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By Tejs Vegge

The lack of suitable means of storing hydrogen for use in the transport sector is generally viewed as a primary showstopper for a hydrogen economy. Recent developments within solid state hydrogen storage in complex hydrides and metal ammines have sparked new hope of a long term solution, but as of now, no materials fulfill all the DoE targets for onboard storage [1]. A detailed physical understanding of the ab-/desorption processes and the role of the essential catalytic additives is an essential prerequisite for the development of new optimized hydrogen storage systems. Here, we illustrate the potential of utilizing the synergy of combining state-of-the-art in theoretical methods and experimental techniques in the analysis and design of materials for hydrogen storage. Recent advances in computer hard- and software has made it possible to treat many of the essential problems in such materials, i.e. structural stability, hydrogen dissociation and diffusion, with high accuracy methods like density functional theory. We rely on such results to guide our synthesis of new materials, and to interpret our experimental results from, e.g. time dependant in situ x-ray diffraction, synchrotron/neutron experiments, and advanced materials testing. Through a continuous feed-back optimization loop between theory and experiments, the obtained nano-scale insight is used to expedite the design and development of novel materials for hydrogen storage.

Jan 1, 2006

By C. Alexandru Sonoc

Donnan Dialysis uses ion exchange membranes to extract and separate cations. The driving force is provided by differences in chemical potential, rather than by electric fields or pressure. A Donnan Dialysis based process to recover lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and organic acid lixiviant from recycled lithium ion battery cathodes is under development. In this paper we present a model of Donnan Dialysis and results of simulations of the aforementioned process. The simulations show that 170 m2 of membranes can process 1000 L of leachate ([Li+] = 0.285 M, [Co2+] = [Ni2+] = [Mn2+] = 0.095 M, pH 2) in two days and recover 94.1% of the lithium (as lithium carbonate), 99.4% of the transition metals (as mixed sulphates ready for solvent extraction), and all of the organic acid using 423 mol of H2SO4 and 268 mol of KHCO3.

By David G. C. Robertson

A new approach is described for the calculation of the kinetics of metal/slag, metal/slag/gas, and metal/matte/slag/gas reactions. The algorithm assumes that equilibrium is achieved at the interface between phases, and uses an equilibrium solver (such as SOLGASMIX) to compute the equilibrium state at the interface at each time step during the reaction. For multiple phase systems a number of unit operations, representing the different phases and interfaces, must be connected together in a reasonalbly complex manner, and the METSIM software package has been utilized for this purpose. The new approach is superior to the SMAK software developed by the author and his co-workers over the past decade, for the reasons discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 1995

By J. E. Sallee

An experimental study has been conducted on the level of arsenic contamination in samples of zinc oxide when the zinc oxide is contacted with gas mixtures containing As4O6(g). This contamination has been determined as a function of A4O6 saturation pressure, temperature, zinc oxide sample surface area, impurities, and oxygen level in the gas mixture. The results indicated a rather clean separation can be achieved between condensed zinc oxide and gaseous arsenic oxide as long as attention is given to temperature control, and the final zinc oxide surface area. For a 300°C operation temperature and an AqOg saturation pressure of 0.38 TORR (or 0.05% As406 by volume), the contamination level is expected to be approximately 100 ppm. This suggests that arsenical dusts can be treated in the HRD flame reactor process and a reasonable purity zinc oxideproduct produced. The results also show no evidence of zinc arsenite or zinc arsenate formation.

