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The oxidation of zinc vapour plays a very important part in the operation of the Imperial Smelting Process. The kinetics of the reoxidation of zinc vapour by carbon dioxide and water vapour onto quartz and zinc oxide substrates is qualitatively understood and this pertains to the conditions found as the gases are being transferred from the furnace to the splash condenser. However, re-oxidation also occurs in the shaft of the furnace where the solid substrates are sinter and metallurgical coke. It was found that there was a threefold increase in the rate of oxidation on sinter, compared to quartz and a 30 to 300 increase in rate on the coke. This was attributed to the high surface area offered by these materials.

Jan 1, 2003

By Jorge A. S. Tenorio, Chuanwei Zhuo, Joner O. Alves, Yiannis A. Levendis

"The disposal of wastes is a serious environmental problem, since available landfill space is dwindling. Their treatment by pyrolysis or combustion has merit, and the corresponding fuel or power production is of technological interest. However, such processes need a rigid control of emissions. This work addresses the gaseous light hydrocarbons (LHCs) generated during sequential pyrolysis and partial oxidation of unserviceable tires, PET bottles, com wastes (DDGS) and sugarcane bagasse in a two-stage laminar-flow horizontal furnace, kept at 1000 °C. Gas chromatography was used to identify and quantify the components of the emitted gaseous light hydrocarbons. The results showed that the biomass residues generated the highest emissions of aliphatic hydrocarbons, whereas PET generated the most aromatic hydrocarbons. When stainless steel meshes were inserted in the exhaust flow, it was found that hydrocarbon emissions were curtailed; as such meshes catalyzed partial conversion of these carbon-bearing gases to carbonaceous nanomaterials.IntroductionLight hydrocarbons (LHCs) are volatile organic compounds, consisting of hydrogen and carbon with low molecular weight; the most common species are methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc. LHCs are valuable since they are a very important energy resource. However, uncontrolled release of light hydrocarbon gases to the atmosphere should be avoided [l, 2]. In this work, a development is presented for the evaluation of LHCs generated during the controlled pyrolysis/combustion of several wastes in a two-stage laminar-flow horizontal furnace. Samples of unserviceable tires, post-consumer PET bottles and waste residues from the bioethanol industry (DDGS and sugarcane bagasse) were burned. A catalyst system, consisting of stainless steel screens, was tested for its effects on the gaseous emissions."

Jan 1, 2011

By J. Markussen

The Falconbridge Matte Leach Plant was based on leaching Ni-Cu matte with strong hydrochloric acid in rubber lined equipment. It operated from 1968 to 1983 as a precursor to Nikkelverk's present C12 Leach. The process comprised two S.X. systems. NiC12.4H20 crystallization, crystal drying, NiC12.H20 pyrohydrolysis and HC1 gas recovery. The naphtha fired fluid bed pyrohydrolyzer produced granular NiO, subsequently reduced with H2 to granular nickel for sale. The development and operation of the pyrohydrolyzer are described

Jan 1, 1991

By Qian Li, Honggui Han, Jun Wang, Shichao Yu, Chunxiao Zhao, Maoxing Hong, Rui Liao, Xingxing Wang

In this study, bioleaching experiments, synchrotron X-ray Diffraction (SR-XRD), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted to investigate the intermediates and surface species of bornite leached by mesophilic mixed bacteria of Leptospirillum ferriphilum, Acidithiobacillus caldus and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans. CuS, Cu9Fe9S16 and S8 were the main intermediate species during bornite bioleaching by mesophilic mixed bacteria, and CuFeS2 was also detected. The surface species of S2− and S2 2− would be polymerized to Sn 2− during bioleaching. The formation of element sulfur and the increase of its content were confirmed by the fitted results of XPS spectra. The presence of polysulfide and element sulfur did not inhibit the bornite bioleaching. The formations of CuS and CuFeS2 were confirmed by the results of Cu K-edge XANES spectra.

Mar 1, 2018

By Niko Hellstén

To capture efficiently the valuable trace metals from nickel slag using electric furnace, it is important to study their distributions between the slag and metallic phases in the furnace. It is impossible to calculate accurately these distributions without experimental measurements. Therefore, in this work, selected trace metal distributions and phase equilibria between K2O containing iron-silicate slags and a metallic Ni-Fe-Cu alloy in nickel slag cleaning furnace conditions were studied. The experimental method developed and applied during the work, involved a modified quenching technique that included equilibration of the samples in semi-sealed quartz ampoules in an inert atmosphere and metallic Fe saturation. The use of the semi-sealed quartz ampoule prevents the escape of volatile elements from the sample during equilibration. Chemical compositions of the phases and the trace elements were analysed by EPMA. From the measured compositions, the trace metal distribution coefficients between the molten Ni-Fe-Cu alloy and slag were calculated.

By Saskia Duyvesteyn

Small ion-exchange resin particles provide faster mass transport than conventional-sized beads. Unfortunately, high pressures are needed to pump solutions through columns containing small resin particles. It is preferable to disperse fine resins in the solution being treated. Screens have been used to separate the resin from the solution, but screens do not retain fines created by attrition of the resin particles. We have developed a separation process based on flotation, which relies on the surface characteristics of the resin, instead of size. The resin is conditioned with a surfactant before dispersing it in the solution to be treated; this increases the hydrophobicity of the resin sufficiently for froth flotation, without introducing surfactant directly into the solution. The surfactant adsorbed on the resin surface does not appear to impair the kinetics of metal ion removal. A flowsheet for an effluent treatment process is proposed; other applications are clearly possible.

