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By Qixing Yang, Björn Haase, Fredrik Engström, Anita Wedholm

"MiMeR, the Minerals and Metals Recycling Research Centre at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden, started industry-related research work to stabilize an EAF slag from Höganäs AB with of CaO/SiO2 values near to 3.2. The intention was to determine the suitability of the EAF slag as construction material after stabilization. Some of the stabilizers effective for preventing disintegration of AOD slag were examined in laboratory tests for stabilization of the EAF slag. The EAF slag samples were mixed together with stabilizers for melting at 1600ºC and then cooling in a crucible system. With a laboratory granulation system, the liquid EAF slag was cooled rapidly using air. Samples from the tests were characterized by different techniques, including XRD and SEM. Some of the results from the work may be useful for preventing slag disintegration and, thus, enhancing utilization of the EAF slag as construction material, thereby saving valuable natural resources.IntroductionAt steel plants of some MiMeR member companies, steel grades with low carbon contents were produced in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF). EAF slag was tapped out of the furnace to slag pots for transport to slag yards, where the slag was poured on the ground. Very often, the EAF slag disintegrated during cooling on the ground. Fines from the slag disintegration were often difficult to handle and use as material for road construction [1, 2]. The EAF slag disintegration was rather similar to the disintegration occurring in the slag tapped from some AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) converter heats.Literature studies show that formation of dicalcium silicate (C2S) is the main reason for the disintegration or dusting of AOD slag from production of stainless steel [1-4]. The C2S can form while the content ratio of CaO to SiO2 of the slag, CaO/SiO2, exceeds 1.4 [1]. Values of CaO/SiO2 for the AOD slag are often near to 2.0, making the C2S a predominant slag component. The ß phase of C2S, ß-C2S, transforms into its low temperature ? form in the temperature range of 400-500°C, inducing a volume expansion of nearly 12% [1-4]. The volume expansion disintegrates the AOD slag."

Jan 1, 2008

By Philip L. Sibrell

A new process utilizing pulsed fluidized limestone beds was tested for the remediation of acid mine drainage at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site, in southwestern Pennsylvania. A 230 liter-per-minute treatment system was constructed and operated over a fourteen-month period from June 2000 through September 2001. Over this period of time, 50,000 metric tons of limestone were used to treat 50 million liters of water. The influent water pH was 2.5 and acidity was 1000 mg/L as CaCO3. Despite the high potential for armoring at the site, effluent pH during normal plant operation ranged from 5.7 to 7.8 and averaged 6.8. As a result of the high influent acidity, sufficient CO2 was generated and recycled to provide a net alkaline discharge with about 50 mg/L as CaCO3 alkalinity. Additions of commercial CO2 increased effluent alkalinity to as high as 300 mg/L, and could be a useful process management tool for transient high flows or acidities. Metal removal rates were 95% for aluminum (60 mg/L in influent), 50 to 90% for iron (Fe), depending on the ratio of ferrous to ferric iron, which varied seasonally (200 mg/L in influent), and <10% of manganese (Mn) (10 mg/L in influent). Ferrous iron and Mn removal was incomplete because of the high pH required for precipitation of these species. Iron removal could be improved by increased aeration following neutralization, and Mn removal could be effected by a post treatment passive settling/oxidation pond. Metal hydroxide sludges were settled in settling tanks, and then hauled from the site for aesthetic purposes. Over 450 metric tons of sludge were removed from the water over the life of the project. The dried sludge was tested by the Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Protocol (TCLP) and was found to be non-hazardous. Treatment costs were $43,000 per year and $1.08 per m3, but could be decreased to $22,000 and $0.51 per m3 by decreasing labor use and by on-site sludge handling. These results confirm the utility of the new process in treatment of acid impaired waters that were previously not amenable to low cost limestone treatment.