Jan 1, 1994

By L. S. Montagna, R. M. C. Santana

"Since the industrial revolution, plastic products sector has growing bigly, however this fact presents as consequence the increase of municipal plastic waste (MPW).The aim of this work is to developmet polymer mixture from MPW with the adittion of rubber tire (TR) post use and to study the mechanical and morphologycal properties. The polymer mixtures Polypropylene/High impact polystyrene/TR (PP/HIPS/TR), where rate weight TR used was 10, 20 and 30 % and with three size particles (500, 710 e 1000 µm). The specimen tests were obtained by injection molding. Preliminary results of mechanical properties showed that the increase of TR influence in a reduction of the flexural and tensile resistance. Results by scanning electronic microscopy on the fracture surface of mixtures PP/HIPS/TR showed a better interaction of TR particle with HIPS than with PP. Also, the presence of microcavoids was observed, characteristic in PP/HIPS blends, favouring in the increase of its opacity.IntroductionOne great part of the municipal solid waste (MSW) is composed of polymer mixed since commodity plastics, blend to polymer composite. The processing of plastics mixtures for recycling has been attempted with some success, but poor mechanical properties and uncertain economic value limit their more versatile reuse. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) are among the most common plastic waste, predominantly used in packaging food industry [1].One other problem that preoccupy to the society is the increase of rubber tire waste in the proportion of MSW. In Brazil, from 1999 to 2004, 39 % from 386 mil ton of tire post-use were destined to ciment Industry as source of energy [2]. However this destiny produces one other problem, environment pollution, due to gas mixture emitted.Recycling represents a valid alternative to the disposal of post-consumer plastics in common landfills if it is possible to obtain new materials with good final properties compatible with practical and, above all, by cheap methods [3]The reutilization of group tire rubber (TR) powder as a dispersed elastomeric phase in a thermoplastic matrix offers an opportunity to design second generation materials which would be recyclable due to the thermoplastic matrix and which potentially could present thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)-like mechanical behavior. [4]."

Jan 1, 2008

By Kunio Nakahara, Kashiwagim Junichi, Takao Hayashi

"There are many problems for electronic devices and parts which were caused electrostatic damage by static electricity. It is necessary for prevention of electrostatic charge to decrease surface resistivity of material using electroconductive coating. Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. developed metal oxide type electroconductive pigment PASSTRAN (trade mark) Type-IV which is barium sulfate coated with SnOz(Sb) thin electroconductive layer. This paper shows about pigment characteristics and film condition of antistatic transparency paint which contained PASS TRAN.L.IntroductionRecently rapid development of electronics technology diffused electronic devices and products to Office, Factory, Laboratory and our life. But the other side, there are many problems for electronics parts which were caused electrostatic damage under static electricity. Demand of antistatic materials were become lager by this situation.There is close relationship between surface resistivity of material and static electricity. If the surface resistivity of object is enough low (under 109 Q /Sq), static electricity is dissipated quickly. So it is necessary for prevention of electrostatic charge to decrease surface resistivity of material using electroconductive coating.1) There are many type of electroconductive materials, for example, carbon black, metal powder, electroconductive polymer and so on. Especially, carbon black is used for general purpose by reason of its low cost, but it has big problem of black color. It can not get any color without black, and it caused contamination of carbon.In recent years, metal oxide electroconductive pigment (ECP) was developed and used for special purpose which demands transparent coating or easy dispersion to make ECP paint or endurance under hard environment and so on. Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. developed electroconductive pigment PASSTRAN Type-IV which is BaS04 coated with electro-conductive Tin oxide layer."

Jan 1, 1998

By John P. Hager

One possible approach for the recovery of mercury from acid plant blow-down sludge in smelters is the use of a vacuum retort reactor for the vaporization of the mercury with subsequent collection of metallic mercury in an attached condenser. An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the vaporization of mercury when present as a compound in the Hg-S-O and Hg-Se systems. A transpiration reactor was modified to operate under reduced pressure and with a continuous flow of inert sweep gas. A water-cooled cold finger was inserted into the exit end of the reactor to provide for the rapid quenching of the exit gases and the collection of the mercury. Rates of vaporization were measured at several temperatures for each compound and were generally found to be constant at a given temperature and reactor pressure. The results were used to determine the minimum operating temperature for 100% vaporization of the compound in 60 minutes. For Hg2SO4, HgSO4, and HgSO/2HgO the required temperatures. for a reactor pressure of 50 Torr. were determined to be 634°, 622°. and 603°C. respectively. For HgO, HgSe, and HgS the required temperatures were 557°. 451°. And 382°C. respectively. For HgS the rate of vaporization was also measured at a reactor pressure of 1 00 Torr. The rate of vaporization was found to be slower resulting in an increased vaporization temperature of 423°C. It was also determined that the mercury vapor present in the exit gas stream can back-react with the other gas species to a significant extent and can result in very little condensed metallic mercury. For the vaporization of both HgS and HgSe. the mercury vapor was found to have back-reacted to the extent that virtually none of the vaporized mercury was collected in metallic form. For the vaporization of Hg2S04? HgS04, and HgSO4*2HgO the amount of metallic mercury recovered varied from approximately 50% for HgS04*2HgO to approximately 10% for Hg2S04 and HgS04. Only for HgO was the recovered mercury in primarily elemental form. The application of the results to the operation of a vacuum retort and condenser system is discussed.

