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By Keith M. Axler

This report addresses issues specific to the generation of hydrogen fluoride via reaction of calcium fluoride with sulfuric acid. This process has been established on a commercial scale and is under consideration for treatment of calcium fluoride residues from uranium processing. Magnesium fluoride slags are also available as a product of uranium processing. The technique of using sulfuric acid for the production of hydrogen fluoride from magnesium fluoride is also under consideration as a residue processing scheme. In the current study, thermodynamic modeling was used to investigate these chemical processing systems. The results presented herein reveal information relevant to the selection of processing temperatures and conditions. Details include predicted effects in system composition based on operating temperatures for both the calcium fluoride and the magnesium fluoride systems.

Jan 1, 1996

By Hüseyin Aydin

TWIP (Twinning-Induced Plasticity) steels have exceptionally good combinations of strength, ductility and damage tolerance which satisfy the recent requirements of automotive industries. Firstly, TWIP has the most beneficial effect on the work-hardening. It is believed that deformation twins increase the work-hardening rate by acting as obstacles against gliding dislocations. Moreover, TWIP steels have low to intermediate stacking fault energy and hence undergo extensive mechanical twinning during deformation, which in turn leads a good combination of both strength and ductility. To explain the mechanical characteristics and the mechanical behavior of the TWIP steels, we have been made some investigations and experiments that show the effects of microalloying elements and deformation mechanisms. In this study, three different compositions of TWIP steels have been produced. The microstructure and mechanical properties are characterized by using optical, electron microscopy and mechanical tests.

Jan 1, 2009

By G. G. Richards

The zinc slag fuming process is used to recover zinc from molten iron-calcium silicate slags by treatment with pulverized coal and air. The rate of zinc fuming is controlled by the complex interaction of several kinetic factors including the rate of entrainment of coal in the slag, the extent of the coal-slag reaction and the rate of ferrous oxide oxidation to ferric oxide. This paper briefly outlines the mechanism of fuming and, on this basis, optimization of process parameters is discussed. Modelling analysis and recent industrial trials at Cominco show that coal entrainment in the slag, bath temperature, and bath depth are critical variables affecting process rate and efficiency. The first step in process optimization is to assess coal bypass of the bath. In general, changes which promote operation at a higher temperature, greater coal entrainment in the slag and extended residence time of the coal in the bath increase fuming performance. Coal entrainment is controlled by injection conditions whereas bath temperature is a function of coal combustion and ferrous oxide oxidation. Residence time of the coal is largely a function of bath depth. The implication of model predictions for continuous fuming is shown.

Jan 1, 1994

By W. K. Connor, O&apos

The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), conducted over 30 hours of melting tests to vitrify simulated low-level radioactive wastes from the INEL Radioactive Waste Management Complex (RWMC). Five separate waste compositions were investigated, each consisting of noncontarninated soil from the RWMC and surrogate materials used to simulate the actual buried wastes. The RWMC soil and five waste compositions were melted in a 50-lb, single-phase electric arc furnace with a water-cooled shell. These tests were conducted to determine melting parameters in preparation for a large-scale melting campaign to be conducted in the Bureau's 1-metric ton (mt), water-cooled-wall, 3-phase electric arc fumace. Bulk chemical composition was determined for each of the feed materials and for the slag, metal, fume solids, and offgas furnace products, and distributions were calculated for the key elements. The material balance for the furnace operation indicates that from 63 to 84 pct of the feed reported to the slag. Cerium, used as the surrogate for the radionuclides in the wastes, demonstrated an extremely strong affinity for the slag product. Although slag temperatures as low as 1250° C were recorded when melting the RWMC soil, temperatures in excess of 1600° C were necessary to achieve the fluidity required for a successful slag tap.

