Search Documents

By P. Coursol

The Noranda Reactor Process (NRP) has been in operation now for more than 30 years and this mature process has attained a high level of performance. The NRP at the Home Smelter of Xstrata Copper treats a wide range of feed materials and a thorough knowledge of both process control and smelting physico-chemistry has been beneficial to help meet the required plant flexibility. In this regard, some level of predictive knowledge related to slag chemistry, in particular, the liquid and solid phases such as spinels or olivines, has been found to be beneficial. In the last decade or so, the availability of commercial thermodynamic modeling packages, such as Factsage1m have been utilized with advantage to help the plant optimize slag chemistry and minimize problems from difficult slags, for example, those the could arise from undue feed variability. This paper illustrates the application of this software in examining a range of operating parameters such as: %Fe in product matte, the %Fe/%Si02 ratio in the slag, the levels of minor slag components including CaO, Ah03, ZnO, and MgO, and the level of oxygen enrichment on the operating conditions of the NRP. The slag composition boundaries at the conditions affecting magnetite control and solid magnetite/other precipitated solid phases, as well the conditions influencing the slag liquidus ranges of NRP slags are also discussed with respect to the overall process chemistry.

Jan 1, 2007

By H. Tan

The effect of carbonaceous matter on gold extraction was investigated in cyanide systems with pure gold as well as pre-robbing sulfide gold ores. Auger studies demonstrated that the carbonaceous matter preferentially smeared on iron sulfide rather than aluminosilicate surfaces during wet or dry grinding. During mechanically mixed leaching, coating of sulfides and silicates and stripping of carbonaceous matter occurred simultaneously. TEM and XPS studies indicated preferential coating in the form of elemental (graphitic) carbon at the edges and the defect sites of particles. Interestingly, carbonaceous matter extracted from the gold ore was predominantly graphite and not preg-robbing in a solution with a high KCN concentration. However, the carbonaceous coating had a significantly detrimental effect on gold dissolution when gold was pre-ground with the gold ore. Artificial coating on gold surfaces with the natural carbonaceous matter from the ore was also found to substantially retard gold dissolution. With the addition of the natural carbonaceous matter from the gold ore, gold extraction from two non preg-robbing sulfide gold ores was inhibited owing to carbonaceous coating. The presence of carbonaceous matter significantly reduced the current density for gold oxidation and increased the current density for pyrite oxidation. This could explain the fact that carbonaceous coating hindered gold dissolution while enhanced sulfide preg-robbing.

Jan 1, 2005

By Zhenyu Han, Dion Weatherley, Ruslan Puscasu

"This study aims to demonstrate the capacity of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to model and simulate fracture in brittle rock, capture the crack propagation process and determine crack propagation rates for various levels of external loading. In the numerical experiments reported here, a macroscopically homogeneous body of brittle rock, containing a single pre-existing crack, was subjected to tensile stress loading. Simulations concerned with model I crack growth process in 3D were carried out. The process of fracture has been observed under various steady state and dynamic conditions. The numerical results obtained reproduce qualitatively and quantitatively a variety of observed fracture phenomena. Specifically, this study examined the onset of cracks, single dominant cracks that grow across the specimen, crack bifurcations and branching. The density of fractures that can be nucleated and grow to a significant size with and without arresting each other, crack growth speed and stress distribution, all have been consistently and systematically analyzed. Suggestions on potential future developments are made and discussed.INTRODUCTIONFracture and failure mechanics are very important in mining, manufacturing, materials processing, mineral processing, civil and mechanical engineering, and many other disciplines of science and engineering. Yet, due to the complexity of fracture phenomena, no theoretical models of broad applicability are currently available (Bieniawski 1967). The simulation of crack propagation is therefore considered an open question in numerical rock mechanics. Although, a significant body of experimental research on fracture of materials was carried out since the early days of fracture mechanics (circa 1940s) (Poncelet 1946, Mott 1948), often in parallel with the development of fracture mechanics theories as well as with the development of experimental and observational techniques themselves, the experimental results were often done on particular classes of material such as glasses and other very brittle materials. Indeed, a number of specific experimental observations on the behavior of growing cracks in brittle materials were made in the 1940s for which generally accepted explanations based on physical principles are still lacking. Likewise, quantitative numerical modeling, based on both continuum and discrete methods, as a basis for understanding dynamic crack growth is still in a preliminary stage."