Jan 1, 2001

By A. N. Lasseigne

Hydrogenation behavior of the NaAlH4 intermetallics is investigated utilizing thermoelectric power and magnetic analyses. Using both thermoelectric power and magnetic susceptibility measurements on these intermetallics allows for confirmation and further insight into hydrogen's role in altering the material's electronic structure. The electronic and magnetic property correlations will indicate the direction for further alloy development to optimize hydrogen storage.

Jan 1, 2006

By René Bustamante

A GPSS/H simulation is beeing done for a traditional smelter of copper, which envolves a reberberatory furnace, a set of Peirce Smith converters (PSC) and a refining furnace. The objective is to try different plant layouts, being the handling of liquid material at high temperature one the mainly concern, this envolves a study of the ladles and cranes used. Some of the modifications that can be evaluated through the model is the role of oxygen potential when tonnage oxygen is used, number of cranes, PSCs in operation, etc.

Jan 1, 1992

By Zviad Kovziridze

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

Jan 1, 2006

By Zhou Aiping, Lv Guozhi, Niu Liping, Wang Wenbo, Zhang Ting’an, Jiang Xiaoli

The current method used to produce sponge titanium utilizes a process cycle of magnesium metal and chlorine gas via the electrolysis of magnesium chloride. The primary issues are the high capital cost of the electrolysis process and the environmental regulations limiting high chloride concentrations. Thus, the authors have developed a conceptual method involving theelectrolysis of magnesium chloride as well as a reduction process which allows for a cycle of magnesium and chloride. In the new method, MgCl2 which was distilled during the titanium extracting process as raw material was directly pyrolyzed at elevated temperatures yielding high purity magnesium oxide and chlorine. The resulting magnesium oxide can be used in the production of magnesium metal. This work examines and compares the energy consumption and economic benefits of the Kroll method as well as the new proposed method. The results from the study demonstrated that in comparison to the traditional Kroll method, the new method provided considerable economic and environmental benefits.

Jan 1, 2014

By T. T. Chen, J. E. Dutrizac

Noranda Inc., CEZinc presently employs a cement-stabilization (jarofix) process to stabilize its jarosite residues for direct disposal. In this process, Portland cement partly decomposes Na-jarosite to form Ca6Fe2(SC>4)3(OH)i2.nH20, ferric hydroxide and sodium sulphate which further reacts to form gypsum; approximately one-third of the Na-jarosite reacts in the current commercial product. The cured jarofix products also contain minor amounts of various Ca-Al-Fe silicate-sulphate-hydrate phases and traces of calcite. Together with gypsum and a Ca-Fe sulphate phase, these species bond the various particles together, imparting mechanical strength and reducing the permeability. Water-soluble Zn and Mg are stabilized in the Ca-Al-Fe silicate-sulphate-hydrate phases. The freshly cured products usually contain small amounts of moisture and traces of residual Portland cement, which provides additional alkalinity for the neutralization of any residual acid species. Jarofix products stored for more than six years in the laboratory, after curing, are usually dry and exhibit the same micro-textures as those of the freshly cured products. However, the stored products are depleted in the Ca6Fe2(S04)3(OH)i2.nH20 and Portland cement phases, and are enriched in gypsum and calcite which reflects the highly alkaline environment of the jarofix products. The aged products also have increased amounts of the Ca-Al-Fe silicate-sulphate-hydrate phases which have elevated Zn and Mg contents. This implies a further immobilization of residual water-soluble Zn and Mg during stora

