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By R. J. Kuczynski

The U.S. Bureau of Mines Reno Research Center operated a batch pilot plant to demonstrate high-temperature cyanide leaching for recovering platinum group metals (PGM) from automobile catalysts. Approximately 1,600 kg of used pellet, monolith, and metal support catalyst containing 1,680 g (54 tr oz) of PGM were processed. Forty-five-kilogram batches of used catalyst were leached with sodium cyanide solution at 160° C for 1 h under basic conditions in a countercurrent processing sequence to dissolve the PGM. Extractions from the used pellet catalyst ranged from 94 to 95 pct for Pd, 95 to 97 pct for Pt, and 64 to 81 pct for Rh. Extractions from the used monolith catalyst ranged from 7B to BB pct for Pd, 75 to 90 pct for Pt, and 43 to 71 pct for Rh. Heating the pregnant leach solutions to 275' C for 4 h destroyed the PGM-cyanide complexes, resulting in over 99.7 pct of the PGM precipitating from solution. The PGM precipitate was predominantly a powder metallic concentrate, typically analyzing greater than 50 pct PGM. Heating destroyed cyanide to less than 0.2 mg/L. Both the pellet and monolith residues were evaluated for disposal using the EPA Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure.

Jan 1, 1995

By Sunil G. Warrier

A rapid infrared forming technique has been developed to fabricate titanium matrix composites. This technique applies infrared heating to infiltrate titanium alloys into carbon and silicon carbide prepregs. The entire process typically takes 1-2 minutes in an inert atmosphere. The advantages of this technique are that the process is fast, simple, does not require a vacuum or a high external pressure. The process is very economical both in energy conservation and operation costs. This technique has been used to produce void free composites with limited, well controlled fiber-matrix reactions and mechanical properties comparable to currently available titanium matrix composites.

Jan 1, 1993

By D. J. Chaiko

Certain radionuclide ions (e.g., TcO4) exhibit unusually strong Affinities toward the polymer-rich phase in aqueous biphase systems generated by combinations of salt solutions with polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG). Thus, aqueous. polymer ,phases could potentially be used to selectively extract these ions during pretreatment of radioactive tank wastes at Hanford. To help develop a fundamental understanding of the interactions between various ions and polymers in aqueous solution, interaction enthalpies between sodium -perrhenate and a random copolymer of PEG and PPG (UCON-50) were measured by microcalorimetric titration. An entropy compensation effect was observed in this system in which changes in enthalpic interactions were balanced by entropy changes such that the interaction free energy remained constant and approximately equal to zero.

Jan 1, 1999

By K. Fagerlund

Methods for simulation of settler reactions, matte-slag separation and matte settling in copper flash smelting have been examined. The reaction, separation and settling phenomena of slightly oxidized chalcopyrite samples and cuprous sulfide-magnetite mixtures in fayalite type slags were examined at about 1300°C under inert atmosphere. Two methods based on introduction of molten samples of oxidized chalcopyrite concentrates or synthetic matte-magnetite mixtures onto the surface of molten iron silicate slag were tested. In the first method the samples were water quenched and polished specimens were studied and analysed using light optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer. In the second method processes taking place after the introduction of samples onto the slag are followed "in situ" using X-ray transmission image monitoring. Great differences were observed in separation and settling behaviour of low and high grade copper mattes produced as a results of interaction of initial samples and slag.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. W. Evans

Mathematical modeling has now become a standard technique in the development of new technology and the improvement of existing technology in the processing industries. Physical modeling has a longer history but a smaller following at present. The paper reviews some examples of the application of both types of modeling in non-ferrous metal extraction, particularly within the copper and aluminum industries. The objective is to show that well founded models can lead to results that have practical consequence in scaleup, design and operation.

