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By Joo Hyun Park, Kyu Yeol Ko

The viscosity of the CaO-SiO2-xMnO-yCaF2 slags (C/S=1.0; x=10, 40%; y=0 to 15%) was measured to clarify the effect of CaF2 on the viscous flow of molten slags at high temperatures. Furthermore, the Raman spectra of the quenched glass samples were quantitatively analyzed to investigate the structural role of CaF2 in a depolymerization of silicate networks. The critical temperature of the slags abruptly increased at 15%CaF2, which was confirmed to originate from a crystallization of cuspidine using XRD analysis. The viscosity of the slags continuously decreased by CaF2 addition in the 10%MnO system, whereas the viscosity of the 40%MnO system was not significantly affected by CaF2 addition. The effect of CaF2 on the viscosity of the slags was quantitatively analyzed using micro-Raman spectra of quenched glass samples accompanying with a concept of silicate polymerization index, Q3/Q2 ratio. A polymerization index continuously decreased with increasing content of CaF2 in the 10%MnO system, whereas it was not affected by CaF2 in the 40%MnO system. Consequently, the bulk thermophysical property of the CaO-SiO2-MnO-CaF2 slags was quantitatively correlated to the structural information.

Jan 1, 2014

By Toshia Suzuki, Keiji Kakudate, Yoshihiro Adachi

"A macro model for the steel usage pattern in Japan is proposed. The steels are classified into four types; converter steel for machinery and for construction and electric furnace (EF) steel for machinery and for construction. The steels are assumed to be discharged from the society in accordance with lifetime distributions of each usage. The amount of EF steel and the accumulation in society are calculated using a population balance model. The comparison with the calculated results and statistics ensures the validity of the model. Since the amount of EF steel for construction will increase and be oversupplied, EF steel will have to be used for machinery. The required and available amounts to supply EF steel for machinery are considered from the point of allowable· copper concentration for machinery use. Copper contaminates steel used for machinery during recycling process and contamination ratio is evaluated with the model. Copper concentration in EF steel is predicted for various scenarios.IntroductionThe amount of CO2 emission from Japanese steel industry is 48.0 million C-ton in 1990 and it occupies 15.1% of the total amount in Japan. In order to reduce the C02 emission and to save the natural resources, it is strongly required to promote the recycling of steel. However, the impurity contaminates steel in recycling process and lowers its quality. The copper concentration in EF steel is analyzed by Toi et al. using a macro model with the assumption that steel is discharged in proportion to the accumulation amount [1]. However the discharged amount of products is dependent on their age for service and usage pattern and not on the accumulation amount. In addition, the degree of copper contamination is different depending on the usage of steel. Therefore a precise model that contains the age for service within the society as a parameter and distinguishes the usage· of steel is necessary in order to clarify the problems in the recycling of steel."

Jan 1, 2000

By Donald J. Hallbom

Limonitic nickel laterites slurries exhibit complex rheological properties including time dependency that varies from thixotropy to rheopexy. Chronic problems may occur if plant designers and operators fail to take time dependency into account. Stress decay tests indicate that laterite slurry takes roughly two minutes to approach steady state after a step change in the shear rate. As a result, most rheometer measurements are taken at a non-equilibrium state, making evaluation difficult. Two minutes is also long relative to the time that a unit of slurry in a processing plant is at any given shear state, so the slurry may never reach equilibrium. This paper presents a method to describe the rheology of laterite slurry using a Flow Array, which describes the rheology using an array of instantaneous flow curves crossed by an equilibrium flow curve. A rate equation for structural change in non-equilibrium conditions allows time dependence to be efficiently modeled. This flow array allows the flow behavior of time- dependent slurry to be predicted in non-equilibrium conditions using a simple time-step methodology. Keywords: Rheology. nickel laterite, hydraulic transport, pressure acid leach, flow array

Jan 1, 2004

By H. Bernier

The Noranda Inc., CCR Division, copper refinery located in Montreal-East, Québec, Canada, has expanded over the years to reach a capacity of 410,000 metric tons of cathode production per year. The expansion process resulted in nine, parallel, 200 m. long bays each equipped with its overhead cranes and manually operated washing machines. Anode scrap washing and piling was done manually. The mechanization of the tank house involved the elimination of 18 cells at one end of each of the bays in order to install transfer conveyors where anode scrap and cathode loads are deposited by the bay cranes. The cathode loads are brought by new transverse cranes to new machines where cathodes are washed, piled in predetermined bundle weights, check weighed, strapped then shipped in trucks or railroad cars. Suspension bars are automatically removed, stacked in magazines and sent back to the starting sheet machines. Anode scrap loads are brought to machines located near the anode furnaces where they are washed and piled in bundles for easy charging. The mechanization has eliminated numerous hazardous jobs and has realized a reduction of 0.2 man-hours/ton. After these modifications, the refinery production capacity now stands at 370,000 metric tons per year.