Jan 1, 2015

By V. K. Karra

"A simplistic algorithm jar simulating the rod or ball mill Bond grindability test applied to ores and minerals is presented. A performance comparison between the present algorithm and a previously published algorithm by Kapurot, modified in this work jar a fair evaluation, is also given. A worked example is furnished jar leading the reader through the various calculations.IntroductionThe Bond grindability test is widely used for the prediction of the power requirement of an industrial grinding mill. The procedures for conducting this test in either a ball or a rod mill are available(1). In the case of a ball mill, batch grind abilities have been correlated to Bond grindabilities to help monitor day-today variations in ore grindability for the purpose of plant control( 2,3). Of special interest is the algorithm presented by Kapur(3) for the simulation of the Bond test. In practice, the test lasts from 6 to 14 cycles (4 to 10 hours). With this algorithm, one can predict the Bond grind ability using information available from only the first two cycles.Sometimes the prepared feed for the grindability test contains too much fines compared to the total product desired at the mesh of grind under consideration. In such a case, the operator separates the fines from the test feed and adds to the remaining coarse fraction an equal amount of fresh feed. This combined feed then forms the feed to the first cycle of the test. In the present work, Kapur's algorithm is modified to include this special case. A new and relatively simpler algorithm is also presented. Statistical equations relating work index to pertinent variables are also given."

Jan 1, 1981

By Ma Yuxin, Niu Fusheng, Yuan Zhitao, Bai Limei, Han Yuexin

"Using batch flotation experiment, contact angle measurement, particle size analysis, and scanning electron microscope (SEM), the influence and difference of pH value on the flotation rate of talc and chalcopyrite were investigate without collector at the pH range of 3~11. The results showed that, the flotation rate of talc decrease with the increasing of flotation time, while that of chalcopyrite hardly affect by flotation time, besides, the flotation rate of chalcopyrite is much less than that of talc, so the laws of flotation rate of the two minerals are independent of pH value. The flotation test data of two minerals are simulated with first order and multi-rate flotation kinetic model respectively. The simulation results showed that flotation of talc only meet the first order kinetic model, while chalcopyrite’s meet the both. In addition, According to test results of talc and chalcopyrite by the particle size distribution, SEM photographs and the contact angle measurement, the reason why talc did not conform to the first order kinetic model is not because of particle size distribution, but of particle shape. That is to say, because of sheet structure of talc, the contact angle of layers and sections are 74°and 52°respectively. At the same time, the contact angle of layers and sections are different between the particles. So flotation rates between talc particles are difference.INTRODUCTIONPossessing superior self-induced, collector-induced and sulfur-induced floatability, chalcopyrite exhibits good floatability at a wide range of pH values and potentials. Serpentine are regarded as the most difficult selected type in various chalcopyrite ore, and the predominant reason is that it contains talc. Talc, as a nonpolar layered silicate mineral, is one kind of common associated mineral in sulfide ores (Lu, 2010). Concentrate quality and flotation process of chalcopyrite are influenced as a result from the presence of talc. It is because that talc has inherent floatability which makes it readily mixed with the floated mineral and talc is easy to slime causing the slime coating of the valuable mineral (Beattie et al., 2006). Thus in order to improve the flotation effect of chalcopyrite, methods can be introduced from two respects. One method is that fast-floating talc mineral is floated preferentially, and the other is that sulfide mineral is floated prior to talc by depressing the flotation of talc mineral (Beattie et al., 2006), nevertheless, no matter with which the flotation effect of fine-sized chalcopyrite is not positive. Therefore, in order to realize the flotation separation of talc and chalcopyrite, the difference between the inherent floatability of fine-sized chalcopyrite and talc is researched and analyzed in terms of flotation dynamics in the absence of collector and frother."

