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By Ronald J. Roman

The shrinking core model for coarse particle leaching has been generally accepted as describing the leaching of a copper oxide or sulfide ore. However, when a mixed oxide/sulfide ore-is leached this model can not be used in its simple form because at least two and possibly three separate leaching processes are occurring simultaneously (dissolution of oxide copper minerals, secondary copper minerals and primarily copper minerals). It has been impossible to isolate their individual leaching curves from the recovery/time curve generated by the column leach test. This paper describes a tests program carried out at the Groupo Mexico, Mexicana de Cobre's La Caridad operation in which the individual recovery/time curves for the leaching of copper oxide mineral, secondary copper mineral and primary copper minerals were developed from standard column leach tests. Once the individual recovery/time curves were developed scale-up of the column leach test results to the commercial heap leaching operation is possible by using the shrinking core model.

Jan 1, 1999

By V. L. Stolyarova

As part of an effort to develop the fluoride electrolysis route for the production of rare earth metals and alloys, a study of the thermodynamic properties of DyF3 has been carried out by Knudsen cell mass spectrometry. A quadrupole mass spectrometer QMS 420 was used in conjunction with the Knudsen cell arrangement. The experiments were carried out in the temperature range 1280-1440 K. Vaporization was carried out from platinum, molybdenum and tantalum cells. The Dy*, DyF+, DyF2+ fragment ions and the DyF3 parent ion were identified in the mass spectrum of the DyF3 vapour. The DyF, vapour pressure was obtained by the complete isothermal vaporizadon method as well as the ion current comparison method, and the enthalpy of sublimation of DyF3 was evaluated. From the DyF3 vapour pressure data obtained at different temperatures, the enthalpies of formation of DyF3 in the gaseous as well as condensed phases have been evaluated. The experimental data are compared with the thermodynamic information available in literature.

Jan 1, 1995

By Donald O. Voit

A BASIC language program has been written that simulates the performance of an integrated solvent extraction circuit consisting of an extractor, a reflux fed scrubber, and a stripper. The program is designed to simulate the performance of a circuit having an aqueous feed containing each of the lanthanides as well as yttrium. The Kremser equation is used to determine the separation occuring in each section of the circuit. The required input variables are the feed composition, the separation factors, the light key extraction factors and extractor feed zone distribution coefficient, the number of stages, and the reflux ratios. The program calculates the composition of the streams at each node in the circuit, the total loading, and the remaining distribution coefficients. User interaction with the program is essential. The program has no capability to determine if the calculated values are consistent with various real restraints. Knowledge of the physical, chemical, and equilibrium behavior is essential to successfully utilize the program. The number of iterations required to achieve steady-state provides insight to the circuit response times. With suitable supervision the program can be used as a simulator for operator training.

Jan 1, 1989

By P. Regan

Following the introduction of the Contilanod process over 10 years ago at Copper Range and IMI Refiners, significant changes and advances have been made to this pioneering anode production technique. A new radial flow metal feeding concept has been developed that allows a substantial increase in casting rates on the Hazelett® twin-belt caster. To cut the 45 mm thick continuous anode plate into shaped anodes at rates of 100 t/h or more, a filly moving hydraulic shear designed by Mannesmann Demag has replaced the slower speed plasma cutting torch. Details of the.new caster and shear are presented along with operating results from the new lines starting up in 1999 at the Gresik smelter/refinery in Indonesia and the completely revitalized Mansfelder Kupfer und Messing complex in Germany.

Jan 1, 1999

By F. Guevara

The paper presents results of physical and turbulent three-dimensional numerical simulation of the gas flow in the wind box and reaction shaft of the concentrate burner of a flash furnace. Physical simulation work was carried out in a 1:5 linear scale model, where the velocity field was measured using a Pitot tube. The mathematical model consists of the three-dimensional averaged Navier-Stokes equations, turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy using the Renormalization Group (RNG) theory for the k-e turbulence model. Computations were performed using FLUENT, based in a finite- volume code. The geometry of the concentrate burner was separated in two sections: wind box and reaction tower. Results obtained at the exit of the wind box were used as boundary conditions for the reaction shaft. The effect of boundary conditions on the numerical results was also studied. Results of physical and numerical simulations show an asymmetry of the velocity field at the exit of wind box. This asymmetry is possibly due to existence of a separated flow in the back of the exit ring. The agreement of physical and numerical results assess the capacity of the turbulence RNG k-e model to reproduce correctly the behaviour of the velocity field at the exit of the concentrate burner.

