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By Ovidiu Pasca

Several improvements in converter equipment and operation at BHP Copper have reduced the converter cycle time as necessitated by an increase in flash furnace output. The resulting higher intensity performance of the Peirce-Smith Converters has had a major impact on the dust handling and off-gas cleaning systems. This paper describes work carried out on the design of a new converter hood with particular reference to the thermal analysis and hood performance aspects. Changes in converter cycle time and campaign life as result of the process and equipment improvements are discussed in a separate paper.

Jan 1, 1999

By R. M. Donovan

This paper documents the efforts to improve quality and production at the Amarillo Copper Refinery. It summarizes the change in attitudes, work procedures, equipment maintenance, instrumentation, and the ever changing market. The Amarillo Copper Refinery is dedicated to the ASARCO Management System, ISO-9002 and continuous improvement.

Jan 1, 1999

By V. M. Paretsky

Recent developments made in the Gintsvetmet Institute in the field of autogenous smelting processes have confirmed that autogenous smelting continues to be the main prospective technology for pyrometallurgical processing of sulfide raw materials. This technology ensures energy conservation and environmental safety conforming to the current world standards for production of heavy non-ferrous metals. Two alternative processes of single-stage autogenous smelting producing white metal as well as high-basic ferrite-calcium slags have been developed and can be recommended for technical modernization of Russian copper smelters.

Jan 1, 2002

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 A. A. Shook

For relatively little capital outlay, the metal delivery control system in the BHP Copper Rod Plant at San Manuel' was significantly upgraded using the UNAC process simulation and control system (CICS Automation, Newcastle, Australia). An accurate simulation of the metal delivery process was developed with UNAC, which was then used to design a robust controller capable of dealing with plant complexities such as noise, time delays, and nonlinearities. This controller was implemented online using UNAC. Thanks to the extensive preparatory simulation, the controller worked immediately and required no additional online "tuning". Operator response has been favorable, and the UNAC control system has become part of the standard operation of the plant.

Jan 1, 1999

By Kwang-suk You

This paper describes the characteristics of electric arc furnace slag (EAF slag) as an aggregate of concrete along with the chemical composition, leaching concentration of heavy metals, the soundness of EAF slag and compressive strength of mortar with 20% and 50% replacements of sand. The results showed that leaching of heavy metals and soundness of EAF slag satisfied Korean environmental limit and Korean Industrial Standard for aggregates. The compressive strength of mortar increased as the replacement ratio of EAF slag for sand increased.

Jan 1, 2006

By Jenifer S. Heath

Human health risk assessments can be used in mine permitting, and are frequently used to investigate areas of potential contamination and as a basis for remediation decision making. While some states and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regions have their own guidance for the conduct of human health risk assessments, USEPA Headquarters guidance and the underlying science are changing and advancing rapidly. Even outside the US, USEPA guidance can affect risk assessment costs and conclusions, which in turn can affect cleanup costs or permitting options. This paper summarizes recent USEPA guidance and scientific evidence related to human health risk assessment for mining sites. This paper is designed for non-risk assessors, and so focuses on the potential applications and implications of the new guidance rather than the mathematical and theoretical details.

Jan 1, 1999

By Vinod K. Namilakonda

In situ synthesis of discontinuously reinforced aluminum alloy metal matrix composites was investigated. Aluminum alloy (A356: Al-7 wt% Si) was reinforced with dispersed AlN particles. Thermodynamic calculations were made for the composition determination of various phases formed during bubbling of NH3 gas into the Al alloy melts in the temperature range 1173-1473 K. Experiments were carried out for in situ production of AlN particles with the reaction between Al melt and NH3 gas in high temperature resistance furnace at 1473 K. The products were characterized using SEM, EDS and XRD. Effect of bubbling time of NH3 gas on the AlN formed in the composites was studied. The amount of AlN reinforcement in the Al alloy composites was observed to be in the range of 5 to 35 wt%. Good agreement was observed between the experimental and thermodynamic calculated data on the composition of AlN in Al alloy composites.

Jan 1, 2006

By M. Rosales

Using the k-e turbulence model, a mathematical fluid dynamics simulation of the flow characteristics in a Teniente converter has been conducted. Two cases were studied: - Transversal sections in the smelting-converting zone; and - A three-dimensional simulation that includes the walls of the reactor The calculations give the velocities field, the gravity waves amplitude, the splashing behaviour, the phase distribution and the shear stress distribution. The latter helps to explain the pattern of refractory lining wear. The calculation includes the approximate shape and dimensions, and the eventual coalescence of bubbles.

