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By Magnus Ek, Peter Olsson

The Rönnskär Smelter has been faithful to Peirce Smith Converting during its 79 years of existence. Though a visitor to our smelter museum will easily find out that a lot has happened since the beginning – and development continues. In this paper an up-date on Converting and Casting at the Rönnskär Smelter is presented. Recent developments include an investment into converter process gas handling, but also day-to-day operational aspects such as converter aisle productivity and flexibility, but also minimal EH&S impact. 127

Jan 1, 2009

By A. J. Williams, T. N. Croft, M. Cross

"The computational modelling of extrusion and forging processes is now well established. In this work a novel approach is described which utilises finite volume methods on unstructured meshes. This technique can be used to solve simultaneously for fluid flow, heat transfer and non-linear solid mechanics and their interactions. The approach involves the solution of free surface non-Newtonian fluid flow equations in an Eulerian context to track the behaviour of the workpiece and its extrusion/forging, and the solution of the solid mechanics equations in the Lagrangian context to predict the deformation/stress behaviour of the die. Some preliminary examples of this approach will be discussed.IntroductionThe computational modelling of extrusion and forging processes is now well established. Within the last 20 years the finite element method has become the most commonly used technique to simulate metal forming processes [1]-[4]. The Lagrangian and Eulerian type of formulation have been the two major approaches to this problem.Lagrangian methods are efficient and suitable for handling non-linear problems in which small strains prevail, boundary conditions do not change with the course of deformation, and where mesh distortion is not a critical factor in the analysis. Unfortunately, the above points are essential to any accurate metal forming analysis. The problems of mesh distortion and element entanglement pose a serious drawback on the use of such methods. Some automatic remeshing techniques have been developed for Lagrangian finite element analyses of metal forming problems [5]-[7]. However, these methods are not robust and efficient enough to remedy the mesh distortion problems in general. An alternative is to update the mesh manually but this is not always possible, and even when it is feasible it involves major interaction by the user. In addition, remeshing is usually applied to the whole domain which is not necessary and increases CPU time. The complexities associated with remeshing also affect the ability to parallelise the code."

Jan 1, 2001

By Edwin Adoyi Ali, Zainab Shehu Aliyu, Adele Dzikwi Garkida, Muhammad Dauda

Feldspar from Matari, Nigeria was analyzed using SEM, XRD and XRF techniques for microstructural analysis, mineral phase analysis and chemical composition analysis respectively. Qualitative and quantitative XRD analyses revealed the presence of microcline 59.6%, albite 34.7% and quartz 5.71%. The XRF results showed that the feldspar contains 67.32% SiO2, 17.54% Al2O3, 11.33% K2O, 2.75% Na2O, 0.12% CaO, 0.01% MgO, 0.02% MnO2, 0.10% Fe2O3, 0.00% Ti2O, etc and 0.14% LOI. SEM/EDX analysis shows the presence of microcline feldspar as the dominant phase, exhibiting lamellar twinning. The XRD has also revealed that potash has the highest peak, indicating its high concentration. The 0.10% Fe2O3 present is within the permissible level (0.1-0.3%) for glass making and also within the potash feldspar specifications (0.17%). The Matari feldspar is a microcline type, rich in potash, alumina and silica, enabling it meet the standard specifications for alumino-silicate glass.

Jan 1, 2015

By A. Kiziltas, D. J. Gardner, C. W. Mcllwraith, J. W. Bridge, M. L. Peterson

"Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) tests were conducted on high-oil content, paraffin-based wax used in wax-coated granular composites. These composites make up the surface of synthetic Thoroughbred horse racetracks used in North America. The modulus and damping response from the DMTA tests were correlated with the dynamic triaxial shear strength response of the bulk track material taken at two different operational temperatures and at four strain rates. The purpose of these tests is to understand the mechanisms of shear strengthening of the bulk track material as the wax is heated through the first crystalline solid to liquid nominal transition temperature. Previous work using differential scanning calorimetry confirmed that under common operational surface temperatures, the wax coatings undergo distinct thermal transitions. The resulting increase in triaxial shear strength values affects the consistency of the racetrack which, in turn, can potentially affect Thoroughbred racing performance and safety of the track surface.IntroductionSynthetic granular composite materials are being used in nine Thoroughbred horse racetracks in the United States as well as in other tracks around the world. In one case, their use was mandated by the state of California in 2007 due to testimony that these tracks were significantly safer than traditional dirt tracks [1]. Several synthetic tracks have shown substantial reductions in injuries since switching to synthetics; one California track showed a 75% reduction in catastrophic horse injuries during the first year as compared to the previous year racing on a dirt track [2]. The composition of the tracks in the U.S. generally consist of silica sand (>70%), polymer fibers (<5%), and rubber particles (0-15%) all coated with a paraffin-based, high oil content wax [3, 4]. In a recent study of several synthetic racetracks, to include the track location in this study, the oil content ranged from 34 to over 44% by mass [5]."

