Search Documents

By Maria Margarida Lima, Maria Lucelinda Cunha, Dora Algarvio

"The main goal of the present work is the quality improvement of the recycled aggregates produced by a construction and demolition waste (C&DW) recycling facility located in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal. The recycling process was developed on a pilot plant scale with 50 t/h of capacity. Process operations are the hammer mill comminution, magnetic separation and screening.In order to improve the knowledge on the C&DW, a characterization procedure was implemented by hand-sorting, magnetic and density separation on representative samples. On the other hand, to improve the quality of the produced aggregates, the bar screen size fractions were analysed, according to the Portuguese Standard (NP EN 933-1 2000).Wood was identified as the critical contaminant, representing 17% by weight of the total contaminants. Sieving results showed that about 97%, 76%, 56%, 98% and 57% were on the correct size range, which lower results are probably due to the type of screens and/or the material characteristics of the recycled aggregates.IntroductionThe construction and demolition waste problemConstruction and demolition waste (C&DW) is generated by the construction activity, resulting from both, buildings or other structures construction and old structures demolition. As a reference, it can be told that C&DW comprises about 40 to 50% of rubbish (concrete, asphalt, bricks, blocks and dirt), 20 to 30% of wood and related products and 20 to 30% of miscellaneous wastes [1]. In Portugal, C&DW is classified in the LER (Portuguese nick name for the European Waste List), Chapter 17, and includes a diversity of wastes, like concrete, bricks, ceramics, bricks, wood, glass, plaster, copper, zinc, lead, iron, steel, as well as insulation and roofing materials. C&DW stream has several characteristics which make it particularly difficult to deal with and are summarized in the following five items.(1) Lack of information on quantities generated: In Portugal, the C&DW sector has been neglected over the past years, which meant that there are not consistent information concerning the quantities and composition of these wastes yet. Several estimates, based in different assumptions, indicate different results, which may vary from 219 Mt to 10 931 Mt [2]."

Jan 1, 2008

By A. Rohkohl, R. Piillenberg

The QSL plant at "BERZELIUS" Stolberg GmbH in Stolberg, Germany was commissioned in 1990, introducing a new era of lead smelting in the more than 150-year-old history of the lead smelter. The lead smelter in Stolberg has changed its appearance several times during its existence. Therefore, at many locations on the site, old and obsolete buildings and equipment parts can still be seen. They are often located side by side with new modern constructions like the QSL-plant and the mercury removal plant, and reflect the specific contrast between tradition and modern technology. After a brief description of the development of the smelter and its decision to implement the current novel plant, the most recent operating results are reported. Following some modifications to the process and equipment, which had become necessary along with the implementation of the new technology, the plant is in operation today at approximately 30% above its design capacity. These achieved production levels are not restricted by the QSL-reactor but by precedent and subsequent available equipment. The QSL-plant entirely complies with the demands of modern, energy-saving, ecologically compatible lead production technology. Stringent environmental standards are maintained on a continuing basis. The demonstrated viability and flexibility of the overall process permits the operation to adapt quickly to the prevailing economical situation worldwide.

Jan 1, 2000

By Alhondra de los Santos, Jesús L. Valenzuela, Jose R. Parga

"The present study evaluated the feasibility of using iron species generated by electrocoagulation (EC) as an adsorbent for removal As(III/As(V) from aqueous media. The full potential of EC was evident in that more than 99 percent of arsenic was removed without addition of chemical reagents. The adsorbent iron-species generated by EC was characterized by Chemical Analyses, X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The experimental data were correlated by employing a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters such as ?H o , ?S o and ?Go were calculated. The adsorption process was found to be exothermic and spontaneous.1. IntroductionArsenic contamination in potable water supplies is a serious health problem in many countries around the world. Groundwater arsenic contamination in La Comarca Lagunera Mexico was first reported 30 years ago [1]. Arsenic concentration has been found in well water from several communities ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 ppm. The elevated concentration of arsenic in water, above that originating from natural sources, has been attributed to the use of organoarsenical pesticides in the cotton fields and also to the millions of tons of waste slag generated at a local lead smelter [1]. The main arsenic species present in natural waters are arsenate ions 3- 4 AsO (oxidation state V) and arsenic ions H3AsO3, - 2 3 H AsO and 2- 3 HAsO oxidation state III). However, As(V) ions are most prevalent in oxygenated water while As(III) is found for anaerobic conditions, such as in well water or in groundwater. Conventional methods of arsenic removal rely on chemical-based treatment with lime, alum coagulation, iron coagulation and chemical oxidation. Other processes used with varying degrees of success include adsorption onto activated carbon, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, manganese dioxide, magnetite and ionexchange resins [1-3]. These conventional processes generate a considerable quantity of secondary hazardous waste such as solid sludge, which also pose serious environmental problems. These drawbacks have forced various industries to search for effective, alternative treatment technologies for arsenic with a preference for electrochemical methods."

