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By J. W. Matousek

In the flash smelting of copper sulfide concentrates, the course of reactions from the burner tip, through flame "burn-out" (the point of oxygen depletion), to settled matte and slag is of particular interest in understanding the mechanisms of the process. Numerous reaction sets can be proposed to describe the chemical changes that might be taking place, but from outside the furnace no one set offers an obvious advantage in explaining the actual processes involved. Only a combination of mathematical modeling and flame and bath sampling can achieve this result. This paper shows that flash smelting, while still reasonably orderly, is a more complex process than suggested by the technical literature.

Jan 1, 1993

By Levent Özmen

Colemanite is a mineral containing varying amount of boron that is found in abundance in Turkey. It has a good possibility to be used as a flux in iron and steel industry. In this study a review of the use of colemanite, as a flux agent in steel production has been carried out and various related aspects such as its influence in metal-slag reactions, solubility of lime and magnesia in the slag are discussed along its performance in several points of views including its technical and environmental usage characteristics. Positive and negative factors of using this material as a flux are also underlined.

Jan 1, 2006

By Stuart M. Jones

This paper describes the state of the art of grinding in the Copper Industry today including descriptions of the largest equipment and design features which allow processing of as much as 100,000 mtpd in a single mill line. We include a typical flowsheet, control philosophies, and maintenance techniques which result in low cost production which is essential in today's market.

Jan 1, 1999

By P. D. Nolan

Smelters operating under pollution control orders have become increasingly dependent upon the reliable operation of sulphuric acid plants and no factor affects the long term reliability of those plants more than efficient gas cleaning. The sources and characteristics of contaminants in smelter of fgases and the conventional approaches to removing these contaminants to accepted levels are discussed. New technology is described which offers advantages of lower capital cost, lower operating cost and reduced space requirements over the conventional approaches. This new technology has been developed by LAB s.a. and is licensed for metallurgical gas applications by Chemetics International Company.

Jan 1, 1983

By Hong Yong Sohn

A thermodynamic and experimental investigation has been performed to develop a new process for converting sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur by a cyclic process. The most promising new process is a cyclic reaction scheme involving calcium sulfide and calcium sulfate. In this process, the reaction between sulfur dioxide and calcium sulfide produces elemental sulfur vapor and solid calcium sulfate. The latter is reduced by a suitable reductant such as hydrogen to regenerate calcium sulfide. 'Experimental results showed that up to 60 % of calcium sulfide powder was converted to calcium sulfate in 10 min at 1153 K under a sulfur dioxide partial pressure of 25.8 kPa. More than 95 % of nickel-catalyzed calcium sulfate powder was converted to calcium sulfide in 20 min at 1123 K under a hydrogen partial pressure of 86.1 kPa, water vapor being the only gaseous product. Sulfur dioxide-containing streams from certain new sulfide smelting plants contain much higher partial pressures of SO2. The rate of the first reaction is expected to be accordingly higher than in the test conditions reported in this paper.

Jan 1, 2002

By Takamitsu Nakasuga, Haiping Sun, Kyushu University, Katsumi Mori

"The kinetic behavior of reduction of chromite ore by liquid iron containing carbon and silicon has been investigated under various experimental conditions to clarify the reduction mechanism. It was found that the reduction rate of chromium ore by liquid Fe-C alloy was very slow. In addition, when carbon and silicon coexisted in the iron melt, silicon was found to preferentially oxidized to form silica, which favored for the fonnation of liquid slag and the rate of reduction was considerably accelerated. The similar effect was obtained by the addition of some fluxes, such as SiO2, Na2B407, CaO-SiO2, which also promoted the formation of a liquid slag and thus the reduction rate in the early stage also increased.IntroductionThe reduction of Cr2O3 is a basic reaction for production of ferro-chromium from chromite ore and for chromium recovery from the slag fonned during the decarburization period of a stainless steel-making process. The reduction of chromite ore consumes much energy and its reaction rate is not so high. Thus, in order to increase the reduction efficiency, it is strongly desired to clarify its reduction mechanism from the practical and the theoretical points of view."