Jan 1, 1994

By James E. Simpson, Suresh V. Garimella, III de Groh

"An experimental and numerical study of the horizontal Bridgman growth of pure succinonitrile (SCN) and of a succinonitrile-1.0 mol. % acetone alloy (SCN-1.0 mol. % ACE) has been performed. Experiments at growth rates of 0, 2 and 40 µmis were investigated. The solid/liquid interface was stable (non-dendritic and non-cellular); however, it was not flat. Rather, it was significantly distorted by the influence of convection in the melt and, for the growth cases, by the moving temperature boundary conditions along the ampoule. For the alloy, the interface was determined to be unstable at growth rates greater than 2.8 µmis, but stable for the no-growth and 2 µmis growth cases. When compared to the pure SCN interface, the alloy interface forms closer to the cold zone,· indicating that the melting temperature has been suppressed by the addition of the alloying element. Two-dimensional computer simulations were performed for the no-growth case for both the pure and alloy materials. These simulations indicate that a primary longitudinal convective cell is formed in the melt. The maximum magnitude of velocity was calculated to be 1.515 mmls for pure SCN and 1. 724 mm/s for the alloy. The interface shape predicted by the computer simulation agrees well with the experimentally determined shape for the pure SCN case. In ongoing work, numerical simulations of the process during growth conditions are being performed.IntroductionIncreasingly, advanced materials used in the aerospace, automotive, optics and electronics fields require low levels of defects and high levels of solute uniformity. Directional solidification by the Bridgman process is widely used for synthesis of these high-quality materials. During Bridgman crystal growth, heat and mass transfer by both thermal and solutal gradient-driven convection and diffusion influence the shape of the solid/liquid interface and dopant segregation levels, and hence, directly determine the final crystal quality. Key process parameters include the applied furnace temperature distribution and rate of translation, ampoule properties and furnace orientation."

Jan 1, 1999

By W. D. Cho

The slag chemistry in steel processing plays an important role in terms of the removal of impurities including alumina particles. In the present study, the dissolution of solid aluimina particles in CaO-based fluxes at the temperatures between 1450 and 1550 °C has been investigated to determine dissolution kinetics and mechanism. Alumina particles were added directly in the slags and the size of alumina particles was measured as a function of time using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The dissolution rate has also been obtained as a function of Si02, CaF2, MgO and MnO contents in the slags. The diffusion boundary layer between alumina and bulk slag phase has been observed and analyzed using SEM and EDX. In addition, some experiments have been performed for the dissolution of alumina in BaO-based fluxes.

Jan 1, 2003

By Manju Gurung, Birendra Babu Adhikari, Keisuke Ohto, Hidetaka Kawakita, Katsutoshi Inoue, Shafiq Alam

Novel bio-adsorbent gel was prepared by immobilizing functional groups of glycidyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, a kind of quaternary ammonium chloride, onto polymer matrices of persimmon extract for the recovery of precious metals such as palladium(II) and platinum(IV) from chloride media. It was found that this adsorption gel exhibits high selectivity to gold(III), palladium(II) and platinum(IV) over base metals such as copper(II) and iron(III) while crude persimmon extract, the feed material, exhibits high selectivity only for gold(III). From the adsorption isotherms study, the maximum adsorption capacities for gold(III), palladium(II) and platinum(IV) were evaluated as 3.30, 1.67 and 1.00 mol/kg, respectively. Those for palladium(II) and platinum(IV) are higher than those of simple quaternary ammonium chloride type of chemically modified persimmon tannin gel and commercially available anion exchange resin.

Jan 1, 2016

By Cesar Garban

The samples of the washings are characterized of the ore for physical, chemical and metalurgical properties for representivity. the optimum values are determined for the recuperation of gold of the washings of the gold ore from the zone El Callao, Venezuela by acidic solutions of thiourea of the following parameters: Ph , contact time, composition of the liquid mixture, ratio of solid to liquid, grade of liberation, in an apparatus designed for contacting solid powder of the mineral with liquid solution of thiourea mantained in suspension by bubles of compressed air. The experimental results showed that the velocity of lixivation in primier time of (20) minutes is rapid and practically 2/3 part of the reaction is completed. For experimental design of parameters, the optimum conditions of recuperation of gold determind in this experimental investigation are:

Jan 1, 1999

By W. Hoffelner

Plasma technology has become increasingly important for the treatment of several types of waste (toxic, nuclear, metal-bearing scrap). Plasma furnaces combine the advantages of a closed hearth process with a very versatile (several plasma gases can be employed) and effective heat source. It can be successfully used for recovery of metals with subsequent purification and/or vitrification of residuals from drosses or filter dusts.