Jan 1, 2011

By Jay R. Hitchings

A technique that enables excellent color photograph production from black and white negatives of electron microprobe x-ray images is described in this paper. The photographs are made by superimposing one, two or three negatives of black and white x-ray images individually through assigned primary color filters directly onto color print paper. When used to examine metallurgical or geological microstructures, the resulting color photograph provides detailed, qualitative information about spatial arrangements, elemental associations and relative concentrations of at least three elements. The technique is simple and straightforward, requiring only standard darkroom equipment. The use of color to display or present complicated microprobe data also allows a non-technical reader or audience to better understand the data.

Jan 1, 1981

By Jiang Diao, Yong Qiao, Xuan Liu, Tao Zhang, Bing Xie

The equilibrium experiments between the FeO-SiO2-MnO-TiO2-V2O3-Cr2O3-MgO slag system and solid pure iron were performed to investigate the vanadium and chromium distribution ratio under Ar atmosphere. The influence of w(FeO), w(V2O3) and w(Cr2O3) in slag on vanadium and chromium distribution ratios were studied at 1653 K. The experimental results were compared with calculated distribution ratios based on molecule and ions coexistence theory. Both of them showed that higher FeO content in slag would improve the distribution ratios of V and Cr between slag and hot metal. The distribution ratio of Cr or V increased with the increase of Cr2O3 or V2O3 content, respectively. To optimize the oxidation of V and Cr from hot metal, a high oxidizing slag and suitable content of Cr2O3 and V2O3 in the slag were recommended. The results provided reference for the further study on the extraction of V and Cr in VTi magnetite.

Jan 1, 2016

By Anxiang Wang, Kunhua Wu, Yifu Li, Junjie Xu, Yongnian Dai, Bin Yang, Lingxin Kong

In this study, the saturated vapor pressures of tin (Sn) and antimony (Sb), the separation coefficient and the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium of Sn-Sb alloy were theoretically analyzed, which demonstrate that it is possible to separate Sn and Sb by vacuum distillation. The process parameters of vacuum distillation, including the distillation temperature, distillation time and alloy mass (thickness of raw materials) on the direct yield of Sn and the content of Sn in liquid phase were investigated by using single factor experiments. The preliminary results show that the direct yield and the content of Sn are 98.77 wt.% and 96.01% with the optimized distillation conditions of a distillation temperature of 1473 K, a distillation t ime for 45 min and a Sn-Sb alloy mass of 125 g ( thickness o f 8 mm). The distillation parameters in the study provide effective and convenient conditions on separation of Sn-Sb alloy.

Jan 1, 2016

By Pan Gu, Zhen Zhang, Jiang Diao, Bing Xie, Hongyi Li

Viscosities of FeO-SiO2-V2O3-CaO-P2O5 slags have been measured at the temperature range of 1673 K to 1773 K (1400°C to 1500°C). This investigated system represents the major components of basic vanadium slag that is an important intermediate product of a novel vanadium extracting process, in which removal of phosphorus and extraction of vanadium can be achieved from the vanadium-containing hot metal simultaneously. It was found that higher CaO/SiO2 ratio resulted in lower viscosity in the composition range of interest. Also, the viscosities increase with the increasing P2O5 concentration. The varying viscosities can be attributed to the modification in complexity and polymerization of the slag network. The variation of apparent activation energies are in tune with the viscosity measurements. The results of this work revealed the effect of CaO/SiO2 and P2O5 on the viscous properties of FeO-SiO2- V2O3-CaO-P2O5 slags and therefore provide the theoretical foundation for the control of the coupling de-P and V-extraction process.