Jan 1, 2016

By M. E. Holuszko

A research program has been carried out at the Mining Department of the University of British Columbia to study the effect of wettability of coal on its handleability and bulk density. The effect of moisture content on the bulk density of coal was found to be more pronounced for hydrophilic coals than for hydrophopbic ones. Altering wettability of coal surface leads to different effects of moisture on bulk density. The samples were studied at different fine fractions content, and it was shown that there was no effect of increased content of fines on the bulk density for hydrophobic coals, while for hydrophilic coals this effect was very significant. It was shown that the moisture content at which the lowest bulk density was reached coincides with the critical moisture content for studied samples, as determined from handleability tests using Durham Cone method. This critical moisture is the moisture content at which a sudden deterioration of coal handleability occurs. Based on the bulk density and handleability tests, the flow theory of moist coal is proposed.

Jan 1, 2006

The dynamic breakage process of rocks by the impact of a hydraulic hammer is more complex than one normally assumes. It is even more difficult when one has to conduct the breakage under water. In such cases one does not know exactly what the surface topography and composition are at the bottom of the sea or river and, hence, it is more difficult to select the best position of the hammer before starting the hammering. Typically, an industrial hammer has a diameter of about 250 mm, a length of about 1.25 to 1.75 m and a mass of several tons. The hammer frequency can be up to 50 impacts per minute. The general principles of rock hammering can be easily summarized, but this knowledge is not sufficient to adapt adequately the method for less common rock conditions (e.g. less brittle rock, presence of vertical and subvertical fractures, etc.). That is the reason why we initiated a research project, whereby a scale model has been developed to conduct experiments in the laboratory and whereby discrete element simulations are being conducted. Both aim at a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of rock hammering. The scaled experimental model allows varying the impact energy and the static weight independently. Within the experiment, the hammer is in contact with the rock specimen under a certain confining pressure and with a certain contact pressure due to the static weight. A weight falls on the hammer, creating the dynamic action or impact; the height over which the weight falls can be varied. The penetration is recorded after each impact. After a certain penetration the test is stopped and the internal crack patterns are described. Some simulations have been conducted, allowing the modeling of individual fracture initiation and growth during the penetration of the hammer by either a constant displacement rate (using the UDEC-code) or by introducing the dynamic process (using the PFC-code). Some of the observed features in the laboratory experiments can be visualized in the simulations. However, further research is needed to allow the simulations being an adequate tool to well understand the dynamic process in laboratory experiments, as well as the in-situ behavior.

Aug 1, 2013

By S. M. C. Santos

Preliminary bench-scale studies were carried out on the leaching of a zinc sulphide concentrate from Somincor, Portugal, and the purification of the resulting pregnant solution using solvent extraction techniques. The sulphide concentrate contained 36% Zn, 36% S, 2% Fe and 4% Cu. The leaching was carried out with sulphuric acid in the presence of ferric sulphate as the oxidant. Important leaching parameters, such as the effect of reaction time, the solid-liquid ratio, temperature and concentrations of acid and oxidant, were investigated. After leaching, the recovered solution was contacted with an organic phase containing Acorga 5640 to remove the copper. Subsequently, the removal of iron from the leaching solution was achieved with a mixture of Cyanex 272 and TBP. This solvent mixture was relatively selective for iron over zinc. The stripping of the loaded solvent was performed with 200 g/L H2SO4. Six countercurrent extraction stages achieved a separation of about 99% of the iron from the leaching solution. The iron-free leachate can be further treated to recover minor metals by cementation, and finally, zinc by liquid-liquid extraction. The advantages of the suggested process relative to the traditional jarosite process are discussed.

Jan 1, 2006

By G. Anger, J. Enser, H. Antrekowitsch, S. Koch

Homogeneous chemical composition and microstructure are always necessary, but not always attained in practice. As-cast aluminium alloys tend to have a segregation microstructure. Features of the cast structure, which affect subsequent processing or properties, can be altered by the homogenization. The main task of the Department of Nonferrous Metallurgy was to investigate the effect of homogenization treatment on precipitation hardening of aluminium alloys 6061 and 6082. The effect of the solution heat treatment (SHT) temperature on the mechanical properties was also analyzed. The homogenized and non-homogenized rolling slabs were produced according to the usual conditions and methods. The metallographic investigations were carried out on the as-cast samples, after homogenization, after the hot and the cold rolling mill, and after natural and artificial ageing. Then, Brinell hardness measurements and tensile tests were conducted on both alloys in order to examine the influence of the homogenization.