Jan 1, 2003

By Vladimir Lobanov, Vladimir Skorohodov, Boris Radionov, Olga Makovskaya

"The synthetic sorbents and the activated carbons which are used for the metals extraction from weak process liquors are rather expensive. It is propose to use mineral and synthetic high-porous substances which sharply increased sorption properties by special processing. For achievement the desirable properties sorbents are impregnated by specially prepared solutions. Such solutions should contain the substances or its anionic forms which on the one hand are strong enough fixed in a supporter pores, with another are capable to form the insoluble compounds with extracting metals. Selectivity is provided by chemism of the reagent interactions with extracting metal. Due to the high concentration of a reacting ion in a sorbent phase the capacity and rate of sorption increases. Formed insoluble compound remains in a phase of the sorbent and necessity of its filtration disappears. For synthesis the sulfhydryl compounds which chemical properties allow to increase degree of extraction and capacity of the activated carbon were used. At hydrometallurgical processing of precious metals mineral raw materials the commercial solutions with the concentration of gold from 0,1 to 5 mg/dm3 are received. Commonly gold is precipitated from cyanic solutions by the zinc dust. The sorption methods are widely applicable. But the synthetic sorbents and the activated carbon using to these purposes are rather expensive. Expenses for sorbents even at its regeneration can reach 10-15 % from total expenses of gold extraction from ores. When sorbent regeneration, mostly for carbon, is not provided, this share increases to 30-40 %. Thereupon search of the sorbents combining availability, the sufficient capacity, demanded degree of extraction and the low price is actual. For the specified purpose it is offered to use the mineral and synthetic high-porous materials which sorption properties are sharply rose by special treatment. Among such substances are natural zeolites, silica gel, lignine et al. Similar treatment can improve the sorption properties of sorbents used in practice, particularly, the activated carbons. The simplest treatment of potential sorbents consists in its impregnation by specially prepared solutions. Such solutions should contain substances or its anionic forms - impregnating agents. These agents should be on the one hand strong enough fixed in a carrier pores, on the other hand are capable to form with extracting metals insoluble compounds. The more strong compounds are formed the high degree of metals extraction from solutions. The sorbents with similarly changed properties are named the impregnated sorbents."

Jan 1, 2008

By Petr Stehlík

"This paper is aimed at showing and demonstrating progress in technologies and improvements in units for the thermal processing of various types of waste. The following areas are covered: units for the thermal treatment of hazardous industrial waste and common MSW, technologies for the thermal treatment of industrial and sewage sludge, utilizing waste in cement production (material and energy recovery), up-to-date off-gas cleaning systems, original and unique units for the thermal processing of polluted gases, low-NOx burners. The paper represents a review based on industrial applications, papers published in reputable international journals and a monograph under preparation.IntroductionThe present contribution is an overview of the activities and achievements of the Institute of process and environmental engineering (UPEI) of the Brno University of Technology (VUT). The Institute belongs to European leading teams in the field of the thermal processing of various types of waste. The research in the institute currently revolves mainly around a strategic project “Waste and Biomass Utilization focused on Environment Protection and Energy Generation” that is supported by the national government. Due to the limited space this paper is conceived as a review of papers published especially in reputable international journals.Main (strategic) target of the research is development of new, efficient processes (eventually modernized processes with novel original elements) for effective and highly efficient treatment of waste and biomass, including their maximum utilization as renewable energy sources while minimizing harmful emissions. To this purpose, highly advanced know-how for the design and construction of the related technology lines is being developed, supported by mathematical modeling (see e.g. [1]), experimental validation and optimization.Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste – Concept of Waste-to-Energy CentersThermal processing of various types of wastes is not only waste disposal and/or treatment at present. It has to be regarded as waste to energy process wherever and whenever possible and feasible. This observation was at the origin of the concept of new regional Waste-to-Energy Centers (WTEC), outlined in the following paragraphs. The proposal of the centers is based on a combination of experience, know-how and sophisticated approach. The main fact influencing the concept of WTEC is the necessity to treat different types of wastes. Typical types of wastes as well as main products of the processes in a WTEC are shown in Figure 1."