Jan 1, 1999

By Min Xiaobo

As for treatment of zinc-containing wastewater, traditional SRB (Sulfate Reducing Bacteria) process was used, however, there exist two defects, like toxicity of heavy metal ions and high effluent COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) value. In this study, a new technique, called ISIS process (Immobilized SRB sludge beads with Inner cohesive carbon Source), in which SRB sludge is embedded in carrier of PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) with carbon source that adsorbed on certain material, is put forward for the first time to overcome the two defects existing in traditional SRB process. Furthermore, it has been shown that compared to traditional SRB process, ISIS process increases average zinc removal rate up 30%, average sulfate reduction rate up20%, and decrease average effluent COD value to meet discharge standards. If activated carbon is selected for carbon source adsorption and fixing material, and PVA for immobilization material, the zinc removal rate can reach above 98% under the conditions of 35 and pH 6. Meanwhile, the mechanism of zinc removal has been determinated according to the results from SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscope) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction).

Jan 1, 2006

By Terry C. Cheng

The Akita Hematite Process is currently the only hydrometallurgical iron removal process producing saleable iron by-products in the zinc industry. In this study, McGill University and Akita Zinc Co. have worked together into elucidating the basic precipitation chemistry of the process from the standpoints of hematite product quality and prevailing precipitation kinetics. This work determined that hematite is produced under the applied conditions (T = 195?200oC,PO2 = 103?414 kPa) directly without prior formation of basic ferric sulphate and transformation of the latter to hematite as thought originally. The rate-limiting step responsible for the long retention time (~180 min) was found to be either the re-dissolution of ferrous sulphate according to the batch reactor studies, or the slow hydrolysis of the remaining ferric sulphate according to the continuous reactor studies. Another interesting contrast between the batch and continuous reactor data was the degree of sulphur contamination (1.5 vs. 3.8%, respectively) and the specific surface area of the product (10 vs. 30 m2/g, respectively). These differences in addition to the co-precipitation of SO4-containing phases such as jarosites, alunite, and anhydrite were attributed to the significantly higher supersaturation level prevailing in the industrial continuous autoclaves that yields highly aggregated sub-micron hematite crystallites contaminated with chemisorbed sulphate ions.

Jan 1, 2003

By Douglas Robinson

This paper describes technical work done to develop a Spouted Bed Electrode Cell into a commercially viable Electrowinning Cell; (a previous paper has been presented at the ECS meeting in Paris in May of this year, with a more general overview of the cell, [1]). The studies have included hydrodynamic tests to understand the criteria for the circulating flow of metallic beads in the cell, particularly in the region at the entrance to the draft tube, and electrochemical tests to find a suitable diaphragm for extended time electrolysis. Various patent pending features were developed including a double nozzle to allow for automatic stopping and restarting of the bed, an arrowhead shaped draft tube to control the flow of beads into the entrance to the draft tube, a roof-top shaped device to control the flow of beads out of the top of the draft tube, an overflow weir to allow the continuous recovery of beads from the cell, and a family of diaphragm fabrics for extended operation. Prior to the identification of the diaphragm material, short circuits would develop within a few hours. A pilot scale cell was operated for three days, with continuous operator attention, and then for ten days with operator attention only on day shift. The cell is currently advancing to the next stage of development which will involve continuous testing in a commercial copper electrowinning facility.

Jan 1, 2003

By Jens Kristen Laursen

In 1999, Molymex S.A. de C.V. (Molymex), Mexico. (a company wholly owned by Molibdenos y Metales S.A. (Molymet), Chile) decided to install the Haldor Topsrae Wet gas Sulphuric Aicd (WSA) process for cleaning of the 4-5% SO2 off-gas from their molybdenum sulphide master in Cumpas, Mexico to produce sulphuric acid. The decision to install a WSA plant was based on the successful operation of a WSA plant at Molymet's molybdenum sulphide roaster in Santiago, Chile since 1993. This paper describes the process layout of the Cumpas plant, the operating experience of the Santiago plant, and the, differences in. process design between the two plants. It will furthermore summarise the applications of the WSA process for other roasting plants and smelters within the non-ferrous. metals industry producing metals such as copper, lead, and molybdenum.

Jan 1, 2002

By Florian Kongoli

The liquidus surface of multicomponent slags is an important parameter in various smelting and converting processes. It helps not only to optimize the slag, chemistry of current processes and their fluxing strategies, but also to determine the availability of new slags for more advanced technologies. In a series of our previous publications, the liquidus surface of some multicomponent iron oxide slags has been quantified at several constant oxygen potentials and the effect of the latter, ignored until that moment, was quantified along with the effect of some minor components. In this work, the liquidus surface of some iron oxide slags is quantified at constant CO2/CO ratios. This is a new convenient way for the quantitative description of the slag liquidus surface and the effect of several fluxes, especially in those processes such as slag solidification, where oxygen potential changes continuously. This type of diagram also describes more dynamically the effect of oxygen potential, clarifies the relation between CO2/CO ratio and oxygen potential in terms of the liquidus surface, which is not widely understood by metallurgist today, and reduces the gap between laboratory work and industrial experience.