Jan 1, 2006

By Catharine E. G. Farrow, David H. Watkinson

The Ni-rich Epidote Zone of the Fraser Mine at Sudbury is characterized by alteration assemblages rich in epidote, actinolite and magnetite which are roughly concentrically zoned and up to hundreds of meters in length. These zones form discrete areas within the igneous Footwall Breccia below the Sudbury Igneous Complex. The assemblages grade from epidotized Footwall Breccia matrix,through actinolite-bearing rocks with few vestiges of original Footwall Breccia textures, into the most intensely altered rock, a magnetite-rich facies. Pentlandite, pyrrhotite and pyrite are the dominant sulfdeminerals; chalcopyrite is minor. The strongest geochemical differences compared to original Footwall Breccia occur where epidote and actinolite dominate the alteration assemblage (EPDZact facies). The most intense alteration facies are typifed by low Cu/(Cu+Ni) values of <0.1. Strong positive correlations exist between Ni and Co, Cu and Au, and among Ir, Os, Ru and Rh. Chondrite-normalized Ni - PGE -Au - Cu plots display an overall increase in all elements from the least to the most intensely altered facies except for Au and Cu. As the proportion of actinolite increases in the EPDZact facies, the chondrite-normalized profles fatten considerably due to low Au and Cu contents. Abundances of Ni, Ir, Ru and Rhalmost ubiquitously increase with degree of alteration. In contrast, Cu, Zn, Ag and Au contents are low in almost all facies. It is suggested that saline hydrothermal fluids moved through the Epidote Zone formation and became more oxidized as they reacted with the Footwall Breccia and with footwall units, including ultramafic rocks. As this trend continued, magnetite-rich zones eventually developed. The occurrence of calcite locally in these magnetite-rich zones suggests that the pH of the fluid increased, causing Cu solubility to drop as activity in the hydrothermal system waned. Sudden changes in fluid composition such as this may have been due to an influx of fluid from bounding ultramafic rocks. Hydrothermal activity was focused along the margins of footwall ultramafic units. Individual hydrother-mal cells may have formed in the Footwall Breccia along pre-existing structures or sulfde concentrations. Metals may have been scavenged from sulfide-bearing Footwall Breccia and possibly Sublayer rocks. Nickel and some PGE were deposited in the Epidote Zone, whereas Cu, Au and Ag continued out-ward into the footwall where they were deposited as Cu-rich footwall veins. Copyright © 1996 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

Jan 1, 1996

By Catharine E. G. Farrow, David H. Watkinson

Abstract-The Ni-rich Epidote Zone of the Fraser Mine at Sudbury is characterized by alteration assemblages rich in epidote, actinolite and magnetite which are roughly concentrically zoned and up to hundreds of meters in length. These zones form discrete areas within the igneous Footwall Breccia below the Sudbury Igneous Complex. The assemblages grade from epidotized Footwall Breccia matrix, through actinolite-bearing rocks with few vestiges of original Footwall Breccia textures, into the most intensely altered rock, a magnetite-rich facies. Pentlandite, pyrrhotite and pyrite are the dominant sulfide minerals; chalcopyrite is minor. The strongest geochemical differences compared to original Footwall Breccia occur where epidote and actinolite dominate the alteration assemblage (EPDZact facies). The most intense alteration facies are typified by low Cu/(Cu+Ni) values of <0.1. Strong positive correlations exist between Ni and Co, Cu and Au, and among Ir, Os, Ru and Rh. Chondrite-normalized Ni - PGE - Au - Cu plots display an overall increase in all elements from the least to the most intensely altered facies except for Au and Cu. As the proportion of actinolite increases in the EPDZact facies, the chondrite-normalized profiles flatten considerably due to low Au and Cu contents. Abundances of Ni, Ir, Ru and Rh almost ubiquitously increase with degree of alteration. In contrast, Cu, Zn, Ag and Au contents are low in almost all facies. It is suggested that saline hydrothermal fluids moved through the Epidote Zone formation and became more oxidized as they reacted with the Footwall Breccia and with footwall units, including ultramafic rocks. As this trend continued, magnetite-rich zones eventually developed. The occurrence of calcite locally in these magnetite-rich zones suggests that the pH of the fluid increased, causing Cu solubility to drop as activity in the hydrothermal system waned. Sudden changes in fluid composition such as this may have been due to an influx of fluid from bounding ultramafic rocks. Hydrothermal activity was focused along the margins of footwall ultramafic units. Individual hydrothermal cells may have formed in the Footwall Breccia along pre-existing structures or sulfide concentrations. Metals may have been scavenged from sulfide-bearing Footwall Breccia and possibly Sublayer rocks. Nickel and some PGE were deposited in the Epidote Zone, whereas Cu, Au and Ag continued outward into the footwall where they were deposited as Cu-rich footwall veins.