Jan 1, 2008

By Claude Lorenson

"The Spyrometer™ imaging pyrometer brings new dimension of imaging capabilities to temperature measurement technology by combining a high temperature video camera with scanning optical pyrometry. This gives the operators the ability to observe process conditions while measuring the temperature of virtually any object or region in the field of view. Since the lens tube of the camera can be air or water cooled, it is possible to see inside furnaces giving a very good view of many different types of metallurgical processes. Specific benefits in process knowledge and maintenance tasks for furnaces in different types of metal industries are discussed.1-Principles of Imaging PyrometryLens tube, camera and processorImaging pyrometry is the combination of video imaging and computer-driven pyrometry that measures the temperature of certain zones (selected by the operator) within the image viewed on the monitor screen. To obtain a detailed image of the metallurgical process under observance, it is necessary to place the optical objective of the camera close to the process. The Spyrometer™ (which is Quadtek's tradename for its imaging pyrometer) objective is housed in a lens tube that is cooled and permits insertion inside the vessel of interest. The length of the lens tube is chosen on the basis of making sure that the tip of the tube is just beyond the refractories lining the inside of the furnace. In most pyrometallurgical processes, we have found that the most reliable system set-up uses a water cooled shroud to cool the lens tube optics. A sapphire window provides maximum protection from the environment. Even in the case of the water cooled version, there is an air purge for the lens that keeps the objective clean and protects against hot metal splashes."

Jan 1, 1997

By Akira Yazawa

To realize highly efficient process in extractive metallurgy, continuous operation nearly in equilibrium is preferable, but most metallurgical processes consist of plural steps with different chemical potentials. Traditional two-step process of sintering followed by reduction is continuous in each step, but is heterogeneous reaction system far from equilibrium, and the chemical potentials are varied considerably along the distance the charge travels in a reactor. This route will become old-fasioned in next century due to the various inherent problems caused especially by sintering process. To establish reasonable new smelting processes, the important tasks of the metallurgists are how to introduce feed and reacting gas in the reactor, and also how to overcome the difference in chemical potential in the reactor system. Based on the ways to solve theses tasks, recent proposals of new smelting process for copper and lead are classified and discussed with the help of sulfur-oxygen potential diagram. On such potential diagram, each equilibrium step in continuous smelting is expressed at a fixed point, and two reactors with different chemical potentials must be connected by continuous molten flow through launder or partition wall. In the latter case, the reactor is apparently single, but some technical problems must be overcome. While, in a batch smelting like converter, potential variation is successively realized along a path on chemical potential diagram with the time elapsed. To establish immediate equilibrium, continuous steady flow of reactants into well mixed reactor is indispensable. In modern smelting process, the ore is mostly supplied in the form of powder which have huge surface area and fluid character, and consequently injection process must be very attractive. Several examples are discussed for both of copper and lead smelting, and promising future technologies are suggested.

Jan 1, 1988

By Deming Wang, R. A. Overfelt

"This paper presents a computer-aided heat transfer simulation method to predict the thermal characteristics of an alloy sample in a special furnace for directional solidification. A two-dimensional transient heat transfer by conduction combined with radiation is developed to calculate the energy exchange between a directional solidification furnace and the sample. Finite difference equations with control volumes are used to calculate the transient heat transfer. A special boundary control volume is used to combine heat conduction and radiation in the transient heat transfer. Heat radiation effects on the surfaces of the special control volumes with a changeable view factor during directional solidification processing are also represented. The simulation results are verified by measurable experimental data. Using the computer simulation model, many thermal properties of the directional solidified castings can be obtained, such as temperature distribution, solidification velocity, the shapes and positions of the liquid/solid interface and thermal gradient at the interfaces. These are very important to analyze microstructure of casting alloys, avoid casting defects and control casting quality. 1 IntroductionIn directional solidification (DS) processing of castings, the temperature distribution, the interface between liquid and solid zone, thermal gradient in the mushy (pasty) zone and solidification rates are very important factors to analyze the microstructure and the casting quality. These variables affect the orientation and size of dendrites, shapes of grains, solute segregation and deleterious casting defects, such as microporosity, freckles and segregation channels. In order to avoid the casting defects, the temperature distribution and thermal gradients of castings during directional solidification must be strictly controlled. However, the structure of furnaces used for directional solidification is often complex. Heat transfer and temperature distribution within a casting not only depend on furnace temperature but also on the thermal properties of the casting alloy, crucibles, retorts etc. A more accurate heat transfer analysis."