Jan 1, 1993

By Fabiola Alvarez, Ana E. Bote, Daniel Pasquevich

"The oxidation of aluminum and its alloys was extensively studied for improving the corrosion resistance in structural materials having high specific strengths. But this reaction involves the formation of a very thin barrier layer on the metallic pieces. Furthermore, the ·recent development of the directed melt oxidation process for producing metal-ceramic; composites has renewed the interest in the study of interaction between gases and metals. Oxidation experiments in the presence of different chlorine partial pressures and at different temperatures were performed in ·a thermogravimetric balance, and microstructures were analyzed by electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The oxy-chlorination kinetics was determined and the oxide formed W(IS amorphous at temperatures below 600 °C and crystalline .at higher temperatures. The appropriate experimental conditions for the fastest completed oxidation was further determined.IntroductionThe use of fine powders for the manufacture of ceramic components has significant advantages. They include excellent sinterability; low sintering temperature and better microstructure leading to improved mechanical properties. The conventional method of producing fine oxide powders involves controlled precipitation and pirolysis of suitable salts. The main limitation of the high temperature decomposition route is the evolution of environmentally unacceptable and corrosive gases. Controlled precipitation of hydroxides from solutions of salts, followed by thermal treatment involves large volumes of solutions and the calcination step that can induce grain growth (1).Direct oxidation of aluminum metal for producing alumina powder requires high temperatures for the direct oxidation of molten Al alloys by a vapor phase oxidant process (2, 3) or high technological process like thermal plasma reactor ( 4).Oxidation of high purity aluminum (5, 6) below the melting temperature· is initially characterized by a nearly linear reaction rate, followed by a rate which decreases rapidly with further weight gain. However, the oxidation rate of an aluminummagnesium alloy is much faster and it does not conform to any common oxidation law, but it is nearly parabolic at temperatures between 200 and 400 °C, an nearly linear· above 400 °C."

Jan 1, 2000

By J. D. Miller

Air-sparged hydrocyclone (ASH) flotation is a high-capacity flotation technology originally developed in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Utah for processing mineral resources. However, the technology has been found to be useful in industrial waste processing, in the recycle of secondary resources, and in remediation of environmental problems. For example, areas in which the ASH technology is expected to have potential application include cleaning of waste coal fines, air stripping to remove volatile organics from drinking and process water, water disinfection by ozone or chlorine sparging, dispersed oil removal from water, and contaminated soil remediation. Recently, the ASH has been studied extensively for deinking flotation in the wastepaper recycling industry and has been shown to have excellent efficiency/capacity. In fact, a 20-million-dollar plant has been in operation since June 1992. The ASH technology can provide a specific capacity hundreds of times more than that which can be achieved with conventional flotation equipment and in certain instances is expected to provide superior separation efficiencies when compared to other technologies. The design and principles of ASH flotation are described. Experimental data for fine coal flotation, volatile organics stripping, and deinking flotation for paper recycle are presented and discussed. Finally, other potential areas of application for environmental technology are considered.

Jan 1, 1993

By R. Steven Izatt

Green chemistry principles will be discussed, and examples will be given of the use of Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT) to selectively separate specialty metals such as cobalt, nickel, bismuth, rhenium, molybdenum, indium and germanium from various primary and secondary feed streams. Recovery of these metals has numerous advantages including (i) conservation of valuable resources, (ii) prevention of environmental damage, and (iii) elimination of capital and operating expenses due to re-processing or disposal of metal-bearing streams.

By Ahmad-Bitar¸ Riyad N., Shadia J. Ikhmayies

"CdSi-xTex thin films with O<x<0.3 were prepared on glass substrates by the annealing of CdS:In thin films produced by the spray pyrolysis technique. The annealing was performed in nitrogen atmosphere at 400 --,C in the presence of Te vapor. The compositions of the films were determined by energy dispersive X-ray detection (EDAX) measurements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the films. The transmittance of the films was measured at room temperature in the wavelength range 400-1100 nm and used to produce the absorbance of the films. The first derivative of the absorbance was used to estimate the optical bandgap energy Eg by using the minima in the first derivative. The relation between the bandgap energy and the fraction x was found to fit with a parabola and bandgaps in the range 2.196: =Eg: =2.480 e V were obtained. Urbach tailing in the bandgap was also investigated.IntroductionPolycrystalline thin film CdS/CdTe solar cells are promising candidates for low cost and high efficiency photovoltaic applications. The fabrication process of these cells involves the deposition of a p-type CdTe absorber layer on top of an n-type CdS one which acts as a window. The efficiency of the solar cell is affected by the method of preparation of both layers [1, 2].Interdiffusion processes taking place at the CdS/CdTe interface have largely been realized to significantly affect the device performance [3] by changing the bandgap of both CdTe and CdS which modifies the spectral response of the solar cell [ 4]. The formation of a mixed crystal or a graded layer causes a reduction in the lattice mismatch at the CdS/CdTe junction [5] which is about 9% [ 6] and then a reduction in the number of interfacial states and recombination centers, thus enhancing the solar cell performance [7, 8]. A complete understanding of the properties of the intermixed layers CdSxTe1-x that usually constitutes the interfacial region in the CdS/CdTe solar cell is essential. According to our knowledge, a lot of research was devoted to the investigation of the diffusion of S into CdTe [3-5, 9]; but little on the direct investigation of the diffusion of Te into CdS [6]."