Jan 1, 2000

By D. Nozadze

A new method of isothermal electro-contact diffusion welding of layered composites under pressure is offered. The scheme is developed and laboratory installation is created on which preproduction models of the layered composite of steel and aluminum is produced. A new method of electro-contact hot deformation is proposed for realization of diffusion welding by pressure of stratified blanks providing high-temperature isothermal process. In this case a rolling process or composite pressing is meshed with simultaneous electric current transmission in deformation center. Considering that a resistance of transient layer far exceeds the resistances of composite components, the heat release takes place intensively just in this layer. As the surfaces are approached over a distance of inter-atomic forces, the energy of boundary atoms easily reaches the energy threshold of capture with a formation of qualitatively new metallic bond. Proposed method, providing isothermal process in deformation center, excludes a necessity of previous preparation and prevention of surfaces. In this case strength of layer connection may approximate or exceed strength limit of cladding layer.

Jan 1, 2006

By S. Suda

Hydrogen storage materials have been investigated for more than 30 years, particularly on metal hydrides. These materials are, however, considered today impractical because of their poor hydrogen capacity measured by mass density and their poor surface properties and characteristics against impurities. Recent R&D activities have been located in new categories of materials such as complex hydrides and chemical hydrides. Among these materials, NaAlH4 (one of alanates), Li-based complex hydride, and NaBH4 (SBH: sodium borohydride) are 3 major candidates as hydrogen storage materials. In the presentation, SBH as a non-reversible on-site but recyclable off-site is described in view of its practical availability as the source of H- (protide) applied for a new type of fuel cell named Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell (DBFC) and H2 (hydrogen) for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC).

Jan 1, 2006

By Li Yuhai

Kinetics of non-isothermal precipitate process and crystal growth of perovskite (CaO ? Ti02) phase in CaO-TiOz-Si02-AlP3-MgO system were studied. The experimental results show that the relative volume fraction can be described by the equation given by K. Matusita et at. and the experiential expression of average crystal radius was obtained. The particle coarsening in non-isothermal process has important effects on the crystal growth of perovskite phase.

Jan 1, 2000

By G. Hanko, A. Lebleu, M. Sibony, J. Lecadet

The New Jersey distillation process is today the most important pyrometallurgical method for the production of zinc of very high purity. The flexibility of the pyrometallurgical zinc production process, especially its ability for recycling, makes it competitive, although it is energy intensive. A deeper knowledge of the New Jersey process is necessary to further increase its technical performance by ensuring its global safety. A project, integrated in the European research program EUREKA, has been started in order to define the process chemistry of distillation. Experimental measurements have been carried out with a column at the laboratory scale, and the results, linked with industrial measurements, support the development of a model based on material and thermal balances. The first conclusions indicate that the key parameters for process optimization are the column geometry and the distribution of the thermal losses.

Jan 1, 2000

By H. Cepin

Production of non-ferrous metals is still principally performed in shaft and flame fired furnaces. Electric furnaces increase metal recovery, reduce environmental burdens and decrease energy consumption compared to conventional processes. Because non-ferrous metals have low melting and boiling points and aggressive slags design of the furnace, energy input, and slag conductivity and composition are very important. Secondary materials are easily handled in electric furnaces. Since additional amounts of lead, zinc and tin will become available from secondary sources in the future, electric furnaces are expected to replace conventional smelting furnaces. The paper describes technical, electrical, and process designs of electric furnaces peculiar to the reduction of non-ferrous metals. Electric and various thermic furnace processes are compared.

Jan 1, 1990

By P. Barrios

The copper refinery of Atlantic Copper was modernised and converted to the Isa permanent cathode system in 1995. The technology installed has proved to be an excellent platform for the development of operational improvements. During the years it has been working, the progressive assimilation of the new technology has been achieved and the level of operator knowledge has allowed design production to be reached and surpassed by more than 10%. At the same time, modifications to the work programmes, using existing equipment, have permitted the incorporation of new cells and the achievement of annual production levels of 250,000 tonnes and a productivity of 0.43 t/man-hour.