Jan 1, 2000

By Y. C. Avniel, T. E. Warner

"It is important to be able to measure sulphur and nitrogen in molten iron and steel on-line. Unfortunately, there are no solid electrolytes which are stable under oxidising conditions and in which the ions of these species are mobile. In this paper, novel applications of beta alumina electrolytes are described and the results compared with data in the literature. Excellent agreement was obtained confirming this approach as a viable method of detecting elements whose ions are not mobile in solid electrolytes.IntroductionIn the past two decades, the rate of many processes in steelmaking have increased substantially. The sophistication of chemical analysis has also increased but analytical equipment is frequently positioned a significant distance from the operating plant which dictates that time is spent taking a sample, sending it to the analytical facility, preparation of the analytical sample prior to insertion into the equipment. In many cases, the time taken for analysis can exceed the time taken for the actual process and is now the rate defining step. Furthermore, most analytical methods are unable to distinguish between the amount of element which is dissolved in the steel and that contained in precipitates. Even if the analytical equipment could separate these two, the distribution would have changed between the molten steel and the cast sample. It would be an advantage to analyse on-line for impurities in molten metals."

Jan 1, 1997

By Fathi Habashi

Laboratory autoclaves for hydrometallurgical investigations are available in a variety of sizes, models, and materials of constructions. They vary in sizes from 25 mL to 2 liters for laboratory studies and 5 to 50 gallons for pilot plant work. They are essential tools for studying aqueous oxidation of sulfide concentrates, dissolution of oxide minerals at high temperature and pressure and hydrothermal precipitation reactions. The maximum pressure and temperature at which any pressure vessel can be used will depend upon the design of the vessel and the materials used in its construction. Since all materials lose strength at elevated temperatures, any pressure rating must be stated in terms of the temperature at which it applies. A review of existing models and their accessories will be given.

Jan 1, 2000

By John E. Dutrizac, Tzong T. Chen

"Laboratory experiments were undertaken to ascertain the behaviour of various ""impurity"" species during the precipitation of hematite directly from ferric sulphate solutions at 225°C and in the presence of 40 or 50 g/L of hematite seed. Copper, nickel and zinc are not significantly incorporated in hematite precipitates. Although the nickel contents increase to 0.22% as the Ni concentration increases to 60 g/L, the solid solution Ni contents are low relative to the bulk Ni contents. Thus, part of the Ni may be present as tiny particles of poorly soluble NiS04.H20. Increasing germanium concentrations to 2,000 mg/L result in products containing up to 0.59% Ge. The Ge occurs either in solid solution in the hematite or is adsorbed on the nanometer-size hematite crystallites. Increasing As(V) concentrations to 10 g/L increase the AsO4 contents of the products up to 16%. However, the products consist of hematite together with As04-containing Fe(SO4)(OH) and an unknown Fe-AsO4 species. All the hematite products contain - 1% SO4 which appears to be adsorbed on the nanometer-size hematite crystallites.IntroductionDissolved iron is a common impurity in most hydrometallurgical processing circuits and, generally, the iron must be eliminated prior to the subsequent recovery of the sought after metals. Simple neutralization of iron-rich solutions yields slurries which are difficult to thicken and filter. To address these concerns, the jarosite, goethite and hematite processes have been developed, and these technologies are able to reject the dissolved iron in a readily filterable form [1]. Despite its higher cost, the hematite process offers several potential advantages. Because hematite is an iron-rich, high-density compound, its formation would reduce the mass of residue and the size of a residue storage pond. Hematite is the thermodynamically stable form of iron under ambient conditions, and this stability would facilitate the impoundment of hematite precipitates. Furthermore, hematite has some market potential for cement manufacture and even for iron making [2]. In all the commercial hematite processes, the dissolved ferric ions are first reduced to the ferrous state. Subsequently, the pH of the solution is adjusted and the solution is then oxidized. The ferric ions gradually generated during solution oxidation hydrolyze and precipitate mostly as hematite, although commercial hematite products also contain trace or minor amounts of jarosite-type compounds. However, there are potential advantages in precipitating hematite directly from ferric ion solutions, as the reduction and subsequent oxidation of the iron are not required. Although the precipitation of hematite directly from relatively concentrated ferric sulphate solutions (up to 0.5 M Fe(SO4)is) was recently demonstrated [3], the behaviour of impurity species during hematite precipitation is largely unknown. To address this issue, systematic laboratory experiments were undertaken to ascertain the behaviour of a number of ""impurity"" species during the precipitation of hematite directly from ferric sulphate solutions at 225°C, and the results are presented in this paper."