Jan 1, 1999

By J. H. Lee

LG Metals Corporation started its second smelter operation at Onsan along with the existing flash smelter on January 31, 1998. Onsan smelter has been producing about 140,000 tons of copper annually from concentrates with the flash smelting line since 1979. In accordance with an increase in domestic copper demand, LG Metals Corporation decided to expand smelting and refining capacity by introducing a second smelter line using the Mitsubishi continuous process and a new tankhouse in 1995. After two years' expansion works consisting of engineering, procurement, construction and a successful commissioning test, the total smelting capacity of Onsan smelter increased to 340,000 ton of copper annually from concentrates. This paper describes the smelting facilities, operation result, problems encountered and improvements during the start-up and early operation of Onsan's new smelter

Jan 1, 1999

By R. Y. Wan

Thiocyanate was evaluated for gold recovery from low-grade refractory gold ores following biooxidation for an acidic heap leaching approach. One of the important features in using thiocyanate is that the leaching can be performed in acidic media, thus avoiding problems related to neutralization and material handling as leaching with alkaline cyanide. Also, the acidic leaching enables the use of ferric ion or bioleach solution as oxidants. In this study, Newmont-Nevada low-grade refractory sulfidic ore was biooxidized in columns at a particle size of 100% passing 102 mm. Thiocyanate leach on the biooxidized ore sample was performed on both ground samples in pulps and coarse material in columns using ferric ion as an oxidant. The variables of thiocyanate and ferric ion concentrations were compared for effect on leaching. Thiocyanate leach results are encouraging and indicate potential for development of a practical process. Gold extractions by thiocyanate are comparable to cyanide leach. Thiocyanate consumption was higher than cyanide, but was in an acceptable level.

Jan 1, 2003

By Romeo U. Pagador

After privatization in 1999, PASAR Corporation initiated a plant modernization program to optimize the performance of the smelter by increasing plant availability. This initiative required operational adjustments to the converting and anode furnace procedures, to support the higher throughput in the flash furnace, while continuing to meet government environmental regulations. The major shift in production direction was to eliminate the 30-35 day maintenance shutdown every two years, and replace it with a 15-day shutdown. This paper discusses the changes implemented in the converter and anode operation that have resulted in an increase of 10% in flash furnace throughput, an 18% increase in blister output, to 170 tonnes per cycle, and a converter campaign tonnage increase of 10%. Since privatization, PASAR has instituted a series of ?management of change? programs that have facilitated an industrial cultural change needed to achieve the company?s vision, mission and strategic goals.

Jan 1, 2005

By Jason Eric Sallee

Ongoing operations at the Cyprus Miami Smelter involve the use of an electric furnace for settling of copper matte from discard slag. Proper operation of the electric settling furnace is a major factor in minimizing losses of copper to the discard slag. Recent test work at the smelter has shown improvement in the operation of the electric furnace with a subsequent improvement with regard to the copper losses. This paper presents a general discussion of the Cyprus Miami Smelter operation, past results with respect to copper losses, recent operational changes and test work, and the subsequent results.

Jan 1, 1999

By Ying-Chu Hoh

The extraction of cerium(IV) by valence change with two-phase electrolysis was studied experimentally. The results show that the electro-oxidation extraction depends mainly on the distribution of the solute between the two phases, the reaction on the electrode surface and the diffusion of the reactant and product between the electrode and aqueous interphases. The effects of various parameters on cerium extraction were also studied. The selected parameters were background current, catholyte acidity, agitation speed, operation current and voltage and surfactant addition. The electro-oxidation extraction mechanism can be divided into eight steps. In addition, Wee the rate of extraction is quite fast, the percentage extraction Ce+4 can be taken as an index to show the conversion rate of Ce+3 J to Ce+4.

Jan 1, 1989

By Ken Baxter

The Sepon Copper Project is located in Laos and has a mineable reserve of approximately 16Mt of ore grading 5% copper with minor gold and silver values. The deposit is a clay-hosted secondary copper mineral suite, predominantly chalcocitic in nature with associated pyrite. The current project design is based on the production of 60,000t/a of LME Grade A cathode by an acid leaching process followed by solvent extraction and electrowinning. Significant metallurgical testwork was conducted as part of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) with process challenges identified and overcome at each phase of testing. Flowsheet configuration is geared to autogenously generating sufficient acid and ferric iron to meet gangue acid consumption and to leach the copper. The ability to maintain acid and ferric levels in the process liquors is strongly influenced by the proportion of pyrite in the ore presented to the autoclave. This paper will outline flowsheet development from preliminary variability testing to pilot plant and DFS design. The Sepon process solution seeks a balance between operability and capital/operating costs, and provides insights into the basic mechanisms influencing flowsheet selection for these ore types.