Jan 1, 1999

By Leo Brewer, Kazuyoshi Shimakage, Mamoru Mitomo, Toshiyuki Nishimura, Yoichiro Uemura, Shinji Hirai

"In the synthesis process of ß -La2S3 via the sulfurization of La2O3 powder using CS2 gas, La2O2S was formed. This occurred at an initial stage of the reaction for sulfurization temperatures below 973K, and ß -La2S3 was also formed at a shorter period for higher sulfurization temperatures. It was found that the oxygen content in ß -La2S3 powders decreased gradually with an increase in sulfurization temperature. On the other hand, the carbon content in these powders increased gradually with an increase in the sulfurization temperature. Though it has been reported that ß -La2S3 was transformed to Y -La2S3 at 1723K± 50K, the sintered compact of double-phase Y -La2S3 and ß. -La2S3 was formed at a rather higher temperature of 1973K when the synthetic powder of ß -La2S3 containing a high amount of oxygen was used. However, phase transformation of -La2S3 to Y -La2S3 progressed preferentially with a decrease in the oxygen content of synthetic ß -La2S3 powder. The Seebeck coefficient of the sintered double-phase Y -La2S3 and -La2S3 was higher than that of the single-phase Y -La2S3, reported previously.Introduction La2S3 exists in three polymorphic forms that are similar to a series of Ce2S3, Pr2S3 and Nd2S3: a, ß , and Y'. The a -La2S3, which is stable at low temperature, is irreversibly transformed to ß -La2S3 of various compositions in the solid-solution range between La2S3 and La3S4, at 923 ± 50K. The -La2S3 may also be an oxysulfide of La10S14O2. Moreover, the ß .-La2S3 phase is transformed to Y -La2S3 ,which has a Th3P4 structure, at 1573 ± 100K. The melting point of Y -La2S3 is 2398 ± 30K where this temperature is similar to those of common refractory materials such as silica and alumina. Therefore, it can be predicted that y -La2S3 which has a high melting point and a thermodynamic stability due to the strong affinity of La for S, would have &high refractory character and chemical inertness in many molten metals. The y -La2S3, colored vivid faint yellow is stable up to 623K in air, where oxidation starts. y -La2S3 is frequently used as pigments for plastics and paints3. Furthermore, Y -La2S3 which is a semiconductor, is considered to be useful as a thermoelectric conversion materials, because it has a high Seebeck coefficient."

Jan 1, 2000

By Edgar Vidal

Beryllium metal and alloys have been crucial in the advancement of technologies in space exploration, transportation, national defense, communications, energy, safety and medicine, to name a few. Beryllium is one-third lighter than aluminum and six times stiffer than steel, with unique thermal properties. Demand for this metal is expected to continue to increase as new technologies emerge, hence its efficient and safe extraction needs to be addressed. Current extraction technologies are very complex and energy intensive, but at the same time yield excellent quality metal. In order to develop new or improve current extraction methods, a detailed analysis of current and past extraction technologies must be made. This work intends to compile and interpret most of the research, development and industrial practices used in the production of beryllium, and open the field for innovative extraction methods.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. V. Tarasov

The insufficient scientific and technical level of a number of operations in the nonferrous metals industry encourages development of new processes and equipment, including smelting in liquid bath, flame-type sparged smelting unit for combined processes, electrothermal process with the use of alternating current (PDF furnace), electrothermal processing of complex raw materials and intermediate products at nonferrous metallurgical plants, etc. One of the most important aspects for development of new processes and equipment in the Gintsvetmet Institute is their environmental safety. Special attention is paid to environmental protection measures, which is also of important economic and social significance. This refers also to a complete extent to processing of reserves of man-made raw materials and wastes available at the existing operations with the use of innovative techniques ensuring not only resource conservation and environmental protection, but also abatement of negative impact on the nature due to accumulated industrial and domestic waste, reclamation of the land used for waste disposal and recycling of nonferrous metals. Technologies and equipment developed in the Gintsvetmet Institute and based on electrothermal processes determine the prospects for ensuring more integrated usage of ores and man-made raw materials.

