Search Documents

By Moto Goto

Today, Pierce-Smith converters, coupled together with various types of smelting units, are used in most of the world's smelters, However, due to the "batch" processing nature, and problems associated with fugitive emissions during the transfer of melt and blowing stages, this arrangement will unlikely be adopted in future smelters. Modern day alternative processes include the Mitsubishi Process, Outokumpu Flash Smelting and Flash Converting Process, the Noranda Process, and the Ausmelt Process, but only the Mitsubishi Process is a "truly continuous" smelting and converting operation, producing a constant flow of blister without tapping, and is economically proven by long term commercial operations. This paper reviews recent advances in modern continuous converting technologies, with a special section devoted to operation of the "first standalone Mitsubishi C-furnace" coupled together with a Noranda Reactor, at Port Kembla Copper Pty, Ltd. in Australia.

Jan 1, 2003

By K. Narayan Prabhu, W. D. Griffiths

"Heat transfer during the unidirectional solidification of a cast iron alloy against cast iron chills was investigated using an inverse modelling approach. Chills of thickness 100 mm and 10 mm were used, to simulate gravity die cruiting conditions and the use of chills in sand moulds. In both cases transient heat transfer, measured by the interfacial heat flux and heat transfer coeffieient; declined from initially high values in the first few seconds of solidification, to values about an order of magnitude lower which persisted for the remainder of the experiments. In the case of the thin chill it became saturated with heat until it was no longer in a position to extract further heat from ·the casting. These results were interpreted by studying the resistance to heat transfer from the casting offered by the ·casting-chill interface and the chill itself for example, the thermal resistance of the casting-chill interface can be influenced by the deformation of their respective surfaces and their subsequent relationship.IntroductionDie casting cast iron offers several advantages such as energy savings, higher mould yield, and better surface quality over the sand casting process1 • The process is· environmentally' friendly because of the elimination of the sand. However the design and construction of metallic moulds is expensive and a faulty die design may result in a defective casting: A simulation based process design of die castings would enable die designers and solidification modellings to try better designs of dies on the computer and arrive at a cost effective solution more quickly. This has numerous benefits for the die caster, as he would be able to produce sound castings with very short lead times.The success of a solidification model to predict accurately the thermal history and the location of hot, spots inside a solidifying casting depends to a large extent on the heat transfer data prescribed at the metal/mould interface. Many measurements of the heat transfer coeffident (or the heat flux) between a solidifying aluminum alloy and a chill have shown that the heat transfer coefficient is a function of most of the variables of the casting process2 - 8. However heat transfer studies during the solidification of ferrous alloys are rather limited. The high temperatures involved suggest that the contribution due to radiation heat transfer cannot be neglected."

Jan 1, 2000

By Tor Lindstad

Specific C02-emissions are given for the production of silicon-metal, ferrosilicon, ferromanganese and silicomanganese. Emissions taken into account come from reduction materials, from coke production and generation of electric energy. C02-emissions can be abated by direct and by indirect methods. A direct method is to replace fossil carbon as reduction material wholly or partially by endogenous carbon (biocarbon, charcoal). Another possibility is to produce metals by electrolysis instead of the present electric smelting furnace. Indirectly CO2-emissions can be reduced by energy recovery, thus saving coal, oil or natural gas for heat generation. Some reduction in global C02-emissions can be obtained by giving credit for the use of silica dust partially replacing cement in concrete. In addition to give an overview of possible methods, costs will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1999

Direct electrowinning is an electrochemical process which has been developed for the extractive recovery of copper from dilute, acidic leach solutions. In passing through a thin particulate coke cathode. copper is reduced and electrodeposited in a thin layer forming a solid copper-coke sheet. The product is melted in a furnace to separate the coke, then the molten copper is fire refined to produce a salable product. A description is given of a prototype unit which is designed to treat 20 gpm leach liquor and recover over 100 pounds of copper per day. Economic analyses show that in a commercial facility producing about 25.000 TPY copper.*the direct electrowinning process has lower overall cost than either conventional iron-cementation or the newer liquid ion exchange-electrowinning when the leach liquors contain less than 2 grams per liter of copper.