Jan 1, 2008

By Markus A. Reuter, Antoinette van Schaik

"Product design engineers select from a wide range of materials and combine them into multimaterial product designs. These include various materials (metals and non-metals) which are complexly integrated (e.g. welded, glued, alloyed, layered). The recycling/recovery rate of consumer products are determined by the different materials and alloys used, but also by the particle size and multi-material particle composition after shredding (combination of materials due to design). Eco-design (for recycling) and Design for Recycling (DfR) can only be conducted if the interconnectivity of material/metal in various unliberated materials is accounted for and its effect on material and energy recovery can be linked back to design. This paper will discuss the basic principles of these DfR models and it is shown how these tools (i) are linked Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software, (ii) affect conceptual design specifications of products, (iii) integrate the complex detail of the recycling system and recyclate quality and hence (iv) make recycling an integrated part of the product system. Furthermore, it is shown how these assessment tools and models can be applied for benchmarking of the recyclability and environmental damage created by the recycling of end-oflife consumer goods in order to e.g. (i) provide the (original) equipment manufacturer with knowledge and solutions to support product stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility; (ii) create awareness of the consequences/benefits of design, products and recycling systems to manufacturer, designer, legislator, recycler etc.; and (iii) assist the consumer in their choice of consumer goods from an end-of-life point of view.IntroductionA first-principles basis is required in order to be able to simulate and predict the recycling/recovery behaviour of products facilitating Design for Recycling (DfR) and Eco- Design. This links recycling technology and the environmental consequences of recycling directly to product design."

Jan 1, 2008

By Fatbardha Osmani, Skender Osmani

"A system analysis of the resource and environment management (water, energy etc) starts from its definition. Unfortunately, there is not a unique semantics of the mentioned concept. On these circumstances, in this paper the following issues are presented: 1.A short view on the existing concepts of management. 2.A new definition on the concept of management. It is considered as a complex and rational activity on human and natural resources ,environment etc, which starts from a analysis of infrastructure ,technology , etc, mission , alternatives , project etc. and ends to an optimal output. Basing on this definition, the management has two principal components: strategy and policy. The strategy is referred as a blue print program (the same definition as in Game Theory), which contains all the contingency alternatives. , while the policy is referred as a strategy applied into practice. The strategy is the first , while the policy is the second one. The best alternative of a policy is the project, Each strategy has one and only one project. The mentioned definition erases the differences between concept of policy and politics. Each strategy has its alternatives ,the next has its sub strategy and so on, i.e. whatever are going to be the strategy, there are a hierarchy composed by sub strategies up to the simplest strategies applied by a single individual (human beings or robots). The strategy objectives are necessary and sufficient conditions for its realization i.e . the strategy is an optimal activity, in which all resources are integrated and processed . Several strategies could be joined into one( for example the surface water strategies of the Balkan countries) . In this view, the strategy could be globalized into optimal way basing on different criteria’s as social, economic, environmental, their risks and effectiveness etc. etc An example from the water management illustrates the mentioned concepts."