Jan 1, 1987

By Lv Guozhi, Ren Xiaodong, Liu Yan, Dou Zhihe

"This paper investigated a new desulfurizer, dolomite and ferrosilicon. Magnesium vapor produced by silicothermic reduction of dolomite and ferrosilicon in an immersion tube of molten iron was injected into the molten iron by carrier gas through the underpunch of the tube and desulfurization reaction occurred. In order to explore the desulfurization process of molten iron by the new desulfurizer, the thermodynamics, and experiments of magnesium vapor production and desulfurization have been studied. Through thermodynamic calculation, the reaction temperature of magnesium vapor production by 75ferrosilicon and light-burned dolomite is 1838K in the standard state and decreased with the decreasing partial pressure of magnesium vapor, PMg· When PMg=25kPa, the reaction happens at 1673K. From experiments of magnesium vapor production, reduction efficiency of Mg vapor is about 60 % in 15 minutes at 1673K. From hot metal experiments, the desulfurization efficiency is 89.35%, and the lowest sulfur concentration after desulfurization is 46ppm.IntroductionPretreatment desulfurization of hot metal has become a necessary step in modem optimizing steelmaking process for its cheap cost, which can not only liberate of blast furnace productivity and reduce the burden of produce steel, but also effectively improve overall economic efficiency of the iron and steel system[l-ZJ_ At present, injection magnesium particle is one of the two main methods of desulphurization in hot metal owing to its strong affinity for sulphur, low amount of slag produced, low iron loss in slag skimming and low equipment investment[3l. However, there are still some insufficiencies on the hot iron pretreatment with magnesium particles at present[4-5l"

Jan 1, 2013

By Zhigang Liang

Effects of the configuration parameters of submerged entry nozzle on the flow field in slab mold were investigated through a water modeling. The experimental results showed, when the original submerged entry nozzle was applied, there was an appreciable level fluctuation in the mold with obviously naked surface and entrapment of mold flux at higher casting speed. By increasing the outlet area of submerged entry nozzle, without any change of other configuration parameters and submergence depth, a proper fluid field with active surface and good covering of mold flux can be obtained, which is proper to meet the requirement for increasing the casting speed and improving the slab quality simultaneously.

Jan 1, 2009

By Blas Melissari, Stavros A. Argyropoulos

"In this paper a computational approach was employed to estimate the melting of solid spheres immersed in different liquid metals and under different convective conditions. The spheres are made from the same material as the liquid metal. The SIMPLER algorithm was implemented using a three-dimensional system in Cartesian co-ordinates. Experimental validation of the dimensionless correlation was carried out in two fluids with vastly different Prandtl numbers. The dimensionless heat transfer coefficient (Nusselt number) is obtained as a function. of the Reynolds and Prandtl number.IntroductionThere is a paucity of dimensionless convective heat transfer correlations applicable to fluids like liquid metals. The existing correlations cover single Prandtl number metals [l] or at most two different Prandtl number metals [2]. A knowledge of heat transfer rates from particles at high flux levels has become increasingly important to the design of energy transfer systems. Melting of solid particles has been studied extensively as it relates to many engineering and environmental applications, such as materials processing, space applications, water resource and energy conversion. When objects are immersed in a fluid with a temperature higher than their melting point, they melt and produce molten material that then mixes with the surrounding fluid. These objects experience not only size variation but also changes in their shape. This observation is more pronounced when the melting occurs in a forced convective flow.Yuge performed pioneering experimental work on the heat transfer from a sphere to air under mixed convection [3]. He suggested procedures for predicting the Nusselt number. Hieber et al [4] studied the spherical system analytically, but their study was limited to flow with small Reynolds numbers. Many researchers studied the melting dynamics of ice spheres in water at different convective regimes. Aziz et al [5] and Hao et al [6] performed measurements of the heat transfer coefficient in the water system by measuring the melting time of ice spheres in forced convection. Hao et al [7] performed visualization studies of ice spheres melting in water under mixed convection regime. All of this groundbreaking work, however, did not involve the use of liquid metals"

Jan 1, 2004

By R. R. Beebe

"Laboratory and pilot-scale tests are almost invariably required before metallurgical development can proceed. Difficulties with sampling, as well as with classical chemical and physical scaleups, are normally anticipated and relatively well-understood, but more subjective factors also come into play, including misunderstandings of the operating scheme chosen, wrong ""lessons"" learned from similar operations, failures to handle data appropriately, and even arbitrary intervention by management. The paper examines some of these subjective factors and suggests ways to guard against them. Several anecdotal case studies are used as examples, including when and where to heap leach or to mill specific types of gold ore.When the Romans first exploited the gold-rich gossans at Rio Tinto, they were guided by analyses and tests that delineated the ore deposits, identified the richer portions, and measured the gold recoveries achieved. There is little evidence, however, to suggest that test data were used to develop improved methods of metallurgical extraction. Indeed, it is likely that ores too difficult to treat were simply passed by, at least until improvements in full-scale operations could deal with them. For example, it is not difficult to imagine that an early metallurgist might test a tin ore by placing some in a fire; a smallscale emulation of the method actually used in practice."