Jan 1, 1996

By J. Q. Chen

The elastic-plastic behavior and the fracture mechanisms of two 2198 Al-Cu-Li thin sheets are investigated. The first material (2 mm thick) is in a recrystallized state after cold rolling. The second material (6 mm thick) is hot rolled and has a fibrous grain structure. The two materials are studied in both T351 and T851 conditions. Tensile tests are carried out along different sheet directions using flat and notched specimens. Fracture resistance was characterized using Kahn tear specimens and M(T) panels. Macroscopic fracture surface of smooth tensile specimens depends not only on testing material but also on the loading direction. For Kahn tear specimens, fracture is initiated in a small flat triangle whereas slant fracture is observed during crack propagation. Fracture mechanisms were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray 3D tomography.

Jan 1, 2011

By E. O. Lilge

THE USE of the Driessen cone as a heavy-media concentrator involves a mineral dressing process in which many variables inherent in the ore and in the process may have an effect on the efficiency of mineral separation and the operation of the cone. The magnitude of these effects and their possible interrelationships must be known before a full-scale plant can be designed and built. It appears that, among the most important variables, are the following: Ore Variables: The particle size of feed The difference in specific gravity between economic and non-economic minerals The intimacy of mineral association Cone Variables: Cone inlet area Ore to media ratio Cone ratio Size distribution in heavy media Specific gravity of media Viscosity of media Type of media

Jan 1, 1956

By Adam J. Szladow

"INTRODUCTIONThe low calorific value and the high moisture and ash contents of run-of-mine (r.o.rn.) lignite limits the utilization of Saskatchewan lignites to thermal power plants in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and western Ontario. On the other hand, the low sulphur content and the low mining cost make lignites potentially attractive for new coal markets, if suitable processes can be found for upgrading. Economic upgrading to a higher quality fuel would make lignites more acceptable for industrial and utility boilers.This paper presents a summary of the process engineering evaluation of coal upgrading technologies conducted in support of a study of selected lignite upgrading processes. The summary presents the relative advantages and offers specific comments on the application of coal upgrading technologies for lignites. ResourcesLignite comprises the largest fossil fuel energy deposits in Saskatchewan. The total resources of immediate and future interest exceed 27 billion tonnes. The measured and indicated lignite resources of immediate interest are large enough to last for over 200 years at the current production rate of about 10 million tonnes per year (Table 1).Saskatchewan lignitedeposits are present in three different geologic formations: (I) the Ravenscrag Formation of Paleocene Age in southern Saskatchewan; (2) the Swan River Formation of Lower Cretaceous Age in central north Saskatchewan; and (3) the Judith River Formation of Upper Cretaceous Age in central west Saskatchewan. The deposits in the Swan River and Judith River Formation are not currently of economic interest.The Ravenscrag deposits are confmed to four lignite basins, namely: the Estevan, the Willow Bunch, the Wood Mountain and the Cypress basin (Fig. 1). The estimated resources of immediate interest in the four basins are over 7 billion tonnes (Table I). These resources include lignite seams at least 1.5 m thick, at depths of less than 45 m.The average quality of lignite varies relatively little between the four basins considering the distance between deposits (Table 2). There is, however, a progressive increase in moisture and ash content, and a decrease in calorific value and carbon content as one moves westward from the Estevan to Wood Mountain and Cypress basins. The Estevan area deposits are of higher rank despite the fact that they are stratigraphically younger than the Willow Bunch deposits (Cameron and Marconi, 1979).In upgrading lignite to a higher quality fuel, it is important to know not only the average proximate and ultimate analysis (Table 2) but also other lignite characteristics influencing the product quality . For example, Figure 2 shows the effect of lignite HIC ratio on the product equilibrium moisture for hydrothermal treatment of lignite. It is apparent that lignites with a higher HIC ratio, or high liptinite content yield much better quality product for the same hydrotreatment conditions. Other examples of lignite characteristics which are important in upgrading include distribution of sulphur forms and mineral matter, maceral composition and degree of surface oxidation."