Jan 1, 2008

By Felipe P. D. Lopes, Jr. dos Santos, Sergio N. Monteiro, Frederico M. Margem

"Continuous and aligned fiber composites provide the highest possible reinforcement for a polymeric matrix. In particular, the impact resistance is significantly increased in comparison with a low energy absorbed brittle polymer. For this reason, investigations have been carried out with both synthetic and natural fibers as a way to improve the toughness of polymeric composites. Among the natural fibers, ramie was not yet been studied for its reinforcement effect to make tougher polyester composites. Thus, the present work assesses the impact toughness of polyester composites incorporated with different amounts of ramie waste fibers.IntroductionIn most engineering and other technological areas, the use of materials associated with low energy processing conditions is gaining attention for the possible environmental benefits. This offered an incentive towards the substitution of natural renewable and biodegradable materials for the traditional energy intensive synthetic materials [1]. Natural fibers from both origins: animal, such as silk and wool, and vegetable, such as cotton and jute, are typical examples of those environmentally friendly materials. Low cost and highly reduced processing machinery wear are important advantages of the natural fibers over the most common synthetic ones such as glass fiber and nylon. For these reasons, polymeric composites reinforced with natural lignocellulosic fibers have nowadays been the subject of investigation [2,3].The mechanical strength is one important property of lignocellulosic composites to access the possibility of uses like structural materials for building parts such as doors and panels, as well as furniture. In this case, mechanically strong fibers like sisal, jute, curaua and ramie [4-7] are most convenient. Moreover, the relatively low fiber/matrix interfacial shear stress in these composites is associated with higher impact energy. In fact, a greater energy has to be expended for the rupture of a weak interface. The many cracks that are formed by impact tend to branch during the fiber pullout from the matrix [8]. A larger number of cracks correspond to a greater fracture surface and consequently higher toughness."

Jan 1, 2008

By Rachel De Lucas

In recent years, as the price of oil soars upward, scientists have started to focus on other energy sources, such as hydrogen. As magnesium can be used for hydrogen storage by forming MgH2, industry will see a growing demand for the hydride. In hydrogen storage and release cycles using magnesium, hydrogen is released from magnesium hydride through hydrolysis and magnesium hydroxide is produced. Therefore, recycling magnesium hydroxide back to magnesium becomes important. The solid oxide membrane (SOM) process is an emerging technology for this process. In the SOM process, MgF2-CaF2-MgO flux is contained in a stainless steel crucible, which works as the cathode. An ionic-conducting YSZ membrane, connected to a liquid metal anode, is partially immersed in the flux. During electrolysis, when the voltage between anode and cathode is higher than the dissociation potential of magnesium oxide, magnesium ions move toward the cathode and are reduced into magnesium vapor. The oxygen ions move toward the anode, passing through the YSZ membrane. They are then oxidized, forming pure oxygen, CO/CO2 or steam (by reaction with hydrogen). The magnesium vapor, generated at the cathode, is collected in the condenser as high purity magnesium. SOM experiments have been conducted with different liquid metal anodes and without reductants. The SOM technique is a highly energy efficient process and with by-products being oxygen or steam, it is also an environmentally friendly green process. A 2-D electrostatics mathematical model was developed as an initial step towards optimizing the design for a three-tube scale-up SOM electrolysis cell. Several possible geometries were examined to develop the scale-up model and convergence of the model was achieved.

Jan 1, 2006

By Moo Eob Choi

A new process for converting sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur by a cyclic process involving calcium sulfide and calcium sulfate without generating secondary pollutants was developed at the University of Utah. In this process, sulfur dioxide is reacted with calcium sulfide to produce elemental sulfur and calcium sulfate. The latter is reduced by hydrogen to regenerate calcium sulfide. In the present work, the effects of different pelletization conditions for the initial reactant calcium sulfate on the strength and reactivity of the pellets were determined. These conditions include the type, amount, and impregnation method of catalyst, binder amount, and sintering. Experiments were also performed to determine the effects of temperature in the range of 973-1173 K, pellet size, cycle repetition, and water vapor or carbon dioxide content in sulfur dioxide stream on the reaction rates of the cyclic process. Nickel-catalyzed fired pellets produced by the use of molasses or cement as a binder showed good reactivity as well as high compressive strength during the cyclic tests. The binder amount did not significantly affect the reaction rate.