Jan 1, 1997

By W. L. Cornell

The processing of lead tailings for removal of the heavy metals produces concentrates upgraded in Co and Ni values. Reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, and Vickers hardness measurements were used to identify mineral species, associations, degree of liberation, and distributions to the test products. Siegenite and bravoite were the most common species encountered, but violarite and enriched pyrite and marcasite phases were also identified. Liberation for the Co and Ni minerals contained in the tailings was 20 micrometers or less.

Jan 1, 1993

By C. H. Quan

Solvent extraction tests were carried out on a rare earth chloride solution derived from monazite processing to determine the effect of extractant and diluent on the distribution coefficients between organic and aqueous phases, and the separation factor between rare earths. The extractants were 20% by volume di-2-ethyl-hexyl phosphoric acid (DZEHPA) or 2-ethyl-hexyl phosphonic acid (Ionquest® 801). Four Shellsol diluents were tested ranging from nil to 100% aromatic content. D2EHPA gave the highest rare earth extraction for a given pH but was less selective than Ionquest. The geometric mean separation factor between adjacent rare earths varied from 2.41-2.56 for D2EHPA to 2.62-3.01 for Ionquest. The nil-aromatic diluents (Shellsol 2037 and 2358) gave better separation factors in Ionquest but, in D2EHPA, were slightly inferior to the 100% aromatic diluent Shellsol AB. Yttrium behaved as a pseudo-heavy rare earth with a distribution coefficient lying between Ho and Er, as expected from its ionic radius.

Jan 1, 1992

By B. R. Baldock, R. W. Matusewicz

The recycling of used computer boards is a key industry activity for the recovery of precious metals. The safe and effective separation of metallic from non-metallic materials and subsequent processing of these secondary materials to provide high recoveries of values and excellent environmental performance are critical process requirements. Ausmelt Technology has been used commercially in four plants for the recovery of precious metals and has also been used very successfully at pilot plant scale to process computer boards. This work and its application to commercial operations with particular reference to processing conditions and environmental performance are reviewed.

Jan 1, 2000

By Raj Mutharasan

The phenomena of gas-molten metal reactions for the production of metal matrix composites consist typically of a combination of one or more gas transport steps and a liquid gas reaction step. Reaction products include such strength enhancers, grain refiners, or high thermal conductivity phases as TiC, AIN, SIC, Si3N4, TiN in aluminum alloys. Nitrides, carbides and oxides can be produced at various volume fractions and in fairly fine sizes (500 am to 5 um) in laboratory melts by Reactive Gas Injection method (RGI). Gas injection methodology to produce the reinforcements is attractive because it can potentially be scaled to production scales in excess of 10,000 kg/h. For continuous production, the reactant molten metal can be continuously fed into the .crucible where the reactive gas is injected. The molten metal phase reactant may also be involved in a controlling transport step, depending on its concentration and viscosity. It is well known that the reaction product reinforcement size and shape of these phases have significant impact on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The current state of knowledge is unable to predict the kinetics and growth of solid reaction products obtained. The primary goal is to develop a fundamental framework for the understanding and prediction of the particle size in such reaction systems. In addition, the role of gas transport, liquid hydrodynamics and decomposition are important issues. A reaction-transport model is being developed using a reaction, transport, and thermodynamic framework, both at macro and at atomistic level to assess gas - liquid interactions.

Jan 1, 1996

By S. Vukcocic

A long term research project is in progress to establish the parameters of an acid leach process to recover alumina 'froui' high-iron and/or low-iron white bauxites, kaolinite, coal. ash and copper mine tailing. In this paper the results of acid leaching of copper flotation tailing for the removal of alumina are presented. The tailing is very complex material which contains 25% Al203 in the -10 lim fraction. X-ray diffraction indicates presence of quartz, kaolinite and minor 'alunite. After classification and ,separation of the -10 lim fraction, the raw material is fired to 550GC and leached at 90GC. Filtration is applied for the separation of white silicate residue form leach liquid. After the purification step, aluminum salt is crystallized from the solution, and calcined to alumina. Kinetic correlation and regime, of the processes are defined and presented in the paper.

Jan 1, 1992

By Y. H. Liu

Several foaming aluminum samples of different density were prepared in a semi?industrial scale experimental system, Their properties such as the energy absorption characteristics, mechanical properties, heat conductivity and acoustical properties were measured. The results showed that the foaming aluminum with a density of 0.5 to 0.6 g/em3J has the best energy absorption and this makes it suitable as the ensuring bar of the automobiles and also as a cushion material for the engine. The foaming aluminum with a density of 0.25 to 0.4 g/em3 has the best acoustical properties and heat conductivity resistance, which is suitable for the door filling material, the ceiling and the partition or the car engine.