Jan 1, 2001

By Yuri Gelfgat

"This paper presents some results of the investigation of the steady magnetic field influence on hydrodynamics and heat/mass transfer in processes of semiconductor single crystal growth (Si, Ge, InSn). The investigation employed mathematical and physical simulation techniques of relevant processes and full-scale experiments on growth facilities. A number of additional MHD phenomena have been found generated in the melt due to the rearrangement of flow pattern, the formation of specific convective cells, and the origin of MHD boundary and shift layer.IntroductionMagnetohydrodynamic (MHD) means of creating forces by contact-free methods in liquid conducting media have been widely used in the production of volume semiconducting single crystals. The goal of this method is to control convective transfer processes in the melt volume and on the crystallization front [1-3]. This is due to the sufficiently high conductivity of semiconductor melts (s = 104 /106 O1m-1 ) and an obvious relationship between the hydrodynamics in the melt and at interfaces and the conditions of formation of single crystals and their quality [ 1].All types of MHD effects rest upon the generation of volume electromagnetic forces in the melt by various means as well as on the possibility to direct them arbitrary in space and to adjust easily their absolute values. Fig. l presents different means how to implement MHD phenomena during single crystal growth. It should be emphasized that in all the modifications given in Fig. l additional energy introduced into the melt cannot influence directly the crystallization process since it is incomparable to the energy of molecular forces. Both the influence and efficiency of MHD means are determined solely by the change of motion, heat and mass transfer characteristics."

Jan 1, 1998

By James C. Sever

"With the advent of high energy costs and increasing concern for the environment leading to the incorporation the C02 life cycle as a criteria for the material used in a finished product, it is beneficial to analyze the plant and the process used in producing a raw material in order to identify practical, economic energy recovery opportunities. To this end a study was made of the proposed Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc. Tami-Mosi reduction facility. Each source of waste heat is listed together with the assessment for potential co generation or direct recovery. The overall impact on energy requirement and C02 generation is provided.IntroductionHistorically metal reduction plants, large consumers of energy, do not recover waste heat. This occurred for many reasons:• Energy costs were low and the capital for a co-generation system could not be justified;• Waste heat sources contained entrained solids or liquids which would inhibit efficient energy recovery;• The exit temperature for the heat source was too low for efficient use by aaqueous Rankine cycle system.The business environment has now changed adding impetus to the recovery of energy previously discarded. Power costs have greatly increased. Global warming and the impact of carbon dioxide on the environment has become an issue which could impact the permitting of a plant. Technology improvements especially the development of a scaling environment waste heat boiler [l] and the development of the organic cycle Rankine cycle recovery system enable up to 70% energy recovery from ""low grade"" heat sources [2].With the inception of Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc. 's (formerly Molycor Gold Corporation, Inc.)Northern Nevada Tami-Mosi project [3], an opportunity was presented to incorporate energy optimization from the initial design phase."

Jan 1, 2013

By Y. Maeda

Non-ferrous smelting furnaces generally lnstal1 a gas cooling system for treatment of waste gas containing S02. From the point of view of corrosion resistance and recovery of waste heat, the high pressure boiler system Is the best way to cool gas, however this system requires high Initial investment and relatively higher operating costs. Because the feasibility of this boiler system greatly depends on the smelting process and scale, other lower temperature systems, e.g. water-cooled Jacket system, are more suitable If the smelting process does not produce enough steam nor generate enough electricity to compensate operating cost. In addition, the water-cooled Jacket system Is simple in structure and easy to operate. For those reasons, it is applied widely. A new smelting furnace. was planned tin our factory and It was necessary to install waste gas cooling equipment. In our case, a water-cooled Jacket system was mo11e feasible because of the low gas volume and high dust content. H was also expected to operate without maintenance for ten years. On the other hand, some leakage problems with the water-cool1ed Jacket had been experienced In the past. That is because S02 in the waste gas changed into sulfuric acid which corroded the Jacket material, As the first step, several data from actual usage were reviewed to throw light on the corrosion process, and an appropriate procedure to determine the operating temperature of cooling water was obtained. For the basis of this study, a water-cooled Jacket system was newly designed and tested for three months in a pilot plant. After this system&apos;s performance was confirmed, It was installed In a new furnace as a commercial pl.ant. After one year of operation, the initial thickness of carbon steel Jacket remains almost the same.