Jan 1, 2002

By Zviad Kovziridze

The problems related to the production and research of SiC-Si3N4 composite are presented. The technology of producing the protective casings for tips and thermocouples is developed. Optimum composition charge and technological parameters are defined. The results of casing testing at production plants are presented.

Jan 1, 2006

By P. M. Pincheira Brown

The widely accepted inverse relationship between copper prices ail stocks, has been commonly used by analysts to explain the behavior of the copper market and to forecast film copper pries. However, empirical data have not shown such a clear relationship between copper prices and stacks. Existing evidence only indicates a weak tong-nut relationship that vanishes in some periods. In this paper a simple comprehensive model is provided which explains both parallel and opposite direction movements between prices and stocks. Former are explained mainly by stocks demand expansions-contractions while the latter are in essence due to increases in the supply curve. Furthermore, econometric estimations are provided, thus giving a powerful tool to forecast and explain price developments of the copper market.

Jan 1, 1999

By Alex Moyano

Due to very demanding environmental rules, and to the incrementing impurities contents in the processed concentrates, Codelco Norte smelter permanently faces new demands for planning the production program with the present fulfillment of the environmental regulation. Accordingly, the CN smelter along with IM2, developed an impurity distribution simulation model, M-DICE, which predicts the impurities behavior for each of the process units of the smelter under different process configurations and concentrates quality. The development of the M-DICE included the gathering of operational data for the process units of the CN smelter, including temperature, oxygen enriched air, matte grade, etc. Then based on a mass balance for each of the process units involved in the smelter a thermodynamic evaluation was done to derive the arsenic fractional distribution among the condensed (matte/white metal/copper/slag) and gas phases. Then, the validated M-DICE was able to predict the arsenic behavior in the Teniente converter processing complex concentrates with high arsenic content, among others. At present, M-DICE is in its last stage of development, and is expected to be a suitable environmental and process management?s tool for the Codelco-Chile?s smelters.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. Raraz

The optimization of the plutonium electrorefining process has been studied on the basis of modeling and model materials. The plutonium electrorefining process has been reviewed and the basics of the electrorefining process with molten salts as electrolytes and under forced convection has been presented. The definition of the problem in plutonium electrorefining has been related to three factors and this research has addressed these three factors to provide an insight to this process. The hydrodynamic factor gives information on the behavior of the mechanically stirred system. The chemical stability and solidification factor shows the interactions among the components of the electrorefining cell. The electrochemical factor is oriented to study the efficiency of the electrorefining process on the basis of limiting current density, stirring rate and configuration cell. As a result of this study the optimization of plutonium electrorefining implies mainly a re-design of the cell.

Jan 1, 1995

By Du Sichen

The present paper presents the modeling of gas-solid reactions in the case of the decomposition of CaCO3, describing the reaction kinetics on the basis of heat-transfer concepts which could be compared with thermogravimetric results. In the case of solid-solid reactions, the present paper describes the model developed for describing solid-solid reactions from dynamic X-ray diffraction technique, developed by the present team. The model has been successful in explaining the formation of spinel from MgO and Al2O3.

Jan 1, 2006

By Chai Liyuan

Chromium-containing slag was detoxified by the method of microbial treatment using Ch-1bacteria isolated from nature by our research group, belonging to achromobacter sp. and with the characteristic of reducing high concentration of Cr(VI) in alkaline solution. The detoxifying process of Ch-1 to chromium-containing slag was studied by column-leaching techniques respectively. The results indicate that Cr(VI) in leachate can not be detected when chromium-containing slag has been column-leached for 7 days, and Cr(OH)3 content in precipitate is up to 32.8% with great value of resource recycling. Flowchart of engineering experimentation was ascertained based on the parameters of column-leaching experiments. Using the technique of pelletization of chromium-containing slag heap-leaching by Ch-1,the leaching rate of water-soluble Cr(VI) existing in chromium-containing slag reaches up to 100%, while the leaching rate of full chromium is up to 90%, when the process has been operated for 7-10 days under the conditions of 25-40C and consecutive spray by circular leachate. The content of Cr(VI) in chromium-containing slag after detoxified meet the national identification standard for extraction procedure inxicity for hazardous wastes(GB5085-1996) in China, moreover approximately 90% of Cr(VI) existing in chromium-containing slag has been recycled.