Jan 1, 1994

By Jerome P. Downey

The Indium Corporation of America - Colorado School of Mines Indium Separation Technology was evaluated as a potential means of treating smelter flue dusts stockpiled at the Pintlar Corporation property in Kellogg, Idaho. The patented technology represents a method for segregating the contained indium, lead, and other metals in forms acceptable for downstream processing and recovery. Separation is effected by treating the dust with metallic sodium in a bath of molten lead. Process effectiveness was measured by determining the relative distribution of key metals between the bullion and dross products at small pilot plant scale. The study indicated that application of the technology to the Pitlar samples results in a highly efficient concentration of lead in the bullion, while indium is collected in the dross. The distribution of other key metals between the bullion and dross products and the effect of varying selected process parameters are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1994

By Paykan Safe

This paper reviews various process off-gas cooling options available for sulfide smelting processes. Advantages and disadvantages of each, system are discussed along with the selection criteria for a reliable and cost effective :system. Various systems are presented to demonstrate typical process parameters for smelter off-gas handling systems and to outline operating difficulties associated with each system:

Jan 1, 1998

By Yukio Ishikawa

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co,. Ltd. (SMM) has been producing 22,000 t/y of electrolytic nickel at Niihama by nickel matte electrorefining process since 1970. Although the matte electrorefining is an established process and the productivity has been greatly improved in the last 20 years, SMM has intensively developed the chloride process for the nickel production since 1970's. The nickel and cobalt refining process involving solvent extraction and electrowinning from the chloride solution has been successfully developed for the treatment of the mixed sulphide in 1975. The first application of chlorine leach to the anode slime has been succeeded since 1986. Based on those technology, the matte chlorine leach electrowinning process (MCLE) has been developed as an alternation to the relatively old technology of matte electrorefining. The new process offers significant cost down and excellent quality of the product. In 1986, the feasibility of MCLE was confirmed by the test work using the integlated pilot plant. The innovation of the chlorine leach process has been undertaken by this work. The new refining process can be divided into three stages including chlorine leach stage, purification stage and electrowinning stage. More than 99 % of nickel was extracted in atmospheric chlorine leach. Although copper ion was used for electron carrier in the chlorine leach, the excess copper from the feed matte is bled off from the leach circuit by de copperizing electrolysis. The copper ion of the pregnant solution is fixed on nickel matte by the cementation reaction. The nickel matte containing copper is processed in the chlorine leach. In the purification circuit, cobalt, iron and other impurities were removed from the nickel chloride solution. The nickel chloride solution is then fed into the electrowinning cell. Based on the process established, the new plant with a capacity of 330 t/M electrolytic nickel was commissioned in order to obtain the engineering data for design of the full scale plant in 1989. The performance of the plant was fully satisfied and the new process demonstrated the potential application of modern process control.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. D. Sloop

This paper discusses the current state of EAF dust recycling at AmeriSteel's Dust Processing Division in Jackson, Tennessee. Included are a brief history of the plant, a description of the facility, a description of the process, and operating data.