Jan 1, 1992

By Y. Maeda

Non-ferrous smelting furnaces generally install a gas cooling system for treatment of waste gas containing SO2,. From the point of view of corrosion resistance and recovery of waste heat, the high pressure boiler system is the best way to cool gas, however this system requires high initial investment and relatively higher operating costs. Because the feasibility of this boiler system greatly depends on the smelting process and scale, other lower temperature systems, e.g. water-cooled jacket system, are more suitable if the smelting process does not produce enough steam nor generate enough electricity to compensate operating cost. In additton, the water-cooled jacket system is simple in structure and easy to operate. For those reasons, it is applied widely. A new smelting furnace was planned in our factory and it was necessary to install waste gas cooling equipment. In our case, a water-cooled jacket system was more feasible because of the low gas volume and high dust content. It was also expected to operate without maintenance for ten years. On the other hand, some leakage problems with the water-cooled jacket had been experienced in the past. That is because SO2 In the waste gas changed into sulfuric acid which corroded the jacket material. As the first step, several data from actual&apos; usage were reviewed to throw light on the corrosion process, and an appropriate procedure to determine the operating temperature of cooling water was obtained. For the basis of this study, a water-cooled jacket system was newly designed and tested for three months in a pilot plant. After this system&apos;s performance was confirmed, it was installed in a new furnace as a commercial plant. After one year of operation, the initial thickness of carbon steel jacket remains almost the same.

Jan 1, 1992

By Hiroaki Kawamura, Takeshi Yoshikawa, Kazuki Morita, Yutaka Yanaba

"To develop an alternative metallurgical process for phosphorus removal in the production of solar-grade silicon (SOG-Si), slag treatment of metallurgical-grade silicon (MG-Si) was conducted, followed by acid leaching. Phosphorus-doped silicon alloy or MG-Si containing certain amounts of phosphorus and calcium was reacted at 1723 K and 1773 K with CaO--CaF2 of several compositions. Phosphorus removal from the molten silicon into the slag phase was confirmed by reduction to phosphide ions, P3-, and phosphate ions, P3-. These ions were separately determined using a wet chemical analysis method developed by ourselves. The highest phosphorus distribution ratio obtained was 2. 7 after reaction for 18 h with 17.5 mass% CaO--CaF2 slag. We then conducted acid leaching of the silicon and achieved removal of a large fraction (over 90 % ) of the phosphorus, which was much higher than that obtained by ordinary oxidizing slag treatment.IntroductionIn recent years, the production of solar cells has been increasing rapidly. Because of this, the demand for solar-grade silicon (SOG-Si) has also been growing rapidly. The development of lower-cost mass production processes is therefore needed to provide silicon feedstock. Phosphorus is one of the impurities in metallurgical-grade silicon (MG-Si). Because of its large segregation coefficient (kp = 0.35) [l ], it is difficult to remove phosphorus using a solidification refining process. Vacuum melting is considered to be a promising method for removing phosphorous from MG-Si [2], but the issues of high cost and large energy consumption have still to be resolved.Slag treatment is often used to remove impurity elements by oxidizing reactions during general oxidation refining processes. For example, phosphorus in molten steel is removed into a slag phase as phosphate ions, PO4 3-l-, by the following reaction:"