Jan 1, 2012

By E. M. Timoshenko

Autoclave technology can be effectively used for liberation of complex mineral raw materials to transfer valuable constituents into solution for their subsequent recovery or to refine feed material in order to remove deleterious impurities, e.g. arsenic. The high efficiency of autoclave processes is attributed to the fact that they are suitable for processing of refractory raw materials, have low capital costs, high productivity, ensure integrated utilization of the feed materials, produce innovative saleable products, completely eliminate any air emissions, provide low-waste or waste-less technology, mechanization and automation of production processes. In the immediate future, it might be expected that autoclave processes will find use on commercial scale for production of heavy non-ferrous metals in combination with other processes (hydrometallurgical, upgrading, sorption and solvent extraction, electrolytic, etc.) to ensure: - Integrated processing of refractory ores and concentrates (pyrrhotite, zinc, copper-zinc, lead-zinc, nickel-cobalt, copper, pyrite); - Production of metallic powders of base metals as commercial products (copper, cobalt, nickel, etc.), composites on their bases, final products and saleable salts. Processing technologies incorporating autoclave processes, especially at the stage of liberation (chemical upgrading) of raw materials are characterized generally by high overall recoveries of valuable constituents significantly exceeding recoveries common for conventional pyrometallurgical processes (for some elements by several tens of percent).

Jan 1, 2006

By Gary A. Campbell

This article is an analysis of world consumption of copper for the years 1976-1996. It is done to provide a comparison of what has happened over this time period with the trends of previous years in order to learn more about world copper consumption and to forecast world copper consumption trends into the new millennium. The analysis begins by documenting the geographic trends of consumption of copper for the years 1976-1996 by both region and key individual countries. Then, variables based on the intensity-of-use hypothesis and the intensity-of-use technique are selected and tested against the observed consumption behavior by using the correlation coefficient technique. The statistical results and their implications for the consumption of copper into the new millennium are discussed.

Jan 1, 1999

By Kevin L. Purdy

The Process Technology Center of Phelps Dodge Mining Company (PDMC) .operates several test facilities in support of PDMC's hydrometallurgical operations. Installations for small leach columns, 15 cm. to 60 cm. (6 in. to 24 in.) in diameter, and large leach columns, 1.8 m. (6 ft.) in diameter, are complemented by a test facility for SX/EW operations. The history of and reasons for the development of these facilities: are described and original standard equipment is discussed. A primary goal in constructing these facilities was achieving a high degree of flexibility to allow for testing of new equipment and new leaching and SX/EW technologies as they are developed. Along with this challenge, construction of a filly integrated SX/EW test facility on a small scale brought its own set of challenges.

Jan 1, 1999

By Asmo Vartiainen

The viscosity of liquid Fe-O-SiO2 -slag at copper smelting conditions was investigated using a rotational viscometer. The studied parameters were oxygen partial pressure (10" °-10"6 bar ); composition of slag (Fe/SiO2 ratio), and temperature (1250-1400°C). The viscosity values are presented as a function of Fe/SiO2 ratio and as isoviscosity curves in ternary FeO-Fe2O3-SiO2 diagrams. The increase in viscosity at high silica contents can be accounted for the polymerisation effect of SiO4/4- -anions. At high ferric iron contents, higher oxygen partial pressure, the viscosity values increase especially near the magnetite saturation. The viscosity values are highest at the double saturation of silica and magnetite. At lower silica and ferric iron contents the viscosity values are more uniform in the homogenous liquid slag area. The viscosity values were lowest at high temperatures and highest at low temperatures.

Jan 1, 1998

A study of iron-removal from copper leachate by limestone precipitation followed by direct eltctrowinning of copper has been conducted. The influence of the process parameters: amount of precipitant, contact time, temperature, agitation intensity, solution acidity, and initial iron concentration on iron-removal was investigated. The effects of electrowinning time, cell voltage, solution acidity and temperature on electrowinning of copper were also investigated. The leachate contained 1.20 g/l cu2+ and 7.41 g/l total iron at pH 2.27. After contacting with 14 g/l precipitant for 2 hours, 97.5 % of the iron was attenuated and 98.4 % of the copper was recovered. With the following electrowinning conditions: 3 lead anodes, 3 stainless steel cathodes, 2.5 V, 39.41 A/m2 and 10.7 g/l H2S04, copper recovery-was 98.4 %. Purity of copper powder produced was greater than 99.0 %.

Jan 1, 1999