Jan 1, 2006

By V. K. Handa

Sterlite Industries (I) Ltd. started its copper smelter in 1996 and worked through the common problems associated with smelter start-ups. Specific issues in the converter area included converter blower IGV problems, punching machine reliability, converter spitting, back collar burning, ,and short converter campaign life. With a very young and dedicated team of engineers and technicians, smelter management assigned teams of three to four members to work scientifically and systematically through each major problem area to recommend and implement appropriate solutions. The converter mouth was redesigned with respect to tuyere and metal height to eliminate spitting and back collar burning. The air line was changed in places to reduce the pressure drop. A new back-up compressed air line and vessel was installed to prevent tuyere blockage in the event of a blower trip or power failure. The converter mouth liners and bricking around the mouth was modified to eliminate metal leaking through the pouring lip Modifications to the punching machines were made to address specific problems and preventative maintenance practices were further streamlined and reinforced to ensure 100% availability of hot metal cranes, converter blowers, punching machines, and ID fans. Matte availability and matte temperatures were improved by streamlining the upstream ISA and Rotary Holding furnace areas. Implementation of a detailed training program for the converter operators significantly improved the operation and morale. Water-cooled double hoods and a third converter were installed as part of the smelter modernization plan. The new hoods dramatically improved hygiene in the crane aisle while the addition of the third converter posed new challenges for the same motivated group of crews with respect to flip flop operation to keep the idle converter hot and to maximize in-stack time, managing crane/ladle logistics, and managing revert generation. This paper describes the converter operation's journey from the initial days of long blowing times and large revert accumulations to present operations with two converter flip flop operation, and also describes the team work, constant focus on increasing productivity and reducing costs, and benchmarking.

Jan 1, 2002

By Bob Drew, Alfred Spanring, Kirschen. Marcus

"Increasing material conversion and energy efficiency, and decreasing carbon dioxide emission levels are crucial for sustainable production processes in the aluminum, cooper, and steel industries. RHI supports these targets by providing a diverse range of solutions including high quality refractory linings, optimum lining maintenance, and process improvements. In this paper examples are provided of process improvements and increased energy efficiency in copper refining, potential energy savings during electric arc furnace and ladle operations in the steel industry, and increased energy efficiency by improved heat transfer in anode baking furnaces in the aluminum industry. In all cases, RHI’s expertise in close collaboration with the customer resulted in an improved performance of the reactor lining and the actual high temperature process with a positive impact on the material conversion and energy efficiency and as a result a decrease in specific carbon dioxide emission levels.IntroductionRefractory linings play an important role in heat transfer during high temperature processes in for example the aluminum, copper, and steel production industries. Due to constantly increasing energy prices worldwide and the increasing demands for environmental and climate protection, improving the energy efficiency and decreasing emission levels of these energy intensive production processes is of significant importance. In this paper, the contribution of modern RHI lining technologies to energy saving measures and the corresponding reduction of specific carbon dioxide emission are described. The type of current refractory solutions for energy intense processes are illustrated with four examples: Optimization and increase of material conversion and energy efficiency in copper refining, energy saving potentials in both electric arc furnace and transport ladle operations in the steel industry, and heat transfer improvements during the carbon anode annealing process in the aluminum industry. These examples focus on particular production processes operating with a high proportion of recycled copper, steel, and carbon anodes. Increased energy efficiency directly decreases the specific energy related carbon emission levels whereas improvements to the metallurgical processes aim to increase material conversion efficiency and, therefore, decrease specific process related carbon emission levels. Significant energy savings can be achieved by maximizing the refractory campaign length through a combination of appropriate refractory material selection, grade zoning, correct installation, careful preheating, and effective maintenance strategies. Besides the efforts to improve the performance and energy efficiency of customer high temperature processes, RHI continuously promotes the development of new low emission carbon-containing refractory bricks and unshaped products."

Jan 1, 2008

By Adam Powell, Soobhankar Pati

"Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) Electrolysis is a new energy-efficient zero-emissions process for producing high-purity magnesium and high-purity oxygen directly from industrial-grade MgO. SOM Recycling combines SOM electrolysis with electrorefining, continuously and efficiently producing high-purity magnesium from low-purity partially oxidized scrap. In both processes, electrolysis and/or electrorefining take place in the crucible, where raw material is continuously fed into the molten salt electrolyte, producing magnesium vapor at the cathode and oxygen at the inert anode inside the SOM. This paper describes a three-dimensional multi-physics finite-element model of ionic current, fluid flow driven by argon bubbling and thermal buoyancy, and heat and mass transport in the crucible. The model predicts the effects of stirring on the anode boundary layer and its time scale of formation, and the effect of natural convection at the outer wall. MOxST has developed this model as a tool for scale-up design of these closely-related processes.IntroductionSolid Oxide Membrane (SOM) Electrolysis is a variation on the Hall-Héroult process for molten salt electrolysis of oxides which promises to solve many of the problems of its predecessors. Magnesium in particular is both soluble in molten salts and highly reactive, such that it migrates to the anode and reacts with the oxygen or C02 anode product, reducing current efficiency to as low as 10-20%. But a zirconia solid electrolyte between the molten salt and anode blocks this reaction, boosting current efficiency to at least 90%. Separating the anode from the molten salt also opens up anode material selection to liquid metals and SOFC cathode materials such as Lai.xSrxMn03 (LSM) and YCr03. And zirconia's selectivity makes the oxygen by-product very pure."