Jan 1, 2013

By Mingchun Lu, Zhijia Liu, Xueqi Zhang, Jianliang Zhang

"In order to solve the problem of shortage of scrap, especially high quality scrap, a new substitute for scrap or DRI has been developed. The decarbonization mechanism of granular pig iron has been analyzed and the technical process and decarbonized granular pig iron have been evaluated in this paper. The research result shows that this new process is superior to direct reduction process in product quality, construction investment, operation flexibility, production efficiency etc. Decarbonized granular pig iron (DGPI) not only can be used as conventional scrap but also can be charged into EAF as high purity .burden equivalent to heavy scrap:IntroductionIn the past years, with the universal application of continuos casting technique in China, the amount of scrap generated inside steelworks has been reducing continually. On the other hand, the EAF steel proportion is increasing and this gives to the obvious change in structure of steel product. At present, the requirement on both scrap quantity and scrap quality is being paid more and more attention. Because China is a country which is devoid of scrap and poor in resource (nature gas and high grade iron ore) for developing direct reduction iron (DRI) so that sponge iron can not be produced cosmically in China and has to be mainly imported. Instead of part of scrap, some cold pig iron in cold state has been charged into EAF in China. However the high carbon content in pig iron has limited its proportion in EAF metal burden. Because the price of pig iron is lower than that of imported DRI in China, the technique of granular pig iron decarboniztion is hopeful to become effective way to produce substitute for scrap or DRI."

Jan 1, 2000

By Hongmin Zhu, Guihua Wang, Xiangsheng Wang

"The anode process of carbon electrode in fluoride melt was studied by voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Anode gases were analyzed by gas chromatography on-line during controlled-potential electrolysis. Two peaks were observed on the cyclic voltammograms. According to the results of gas chromatography, the first peak was corresponded to the discharge of residual oxide ions, with the formation of CO and CO2. Discharge of fluoride ions occurred at 4.1 V vs. Li+/Li, and leading to the anode effect. With the occurrence of anode effect, small amount of CF4 was detected. As the potential reached 4.5 V, CF4 and C2F6 gas evolution occurred, and the current increased to form the second peak.1.IntroductionIn the primary production of Aluminum and some rare earth metals like neodymium, a departure from normal cell operation known as anode effect results in the generation of perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which have high global warming potentials [1]. Owing to the pressure of environmental protection, considerable research has been carried out to clarify the mechanism of anode effect and PFC generation of industry and laboratory cells in the aluminum electrolysis system [2-9]. The common result on PFC generation is that the PFCs are emitted from Hall-Heroult cells only when they are on anode effect. In this article, we selected LiF, the main electrolyte for the neodymium electrolysis [10-11], to perform further investigation on the underlying kinetics of PFC generation and the nature of the reactions at the electrode.2. ExperimentalAll experiments were carried out in an alumina tube reactor, which was filled with high purity helium atmosphere. Spectrographic graphite crucibles were used, which played the dual role of molten fluoride container and the counter electrode. Lithium fluoride was analytical grade. The experiments were carried out at 900 °C."

Jan 1, 2011

By K. C. Liddell, B. Dou

"In producing multilayer films for magnetic data storage applications, the interfacial roughness must be controlled in order to obtain high quality materials with reproducible properties. The present understanding of the effect of roughness on multilayer properties such as magnetoresistance is sketchy, particularly for electrodeposited films. In this study, quantitative atomic force microscopy was used to characterize surface morphology before and after Ni films of varying thickness were deposited on Cu cathodes. A multinuclear multilayer growth mechanism is supported by both the deposition conditions and the AFM images, and a multinuclear multilayer model gave a satisfactory fit to measurements of the density of peaks on ultrathin Ni films between 0 and 8 nm thick.Alloys consisting of alternating ferro-and paramagnetic layers have begun to replace Permalloy in the sensing elements of magnetic hard drives. The operating principle of the new read heads is giant magnetoresistance (GMR), and they are smaller and more sensitive than previous inductive heads (1). Experimental studies on sputtered multilayers have emphasized the role of layer thickness and interlayer roughness in determining the presence and size of the GMR effect (e.g., 2,3,4,5,6). However, roughness in electrodeposited multilayers has rarely been measured, even though read heads are likely to continue to be made by this process for some time to come. Cu/Ni can be considered a model system for understanding processing-microstructure-property relationships in electrodeposited multilayers and is the most widely investigated of all such systems (e.g., 7,8,9,10,11,12). Nevertheless, the roughness of the interfaces in Cu/Ni electrodeposits has not been systematically characterized by quantitative techniques, and in all studies reported so far, the total deposit thicknesses were considerably greater than the 10 nm needed for most sensor applications (1). The thinnest such films were about 50 nm (7)."