Jan 1, 2003

By Jeffrey F. Adams

Gypsum fouling is a common problem in the hydrometallurgical industry. It is a particular problem in free sulphuric acid neutralization, or iron removal operations where sulphates are removed from aqueous solutions by the addition of calcium-containing bases. Previous work revealed a strong correlation between the degree of gypsum supersaturation in the reactor and the rate of scale growth indicating that scale formation and growth are primarily controlled by chemical phenomena. However, the chemical behaviour of gypsum is variable and unpredictable with solution chemistry and temperature. Many of the "rules of thumb" that are used to predict its behaviour (and avoid fouling) are in fact based on gypsum solubility in water, rather than on real mixed metal sulphate systems. However, despite this unconventional solubility behaviour, we have been able to accurately model it in Ni, Mg, and Zn containing solutions over a wide range of temperature (25°C-90°C) and solution concentration (0-6 m) using the OLI simulation software. Furthermore, by studying fouling rates in a simulated continuous neutralization reactor, the relationship between process conditions and fouling rates were explained for the first time. This has led to an understanding of how techniques for minimizing gypsum fouling work.

Jan 1, 2003

By Pedro Morales C.

From its beginning in the 1970s, the Teniente Converter has consistently achieved continuous improvement, and has contributed to the competitiveness and sustainability of Codelco's copper operations. The later introduction of the Slag Cleaning Furnace technology has helped to create a full technology package, referred to as the Teniente Technology. This paper outlines the features of a new research and innovation program designed to bring the Teniente Technology as a modem, competitive technology into the 21st century. The overall objectives and features of the program are described and discussed. It is fully anticipated that these activities will help position the Teniente Technology as a world-class modem technology, well-integrated and operating in a fully continuous mode in conjunction with the other units at the plant, a competitive technology which operates in harmony with respect to environmental regulations.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. Boussuge, M. -D. Dupuits, A. Piant

This paper summarises a part of the work that has been essentially carried out at the Ecole des Mines de Paris in the framework of an Eureka European programme funded by the French Ministry of Industry, in partnership with Metaleurop and Carborundum (subsidiary of Saint Gobain). It deals with the measurement of different properties (density, thermal linear expansion, elastic modulus, strength) of a SiC-based refractory constituting the trays that are used in the refining columns in the New Jersey zinc distillation process, especially in the boiling section. These parameters have been investigated to check the homogeneity of the asreceived trays as well as to estimate the influence of ageing of the material under operating conditions. With this aim, specimens have been sampled in used trays having more than two years of operation. The as-received trays exhibited a good homogeneity, the strength being slightly lower in the direction in which they are compacted. Despite microstructural changes, most of the properties measured at room temperature are not significantly affected by ageing. High temperature tests involved thermal treated under vacuum to remove metallic zinc before testing at high temperature. An increase in temperature, as well as ageing, induces a decrease in the elastic modulus and strength.

Jan 1, 2000

By Naoki Hiroyoshi

It is generally accepted that ferric ions are effective for leaching chalcopyrite as an oxidant and ferrous ions contribute to the leaching only as a source of the oxidant ferric ions. However, this paper shows that ferrous ions are more useful for leaching chalcopyrite than oxidant ferric ions in sulfuric acid solutions in air at ambient temperatures. Leaching experiments and dissolved oxygen consumption measurements were carried out with a very pure chalcopyrite and 0.001 - 1 mol dm-3 sulfuric acid solutions containing 0 - 0.1 mol dm-3 ferric or ferrous ions at 303 K. Chalcopyrite oxidation with dissolved oxygen was promoted by ferrous ions but suppressed by ferric ions. As a result, the amount of extracted copper was larger with ferrous ions than with ferric ions. Effects of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans on the ferrous promoted chalcopyrite leaching were also investigated and discussed based on the experimental data.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. I. Kalashnikova

The leaching of metal nickel in copper sulfate solutions is investigated. It is established, that irre-spective of presence or absence of chloride-ion and oxidizer (oxygen) in system process can be divided into three stages, characterizing by restoration and oxidation of metals with formation of metal copper and cuprite and differing in the speeds of sedimentation of copper and transition of nickel into solution. At the initial stage of process along with allocation of metal copper it is be-sieged cuprite, that results in excess of speed of sedimentation of copper in comparison with dis-solution of nickel. At the second stage speed of transition of nickel into solution falls practically to zero, and sedimentation of copper proceeds on reaction of interaction of metal copper with copper sulfate solutions with cuprite formation. During the final period speed of transition of nickel into solution exceeds speed of sedimentation of copper due to course of reaction of resto-ration of cuprite up to metal. Influence of an ion of chloride and oxidizer on formation of various phases is revealed. It is established, that presence of an oxidizer results in increase in a share of cuprite in a deposit. With increase of the maintenance of chloride-ion speed of metal copper allo-cation essentially grows even at presence of an oxidizer in system.

Jan 1, 2006