the process temperature, air tuyeres are installed above the slag bath; blowing air serves also for oxidation of zinc in fumes and for its transportation. High adsorption and thermal insulating properties of slag froth ensure virtually complete elimination of dust and mist entrainment along with low heat losses. The main macrokinetic regularities of the carbon thermal reduction of zinc-containing slag melts have been studied under frothing conditions. The mechanism of formation of gas-slag emulsion has been identified under the conditions of reaction [C]+[O]=CO occurring locally at the slag-metal interface. It has been demonstrated that under the froth reduction conditions the zinc removal rate from the melt increases on the average by 3 to 5 times. Based on the physical and chemical data obtained, basic principles of the dezincing technology have been developed for different intermediate oxide iron-containing products produced in the process of ferrous and non-ferrous metals production.

Jan 1, 2002

By Marcos Aurélio S. Costa, Nilton F. Nagem, Andreia B. Henriques, Herman S. Mansur, Alexandra A. P. Mansur, Antonio E. C. Peres, Valeria G. Silva

The superfine material generated in the Bayer process was used in one innovatively way as a precursor to geopolymerization techniques because of the presence of Gibbsite. Gibbsite can play a role in system adjustment because of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio. Furthermore in the geopolymeric system it was studied the influenceof the additives such as kaolin, metakaolin and sodium trisilicate in an alkaline media. Others conditions to form the geopolymer were also evaluated such as solid/liquid ratio, SiO2/Al2O3 ratio and total alkaline. The raw materials and geopolymeric products were characterized by several techniques e.g. XRD, DSC, FTIR and SEM. Through the FTIR technique it was observed an increase in intensity and bandwidth in the region centered at 1010 cm-1, which is related to the asymmetric vibration Si(Al)-O, this is an indicating of the possible geopolymer formation This broadening of the band promotes a relative disappearance (overlapping) peaks at 965 and 935 cm-1 associated with raw material (ESPDust).

Jan 1, 2015

By H. Y. Sohn, Joshua E. Ramos, Moo Eob Choi

"A new technology for ironmaking based on direct gaseous reduction of iron ore concentrate is under development. This technology would drastically lower CO2 emission and reduce energy consumption by nearly 38% of the blast furnace requirements. Experiments were performed using iron oxide concentrate at 1150oC in a bench-scale facility, which was the highest temperature that could be reached in the facility. The reduction extent was determined at residence times of 3.5 - 5.5 seconds in which the reduction extent approached 43% with 0% excess H2 and 95% with 860% excess H2. Separate kinetics measurements showed that the rate is much faster at 1200 - 1400 oC. Experiments were also carried out using syngas (mixtures of H2 + CO). About 90% reduction in 3.5 seconds with 860% excess hydrogen contained in the syngas demonstrated sufficiently fast reduction for a suspension process and the feasibility of usingsyngas instead of pure hydrogen.IntroductionDespite the improvements in the modern blast furnace (BF) process, it suffers from many drawbacks. The process requires the feed in the form of sinters or pellets and high-grade coking coal. Thus, BF iron production is projected to decrease gradually [1]. The main factors for this are the environmental regulations [2] and the high capital investment cost.A large number of new ironmaking technologies have been developed or are under development [3]. Most of these processes, however, are not sufficiently intensive to replace the blast furnace because they cannot be operated at high temperatures due to the sticking and fusion of particles. Therefore, a new technology is under development for producing iron directly from fine concentrates by a gas-solid suspension technology, which would reduce energy consumption by about 38% of the amount required by the blast furnace and drastically lower environmental pollution, especially CO2 emission, from the steel industry."

Jan 1, 2009

By Mingchun Lu, Yunjin Yan

"This paper describes a new type of bell-less top installed on two relined blast furnaces at Tianjin Iron Works and another new-built at Echeng Steel Works in China. A compact installation was presented for existing furnace top innovation with the least reformation of existing top structure. A water cooling and sealing gearbox used for driving the chute discards completely the traditional idea about necessity of continuous supply of cooling gas for the gearbox. A multiring spreader and its dozens of selectable charging patterns enables an operator to achieve optimal burden distribution easily under the condition of a minimum investment of control equipment. Some useful conclusions have been made through a small-size model and a full-scale model tests. The excellent characteristics and the superiority of the new top have been fully proved at both works.IntroductionIt is known that there are some advantages with the bell-less top of a blast furnace: suitable for furnace to operate at high top pressure, capable of realizing optimal burden distribution, less investment and maintenance costs, etc. But why do most of blast furnaces in the world still remain using conventional bell top. One of the concerns is that current bell-less tops still have some shortcomings:1) The height of a current bell-less top might be lower than three or four-bell top or two-bell plus valve seal top, but still much higher than an ordinary two-bell top.2) The gearbox for driving the rotating chute is positioned onto the lip of the furnace. It is subject to attack by crude hot bf gas. Continuously pumping cooling gas (pressurized nitrogen or clean bf gas) into the gearbox is indispensable to withstand such a harsh working environment. Therefore, a plant furnished with blower8 and its ancillaries has to be built, It involves a large sum of investment and much expense in its annual running costs.3) Although the current bell-less charging device as a means of controlling burden distribution possesses a wide range of freedom, it is difficult to realize optimal burden distribution. There are some large blast furnaces realized better burden distribution, but sophisticated control means is indispensable so that the investment of control means is much higher."

Jan 1, 2000

By Muhamad Firdaus

There is a growing interest in Magnetoelectric (ME) materials in view of both fundamental understanding and novel desirable applications. The application potential for multiferroic materials with the possibility of reversing the magnetization by applying an electric field (or vice versa) is quite promising especially in data storage application. The rare earth ortho-ferrites (REFeO3), such as NdFeO3, have been studied extensively in recent study in the context of discovery of magneto-electric (ME)/multiferroic nature materials. In this paper a potential high temperature recovery of rare earth elements in the form of REFeO3 from waste permanent magnets using direct oxidation in air was investigated. It was found that REFeO3 (NdFeO3) phase can be separated from the other oxide phases by thermal treatment of NdFeB magnet waste at 1100 °C in air atmosphere. The REFeO3 also found to have different physical characteristic (density) from the other layers and can be separated physically. This paper will include a proposed flowsheet to recover Nd as NdFeO3 through powder separation. The technique can be beneficial and favourable for RE recycling and recovery from waste permanent magnets.

By Jiang Feng, Li Chuanhua, Zhang Libo, Peng Jinhui, Ju Shaohua

Solvent extraction of Cu2+ from the leaching liquor contain Cu and Fe use a microfluidic technology. Currently, the conventional copper extraction process has many problems such as long distance and small driving force of mass transfer. In order to solve the problems, studies are carried out on the extraction process of low grade copper leaching liquid using Lix984N as an extractant with a new microfluidic solvent extraction technology. The effects of flow rate on the separation and extraction efficiency between Cu and Fe are studied, and the results show that a steady liquid-liquid interface of laminar flow is form in the micro-extractor, and extraction efficiency is 78 % and 2.5 % for Cu and Fe at the contact times of 0.84s respectively. Besides, the separation coefficient between Cu and Fe is as high as 140.04. The studied microfluidic technology has the advantages like improving extraction efficiency and reducing reaction time and providing the potential application in the hydrometallurgy extraction of Cu.

Jan 1, 2015