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By P. R. Seidl, R. C. C. Ribeiro, J. C. G. Correia

"More than 95% of asphalt pavement materials consist of aggregates. The highway and construction industries consume a huge amount of aggregates annually causing considerable energy and environmental losses. The aggregates are usually produced from neighborhood aggregate quarries or form natural aggregate sources. The use of marble and granite wastes from quarries as aggregates might help meet the increasing demands and slow down any detrimental effects on the environment. Chemical and physical results showed that the use of marble and granite wastes from quarries in the asphalt production is quite fusible. Consequently, granite sawmills would perform a clean technology. This technology would also have an economical impact by not spending on basalt extraction.IntroductionThe granite fines generated from sawmills of ornamental rocks comes as a great problem and it lacks undeletable solutions. This problem involves the preservation of the environmental and constitutes one of the subjects more critical the point of view of social beneficiation of the population. The Cachoeiro de Itapemirim County, Espírito Santo State, Brazil is an example, of this problem. In this area, the granite and marble fines generation is around 15.000 ton/year.The problems generated by these residues affect with more emphasis the animals, such as the cattle, which inhaled the water content fines of granite and this residue accumulate in their lungs. Other great problem observed is the sanded of the river and the reduction of aquatic life.This problem is beginning to be set out due to performance of Center of Mineral Technology (CETEM), and of several other organisms of Rio de Janeiro State, aiding the sawmills owner’s. This help consists of teaching the best procedure of discard the residues and studies for its use, for instance the production of mortars, tiles, bricks and road pavements [1]."

Jan 1, 2008

Environmental and public concerns and the banned use of cyanide for the recovery of gold in some parts of the world have heightened the search for an alternative lixiviant to cyanide. Thiosulfate appears to be the most promising alternative to cyanide due to thiosulfate being non-toxic, relatively cheap compared to cyanide and generally gold recoveries are similar to those of cyanide. The most widely researched thiosulfate process is one where copper ions and ammonia are added to the solution. This paper reviews the leaching of gold in thiosulfate solutions and the contributions of the research at Monash University to the understanding of the gold oxidation reaction in thiosulfate solutions, the solution chemistry when copper ions, ammonia and oxygen are present, the influence of the changing solution chemistry on the gold leach kinetics, and the application of thiosulfate in the leaching of gold from ores. It is clearly shown that the gold oxidation rate is hindered in thiosulfate solutions. In the presence of copper ions the gold oxidation rate though is significantly enhanced and thus is why copper(II) is more effective than other oxidants in the thiosulfate leach system. The copper-ammonia-thiosulfate leach solution chemistry is shown to be very complex, especially in the presence of oxygen as the rate of thiosulfate oxidation increases and the majority of the copper ions are not maintained in the copper(II) oxidation state. The thiosulfate oxidation rate must also be maintained low as an intermediate thiosulfate oxidation product hinders gold leaching. In optimising the recovery of gold from ores with copper-ammonia-thiosulfate leach solutions it is important to evaluate and minimise any negative effect an ore may have on the leach solution chemistry and hence gold leaching.

Jan 1, 2003

By David Dreisinger

The pressure oxidation of pyrite is an important hydrometallurgical technology, especially in the total oxidation of refractory gold ores and concentrates (gold is locked in the pyrite structure preventing direct cyanide recovery). It has been noticed in some commercial applications and benchscale studies that the leaching of pyrite may be slow and apparently can be inhibited by the presence of molten elemental sulfur in the leach pulp. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Ortho-Phenylene-Diamine (OPD) could be used as a surfactant or dispersant for sulfur in the pressure oxidation of pyrite. OPD has previously been shown to be useful for pressure leaching of zinc and copper sulfides at 150 C.In this work, the interfacial chemistry of sulfur was studied at temperatures of up to 190 C in the presence and absence of OPD and other surfactants. The contact angle between molten sulfur and pyrite was also measured. Finally, the impact of OPD on the kinetics of pyrite oxidation was measured in bench-scale pressure oxidation experiments. The essential finding of this study was that OPD lowers the interfacial tension between molten sulfur and acid solutions and increases the contact angle (reduces wetting) between molten sulfur and pyrite. The work of adhesion between sulfur and pyrite was reduced by more than an order of magnitude in the presence of OPD. In bench scale tests, addition of OPD was found to significantly accelerate the rate of oxidation of pyrite. Conveniently, it was found that OPD was also fully degraded during high temperature oxidation processes. No residual OPD was detected in solution or solid samples from the leach testing. OPD is recommended as a sulfur dispersant in the pressure oxidation of pyrite and/or elemental sulfur containing feeds.