Jan 1, 2016

By Klas G. Hultbom

Mercury is present as trace contaminant in many raw materials for metallurgical plants. When such materials are treated with pyrometallurgical processes the mercury is volatilised. Mercury has a high vapour pressure, even at low temperatures, and therefore it is removed only partly by normal gas cleaning processes. The Boliden Norzink scrubbing process removes elemental mercury by converting it to calomel. It is widely used in the base metals industry. This paper gives examples of the application, and also outlines the background for the development of the process. Another technology developed by Boliden for mercury removal is the Selenium filter. This is a fixed bed filter based on the reaction between elemental gaseous mercury and selenium, by which mercury selenide, HgSe, is formed. The mercury selenide is a highly stable compound with extremely low solubility in water and very low vapour pressure. Mercury is removed selectively without any side reactions. Special applications for the selenium filter technology include mercury removal from gases containing sulphur dioxide and geothermal off-gases.

Jan 1, 2003

By Chuan-fu Zhang

In present work, the physical properties of molten FenO-MgO-CaO-SiO2 slags were measured .It is shown by the results that when the slag composition is as follow: MgO 8%~12%, CaO 2%~8%, Fe/SiO2 1.2~1.6, the viscosity of the slags decreases with the increase of temperature. When the Fe/SiO2ratio and the MgO content are fixed, the electrical conductivity increases and the viscosity decreases as CaO content increasing, while the content of CaO exceeds 6% its influence weakens. When the MgO content is 11% and the CaO is 6%, the viscosity of the slag decreases markedly as the increase of Fe/SiO2 ratio. Its influence to viscosity is inconspicuous when the Fe/SiO2 ratio exceeds 1.5. When the CaO content is 6% and Fe/SiO2 is 1.2, the electrical conductivity decreases with the increase of MgO content as temperature is below 1290, but increases when temperature is above 1290. When the MgO content is 11% and the Fe/SiO2 ratio is 1.2, the electrical conductivity increases with the increase of CaO content. When the CaO content is 6% and MgO content is 11%, the electrical conductivity increases as the increase of Fe/SiO2 ratio, while its influence weakens as the temperature increases continuously. The electrical conductivity rises when temperature increases at any slag content. The melting temperatures of FenO-MgO-CaO-SiO2 semi- synthesis slags from this work were below 1290.

Jan 1, 2006

By Mark Cross, Andrew P. Campbell, Koulis A. Pericleous

"Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling is being used to simulate the freeze layers formed within direct smelting processes. There has been some concern whether water-cooled elements can withstand the p~ocess conditions and in particular abnormal cases where they may be splashed in molten metal.To validate the models being developed, two cases from literature have been modelled for solidification and stress analysis. The solidification case is presented in detail and is for hot molten metal flowing through a cylindrical pipe. The walls are at a temperature below the melting point for the metal. The resulting solid (or freeze) layer is within 3% of the value calculated by Sampson & Gibson9 •Preliminary modelling of the refractory-slag interactions is presented. Although three basic mechanisms: Penetration; Corrosion; and Erosion will eventually be modelled, only the penetration is considered here. The corrosion mechanism is to be modelled by tracking the time that the penetrated refractory is at the required temperature.Future work, after adding all the required physics, will focus on the modelling of a water-cooled element placed lower in the smelter. Process perturbations will be simulated to examine what these elements will withstand."

Jan 1, 2001

By O. Ryosuke Suzuki

A new metallurgical process via sulfide is proposed: a sulfide is produced at a high temperature from its metallic oxide using gaseous CS2, and this sulfide is electrochemically reduced to its metallic state using molten salt. This combined process via sulfide is effective to obtain high purity of metallic powder, even if the metal in its oxide is strongly combined with oxygen. For example, it is not easy to reduce stable oxide TiO2, and only Ca can remove oxygen to form α-Ti. However, a fairly large amount of oxygen remains as Ti–O solid solution. Because the solubility of S in Ti is very small, this proposal was examined experimentally both on the conversion of TiO2 to TiS2 and on the successive reduction of TiS2 to Ti. TiO2 powder was exposed to CS2 gas flow at 1073 K, and the conversion to TiS2 was confirmed. TiS2 could be reduced to Ti powder either by calciothermic reduction or electrolysis in a CaCl2 melt. By Ca reduction at 1133 K in CaCl2 melt, sulfur concentration decreased to 0.03 mass%S when the amount greater than twice the stoichiometric calcium amount is added. By electrochemical reduction at 1173 K in CaCl2–CaS melt, S concentration significantly decreased to 0.01 mass% S when four times larger amount of electric charge was supplied.