Jan 1, 2003

By Dennis J. Kemp

Laterite projects are found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. As a result severe meteorological situations accompany such projects, often in regions of high seismic activity and political uncertainty. Frequently, socio-economic development supported by political interest is a major driver for development, while environmental protection imposes numerous stresses on the project. This paper will review and examine the many social, environmental, technical and financial issues that a mining and extraction process is subject to during development. The options that must be evaluated will be discussed in the context of sustainable development. Issues of project standards and cultural impact through to long-term issues such as greenhouse gasses and climate change will be assessed in redirecting project environmental norms. Although a rationale for sustainable project can be developed many long- term uncertainties around issues remain. Keywords: sustainable development, communities, social issues, standards, energy, waste management, consultation, agreements

Jan 1, 2004

By Keri Ledford, Stephanie Lin, Jason Nadler

Novel processes are being developed to fabricate thin copper thermal wick samples of a targeted porous microstructure. Structures of desired porosity, thisckness and pore size and distribution are achieved by tayloring the incorporation of sacrificial polymer beads in to slurry precursors. The thickness of the final structure is dictated by precisely controllable slurry application methods, such as spin coating. Ina subsequent heat treatment, th epolymer components thermally decompose and the remaining copper particles sinter to form a reticulated foam. The resulting microstructures are characterized in terms of porosity, permeability and specific surface area.

Jan 1, 2012

By M. C. Ruiz

The leaching behavior of chalcopyrite concentrate in acidic CuC12-NaCI-O2 solutions was investigated. Experiments were conducted under continuos flow of oxygen at atmospheric pressures. The results indicated that among the variables temperature has the largest influence on the dissolution of chalcopyrite in this medium, and high copper extraction can only be obtained at temperatures near the boiling point of the solution. It was also found that the stirring speed did not influence appreciably the dissolution of chalcopyrite. An increase in the oxygen flow rate up to 0.1 1/min increased the copper extraction. The total chloride concentration affects the dissolution of chalcopyrite up to about 4 M. Copper extraction of 93 % was obtained in leaching chalcopyrite of size fraction -400 # Tyler at 105 OC in 2 hours.

Jan 1, 1997

By Yi Feng Shi

The ISASMELT process is a submerged lance smelting technology operating in smelters in Australia, the USA, Belgium, India, Germany, Malaysia and China. Further plants are under construction in Peru and Zambia. Initially developed at Mount Isa Mines, Australia, the technology is marketed by Xstrata Technology to companies around the world. Yunnan Copper Co. Ltd. (YCC) commissioned the first copper ISASMELT furnace in China in 2002. The plant quickly ramped up to design capacity and the first campaign lasted more than 2 years. Now into the second campaign, the furnace is exceeding the original design capacity and YCC has won numerous awards for its contribution to reducing emissions and energy consumption. YCC and Xstrata put great effort into managing the design, construction and commissioning of the smelter. Xstrata?s technology was combined with YCC?s novel management approach. This effort has been repaid in terms of the outstanding performance of the plant since startup. This paper updates the reader on the first few years? operation of the YCC ISASMELT plant and discusses the way in which the technology was transferred, leading to fast rampup and, as a result, enhanced profitability for the operators.

Jan 1, 2006

By Gary A. Wickham

In the zinc industry, this past decade has seen both prosperity and depression. Significant changes have occurred throughout the world in mining, smelting, refining, and marketing. This paper will review many of the industrywide changes of recent years and the potential impact for 1990s. In addition to an historical review of supply and demand are discussion of technology considerations for zinc and zinc based products, effects of geographical shifting of markets, and projections for the 1990s.

Jan 1, 1990

By T. Manlyama

The Tamano Smelter of Hibi Kyodo Smelting CO., Ltd. went into operation in 1972. The Flash Smelting Furnace that was originally adapted was equipped with electrodes that were attached to the settler substitute of the slag cleaning furnace. Later the development of our own original coke combustion technology was promoted and a new Tamano Type Flash Smelting Furnace (T-FSF), without electrodes, was put into operation in 1988, T he technology of coke combustion and combustion the burner have continued to improve. As a result the copper losses in the Wag have been reduced as well as a stable operation has been achieved, Furthermore; this has been accomplished while increasing the concentration feed and the matte grade. The current objective is to continue to strive for high matte grade operation and to raise production efficiency while paying attention to the important subject of copper losses in the slag. In this report, the data related to the copper loss in the slag reduction are presented along with the influence of the thickness, settling time and coke. The recent operation conditions of the T-FSF are also presented.

Jan 1, 2003