Jan 1, 2003

By Gordon Holcomb, George R. St. Pierre, Robert A. Rapp

Carbon/Carbon composites offer promise as high-temperature structural materials. A primary limitation on their application is the need to provide protection against oxidation in hot oxidizing environments. Silicon carbide conversion coatings have been shown to provide extended protection at temperatures of 1600°C. SiC coated C/C components have been used in several aerospace applications. In the present paper, the preparation of carbon fibers and their treatment during subsequent processing into coated components are discussed with particular emphasis on the processing variables that can result in improved oxidation resistance. In particular, the influence of substrate inhibitors and selective sealants for cracks in coated C/C components are analysed.

Jan 1, 1988

By Kang-In Rhee

Nonferrous metal recycling not only provides energy saving and environmental benefits but also is a significant factor in the supply of various types of metals used in our society. Recycling plays an important role in establishing the sustainability of materials. The total amount of recycled nonferrous metals by weight accounts for less than 5% but their value is larger than 50% compared to ferrous metal recycling which consists of about half of the total metal recycling in weight. This paper describes trends and typical achievements in nonferrous metal recycling and overviews the present and future of nonferrous metal recycling technology and business in Korea.

Jan 1, 2006

By Qian Fu

Although chlorine fluxing to remove magnesium has been widely practiced in the aluminum industry for many years, there appear to have been few fundamental studies of the kinetics and transport phenomena involved. The paper describes such a study in which the rates of reaction of individual argon/chlorine bubbles with aluminum/magnesium melts were measured. The detachment of bubbles from a submerged nozzle, at variable depth in the melt, was detected by a microphone and the arrival of the bubble at the top surface by conductivity probes. Analysis of exit gases and mass balances yielded the overall progress of reaction. Experimental results are interpreted in terms of heterogeneous reaction kinetics and mass transport to the bubble-melt interface,

Jan 1, 1996

By Tarasankar DebRoy

Professor Robertson’s recognized research on metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics for over 40 years facilitated the emergence of rigorous quantitative understanding of many complex metallurgical processes. The author had the opportunity to work with Professor Robertson on liquid metals in the 1970s. This paper is intended to review the advances in the quantitative understanding of welding processes and weld metal attributes in recent decades. Over this period, phenomenological models have been developed to better understand and control various welding processes and the structure and properties of welded materials. Numerical models and animations of melting, solidification and the evolution of micro and macro-structural features will be presented to critically examine their impact on the practice of welding and the underlying science.

Jan 1, 2014

By V. V. Kutumbarao, M. T. Nimje, G. Balasubramanian

Wastes from the aluminium industry such as red mud from the alumina refinery, fly ash from the captive power plant and spent pot lining from the smelter, have been successfully converted into glass-ceramic products. The process involves addition of a small quantity of glass former along with traces of nucleating agents to aid crystallization, to a specific mixture ofred mud, fly ash and spent pot lining, followed by melting at around 1300°C and vitrification by cooling. The resultant glass is then converted into a glass- ceramic by a suitable heat treatment at around 700 - 750°C. The glass-ceramic products show excellent wear resistance, besides possessing an aesthetic appearance. The major application foreseen for such products is as decorative tiles in the building industry.

Jan 1, 2000

By Xu Zhong

The theoretical limit to smelting rate and possibly the size of a smelter is dependent on the rate of heat transfer, and the chemical kinetics of both sulfur removal and minor element volatilization. The fundamental kinetics of volatilization of minor elements such as As, Sb, Bi, and Pb from matte and white metal is being investigated. It has been shown that the molecular form of trace elements in matte depends on the chemical potential of sulfur and the propensity for the minor element to form a sulfide. The impact of the variable molecular form of the minor elements on the volatilization kinetics is unknown and is under investigation in this study. The experimental technique is reviewed and preliminary results are reported in this manuscript.