Jan 1, 2000

By Jianhong Dong, Min Chen, Cuihuan Huang, Bo Li, Nan Wang

"Scale layer can be formed on the slab surface in the areas of secondary cooling and strand discharge during continuous casting process. From 1000 °C -1200 °C, the influence of steel composition on the stable oxide phases inside scale layer, particularly the types of alloying elements including aluminum, silicon and chromium, is investigated under different partial pressures of water vapor by the calculated predominance diagrams of iron oxide as well as its intermediate compounds formed with other metal oxides, and the stable oxide phase composition within scale layer under the working condition of secondary cooling is discussed. At lower partial pressure of water vapor, only a iron spinel (or ferrosilicate) phase is the stable phase with any alloying element contents in steel composition, whereas the stable phases are FeO and iron spine! (or ferrosilicate) inside the scale layer at higher partial pressures of water vapor .IntroductionOxide scale formation on the surface of cast and rolled products because of oxidation by the surrounding oxidizing atmosphere is a significant disturbance factor in steelmaking. The yield loss of iron because of scale formation is considerable during continuous casting and hot rolling process. Surface quality more often is impaired by scale property, which increasing the difficulty of quality assurance, dimensional accuracy and performance control. Furthermore, a potential source for subsequent surface cracking (hot shortness) can be caused by the enrichment of scrap residuals (Cu, As and Sn) at the steel substrate surface as a result of steel oxidation [1-2]. In flat products manufacture via thin slab casting technologies, these phenomena are particularly pronounced and require enhanced development efforts in descaling efficiency [3].Compared with the scale formation in continuous casting, the quantity of scale formed during hot rolling and reheating in the rolling mill is larger, and control of scale formation and descaling is a long-established task in hot rolling. Therefore, extensive research and development work have been carried out, including the effects of heating and rolling temperature on the thickness and microstructure of scale layer, heating time and furnace atmosphere, cooling mode, and steel composition on the scale formation, more attention has been given to the control of scale formation during reheating and hot-rolling process. On the other hand, hardly any specific efforts and countermeasures are taken in continuous casting, and very less research has been done despite the network-type crack on the as-cast strand surface caused by the subscale enrichment of scrap residuals [ 4-7]."

Jan 1, 2014

By Laurence Whitty-Léveillé

Proper handling of the radioactive fraction associated with the production of rare earth elements (REEs) in the mining industry is essential for a sustainable environment and human health. Actinides, such as uranium and thorium, have similar chemical properties to REEs, and are often co-dissolved in current hydrometallurgical processes. This causes radioactive contamination of the infrastructure through the extraction cycle. The present study optimizes, through experimental design, a sequential leaching procedure with Na2CO3/NaHCO3 and HCl for the rapid and selective dissolution of REEs and actinides. Optimization focuses on the main operating parameters (time, temperature, and concentration); different types of minerals, REE composites, and ores; on achieving maximal leaching yield; and on minimizing dissolution of the gangue metals (Fe, Si, and Ca). The final sequential procedure was rapid (1 h), effective, and led to the segregation of Th, U, and REEs with limited dissolution of the gangue metals.

By I. A. H. Schneiderl

Eichhornia crassipes approaches being a scourge in many parts of the world, .choking waterways and hindering transport upon them. At the same time it is known to readily abstract heavy metal ions from water and, thus, aids in the removal of heavy metals found in such waters. This paper considers the possibility of using specific parts of the plant as an inexpensive adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from contaminated chemical and mining industry waste waters. In particular the root of the plant was found to be an excellent accumulator of 'heavy metal ions including uranium from solution. It is. also suggested that dried roots of the plant ?might be placed in simple bags and used in a very low cost metal ion removal system.

Jan 1, 1995

By Helmut Antrekowitsch

Nowadays nearly the half of the world zinc production is used for galvanizing. After their life span most of the galvanized products return as scrap to the steel mill. During the steel process the zinc is collected in the flue dust It is astonishing to notice that between 40 and 50 % of the zinc produced is brought into the steel processing cycle by the coated scrap while only 3 to 5 % of the zinc production can be covered by the recycling of the zinc-bearing steel mill dusts. Responsible for this worse ratio is the fact that the established recycling technologies suffer from high energy consumption, low zinc yields, halogen problems and hardly any iron recovery. A development of new or an optimization of current recycling procedures for the dusts is unalterable because of increasing zinc amounts in these residues and the rising costs for the disposal. Different pyrometallurgical recycling technologies are tested in rotary kilns and vertical retorts at the Department of Nonferrous Metallurgy, University of Leoben, Austria. Various reducing agents from carbon monoxide to hydrogen and combinations are used. The results should make it possible to draw conclusions that allow an economical and ecological judgement of the different varieties. The goal is to support the affected industry to increase the low recycling rate and prevent a loss of high zinc values in the steel industry filter dusts.