Jan 1, 1989

By Oleg G. Tovmachenko

We have studied optical properties of fluorescent nanoparticles. These particles consist of a metal (gold/silver) core, an empty and a dye labelled silica shells. The different dye molecules with moderate quantum yields (about 0.3) has been used. Almost all of types of nanoparticles show fluorescence enhancement. This enhancement is strongly dependent on the degree of the overlap between the surface plasmon band of the metal and the absorption/emission band of the dye molecules. The results are interpreted in terms of competition between local field enhancement and quenching of fluorescence by the metal surface.

Oct 1, 2003

"A growing public awareness of work-related diseases such as pneumoconiosis and the impact of this awareness on legislative bodies and on the skilled labour market are reasons why the Canadian mining industry must consider dust control of top-drawer importance. Measurements and standards related to the hazard are necessary to control a dust situation and to avoid excessive risk. The author discusses some of the methods of measurement, standards proposed and terminology used in this developing technology. The purpose primarily is to give a better understanding of the basic advances achieved by those who have applied current knowledge with a measure of success."

Jan 1, 1972

By R. Tremblay, M. Burrows

"In the summer of 1990, pilot scale testing of a Jameson cell was carried out at Falcon bridge Limited, Kidd Creek Division. The Jameson cell is self aspirating and has fewer mechanical parts, thus it has a lower operating cost compared to conventional cells. This lower operating cost combined with positive pilot scale results, justified the evaluation of two full scale cells in the plant. The plant test had two mandates:1. Gain a thorough understanding of the cells operation and design constraints.2. Develop a flow sheet to replace three divisions of copper cleaner flotation.This paper provides an overview on the installation, commissioning and evaluation of the two Jameson cells acquired. The current status of the test program is also discussed.IntroductionThe Falcon bridge Limited-Kidd Creek Division concentrator is located in Timmins, Ontario. The concentrator, commissioned in 1966 and expanded in 1978, consists of four parallel grinding and flotation divisions utilising small cell (60 ft3) technology. With increasing pressure to maintain low operating unit costs a series of studies were undertaken to assess the impact of new technologies in the flotation circuits. The goals of the project were to improve productivity through increased metallurgical performance and/or reduced operating costs.One of the technologies investigated was the Jameson cell designed by Dr. Graeme Jameson of the University of Newcastle and marketed by MIM Holdings Limited, Australia. This style of column technology was chosen based on its potential for reduced capital and operating cost versus large conventional cells.The success of pilot testwork in 1990 led to the installation of two production sized Jameson cells beginning in October 1991. The units were to be used to confirm pilot results and determine equipment requirements for flotation modernisation. This paper will discuss the results and experiences Kidd Creek has had with the Jameson cell from pilot scale through installation and commissioning of the plant units."