Jan 1, 2012

By Ruhi Bux, Akshay Verma, Mohini Saxena, P. Asokan

"Due to the colossal increment in the industrialization, the generation of wastes gathered as a result of different extraction, benefaction and generation processes is having an alarming problem for waste disposal. The best and most acceptable way is to use the waste in accordance to its potential for the generation of high value lucrative composite goods. The study in this paper elucidates the potential of several industrial wastes like fly ash, red mud and marble slurry dust for the production of different wood substitute products like doors, windows, roofing sheets and instant houses for the rehabilitation on the sites of catastrophes. Wastes were initially characterized for the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties and then used in different formulations with binder like Polymer along with natural fiber like Jute to intensify the physical as well as mechanical properties of the resultant composite. The study also reveals that these composites have better mechanical properties than the available ones like teak, medium density board, Rice husk board etc. Also, the fly ash and red mud composites have better mechanical properties than marble slurry based composites. The results fosters the implementation of natural fiber with the industrial waste in the generation of eco-friendly and non-hazardous composites.IntroductionOver the last few decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the generation of industrial wastes gathered as a result of various extractions, benefaction and generation processes. The condition worsens even, when it comes to high quantum generated wastes like Fly ash, Red mud and Marble slurry dust. The primordial motif behind the incorporation of industrial wastes as filler in the development of composites is primarily composed of two main objectives; Firstly waste management, the colossal waste dissemination in the environment has disturbed the ecological balance by polluting land, surface water, ground water, air, natural resources and even disturbing the public health [1]. Secondly, to act as a perfect substitute for the conventionally existing building materials, this will aid in dwelling places to many with the least incorporation of exhaustive natural resources as woods quid pro quo."

Jan 1, 2008

By Tobias Pröll, Bernhard Kronberger, Joachim Rohovec, Werner Hölt, Hermann Hofbauer

"As this is only a first draft, more precise explanations as well as detailed schemes, figures and plots will be included in the final draft. The description og the 100 kW test rig will also be mor detailed as construction is ongoing and will be finished during the summer. Furthermore simulations are to be finished shortly; so details on combustibles and gas concentrations will also be included in the final draft.AbstractOxyFuel combustion is a key technology for the efficient separation of CO2 from fuel combus¬tion (especially coal). Since coal plays a minor role in the Austrian energy mix the application of OxyFuel towards other fuels (biomass, waste fuels) is interesting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Austrian energy sector. The investigation of OxyFuel technology for alter¬native fuels is also interesting from a strategic point of view in order to generate knowledge for operation of capture ready cofiring and waste/sludge-incineration plants. OxyFuel uses a synthetic mixture of 02 and recycled exhaust gas where the 02 content may vary. This supplementary degree of freedom allows improved operation especially for low calorific fuels. Heavy fuel oil addition for low calorific combustibles can be omitted when using OxyFuel combustion. Application of alternative fuels (wood, waste wood, municipal waste, sewage sludge) in a 100-kW CFB plant is investigated in combination with process simulation.IntroductionOxyFuel combustion is discussed as one of the key technologies for the efficient separation of CO2 from combustion of fossil fuels (especially coal). Since coal plays only a minor role as primary energy source in Austria, the broadening of the scope towards OxyFuel of other fuels like biomass or waste fuels is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Austrian energy sector. The investigation of OxyFuel technology for alternative fuels besides the large coal-oriented projects is interesting also from the strategic point of view. The presented project aims at the generation of knowledge in order to design and operate capture ready cofiring and waste/sludge incineration plants."