Jan 1, 1995

By Wolfgang Steffes-Tun

Pyrite ore concentrate from the Meggen mine (FRG) , which contains about 0 300 400 ppm thallium, is roasted in a fluid bed furnace at 1000 -1100 C to form sulfur dioxide and ash consisting mainly of hematite. Subsequently, the sulfur dioxide is separated from the ash or dust during several steps while cooling to about 250oC. The pyrite ash fractions show decreasing grain size down to 5 pm, a pH-decrease down to 2,4 and a marked enrichment of arsenic and thallium by a factor of 12. In the final fraction, the hot electroprecipitator dust of the dump (EGR), minute crystals of thallium-containing jarosite can be detected by analytical transmission electorn microscopy (TEM). Under oxidizing, acid conditions, jarosite may be a possible "reservoir mineral" for immobilizing thallium.

Jan 1, 1989

By Richard M. RusselI, Jerry Sweeney

"The disposal of Aluminum slag wastes continues to challenge an otherwise environmentally beneficial and highly desirable industry - Aluminum Recycling. Slag wastes contain soluble salts that can be reused in aluminum smelting. Reclaiming salt is a logical first step in eliminating slag waste.Reclaiming salt flux has been conducted on a limited basis in the United States for reasons of economy. Practical methods and rising landfill tipping fees will increase the number of plants which opt to recover salts from slag wastes.The authors share their experiences in the design, operation and startup of a commercial scale flux reclamation plant operated by Tennessee Aluminum Processors at Mt. Pleasant Tennessee. This paper identifies three elements that allow practical operations:• Minimizing Evaporator Heat Duty• Simplifying Evaporator Operations• Potassium Chloride Fortification of the Recycled Salt"

Jan 1, 2000

By Laurence G. Dyer, David G. Dixon, John Rumball, Maziar Eghbalnia, Edouard Asselin

"Linear scan voltarnmetry was used to determine the reactions that occur during the cyanidation of petzite (Ag3AuTe2). Gold oxidation in petzite requires more oxidising conditions than are required for pure gold, it also does not achieve the same current (related to reaction rate). Tellurium oxidation occurs at a similar potential in water and cyanide, but as a component of petzite is impeded somewhat in water, likely due to the stability of the precious metals. Pre-treatment of petzite to oxidise tellurium in the absence of cyanide prior to gold recovery appears to be at least moderately successful.IntroductionWhile gold occurs most prevalently in its native form, many other gold bearing phases appear throughout natural systems [I]. Tellurides are a common group of such minerals, many of which also contain silver, often existing in association with native gold deposits. The six major gold-bearing tellurides are calaverite (AuTe2), sylvanite [(Au, Ag)2Te4], montbrayite [(AuSb)zTe3], krennerite [(Au1-x, Ag,)Te2], petzite (Ag3AuTe2) and muthmannite (AuAgTe2) [2]. While several other phases exist they are much more complex (i .e. buckhornite), which dilutes and confuses the influence of each specific component. Studies of gold tellurides have predominantly focussed on calaverite as it is the simplest and most common phase, however petzite, commonly found in Australia and North America, is the focus of this investigation.Gold processing via cyanidation has been operated for more than a century and is a highly effective hydrometallurgical treatment of native gold deposits. However, some gold alloys such as tellurides have proven to be somewhat less responsive under the same conditions. Several groups have shown that gold/silver tellurides are amenable to cyanidation, but are significantly more refractory than native gold [3]. Pre-oxidation steps have been tested to remove constituents that would consume cyanide such as sulfides. Such species are also linked to the precipitation of oxidised telluriwn, forming a passive layer, further inhibiting gold recovery [2]. It is uncertain to the definite reasons underpinning the refractory nature of precious metal tellurides in conventional cyanidation."

Jan 1, 2012

By Gowda H. S. Desai, A. Herbert Mervin, P. G. Mukunda

"The mechanical properties of cast iron depend on the graphite morphology and characteristics of metallic matrix. In spheroidal graphite iron these properties are affected by the nodule count, nodule percentage, nodularity, nodules per square mm, nodule types and size distribution. In this work an attempt is made to study of the effect of centrifugal and gravity casting process on the morphology and mechanical properties. A comparison of microstructure and mechanical properties of specimens of the cast are studied. It has been observed that the centrifugal effect produces an increase in rupture strain but hardness is unaffected. In microstructure it has been observed that the centrifugal effect produces an increase in the number of bigger nodules and decrease in the number of smaller nodules and an increase of nodules per square mm. It has no effect on nodularity percentage. The centrifugal casting process produces better mechanical properties.IntroductionCast iron, the first man-made composite, is at least 2500 years old. It remains the most important casting material, with over 70% of the total world tonnage [1,7]. The main reasons for cast irons longevity are its wide range of mechanical and physical properties coupled with its competitive price [l]. Gray cast iron is traditionally used in many industries because it is characterized by a flexibility of use, excellent castability, low cost, wide range of achievable mechanical properties. Gray cast irons are selected according to their tensile strength, high modulus of elasticity, good wear resistance and good machinability are desired and for this a high-strength cast iron is selected [2].Flake Graphite and Spheroidal Graphite irons are predominantly being used to manufacture heavy automobile components throughout the world. The properties of gray iron castings are much dependent on foundry practice. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the family of cast irons is the morphology of the graphite phase, which occurs as a result of changes in chemical composition, melting, melt handling techniques and the process of solidification and subsequent cooling. The significance of these differences through graphite morphology is observed primarily in their effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the iron, but in the foundries these are also known to influence the ability to manufacture sound and dependable castings."