Jan 1, 1998

By G. A. Brooks, R. W. Matusewicz, Nazmul Huda

"A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model of a conventional tuyere blown slag fuming furnace has been developed in Eulerian multiphase flow approach. The model was developed by coupling CFD with kinetics equations developed by Richards et al. for zinc fuming furnaces. The model integrates submerged coal combustion and chemical reactions with the heat, mass and momentum interfacial interaction between the phases in the system. The model predicts the velocity, temperature field of the molten slag bath, generated turbulence, vortex and coal utilization behavior from the slag bath. The highest coal penetration distance was found to be at l/L = 0.2, where / is the distance from the tuyere tip and L is the total length (2.44m) of the modeled furnace. The model also predicts that 10% of the injected coal bypasses the tuyere gas stream un-combusted and carried to the free surface, which contributes to ZnO reduction near the free surface.IntroductionSignificant metal values are often discarded with slag in the form of metal oxide produced by the smelting industries. These metal values can be recovered from the slag by proper treatment. Zinc slag fuming is such a process, where a reductant source (usually coal) is injected in the molten slag bath to reduce dissolved ZnO from the bath into metallic zinc vapour. The process can be carried out in either conventional tuyere blown furnace or top submerged lance (TSL) smelting furnace. Conventional slag fuming processes are carried out on batch basis in a rectangular tuyere blown furnace. Approximately 50 tonnes of charge (either molten slag or solid slag) is fed to the furnace at the beginning of each fuming cycle. Two opposing sets of submerged tuyeres are employed to inject air and pulverized coal into the molten slag bath to carry out combustion and reducing reactions."

Jan 1, 2012

By Wellington Pereira Inácio, Frederico Muylaert Margem, Artur Camposo Pereira, Sergio Neves

"Natural fibers are currently gaining attention as reinforcement of polymer composites for uses in engineering parts for automobile and building construction. In spite of environmental, economical and societal advantages, the natural lignocellulosic fibers are not as uniform in their dimension and properties as compared to synthetic. In recent works it was found that the variation in strength could be correlate to the equivalent diameters for several lignocellulosic fibers including the sisal fibers. In the present work an investigation on a possible correlation of the equivalent diameter with changes in density and elastic modulus was carried out. Precise measurements of the equivalent diameter, conducted in a profile projector, were correlated with the density and the elastic modulus by means of the Weibull statistic analysis. The results showed that an inverse correlation with the diameter also applies for both the density and the elastic modulus with a high degree of precision. SEM observation of the sisal fiber in structure and fracture aspects strongly indicate that defects and microfibril participation could be responsible for the inverse correlation.IntroductionAccording to Kalia [1], cellulose-based fibers are currently being pushed owing to their ""green"" image. Contrary to synthetic glass fiber, extensively used in our modem technology, these lignocellulosic fibers are renewable and can be incinerated at the end of the material's lifetime without adding pollution in the atmosphere moreover, the amount of CO2 released during incineration process is negligible as compared to the corresponding amount taken up by the plant throughout its lifetime. Even if an industrial processing equivalent of C02 release is added, the lignocellulosic fiber is considered neutral with respect to the emission of gases responsible for the global warming [2]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Jian Li, S. Penttila, W. Zheng