Jan 1, 1976

By M. F. Hochella

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis have been used to study the mode of occurrence and mineral associations of gold in partially oxidized high grade gold ore from the Carlin sediment-hosted deposit. Rounded.gold particles have been observed that range in size from 0.03 to 0.1 p.m (300 to 1000 A) in diameter. The gold is associated with maghemite h-Fep3l and a K-Al-Si-bearing phase that is suspected to be illite. Detailed descriptions of gold and its mineral associations in 'Carlin-type' gold deposits are critical not only to understanding the mechanism of fluid transport and precipitation of gold, but also to developing improved metallurgical techniques for the recovery of gold from refractory ore. Direct observation of gold in unoxidized ore is rare due to its relatively high degree of dissemination and low average bulk concentration which averages 9 ppm according to Radtke (1). Hausen and Kerr (2) observed 1 to 5 p.m grains of gold directly in oxidized ore but these microscopically visible particles account for only a small percentage of gold present in the ore. The samples used in this study were selected from individual beds of high grade, partially oxidized ore (4.55 oz/ton or 156 ppm gold) that were collected in the Main pit of the Carlin mine. The samples were collected from several thinly laminated carbonate micrite beds within the top 50 meters of the Roberts Mountains Formation. The carbonate micrite has been altered by hydrothermal fluids to a calcite-absent, moderately silicified rock referred to as alteration zone #3 by Bakken and Einaudi (3). Based on petrographic and SEM studies, the samples contain carbonaceous matter, and both pyrite and iron oxide pseudomorphs after pyrite. The oxidation of pyrite may be a pro-duct of deep weathering, in which case limited remobilization of gold may have occurred. TEM sections of the rock were prepared by first embedding small chips in low viscosity epoxy. The epoxy blocks were cut with a Reichert Ultracut E ultramicrotome, producing thin sections less than 0.1 p.m thick. The sections were examined with a Phil-lips 400ST TEM at 120 keV in both imaging and selected area diffraction modes. Native golci*was easily detected in TEM bright field images due to the large electron density contrast between gold and all other phases that are present (Figs. 1 and 2), Gold was positively identified with high spatial resolution EDX analysis in the transmission electron microscope, although selected area diffraction of individual grains was not successful EDX analyses of the platy and massive minerals immediately surrounding the gold particles typically indicate the presence of Si, AI, K, and Fe, However, the d-spacings derived from selected area diffraction of these polycrystalline masses (as, for example, in Fig. 2) give an exact match for maghemite. As a result, there is no diffraction information to identify the K-AI-Si-bearing phase(s). The lack of a diffraction pattern could be due to either electron beam damage or to a poorly crystalline phase(s).

Jan 1, 1987

By H. K. Lin

Pyrite oxidation in chloride solutions was investigated with cyclic voltammetry, ac impedance and potential step techniques. The pyrite oxidation in quiescent electrolytes is irreversible and controlled by diffusion. Depression of the semi-circle in the complex plane plot has been explained mathematically based on the concept of the equivalent circuit. When the semi-circle is depressed, the mathematical formula indicates that the reaction resistance should be obtained from the intersection of the semi-circle with Z-axis instead of the semi- circle diameter. The peak charging current densities at 1.10 and 0.90 V vs. SHE obtained from the equivalent circuit coupled with the ac impedance measurements match the peak current densities obtained with the potential step measurements.

Jan 1, 1997

By Keuncheol Choi, Yonghack Lee

"The new lead smelter based on the QSL technology was started operation from May 1992 at Onsan Refinery of Korea Zinc Co., Ltd. The smelter is designed to treat not only various types of lead concentrate but also secondary materials coming from the zinc plant without special pretreatment.Shortly after the start-up of the operation, it has demonstrated that the smelter have a capability to treat wide range of raw materials. Continuous modifications and improvements of the plant are still under way to increase the feed rate and also the ratio of secondary materials to the feed.In this paper, the operating experience and results of QSL smelter, especially the injection of gases and coal to the melt, will be presented with major operation parameters and data.INTRODUCTIONThe QSL lead smelter based on new injection technology was commissioned at the Korea Zinc's Onsan plant from May of 1992. After starting the operation, the QSL lead smelter faced various kinds of mechanical and metallurgical troubles. However, these were gradually worked out by the continuous improvements and efforts.At present, the QSL lead smelter is operated stably at the total feed rate of 57 tonnes per hour with an increased amount of secondary materials."