Jan 1, 2013

By M. Frades, C. Frías, G. Díaz, A. B. Mejías

"In recent years, zinc recovery from flue dusts and other industrial wastes has been increased, offering to the market a large tonnage of secondary zinc oxides, which can not be processed directly to render high quality zinc because of the hazardous impurities and halogens content.The ZINCEXTM Technology has been commercially applied for more than thirty years and represents the most suitable solution to deal with secondary or crude zinc oxides due to its flexibility, simplicity, and cost-efficiency, allowing production of SHG electrolytic zinc and pure zinc sulfate salts thanks to the flexibility and selectivity of the zinc solvent extraction unit regarding to get rid of impurities.A dual plant able to produce electrolytic zinc and crystallized zinc sulfate has been engineered to provide a flexible and profitable solution to zinc market. A description of the study and the relevant achievements is presented in this paper.IntroductionZinc is a valuable commodity in the marketplace and can be recycled again and again and still maintain its physical and chemical properties. Zinc recycling offers both environmental and economic benefits such as reducing volumes of material that end up in landfills, saving energy by reducing the need for mining and smelting, and relieving environmental impact on the land and water, and conserving zinc ore [1].The supply of zinc able to be re-processed will be increasing from year to year according to secondary materials enter the recycling stream, and as a result, more recycled zinc will become available in the market. Thus, some existing zinc refineries are implementing an annexed treatment line to process secondary oxides in conjunction with primary zinc concentrates [2].The galvanized steel scrap is normally recycled in electric arc furnaces or in basic oxygen furnaces, which generates a large tonnage of zinc-bearing flue dusts (EAFD). Around one million ton EAFD is yearly produced at the USA and the EU, respectively. The flue dusts are treated commercially by pyrometallurgical ways such as waelz kilns, electrothermic furnaces, etc, to yield secondary zinc oxides that can not be processed directly to render high quality zinc because of the hazardous impurities and halogens content [3]."

Jan 1, 2008

By Elsa Olivetti, Randolph Kirchain, Gabrielle Gaustad

"As scrap usage increases, it is often necessary to “dilute” the melt with primary aluminum to ensure the finished product meets compositional specifications. Secondary raw materials, particularly postconsumer scraps, often include high levels of unwanted or “tramp” elements, such as iron and silicon in the case of aluminum. Recent literature on this issue cites several causes including inherent contamination during processing as well as ineffective segmentation at end-of-life. To address this accumulation problem, “upgrading” solutions have been developed including: dismantling of end-of-life products, spectrographic or magnetic sorting of shredded scrap, and “filtration” technologies that remove tramp elements in the melt. Although it is clear that upgrading strategies enable increased usage of scrap, it is not clear that they would be economic or efficient. This work presents a set of analytical methods, based on chance constrained optimization, to quantify the potential environmental and economic value of several scrap upgrading technologies.IntroductionAluminum recycling has a number of key environmental and economic benefits. Compared to other materials, aluminum production has one of the largest energy differences between primary and secondary production: 175 MJ/kg for primary compared to 10-20 MJ/kg for secondary[1]. With energy and cost savings in mind, many producers now have targets of increasing their usage of secondary materials[2, 3]. However, the accumulation of impurities in these recycled material streams provides a significant compositional barrier to these goals[4].A growing number of studies and literature would suggest that accumulation of unwanted elements is a growing problem, in all recycled material streams. In the case of aluminum, the list of problematic impurities is quite large, including but not limited to: Si[5, 6], Mg, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr[7], Fe[5-7], Cu[6, 7], V, and Mn[6]. Metals recycling is a metallurgical process and is therefore governed by the laws of thermodynamics. The removal of unwanted elements in the scrap stream is dictated by the energy considerations of the melt process. Compared to many metals, aluminum has a high degree of difficulty in the removal of tramp elements, due to thermodynamic barriers. Therefore, with no simple thermodynamic solution, producers must identify strategies through-out the production process to mitigate this elemental accumulation."