Jan 1, 2008

By Rauno Peippo

Horizontal Waste Heat Boiler (WHB), today's proven and dominating technology for copper smelter gas cooling, has been utilized by the industry for over half a century. During this time development has taken place in geometry, flow characteristics, cleaning technology and design details. This development has been driven by improved understanding of the specific process requirements, gained both by wide experience and by utilizing new emerging design tools, like computer flow modeling. It had to wait till mid 90's to unite effective and proven Spring Hammer cleaning technology and the process benefits gained by gas guiding vanes or baffle wall in the copper smelter WHB design. The new design has demonstrated improvement in gas cooling efficiency and the process conditions down stream in form of less dust sticking problems in the boiler and precipitators. Reduced weak acid production has also been reported as a result of the design. The theoretical aspects, computer flow modeling results and actual benefits measured in old smelting line modernization are discussed. Experience £tom modernization projects such as Phelps Dodge, Atlantic Copper, Mexicana de Cobre, and Nippon Mining, Saganoseki, are discussed. In mechanical design there has been development resulting improved gas tightness with less corrosion and better control of dust sulfation. An essential improvement is the integration of the boiler hopper and dust removing conveyor. Having no steel plate casings in the hopper and conveyor section but using of boiler tube membrane instead eliminates thermal expansion differences. The dust conveyor will be effectively cooled against hot dust lumps falling down while the acid dew point corrosion is prevented in the cooler sections of the hopper. Conceptual features are presented of a new generation Copper Flash Smelter WHB presently under construction at Boliden Mineral, Skelleftehamn, Sweden, where the latest development and innovations are adopted.

Jan 1, 1999

By Shadia J. Ikhmayies

"Nanocrystalline fluorine-doped tin oxide, SnO2:F, thin films were prepared by the spray pyrolysis (SP) technique on glass substrates. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray dispersive spectroscopy EDAX and transmittance measurements. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the nanocrystalline nature of the films where the grain size was estimated based on the Sherrer formula. SEM micrographs showed that the films are uniform and totally covered with the material and they confirmed the nanocrystalline nature of the films. The absorbance was deduced from the transmittance measurements, and its first derivative was used to estimate the optical bandgap energy. Bandgaps larger than the bandgap of the bulk SnO2iF were obtained, indicating the presence of quantum dots. The hyperbolic band model was used to estimate the radii of the nanocrystallites. A comparison between the results of the different methods was performed.IntroductionTin oxide, SnO2, thin films are n-type semiconducting, transparent materials, which have numerous important applications in optical-electronic device technology. The optical transparency of SnO2, together with its chemical and mechanical stability, makes SnO2 films suitable for many other applications, such as transparent conductive coatings, gas sensors and heteroj unction solar cells [1]. In particular, SnO2 thin films have drawn much interest because of their potential application and integration with microsensor devices. Considerable attention has recently been focused on the development of solid state gas sensors based on thin films with a crystallite size smaller than the Debye length of the material, which show increased gas sensitivity and short response times [2]. In many of these applications, a doped SnO2 film is used as an active layer. Among the various dopants, fluorine is often preferred, because fluorine doping results in films with high transparency and good conductivity [1]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Daniel Kim, Michael Free, Justin McAllister, Urian Marshall, Shijie Wang

"Cathode impurity levels of electrorefined copper were evaluated based on 1/10* scale laboratory electrorefining tests. Cathodes were evaluated near the top, mid-section, and bottom sections of cathodes on both the set and mold sides and strip and scrap cycles. Slime weights were measured, and slime and electrolyte samples were also evaluated for impurities. Results from these tests have been compiled and compared to evaluate the effects of changes in operating conditions and electrode location on cathode impurities.IntroductionMany types of impurities are commonly found in commercial copper electrorefining anodes. The smelter operations that produce the anodes process concentrates that contain a wide variety of impurities that vary based on the mineralogy of the ore. Most anode impurities are removed during electrorefining. However, a portion of the anode impurities is incorporated into the copper cathode product. The mechanisms by which impurities are transported from the anode to the cathode are not well understood. Some impurities can be transported as anode slime particles to the cathode where they are incorporated into the cathode. Other impurities can be transported as dissolved species that are electrochemically reduced with the copper to become part of the cathode. Although research has been performed on anode slimes and impurities [1-4], there is a need for additional information regarding the relationships associated with electrorefining cycles, electrode faces, local electrode positions, anode impurities and specific cathode impurities. The objective of this study was to evaluate lead, arsenic, and antimony cathode impurity trends associated with electrorefining cycles, electrode faces, local electrode positions, and anode impurities. A variety of techniques including electrolyte filtering, anode heat treatment, high electrolyte arsenic concentration, high arsenic and/or lead in anodes, flocculation of slime particles, and appropriate current density control were used to vary cathode impurity levels. Each test was performed only once for a strip cycle and once for a scrap cycle. Consequently, the results for the individual conditions are preliminary and are not the focus of this study. However, the collective set of data with varying impurity modifying techniques provides a broad range of impurity levels, and the associated trends with respect to lead, arsenic, and antimony are discussed in this paper. Approximately 180 analyses of copper cathode were used to track the antimony, arsenic, and lead impurities. Eighteen anode slime samples were also analyzed for antimony, arsenic, and lead."