Jan 1, 2011

By T. Ranki-Kilpinen

In the flash smelting technique, developed by Outokumpu Oyj, off-gases with dust load are directed into the heat recovery boiler (HRB). As the temperature decreases, metallic sulphates become thermodynamically stable. Sulphation of oxidic particles initiates. The release of heat causes an increase in particle temperatures, and soft sulphated particles can stick to the heat transfer surfaces. Dust accretion may form and cause operational problems. The objectives of the project are to study sulphation reaction mechanisms and kinetics of flue- dust particles under HRB conditions, and get more information for the flue-dust treatment possibilities. The sulphation behaviour of synthetic Cu2O particles (37-53 pm) was studied using a fluid-bed reactor of laboratory scale. The experimental parameters in the latest campaign were oxygen and sulphur dioxide contents of 2.5-10 vol-% 02 and 40-60 vol-% SO2 respectively and temperatures of 600-660°C. Samples were examined microscopically (SEM+EDS) and chemical analysis were conducted. The sulphation rate was found to have a maximum at the certain temperature, which was dependent on the gas SO2 content. Regardless of the level of SO2, a rise in oxygen content promoted sulphate formation.

Jan 1, 2002

By Xu Weimin

The existing copper electrorefining tankhouse of Jinchuan Nonferrous Metals Complex (JNC) was commissioned in 1986 for refining blister copper anodes. Blister copper is produced by reverberating chalcocite separated from converter high grade nickel-copper matter by means of flotation. Special chemical analysis of the anodes shows, a composition of 93.02 - 95.72 % copper, 3.0 - 4.96 % nickel and 0.5 - 1.23 % sulfur. The wide range of composition makes the electrorefining process fairly different from others throughout the world. The initial nickel content of 20 ppm and sulfur 40 ppm or more in copper cathodes are reduced to 8.5 ppm and 11 ppm respectively. Since 1986 the tankhouse has undergone significant evolutionary modifications and implementations to ameliorate cathodes quality desirably. The important fact is that the N-additive was utilized through many studies and pilot and field trials successfully. While our primary purpose is to improve chemical quality of the cathodes, tankhouse capacity is increased considerably and the process is perfected satisfactorily. The tankhouse is described with special emphasis on JINCHUAN PROCESS. The upgrading of our product by the utilization of the N-additive is highlighted. The other aspects of the tankhouse including spent electrolyte treatment and by product nickel sulfate manufacturing are briefed as well. Key words: JINCHUAN PROCESS, anode, cathode, electrolyte, electrorefining, N-additive.

Jan 1, 1993

By J. R. Odekirk

The nature of mineral distributions and locking characteristics in mill products are important factors in understanding mill performance. Such data are obtained by microscopic point counting methods. Reduction &apos;of point-count data from volume to weight percentages, and reduction of data for each size fraction back to a head sample requires lengthy hand calculations. The use of computer processing for such data reduction results in obtaining information on a realistic time basis. An example of computer processed point-count data is presented.

Jan 1, 1981

By Malsuzaki. Kenji

A mathematical simulation model of the Imperial Smelting Furnace operation has been developed for purpose of improving the furnace operation. The model consists of top, shaft and bottom regions. Analysis in the shaft region is based on differential heat and materials balances taking account of reaction kinetics and heat transfer rates, and those in the top and the bottom regions are based on heat and materials balances under a steady-state condition. Longitudinal distributions of process variables such as temperatures of gas, sinter and coke, gas composition and fractional conversion under a practical operating condition were calculated. With this model, the furnace performance under various operating conditions also can be shown reasonably predicted.