By Min Chen, Zhen Tian, Hongxu Cui

"The effects of adjusting technology on the phosphorous enrichment in converter slag were investigated. The results showed that the grain size of 2CaO·SiO2 with high phosphorus containing content increased slightly with the decreasing of cooling rate, and the proper cooling rate was confirmed to be about l.0°C.min-1. Moreover, the morphology of the phosphorus-rich phase of 2CaO·SiO2-3CaO·P2O 5 was changed from granular for the higher basicity of converter slag to the coexistence of granular shape and rod-like for the lower basicity of adjusted slag. With the addition of adjusting agent such as SiO2 to lower the basicity of converter slag, the phosphorus in converter slag could be transferred into 2CaO·Si02 phase effectively, and P2O 5 content in high phosphorus containing phase reached to above 30%.IntroductionThe yield of converter slag is very large in China, but most of the slag is stacked usually after the separation of iron, which not only takes up a lot of land, but also affects the ecological environment seriously. Therefore, improving the comprehensive utilization and value-added products of converter slag is of great significance to recycle the steelmaking slag[l-3]. On the other hand, the refining of hot metal with high phosphorous content is an unavoidable problem with the decreasing of high grade iron ore, and as a result, more amounts of high phosphorus containing steelmaking slag are produced. However, the current recycle of converter slag is more focused on the emission reduction and reuse of steelmaking slag inside the iron and steelmaking process without considering the recycle of phosphorous resources[4-6]. At the same time, the development and utilization of phosphate ore as a strategic resource is drawing more and more attention, but the phosphate ore in China is mostly low grade and significant amounts of tailings are produced which is harmful to the environment. Therefore, it is important to separate phosphorous resources in steelmaking slag which can be used as phosphate ore for fertilizer material[7-9].Literature studies showed that most of the phosphorus in steelmaking slag existing as 2CaO·SiO2-3CaO·P2O 5 solid solution phase in 2CaO·SiO2 particle. The P2O 5 content in the phosphorus containing phase is very low due to the fact that the basicity of converter slag is usually high and the precipitated amounts of 2CaO·SiO2 particles during cooling are very large, resulting in the fact that the P2O 5 contents in 2CaO·SiO2-3CaO·P2O 5 solid solution phase are much lower which is impossible to be used as phosphorous resources instead of phosphate ore. Thus, the enrichment of phosphorus in steelmaking slag is need[ 10-14]."

Jan 1, 2011

By Philip E. J. Green

Two of the cornerstones of total quality management, the use of statistical and problem solving tools, and the involvement of employees, are directly applicable to environmental protection. The reduction in variation decreases the chances of violations and mishaps. Involving employees in minimizing environmental impacts is critical. One mistake, even with the best technology, and your plant can be shut down, customers lost and fines and penalties imposed - your reputation and the environment damaged. Proven strategies for involving employees in environmental protection, and over-coming the frequently strong differences of opinions about what constitutes environmental protection, will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1992

TiO2 and Ti/TiO2 thin films were deposited on a quartz substrate by laser ablation of Ti02 and Ti targets using Nd:YAG pulsed laser. After sulfurization of the Ti02 film in H2S or CS2 gas at 1273 K for 1 hour, the surface atomic structure was changed. Furthermore, the Ti/TiO2 film was successfully prepared by the subsequent ablation of Ti and TiO2 targets. The morphology and structure of the films were characterized by XRD, XPS and AFM analyses.

Jan 1, 2003

By T. Nakamura

TiO2 and Ti/TiO2 thin films were deposited on a quartz substrate by laser ablation of TiO2 and Ti targets using Nd:YAG pulsed laser. After sulfurization of the TiO2 film in H2S or CS2 gas at 1273 K for I hour, the surface atomic structure was changed. Furthermore, the Tirri02 film was successfully prepared by the subsequent ablation of Ti and Ti02 targets. The morphology and structure of the films were characterized by XRD, XPS and AFM analyses.