Jan 1, 2006

By G. Ríos

Atlantic Copper Metallurgical Complex in Huelva (Spain) was commissioned in 1970 with a capacity of 40,000 tpy of copper from concentrate. In 1975 the old blast furnaces were replaced by the Outokumpu FSF technology. During the last 30 years, through several expansions and technical modifications, the production has increased up to 300,000 tpy of new copper. This paper describes the developments on the control of impurities that have been made to fit new situations, such as a new artificial gypsum plant, a new electrolyte treatment plant or different secondary materials handling management.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. V. Tarasov

In order to improve the efficiency of hydrometallurgical processing of pyrrhotite concentrates, an integrated set of research has been carried out to investigate the use of sulfur dioxide in individual unit operations and as a leaching agent in the autoclave process as a substitute for oxygen. Treating iron-containing raw materials for production of nonferrous metals are based on the selective reaction of SO2 with iron sulfides and oxides. Iron is dissolved as sulfate, which can be treated in a separate circuit to produce iron-containing pigments or it can be disposed of after neutralization. Nonferrous and precious metals contained in pyrrhotite concentrate do not react with sulfur dioxide and remain virtually completely in the solid phase, i.e. high-grade sulfide concentrate to be treated by hydro- or pyrometallurgical methods. Elemental sulfur formed in the process of leaching is separated from the pulp in granulated form as a result of the use of special surfactants. The process of sulfide concentrate leaching with the use of sulfur dioxide is conducted at temperatures above the sulfur melting point (119°C) with distributed feeding of surfactant and under a partial pressure of sulfur dioxide of up to 0.3 to 0.5 MPa.

Jan 1, 2006

By Pekka Hanniala

The falling real price level of copper metal and changes in the treatment and refining charges has been characteristic to the copper industry during the last few decades. Outokumpu's continuous development of the Flash Smelting Technology and increased productivity of the smelters based on these improvements may be one of the basic reasons that have influenced to these trends. From the early beginning of the Flash Smelting Technology, it has been characterized by low operation costs and low emissions, and the vision has been to develop the technology towards Direct Blister Flash Smelting. In Direct Blister Flash Smelting, both smelting and converting are carried out in one furnace making it possible to reduce the number of unit operation steps and thus lower both operation and investment costs. The merger of large copper production companies taken place during the last few years is a sign of a new age in copper production business. Now, the aim is to increase the productivity of copper production not just by utilizing the economy of scale but also by increasing integration and optimization of the whole production chain from mine to refinery. This also means increasing win- win based cooperation between companies. A Production Network concept based on the Flash Converting process enables existing smelters to decrease the operating costs and expand the smelting capacity with minimum investment and at the same time to decrease the emissions of the smelters. The new structure in ownership and partnership between copper production companies makes it easier to adopt the Production Network concept to both new and existing plants, where there exists a lot of built-in capacity. The paper presents Outokumpu's prediction on how the new options for the smelters will contribute to further changes in the structure of copper production. These visions are illustrated by giving examples on how the combination of matte production, Flash Converting, and Direct-to-Blister Flash Smelting could be adapted in existing and new smelters.

Jan 1, 2002

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 Alexander A. Knminskii

Polymorphism of BaR2F8 compounds is analyzed, and some peculiarities of obtaining monoclinic low-temperature (3-BaR2F8 crystals (R=Y, Ho-Yb) and orthorhombic high¬temperature a-ßaR2F8 crystals (R=Yb, Lu) by the Bridgman-Stockbarger growth technique are discussed. We pay a special attention to BaYb2F8:Er3+ crystals, which are able to generate both 2:µm SE using the new four-level operating scheme (4F9/2?4I11/2 laser channel) and 2- and 3-µm SE by means of the cascade scheme (4F92?+4I11/2?+4I31/2). This 2-µm generation of Er3+ ions has an advantage over similar SE of Ho3+ and Tm3+ ions (especially under diode laser pumping), that is important in designing the medicine and ecology laser. We report on orthorhombic BaR2F8 crystals with the ordered structure, a new crystalline materials for generating Ln3+ ions. The growth conditions are determined and orthorhombic BaLu2F8 crystals of several cm3 in volume doped with Ce3+, Nd3+, Ho3+, Er3+, and Tm3+ ions are obtained for the first time. Spectroscopic and laser characteristics of these crystals are discussed for Nd3+-and Era+-doped samples serving as representative examples. In particular, low-threshold stimulated emission was excited in 4F3/2?+4I11/2 channel of Nd3+ ions in the BaLu2F8. Room-temperature generation was obtained also at -1.317 µm wavelength for Nd3+ and at ~2.8 µm (several lines) for Era+ ions in this new laser crystalline host with a threshold of about 20 J.

Jan 1, 1997