Jan 1, 1993

By P. M. Tyroler, W. J. Thoburn, M. R. Alberty

"An initial test of this unique application demonstrated that hot gunned refractory would adhere satisfactorily. Subsequently, it was found that the proportion of material sticking during application increased with increased vessel temperature and when a mix containing pitch was used. About 75 per cent of the latter type adhered when it was applied at 1600°C.TBRC availability increased from an historical average of 62.5 per cent to 64.7 per cent during four campaigns when hot gunning was routinely practiced. Refractory cost was about 20 per cent less than that anticipated without gunning. Average parameters per campaign with gunning ranged as follows: 90 to 108 heats, 10 to 37 applications and 1.4 to 2. 7 hours per application. Prior to gunning, the average number of heats per campaign was 73.IntroductionThe Top Blown Rotary Converter process at Inco&apos;s Copper Cliff Nickel Refinery converts copper-nickel-sulphur concentrates to a material suitable for carbonyl refining (1),(2).Operating conditions are particularly hard on refractory. Batch cycles finish at temperatures up to 1650°C, with occasional excursions over 1700°C. New heats are then usually initiated immediately and the refractory is subjected to intense thermal shock from the cold feed. Temperature cycles are also introduced three to four times during a heat when the process is interrupted for scrap charging, temperature measurement or sampling.Abrasion wear results from rotation of the converters at speeds up to 15 RPM and from agitation of the bath with supersonic-velocity oxygen. Mechanical damage also occurs when chunks of scrap or solid matte are processed. Chemical corrosion is also present, as we know from our own laboratory work(2) and reports of operations elsewhere. As a consequence, refractory material and installation form a very large proportion of the converter plant costs. Equally important is the loss of converter availability during rebricking; this significantly reduces plant capacity."

Jan 1, 1981

By J. G. Whellock, J. W. Matousek

"In spite of their importance to the economics of many metallurgical projects, the values and technical aspects of precious metals losses in smelting operations are relatively undeveloped subjects. This paper attempts to provide a condensed overview of precious metals losses in pyrometallurgy, using some of the limited production and experimental data available. It is intended for three general groups of metallurgists - operators attempting to improve recoveries, cost-accounting engineers making estimates of metal losses in new or modified smelting plants, and research engineers and students.Distribution coefficients of precious metals, the ratios of metal or matte assays to slag assays, are convenient means of comparing smelting processes and the tendencies of the different metals to enter the slag. For silver in lead blast furnaces this ratio is approximately 250;for gold and the platinum group metals in submerged-arc, electric furnaces it is 900. The ratio for gold and PGMs in converters varies with the degree of oxidation of the charge. The over-all cycle-average for industrial installations is tentatively estimated to be 35.IntroductionThe magnitude of precious metal s losses in pyrometallurgical operation s is difficult to assess. The primary producers are generally reluctant to discuss the subject. The by-product producers (the large sulphide smelters o f copper , nickel, and lead) might be more willing to disclose information, but these have precious metals in their feeds in such dilute quantities that accurate accounting is extremely difficult. It is not until numerous processing steps have been taken t hat the precious metals become sufficiently concentrated to permit acceptably accurate sampling and analytical procedures to be followed. Thus, knowledge of the precious metals contents o f the intermediate mattes and slags may simply be unavailable."

Jan 1, 1990

By B. D. Pandey, M. S. Kim, B. S. Kim

The recovery of Sn from used Pb-free solder (Sn, 3~4 % Ag, < 0.9 % Cu, < 1.2 % Pb) has been investigated by electrorefining in sulfuric acid solutions containing small amount of hydrochloric acid. This involved preparation of the anode material by melting and casting the used solder followed by refining. During electrorefining, dendritic tin was deposited on stainless steel cathode. Increasing the amount of hydrochloric acid up to 0.3 mol /L in the electrolyte enhanced the current efficiency to 92.2 % and the enrichment ratio of silver to 94.3 % in the anode slime which was otherwise 84.7% and 81.6 % in absence of HCl, respectively. The electrolyte containing hydrochloric acid has also prevented the precipitation of tin oxide in the bath. In the scale-up experiment using 1.6 kg anodes, 84.3 % current efficiency and close to 100 % Ag enrichment ratio were obtained, while the purity of electro-refined tin was over 99.9 %. The energy consumption of the winning process was found to be 0.151 kWh /kg-Sn which is competitive as compared to commercial tin electrorefining processes.

Jan 1, 2014