Jan 1, 2003

By Helmut Antrekowitsch

Nowadays nearly the half of the world zinc production is used for galvanizing. After their life span most of the galvanized products return as scrap to the steel mill During the steel process the zinc is collected in the flue dust It is astonishing to notice that between 40 and 50 % of the zinc produced is brought into the steel processing cycle by the coated scrap while only 3 to 5 % of the zinc production can be covered by the recycling of the zinc-bearing steel mill dusts. Responsible for this worse ratio is the fact that the established recycling technologies suffer from high energy consumption, low zinc yields, halogen problems and hardly any iron recovery. A development of new or an optimization of current recycling procedures for the dusts is unalterable because of increasing zinc amounts in these residues and the rising costs for the disposal. Different pyrometallurgical recycling technologies are tested in rotary kilns and vertical retorts at the Department of Nonferrous Metallurgy, University of Leoben, Austria. Various reducing agents from carbon monoxide to hydrogen and combinations are used. The results should make it possible to draw conclusions that allow an economical and ecological judgement of the different varieties. The goal is to support the affected industry to increase the low recycling rate and prevent a loss of high zinc values in the steel industry filter dusts.

Jan 1, 2003

By Marcio Toshio Tanaka, Marcelo Breda Mourao, Cyro Takano, Cesar Yuji Narita

"The concerns in questions related to the environmental impact in the steelmaking industries caused mainly on the gas emissions such as the dioxide carbon are due to its raw material such as the coal, a fossil and non renewable resource. The purpose of this paper is to replace from 10% to 50% of the coal used in cokemaking by mixing it with a renewable source (wood charcoal). The powder (- 325 mesh) from both raw materials (coal and wood charcoal) were mixed in order to obtain a briquette that was then heat treated at 1100°C to obtain the biocoke. Results of usual analysis (coke reactivity index, coke strength after reaction and cold crushing strength test) were employed to compare to regular coke briquettes. It was found that biocoke with different amounts of wood charcoal present features enabling it to be used in some ore reductionprocesses.1. IntroductionThe iron and steelmaking industry is a heavy emitter of carbon dioxide; according to the World Steel Association, 6.5% of global emissions of this greenhouse gas is due to the production of ferrous materials [ 1]. This is due to the fact that the fuel and reductant employed in the blast furnace is metallurgical coke, obtained from fossil coal. There are some projects aiming to reduce or even eliminate the emission of fossil GHG in the iron and steelmaking process [2]. Most of them propose the capture and storage of the gas (CCS) [3], a technology not yet proven. Other studies point out that the coke consumption in the blast furnace could be reduced by using high reactivity coke; this could lead to lower temperatures in the thermal reserve zone of the blast furnace and consequently less fuel rate in the furnace.The use of biomass in the iron ore reduction process is known as an environmentally accepted solution, as biomass does not release already fossilized carbon."

Jan 1, 2013

By Jin-tao Gao

In order to recover Ti resource from titanium bearing blast furnace slag, a new technology to separate perovskite phase from CaO-TiO2-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO system by supergravity is researched. In the condition of gravity coefficient of 750g, treatment temperature of 1305°C and time of 20min, the significant layers appear in samples which are obtained by means of centrifugal treatment. Along the direction of the supergravity, the volume fraction of perovskite phase increases gradually, and the equivalent diameters of perovskite phase crystals increases with the area approaching to the bottom of the sample. It is indicated that TiO2 is enriched in the bottom of sample as concentrate with a recovery ratio of 74.05% by supergravity treatment.

Jan 1, 2014