Jan 1, 2008

By J. E. Jacoby

Scrap recycling has become an increasingly important source of metal units for the aluminum industry during the past 25 years. Aluminum scrap from the manufacture and recycling of cans, automobiles, buildings and other products has created an industry that melts these products and delivers the metal in molten or sow form to companies that make cast parts or fabricated products This rapidly developing recycling industry has contributed a large number of severe (Force 3) molten aluminum explosions (25) with associated fatalities (19) to the Aluminum Association data accumulated during the past nineteen years. The explosions that occurred in recyclers plants represent 17% of the total explosions, 33% of the Force 3 explosions and 37% of the fatalities reported. These explosions can be prevented! This paper will identify causes of these explosions and procedures that can be used to prevent them.

Jan 1, 2000

By Jesús L. Valenzuela

The solvent extraction for gold from alkaline cyanide solutions has been investigated using LIX 79 guanidine-based extractant. Different variables that could affect the extraction system were evaluated: equilibrium time, aqueous pH and extractant and modifier concentrations. The extraction isotherms of the aurocyanide complex with respect to other cyanoanions were compared and the following order of selectivity Au>Ag>Cu>Zn>>Fe was observed. From the pH isotherms it was found that aurocyanide can be extracted in alkaline media and a better separation with respect to other cyanoaniones was obtained in the range of 10.5 < pH < 11.2. Better selectivity was observed when using LIX 79 and tridecanol at 10% and 5% vol, respectively. Stripping gold from loaded organic was carried out at pH>12, using NaOH and NaCN solutions.

Jan 1, 2003

By K. Watling

Vibrational spectra of surface and solution compounds formed during cyclic voltammetry of a gold electrode in a deoxygenated 0.01 mol dm-3 NaCN solution have been examined using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The presence of cyanide at the electrode surface was indicated by Raman bands characteristic of the carbon-nitrogen stretch, CN.. Chemisorption of cyanide on the gold surface was evidenced by the presence of vibrational modes due to gold-carbon stretching, AuC, and gold-carbon-nitrogen bending, AuCN. Prior to the disappearance of the surface cyanide stretch band, a limiting value of the CN was obtained, the same as the value reported for adsorbed cyanide. Effects upon the voltammetry and vibrational modes of surface species due to additions of silver and lead to the gold-cyanide system have been observed.

Jan 1, 2003

By Jack A. Simon

My remarks are directed at relating some of the mineralogical approaches mentioned in the preceding presentations to emerging energy issues. The assembling of this symposium on process mineralogy attests to the growing concern for energy development from the non-petroleum mineral fuels and the unconventional petroleum fuels. A report in 1979, prepared under the auspices of the National Research Council/National Academy, of Sciences, was published in two parts and dealt with "Redistribution of Accessory Elements in Mining and Mineral Processing." This report rather comprehensively considers broad aspects of minerals associated with the solid fuels considered in this symposium and focuses attention on some problems of process mineralogy relative to these fuels. Papers have dealt with coal, oil shale, tar sands, and uranium minerals. Problems associated with mining, processing, and use of these materials have significant differences, but also have some factors in common relative to the subject of this symposium.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. H. Jay

Sulphide-containing minerals, particularly iron, lead to acid formation. In turn, the acid generates effluents such as copper acid drainage (AMD). The Berkeley Pit in Butte, Montana, USA and Mt Lyell in Tasmania, Australia, represent just two of many sites throughout the world for which acceptable treatment methods are required. In the gold cyanidation process, the presence of copper creates both a significant cost impediment and a potential environmental hazard. The tailings dam failure at Baia Mare in Romania which led to the release of copper and zinc cyanides created a major environmental disaster. The application of non-toxic water soluble polymers and ion exchange resins to selectively recover copper from AMD solutions, and the in-plant treatment of copper cyanide solutions and slurries to recover copper and recycle cyanide to prevent cyanide entering the tailings impoundment will be discussed. The economics of the various processes will be highlighted.

Jan 1, 2003