Jan 1, 1996

By A. Mikula, S. Karlhuber

"Unique physical and mechanical properties made the Pb-Sn solders attractive for low temperature joining of electronic parts. But since lead in solder materials has become a great enviromental problem and health concern, lead will be slowly replaced by other materials in soft solders. Some of these materials which are currently under investigation are ternary tin alloys. Many different physical properties like wetting behavior, electrical and thermal conductivity and surface tension are measured on these alloys, but on the thennodynamic properties and the phase diagram of the alloys under discussion there is only little information available. We investigated the (Ag, Au, Cu)-Sn-Zn systems and determined the thermodynamic properties over the whole composition range by emf-measurements. From these measurements we also got some information on the liquidus. In the Sn-rich corner the phase diagrams are still under investigation.IntroductionSoldering is technically defined as the joining of two base materials, mostly metals or metal coated nonmetallic substrates, with a third metal. The melting temperature of the third metal or metal alloy should be well below those of the substrates. Solder alloys can be categorized in soft and hard solders. Soft solder alloys usually contain lead, tin, bismuth, indium or cadmium and hard solders gold, zinc, aluminium or silicon. The difference between soft and hard solders is the melting temperature of the soldering material. This temperature is around 350°C.An interesting brief history of solders is given by Vianco and Frear [1]. They report, that in 4000 B.C. solders were already used in Mesopotamia. From archaeoligical evidence those solders were gold-based hard solders.Tin-lead soft solders and their use are not easily found, because in course of time tin has been reduced to stannic acid, making the identification quite difficult. Well preserved soft solder artifacts were discovered in King Tut's tomb dating from 1350 B.C. In ancient time Pb-Sn solders were used primarily for the manufacture and repair of cooking utensils and metal tools. The Romans used lead-tin solders extensively in the construction of the aqueducts."

Jan 1, 1996

By M. K. Yelloji Roa

Effect of conditioning with Thiobacillus ferrooxidans on the floatability of sphaierite and galena has been determined in this work. The flotation behavior of the conditioned minerals clearly shows that such bacterial conditioning does produce marked modification of their surfaces. The variables affecting the surface modification and thereby the flotation response of the minerals were found to be cell concentration used for bacterial conditioning, the period of biotreatment and the pulp density. Importantly, while the enhancement in flotation obtained due to sulphuric acid treatment was retarded by biotreatment in the case of galena at all cell concentrations due to electrochemical effects, such decrease occurred in the case of sphalerite only at cell concentration sufficiently high for their attachment to the mineral surface. The effect of bacterial conditioning has significant implications to the differential flotation of sphalerite and galena. Mechanisms responsible for the modification of the surface properties of these sulphides due, to bacterial conditioning are discussed.

Jan 1, 1991

By Miller, Geoffrey W.

The Ravensthorpe Nickel Project (RNP) flow sheet provides for the upgrading of Ni & Co in a size based beneficiation process prior to leaching. The upgrading effect on Ni and Co makes the beneticiation process a powerful addition to the flow sheet. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis based on 351 individual batch tests, 52 large scale composites and 21 pilot plant tests has been used to successfully model beneticiation product grade, recovery, upgrade and mass recovery. Statistically, 83% and 96% of the variability in nickel recovery and nickel product grade respectively was accounted for. Algorithms have been developed for Ni, Co, Mg, Al and Fe, which represents the revenue and operating cost factors for the process. The algorithms have subsequently been applied to the resource model, allowing prediction of elemental grade and recovery for the development of the mine schedules based upon these parameters and not head grades alone. This has allowed optimisation of the mine schedule for improvement to the project's NPV. Keywords: Ni Laterite, Prediction, Multiple Linear Regression, Beneficiation

Jan 1, 2004

By V. Ramachandran

Over the past 20 years, water treatment plants have been built at various Asarco facilities to effectively handle the process waste streams that need to be bled from the system. The current paper review the several operations with reference to (a) waste streams processed, (b) process chemistry, (c) discharge options and recovery of treated water, and (d) sludge disposal.

Jan 1, 1994

By R. A. Alock

The character, occurrence and genesis of the three types of nickel deposits, sulfide, laterite and deep-sea nodule are described, highlighting the differences in mineralogy and chemical composition that effect the extractive metallurgy of nickel and associated byproducts. World nickel production and current resources by deposit type and geographic location are also reviewed.