Jan 1, 2012

By Yavuz Ali Topkaya, Aydin Rusen

"In this study, zinc and lead recovery from zinc plant leach residue obtained from Çinkur using hydrometallurgical methods have been investigated by laboratory scale experiments. Considering more than one million tons leach residue (LR) rich in Zn (12.43%) and Pb (15.51%) in the stockyard and environmentally hazardous, it is essentially necessary to process Çinkur LR. Zinc and lead have been recovered in two main stages. As a first step, Çinkur LR was releached by using hot sulphuric acid for zinc recovery. About 72 % Zn was recovered by using 150 g/l H2SO4 at 95 oC in 2 hours with a pulp density of 200 g/l. Secondly, for lead recovery brine (NaCl) leaching tests were performed on the secondary Çinkur LR obtained after acid leaching process. In brine leaching while lead recoveries up to 95 % could be attained at a low pulp density, the maximum recovery obtained was 84.9 % at a high pulp density (200 g/l) with 300 g/l NaCl concentration in 10 minutes at 95 oC. Introduction Zinc and lead have been known and used by humans since ancient times and also they are important nonferrous metals [1]. Zinc and lead have different properties thus they are used in various application areas, ranging from automobiles to construction, from batteries to textile. Zinc and lead deposits are widely distributed in the Earth’s crust. The principal ore mineral for zinc is zinc sulfide, Sphalerite (ZnS), and lead sulphide, Galena (PbS), is the main source of lead in the world [2].Although zinc is generally produced from sulphidic ores (ZnS) or concentrates by Roast – Leach – Electrowinning (RLE) in the world, in Turkey, zinc production is based on zinc carbonate ores (ZnCO3), and at the Çinkur plant zinc was produced from zinc carbonate from its establishment to 1997 due to high reserves of zinc carbonate in that region. Çinkur is the only plant in Turkey that produces Zn from primary ore containing ZnCO3 by Waelz – Leach - Electrowinning route [3]. However, due to depletion of local high grade ores, oxidized ore concentrates were imported from Iran after 1997, until this plant was shut down. Therefore, there are two different leach residues (LR) which are Turkish LR (TLR) and Iranian LR (ILR) in Çinkur stockpiles. It has been estimated that the total amount of leach residue is more than one million tons of which the major part is Turkish leach residue (TLR)."

Jan 1, 2008

By Guillermo Rios, Arbizum Cristina, Joa Viflals, Alba Sunyer

"Atlantic Copper is one of the largest copper producers in Europe. Its production facilities are located in Huelva (Spain) and account for the smelting of over one million tpy of concentrates to produce up to 260 ktpy cathodes and 900 ktpy of sulphuric acid. During copper concentrate smelting, the slag coming from the flash furnace and PS converters are treated in an electrical slag cleaning furnace. As a result of the treatment of the off gases from this furnace, approximately 2,000 tpy of a Zn-rich filter cake are produced and are sent to authorized waste managers. This paper describes the characterization of this material and the preliminary results of a new process to recover zinc as a pure zinc hydroxycarbonate while lead is collected as an indium-rich anglesite product. The behavior of impurities (Cd, As, Tl, Sn, Sb, Bi, Cu, Se, Te) in the leaching, solution purification and precipitation steps is also reported.IntroductionThe Atlantic Copper Metallurgical Complex in Huelva (Spain) was commissioned in 1970 with a capacity of 40,000 tpy of copper from concentrate. In 1975, the old blast furnaces were replaced by Outokumpu flash smelting furnace (FSF) technology, and the copper refinery capacity was increased to 108,000 tpy. Between 1994 and 1996, an expansion project was carried out to increase the copper from concentrate and cathodes to 250,000 tpy and 215,000 tpy, respectively. This expansion basically consisted of a new sulphuric acid plant, replacement of the anode furnaces by two 400 t units, redesign of the slag cleaning furnace (SCF), an increase in the electrolytic cells to 1,120 and implementation of ISA permanent cathode technology. Furthermore, a debottlenecking project has led to a capacity of 1,000,000 tpy of fresh concentrate since 1997. Meanwhile between 1995 and 1998, a cathode production rate of 260,000 tpy was reached as a result of a progressive increase in the current density in the refinery."