Jan 1, 2006

By Robert D. Boiler, Bill Wilkie

"There is a wide choice of different types of woven filter media for hundreds of different filtration applications. Factors such as type of fiber, synthetic polymers used, weave style, fabric finishes and fabrication techniques all play an important part in selecting the best choice for a specific type of filter and process application. The purpose of this paper is to offer some basic knowledge of these factors and how they can impact the performance of a filter, the life of the media and the overall cost of operation through case studies of actual plant filtration applications.IntroductionThe use of woven filter cloth in liquid/solid separation applications is generally well known. Woven filter cloth, by the nature of the weaving process, offers unique consistency and repeatability when compared to some other filter media such as needled felts, papers, sintered structures and knitted cloth. This unique consistency and repeatability is particularly applicable to woven filter cloth produced using monofilament fibers. These fibers are consistent in shape and form the basis for a woven cloth with predictable pore size and throughput characteristics. Woven filter cloth can be used in most wet filtration applications. Typical examples are the separation of chemical and pharmaceutical solids from process liquors, waste stream solids capture, liquid foods clarification, mining separations, and polymer filtration.EnvironmentOne of the first considerations is the environmental demand of the given process. Though it is tempting to look immediately at the particles in a filtration process, it is often better to consider some of the more basic needs of the system. There are numerous materials available, both synthetic and wire cloth. Each has its own unique set of properties."

Jan 1, 2012

By J. A. Jensen

In-situ composites were produced in both Ti matrix (Ti-20Y) and Mg matrix (Mg-20Ti, Mg- 20Nb, Mg-20Fe, and Mg-8Li) alloys. In Ti-20Y, a < 1010 > fiber texture formed in both the Ti and Y phases, and UTS increased from 240 MPa, (as-cast) to 950 MPa after deformation processing to a true strain of 7.3. Deformation processing produced smaller UTS increases in the Mg-matrix composites, but they showed exceptional resistance to weakening from exposure to elevated temperatures. The Mg-20Fe, Mg-20Nb. and Mg-20Ti composites tolerated 6-hour exposure to 400°C with no reduction in their 250 to 300 MPa room temperature UTS. All composites studied had excellent ductility and machinability.

Jan 1, 1995

By Hande Cavus, Ibrahim Yusufoglu, Cem Kahruman

"In this study, ammonium tetramolybdate (ATM) was obtained as the intermediate product of ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate (AHM). The thermal decomposition mechanism of ATM was investigated under nonisothermal and isothermal conditions in air and inert gas atmospheres. Nonisothermal experiments were carried out by TGA/DTA/MS while TG was used for isothermal conditions. Characterization of the decomposition products were carried out by XRD and FT-IR. The thermal decomposition of ATM in air proceeds in a single step and forms M0O3 while [(ÍÇ4)2è]ïïï83Ìïè3 and molybdenum suboxide (Ìïè3.÷, ÷=0.025) were obtained in the first and the second steps of thermal decomposition in He, respectively. Activation energies, frequency factors and kinetic model equations were determined for thermal decomposition reactions. Fractional conversion-time diagrams were compared with diagrams drawn according to kinetic model equation.IntroductionM0O3 is usually used as catalyst in industry [1]. AHM is the basic source to produce molybdenum containing catalysts used in petrochemistry [2]. The oxides of Li, V, W, Te, Bi and Sn are doped in M0O3 to produce catalysts, which find commercial applications in the industry. The properties of M0O3 are affected by dissolution, settling, calcination, drying and thermal decomposition processes [1]. There are several studies in the literature about the thermal decomposition of AHM and the characterization of the decomposition products in different gas atmospheres and at various heating rates [3-19]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Hideyuki Takahashi, Taro Aichi, Kazuyuki Tohji, Makoto Muramatsu, Rie Sato

"There are several ways to condition lead-based alloy anodes for zinc electrowinning: electrochemical treatment, chemical treatment and physical treatment. Two advantages of physical treatments are their productivity and variety. In this report, physical treatments, including blasting with silica, alumina, steel grit and cut zinc wire, were tested. The laboratory tests confirmed there were differences in the formation of anode scales during electrowinning and in the suppression of lead dissolution from the anodes. With an increase in the surface roughness, the misfit between the PbC""2 and the MnC>2 was mitigated and the anchor effect was promoted; these effects resulted in dense Mn oxide scales on the anode.IntroductionZinc is widely used for hot-dip zinc plating and for die casting alloys. As a supplier of materials, we have endeavored to produce zinc that is economical and contains as little impurity as possible. As a result of our efforts, a technology for consistently providing special high-grade (SHG) zinc has been established. However, as seen in the issuance of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, public awareness of the industrial impact of heavy metals on the environment has been heightened. Increasing efforts to control environmentally sensitive substances will be necessary for our production processes.Electrolytic SHG zinc is produced by electrodeposition in an acidic solution with a Pb-Ag or Pb-Ag-Ca alloy for the anode and an Al alloy for the cathode. Pb alloy anodes are widely used because of their excellent durability; however, they are a source of Pb, which is the main impurity of the product."

Jan 1, 2012