Jan 1, 1988

By Kouji Mimura, Tamas Kekesi, Yongfu Zhu, Masahito Uchikoshi, Minoru Isshiki

"The formation and anion exchange sorption of chloro complex ions can offer a great potential to be utilized for the separation and purification of metals in aqueous solutions. Available stability data were primarily used to estimate the predominance of chloro complex species, indicating the feasibility of such separations. Anion-exchange sorption functions, describing the equilibrium distribution of a number of important elements have been determined by the batch equilibrating method in the practical HC1 concentration range. Various oxidation states were stabilized by the addition of appropriate agents. Tendencies in oxidation, complex formation and anion exchange sorption were confirmed by spectrophotometric investigations. Based on the fundamental results, anion exchange processes have been developed for the purification of iron, cobalt, copper and zinc. The efficiency of separation was assessed and the procedure optimized by the analysis of experimental elution curves. Results have demonstrated that by properly controlling the oxidation states and HC1 concentrations, practically all the impurities can be eliminated. Computer programs have been developed to estimate complex formation and redox equilibria, to screen and correct analytical data, to determine distribution coefficients and to evaluate efficiencies of separation.IntroductionBase transition metals have long been used as the staple materials in various fields of industry. In general, there has been an increasing tendency in purity requirements but recent advances have created a rapidly increasing demand for ultra-high purity metals. To give a few examples, ultra high purity copper can be used as bonding wire and interconnection in integrated circuits, or as material for superconductor stabilizing, high-field magnets, beside its use in cryogenics and ultra high vacuum technology [1]. Iron holds promises as a constituent element in the ß-FeSi2 material to be applied in new opto-electronic devices [2] and it is currently used, together with chromium and manganese, in the production of special magneto-optical materials for digital recording. The use of ultra high purity manganese and chromium in semiconductor technology is evolving. Although not considered a transition metal, zinc is also treated here because of the major significance in compound ZnSe semiconductors [3], and the possibility to purify it by the anion exchange method."

Jan 1, 2000

By Min Xiaobo

As for treatment of zinc-containing wastewater, traditional SRB (Sulfate Reducing Bacteria) process was used, however, there exist two defects, like toxicity of heavy metal ions and high effluent COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) value. In this study, a new technique, called ISIS process (Immobilized SRB sludge beads with Inner cohesive carbon Source), in which SRB sludge is embedded in carrier of PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) with carbon source that adsorbed on certain material, is put forward for the first time to overcome the two defects existing in traditional SRB process. Furthermore, it has been shown that compared to traditional SRB process, ISIS process increases average zinc removal rate up 30%, average sulfate reduction rate up20%, and decrease average effluent COD value to meet discharge standards. If activated carbon is selected for carbon source adsorption and fixing material, and PVA for immobilization material, the zinc removal rate can reach above 98% under the conditions of 35 and pH 6. Meanwhile, the mechanism of zinc removal has been determinated according to the results from SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscope) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction).

Jan 1, 2006

By Vadim J. Jabotinski

Electron beam processing is potentially very attractive for the high temperature treatment of hazardous materials. The very high power efficiency of the electron beam energy source (80- 90% of the power from the electric power line is converted to useable energy) is one of the positive features of this technique. This paper will consider advanced electron beam concepts for solid, liquid, and gaseous waste treatment such as stabilization of radioactive solid and liquid hazardous streams. Fundamental aspects and applications including an analysis of the economic potential of electron beam processing of waste treatment will be presented.

Jan 1, 2000

By J. T. Stanley

The identification of crystal phases and crystal chemistry can be critical to understanding the mechanisms of waste material interaction with native soils. Understanding these mechanisms can suggest correct methods for remediation and treatment. A program is outlined and examples are given of the development of effective techniques for rapid phase identification of environmental samples using electron microscopy. The program concentrates on the development of integrated object oriented software to aid rapid searching of online databases and rapid simulation of potential crystal diffraction patterns. Examples come from dried sludge taken from a former hard-chrome plating facility.