Jan 1, 2012

By Emilia Visileanu, Eftalea Carpus

"Due to the demographic explosion and development without precedent of the consumer society, the capacity to destroy the ecological balance the entire planet life depends on, acquire new dimensions. In this context new approaches on society development are imposing as well as special responsibilities for stopping and preventing Earth destruction and repairing the damage already done. The zero waste is a call to action that has as an aim the changing of current mentality of human society. ”take, use, throw away”. The zero waste is a policy, a way, an aim and represents a new approach planned for the XXI century that include the resources preservation principles, pollution reducing, increasing of the opportunities to create new work places and providing the highest degree of the.1. INTRODUCTIONThe zero waste is a call to action that has as an aim the changing of current mentality of human society. ”take, use, throw away”. The zero waste is a policy, a way, an aim and represents a new approach planned for the XXI century that include the resources preservation principles, pollution reducing, increasing of the opportunities to create new work places and providing the highest degree of the economy stability.2. ECOLOGICAL CONCEPTSA long-living Romania means:The closing of the production cycles, by waste reusing and recycling; the reducing of the use of fossil fuel; the improving of the material qualities, for extending the economical life of the products made by these materials; the reducing of the transport traffic.In this context, ecology, the star science with the ability to conserving and renewal of the environment is making its way, having the following principles:•,everything is bind by everything – is referring to the importance which the environment has for a great number of allied fields;•,everything leads to somewhere – the principle of the indestructible property of material (in nature, there must not exist wastes);•,nature does it the best – ecology becomes the responsible science with the governing of the strategic laws between man and nature, man takes advantage of the natural resources which he cannot create by himself and nature must feel guarded and not destroyed by this alliance;•,nothing is for free – the polluter pays.The protection of the natural environment means:•, its strong knowledge and that of the interactions between the social economic system and the natural system, the foreseen of the most close and most distant consequences of these interactions;•,the rational usage with maximum economical character of the natural resources not depending on their origin;•,preventing and direct fighting against as well on the degradation of the environment caused by man, as on those produced by natural causes;•,the ability to harmonize immediate interest of the human society on long and permanent term, using the natural factors of the environment."

Jan 1, 2008

By Mitsuru Tanahashi

Oxidation removal of boron from molten silicon by injecting oxygen and highly basic CaO-CaF2flux powder has been investigated with special attention to the dynamic behavior of the injected flux particles and gas bubbles. Since oxygen gas is injected into the melt, high oxygen partial pressure is maintained at the flux-O2-Si interface and the removal of boron proceeds under nonequilibrium conditions. By applying this process, boron concentration in metallurgical-grade silicon can be reduced to a single-ppm level. In this paper, the effects of the dynamic behavior of the flux particles injected into the silicon melt and the area of the reaction field (the flux-O2-Siinterface) formed in the vicinity of the flux-gas exit of the injection nozzle on the rate of the boron removal are discussed from the viewpoint of process dynamics. The experimental results clarified that the boron removal rate is affected by the kinetic energy of the flux particles which is determined by the injection conditions, such as the gas-flow rate of oxygen and the size of the flux particles. At higher oxygen gas-flow rates, the injected flux particles are expected to possess a significantly high kinetic energy such that they penetrate the O2-Si interface formed at the nozzle exit, which results in the formation of a new reaction field for boron removal. On the other hand, at lower gas-flow rates, the injected flux particles possess too low kinetic energy to penetrate the interface. In this case where the formation of the reaction field is limited, it is shown experimentally that the rate of the boron removal is constant, independently of the flux injection rate.

Jan 1, 2006