Jan 1, 2003

By Kenji Matsuzaki

A mathematical simulation model of the Imperial Smelting Furnace operation has been developed for purpose of improving the furnace operation. The model consists of top, shaft and bottom regions, Analysis in the shaft region is based on differential heat and materials balances taking account of reaction kinetics and heat transfer rates, and those in the top and the bottom regions are based on heat and materials balances under a steady-state condition, Longitudinal distributions of process variables such as temperatures of gas, sinter and coke, gas composition and fractional conversion under a practical operating condition were calculated, With this model, the furnace performance under various operating conditions also can be shown reasonably predicted,

Jan 1, 2003

By Satu Jyrkönen

A single-particle laminar-flow technique was used to study oxidation of four synthetic nickel mattes, which were screened into three size fractions, Experimental conditions were: reaction gas from N2 - 21 to 75 vol-% O2; gas preheating temperatures ranging from 500 to I 100&apos;C. The four mattes were synthesized so that Ni/Cu ratios of I and 10 were obtained with high and low iron contents. Chemical analysis of the particles was used to determine the oxidation degree of the materials, and optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to detect their morphology, internal composition and structure. The best sulfur removal from the synthetic nickel mattes was achieved under the most oxidizing conditions with the finest size fraction. The matte with Ni/Cu = 1 and high iron content was found to be most reactive. The least reactive matte was with Ni/Cu = 10 and low iron content; the coarse fraction particles did not react at all under the conditions studied.

Jan 1, 1996

By M. J. Collins

Direct pressure leaching of zinc sulphide concentrates was started? commercially in October 1980. Continuing research and development studies at Sherritt and feasibility studies for a number of clients have defined various pressure leach configurations for integrattons with existing roast- 1 each operations and for grass roots plants. Existing and potential applications of zinc pressure leaching are discussed.

Jan 1, 1990

By Richard A. Heckman

Destructive Thermal Technology (DTT) is used in the management of various waste streams. DTT includes Destructive Distillation, Pyrolysis and Classical Incineration. Recent work has more clearly defined the differences in these technologies based upon a more rigorous thermochemical approach. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has chosen Classical Incineration as the Best Developed Available Technology (BDAT) for the management of hazardous organic wastes. Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) and Sewage Sludges (SS) are also managed using Classical Incineration. Three environmental problems plague the use of Classical Incineration. Destructive Distillation, on the other hand, avoids these problems. It is an environmentally benign DTT for managing a wide variety of organic waste streams, including hazardous wastes. Thermochemical analysis of the available data on the performance of three types of DTT will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1994

By C. J. Beyke

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed a process for the selective recovery of Pb metal from a mixed Pb-Zn concentrate. The concentrate was leached in recycled H2SiF6 at atmospheric pressure and 95° C with a redox potential of 570 mV (Eh). Eighty-five pct of the Pb was selectively leached from the concentrate while 87 pct of the Zn remained in the residue. Pressure leaching of the concentrate was slightly less successful, with 78 pct of the Pb leaching from the concentrate and 80 pct of the Zn remaining in the residue. Pure Pb metal was successfully electrowon from a purified PbSiF6-H2SiF6 solution with 96 pct current efficiency and 0.69-kW.h/kg energy consumption.

Jan 1, 1991

By Jiang Feng, Li Chuanhua, Zhang Libo, Peng Jinhui, Ju Shaohua

Solvent extraction of Cu2+ from the leaching liquor contain Cu and Fe use a microfluidic technology. Currently, the conventional copper extraction process has many problems such as long distance and small driving force of mass transfer. In order to solve the problems, studies are carried out on the extraction process of low grade copper leaching liquid using Lix984N as an extractant with a new microfluidic solvent extraction technology. The effects of flow rate on the separation and extraction efficiency between Cu and Fe are studied, and the results show that a steady liquid-liquid interface of laminar flow is form in the micro-extractor, and extraction efficiency is 78 % and 2.5 % for Cu and Fe at the contact times of 0.84s respectively. Besides, the separation coefficient between Cu and Fe is as high as 140.04. The studied microfluidic technology has the advantages like improving extraction efficiency and reducing reaction time and providing the potential application in the hydrometallurgy extraction of Cu.

Jan 1, 2015

By Rodney Hundermark

At Anglo American Platinum’s Polokwane Smelter, radar instruments are being used to provide continuous measurement of the concentrate feed level in the six-in-line electric furnace used for smelting of nickel-copper concentrates containing platinum group metals (PGMs). The radar instruments are installed directly on the furnace roof, and a mechanical system has been designed to protect them from radiation and elevated freeboard temperatures and pressures. Signal validation criteria have been implemented to ensure that proper level measurements are being used by the PLC system. The feedback from the radars has provided an improved understanding of the furnace behaviour with respect to concentrate feed level control, individual feeding events, global feed rates, feed distribution and bath disturbances. In combination with a dynamic mass balance for continuous calculation of liquid level in the furnace, the radar measurements have enabled more precise feedback control of the concentrate blacktop depth. In turn this has yielded improvements in furnace stability.