Jan 1, 1993

By M. Okido, H. Yamamoto, T. Sakamoto, R. Ichino, K. Kuroda

"Hydrogen absorption alloy films have been produced by molten salt electrolysis. Lanthanum-Nickel alloy film can be formed on a nickel substrate in KCl-NaCl-LaCb molten salts by electrolysis diffusion process. LaNi5 alloy was formed by mutual diffusion between La ·and Ni after La deposition on Ni substrate. Though several kinds of La-Ni compound existed in deposits, the alloy compounds on Ni substrate changed by electrolysis condition. According to the open-circuit potential measurement in molten salts after La electrodeposition, the formed compounds had a relation to the potential. In the case of the substrate electroplated a cobalt thin film on nickel, LaNi4_5Co0.5 was formed by the electrolysis in the molten salts with lanthanum ions. This ternary alloy film showed better hydrogen absorption behavior in cyclic charge/discharge test in alkaline solution.IntroductionHydrogen storage alloys have attracted attention as the active materials for batteries with the charge/discharge property at ambient temperature. The alloy of nickel and misch metal, mainly consisting of La and Ce, has been commercially 'used as a metal hydride with rechargeable property. In recent years, researches have been developed many kind of new alloys with better hydrogen absorption properties. The hydrogen absorbing alloy ingots are commonly produced by melting method of both metals in furnace, otherwise, prepared by mechanical grinding and metallurgical sintering technique with metal powders. The film is also made by vapor-phase techniques such as sputtering method, ion plating method, etc. ·We have proposed a new method to produce hydrogen absorbing alloy films by molten salts electrolysis technique [1-3]. The hydrogen absorbing film, LaNi5, Mg2Ni and CaNi5, were obtained in this process through controlling the electrolytic condition. The active metals, La, Mg and Ca, are electrodeposited on Ni substrate, diffuse into the substrate and form various kinds of intermetallic compounds. This technique provides a direct process using metal chlorides as resources to produce functional films without using active metals such as La, Ca and Mg."

Jan 1, 2000

By L. G. Wiseman

The raw materials processed, highlights of technology used, and products produced at INCO's Copper Cliff Nickel Refinery in Ontario, Canada, are described in this paper. INCO's Bessemer matte separation process yields various nickel and copper products and intermediates. The latter presents the main supply of raw materials for the Refinery. Key features in the Refinery are Top Blown Rotary Converters and the INCO Pressure Carbonyl (IPC) process. Process improvements made since the commissioning of the Refinery in 1973 are also discussed. The Refinery produces a variety of nickel products, including nickel powders. Residue after carbonylation presents an important intermediate enriched in precious metals and cobalt that serves as feed to downstream operations for recovery of the residue's metal values. Also discussed are detection, measurement and control procedures which ensure safe operation.

Jan 1, 1988

By Joseph C. Milbourne

Tetra Technologies CCIX? (continuous countercurrent ion exchange) system has been involved in a wide range of uranium concentration, separation and purification applications over the past 40 years. Uranium ion exchange applications have ranged from the treatment of copper heap leach solution containing 5 parts per million of uranium to the treatment of high strength sulfuric acid solutions containing several thousand parts per million of uranium. The flexibility and the countercurrent mode of operation and other unique features of the CCIX? have resulted in successful uranium recovery from these solutions and many others.

Jan 1, 1995

By Alain Jardy, Thibaut Quatravaux, Denis Ablitzer

"A numerical model of the Vacuum Arc Remelting process has been developed and applied to simulate remelting of various metallic materials, such as specialty steels, titanium and zirconium alloys. In practice, electromagnetic stirring is sometimes used, resulting in a complex 3D molten metal flow. After having validated the numerical model for different remelting conditions, we can use it to study the effect of applying a constant or alternated magnetic field on the thermohydrodynamic behaviour of the melt pool. The intensity of flow turbulence, computed with a classical k-E model, is shown to depend strongly on the nature of electromagnetic stirring.IntroductionThe principle of the Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) process, illustrated in figure I, consists in melting a consumable metallic electrode of the required grade under a high vacuum, in order to obtain a sound ingot of good structural quality.During remelting, an electric arc is maintained between the tip of the electrode and the top of the secondary ingot, in order to ensure melting of the electrode. The metal droplets fall through the arc plasma and progressively buid up the ingot, which solidifies in contact with the walls of a water-cooled copper crucible. The secondary ingot formed in this way contains three distinct zones, corresponding to the liquid pool, fully solidified metal and intermediate mushy zone. In order to stabilize the arc, it can be confined with the aid of a magnetic field created by an external induction coil. This field can also be used to stir the liquid metal, the rotation induced being in the orthoradial direction. By reversing periodically the coil current, stirring can be alternated."

Jan 1, 2004