Jan 1, 2003

By Jhon Cuya

Titanium dioxide is the well-known catalyst for the photodecomposition of water in UV region and its nanoparticles show better performance than its bulk materials. Furthermore, partially sulfurized TiO2 is expected to be chemically stable and have an enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with TiO2. For this purpose, the sulfurization behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles was thermogravimetically (TG) studied by a thermo-balance with a quartz spring using CS2. From the TG curve of TiO2 nanoparticles, first, the weight decrease appeared down to around 8 wt% and then sulfurization reaction started at around 500 °C at heating rate of 1O &apos;Cumin. The weight increase curve showed a maximum of ca 30 wt% at around 750 T and then gradually decreased to ca 12w% at 1000OC. This would be caused by the formation of TiS2 followed by the decomposition of TiS2 to lower sulfides, such as Til.08S2 and Ti3S4. From the comparison of the sulfurization of TiO2 nanpparticles with that of anatase, rutile and Ti(OH)4, it was found that TiO2 nanoparticles showed a similar behavior to that of Ti(OH)4.

Jan 1, 2003

By Melvin H. Miles

"Considerable research has been conducted on the anodic oxidation of methanol in fuel cells. The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in aqueous solutions to form methanol is the same reaction in reverse, i.e. CO2 + 6 H+ + 6 e- ? CH3OH + H2O. The same catalysts and conditions may operate for both reaction directions. This carbon dioxide reduction reaction, however, must be able to compete with the electrochemical reduction of water to form hydrogen gas. Thermodynamically, the reduction of CO2 to form CH3OH is slightly more favorable than the reduction of water. The use of nearly neutral electrolytes rather than acidic electrolytes makes the reduction of CO2 kinetically more favorable. The thermodynamics of various reaction steps are presented. Similarities exist with the electrochemical reduction of CO2 and the green-plant photosynthesis process that converts CO2 to carbohydrates.IntroductionVirtually all of the oxygen in the earth’s atmosphere is of biological origin having been generated by green-plant photosynthesis from water and carbon dioxide [1]. The net reaction can be represented byCO2 + H2O ? O2 + [CH2O] (carbohydrates, etc.) (1)Chlorophyll and enzymes promote this reaction, and the energy required comes from sunlight. The actual photosynthesis process is a complex multistage reaction and requires 469 kJ mol-1 of energy supplied by the sun. Isotope tracer experiments using 18O have shown that both the oxygen atoms in the O2 molecule originate from H2O, whereas oxygen atoms in the carbohydrates come from CO2 [1]. The total amount of water on the earth is split by photosynthesis and reconstituted by respiration and combustion once every 2 million years or so. The photosynthetically generated oxygen gas temporarily enters the atmosphere and is recycled about once every 2000 years [1]. The carbon dioxide is partly recycled in the atmosphere and oceans after an average residence time of 300 years and is partly fixed by precipitation of CaCO3 and other carbonate minerals [1]."

Jan 1, 2008

By G. R. Waters

NMR360 is developing a suite of chloride-based metals extraction processes, with the first commercial operation scheduled for commissioning late in 2018. It is critical, therefore, that with the introduction of any new technology, that the circuits do not suffer from mechanical failures which will compromise the operation. Although chloride leaching is at atmospheric pressure and relatively low temperature, the main challenge is preventing corrosion, since the high proton activity makes even a small amount of acid behaves as though it were concentrated. An additional challenge in concentrated chloride circuits is the potential for solids precipitation. In this context, therefore, correct valve selection is crucial, and NMR360 has partnered with CGIS to ensure that the Severe Service Valves (SSVs) needed will perform over and above the definitions of the Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) of the Valve and Fittings Industry. This paper outlines what the minimum requirements are for SSVs in chloride leaching applications, drawing on five decades of industry experience from one of Canada’s leading valve experts.

By Jianxun Song, Hongmin Zhu, Qiuyu Wang, Jungang Hou, Shuqiang Jiao, Xiaobo Zhu

This work presents the results of a study on the Ti3+/Ti2+ couple redox potentials vs. Cl–/Cl2 at the temperature range (673 to 1073 K) in fused LiCl-KCl eutectic by direct potentiometric method. Initial concentrations of TiClx in solvents did not exceed 5.0 mol%. Basic thermodynamic properties of the reactions TiCl2+1/2Cl2(g)=TiCl3 were calculated using the temperature dependencies of apparent standard potentials of the couples E* Ti3+ /Ti2+.

Jan 1, 2014