"Materials selection for Gen IV supercritical water reactor in-core components faces major challenges due to severe operating condition. Beside high-temperature mechanical properties, SCC and general corrosion resistance of commercially available materials are also major focuses in recent research. Recent reports suggest that certain types of surface modifications are beneficial to SCW corrosion resistance. In this study, the effects of surface modifications are investigated, and possible mechanisms for improved corrosion performance are discussed.IntroductionThe current Canadian pressure-tube supercritical water reactor (SCW) design specifies a core outlet temperature of 625°C under 25 MPa of pressure, with peak cladding temperature as high as 850°C. Challenges in materials selection include high-temperature mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, SCC resistance and radiation damage. Most of the SCW corrosion test results available are below 730°C. Early work by Allen [1] summarized the corrosion resistance of alloy groups including Ni-based super alloys, stainless and ferritic/matensitic (F/M) steels that can potentially be used for SCW reactors. F/M steels can only be used at low temperature sites (e.g. down stream piping). At 500°C and 25 MPa, F/M steels develop a thick but mechanically stable oxide layer. However, the long term stability of the surface oxide layer is largely unknown. Ni-based alloys appear to form very thin surface oxide, however pitting was observed in the vicinity of some intermetallic precipitates [2-5], and dissolution of major alloying components could pose significant problems for down stream piping [6]. In addition, concerns of Helium formation due to Ni transmutation prevented this alloy group to be used as fuel cladding. The corrosion resistant austenitic stainless steels (e.g. 316L) are found to be susceptible to localized corrosion such as pitting, intergranular attack and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) [7]."

Jan 1, 2012

By G. P. Chaudhari, F. Warchomicka, M. Dikovits, V. Pancholi, C. Poletti

"The hot formability of a microalloyed steel with 0.16 wt-%C modified with N is studied by using processing maps. Compression tests of cylindrical samples are carried out using a Gleeble®3800 simulator in the range of temperature between 750 -1000°C and strain rates between 0.01-100 S-1. For this alloy, an Ar3-temperature about 740°C is determined by means of dilatometry. Processing maps are calculated using the modified dynamic material model developed by Murty and Rao for different logarithmic strains. For the instability map, the parameter Kj developed by the authors in previous works is used and compared with other instability values. Softening in the flow curves provoked by induced ferrite during deformation at low temperatures and low strain rates is reflected in the n-value. Light optical microscopy (LOM) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements are used to study the microstructure of the hot deformed samples to determine the deformation mechanisms active and to verify the processing maps.IntroductionProcessing maps offer a good possibility to optimize thermomechanical process parameters and to avoid defects in the products. Prasad et al. [1] developed the processing maps using the dynamic material model (DMM) and Murty & Rao [2] modified it. Processing maps consist of two superimposed maps: the dissipation efficiency and the instability map. The processing maps can be used to detect areas with a good hot formability, which are normally related to restoration of the material by dynamic recovery/recrystallization. For a high dissipation efficiency value and no instabilities, a good hot formability is predicted. In the DMM no storage of energy takes place and so the material is considered essentially dissipative, this is only true for high temperatures and high strain rates [1]."

Jan 1, 2012

By W. Y. Kim, K. H. Song, K. Nakata

"The present study was carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of friction stir welded Inconel 600/SS 400 lap joints. In this process, friction stir welding (FSW) was performed at a tool rotation speed of 200 rpm and welding speed of 100 mm1min, and argon gas was utilized to prevent surface oxidation during the welding. Application of FSW notably decreases the grain size of Inconel 600 alloy from 20 µm in the base material to 8 ~ in the stir zone. However, the grain size of SS 400 in the weld zone was slightly coarsened, when compared to the base material. Also, the hooking in the advancing side and the intermetal1ic compounds (M7C3) in the weld interface between Incone1 600 and SS 400 were well formed. These intermetallic compounds and hooking were effective to increase in mechanical properties such as tensile and peel strengths.IntroductionFriction stir welding (FSW), applicable welding process at solid state, has several advantages in defect suppression such as blow hole, segregation and cracking which mainly occurs in fusion welding [1, 2]. Notable grain refinement in the stir zone due to FSW can expect the outstanding increase in mechanical properties of the welds. In constructing the chemical and power plants, Ni base superal10ys have been used in many parts, moreover, fusion welding as construct method, such as gas tungsten arc welding, electron beam welding and laser welding, has been mainly used [3-5]. However, fusion welding has a limit in an increase in chemical and mechanical properties in the welds. Lately, Ni base superalloys to which FSW applied have been reported with notable enhancement in mechanical properties, which resulted from refined grains in the welds [6-10]. These researches showed the possibility in applying the FSW, directly."

Jan 1, 2012