Jan 1, 1998

By Hye-Sung Kim, Dong-Wha Kum, Gyeungho Kim

"Mechanical alloying is an effective way to finely distribute inert dispersoids in AI-TM (TM is a transition metal element) systems. It is considered that high melting point aluminides are formed by precipitation from the supersaturated aluminum matrix. The analysis is based on the fact that much higher content of TM than the solubility limit can be dissolved in alpha aluminum during the high energy ball milling. Nonetheless, the role of undissolved TM particles affecting the formation of aluminides is not suitably considered. In this paper, authors present experimental observation on the formation of Ab3Ti particles from mechanically alloyed AI-Ti alloys in the hyper-peritectic region. This study showed that, in the mechanically alloyed AI-20wt%Ti specimen, intermediate phase of cubic Ab3Ti and tetragonal AIz4Tis formed at 300 - 400°C and 400 - 500°C, respectively, before the MA-state reaches to the global equilibrium at higher temperatures. The formation behavior of Lh- Ab3Ti is interpreted by interdiffusion of Al and Ti in solid state based on the fact that large amount of nano-sized Ti particles exist in the milled powder. Present analysis indicated undissolved Ti particles of nanosize should have played an important role initiating the formation of Ab3Ti phase during annealing.IntroductionInterest in the hyper-peritectic AI-Ti alloys is based on industrial demand for high-modulus and high-temperature aluminum alloys. Earlier works on hyper-peritectic AI-Ti alloys with 4 to 12wt%Ti show that these alloys are strong at ambient temperature and maintain high strength above 300°C when titanium-trialuminide (e.g., Ab3Ti) is finely distributed in the aluminum matrix [1,2]. High melting point and high stiffness with low density of AbTi make the AI-Ti alloys strong with greater thermal stability while keeping weight savings as much as possible. Titanium in aluminum shares other merits of transition metal additions because Ti solubility in Al is low (i.e., 1.l5wt%Ti at 665°C and virtually zero below 400°C), and fine dispersion of Ab3Ti particles is readily accomplished and resists grain coarsening effectively."

Jan 1, 1996

By H. Shang

The materials science and metallurgical engineering communities have expended enonnous resources in developing high fidelity process models. Exploiting these Models for Predictive Optimization (MPO) and Control (MPC) is a new frontier in Materials Process Engineering that will lead to exceptional process perfonnance. This paper will begin with a short survey of the development of high quality process models available in the literature and a discussion of how these could be used to improve process operation. A summary of the current "state-of-the-art" in process automation technologies and the traditional framework in which these technologies are deployed will be presented. An illustration of the use of MPO in process design and operations will be presented for the continuous casting of steel. In addition, a simple run-out table simulation will be used to demonstrate the power of the MPC technique.

Jan 1, 2003

By Albaharna O. T., Argyropoulos S. A.

"This paper describes the development and the implementation of process control in a variety of instruments used in metallurgical laboratories. These instruments are used for different research projects in extractive metallurgy. Hardware and software aspects for this implementation are described and analyzed. Extractive metallurgy applications where process control was .used are presented. IntroductionMicroprocessors are invading almost every area of our lives and are turning up in unexpected applications. A great deal of new equipment which is coming into the market have built- in microprocessor systems. Nevertheless, the area of upgrading existing processes has been slow to develop. There are a variety of reasons for this, and many of these are economic. One of the principal reasons, however, is the general reluctance on the part of many organizations to commit a strong effort to put this new technology into their existing processes.Microprocessor systems developed ""in lab"" are capable of not only measuring thermophysical events which are taking place in metallurgical furnaces, but simultaneously controlling these furnaces. In this paper software and hardware aspects in the implementation of microprocessor control for resistance and for induction furnaces are presented. In addition to this, metallurgical results are given from experiments where this furnace control was applied."

Jan 1, 1989

By Tapio Ahokainen, Asmo Vartiainen

"Outotec's portfolio contains a wide variety of smelting solutions for non-ferrous metals. Some of these include flash smelting for primary copper and nickel, flash converting for copper, Ausmelt technology for primary and secondary copper, nickel, tin, lead, and zinc residues and waste, Kaldo technology for secondary copper, lead, and precious metals recovery. Outotec also offers slag cleaning technologies and much more.Company provides complete process solutions tailored to each customer's individual needs. Decades of experience have resulted in extensive metallurgical know-how that ensures the most profitable process choice and optimal performance. Outotec's life cycle technology partnership with their customers spans from the early stages of process solution design through the supply and commissioning of the entire process chain. They include integrated process control and holistic service and support concepts. Continuous research and development ensures that the customer is provided with the latest advancements in process and equipment solutions.IntroductionOutotec develops and provides technology solutions for the sustainable use of the Earth's natural resources. Solutions are ranging from various processes and special equipment needed for metallurgical extraction and mineral processing of ores to the production of refined metals and minerals. The processes include not only the grinding and physical separation of ores but also the smelting and leaching of base metals and precious metals. The company provides engineering services for whole projects as well as life cycle services on the equipment and products that they supply."

Jan 1, 2012

By B. L. Chulu

In the carbothermic reduction of lead sulfate to produce lead, the inclusion of soda ash (Na,CO,) in the charge provides for the control of sulfur dioxide in the effluent gas. An important mechanism in the process appears to be the carbothermic reduction of the sodium carbonate whereby sodium gas and carbon monoxide are produced. These intermediates then participate in the reduction of the lead sulfate to produce lead metal and stable sulfur species in the molten slag phase. In addition, there is some evidence that the presence of lead metal in the charge may also serve to increase the lead recovery in the process. These aspects were investigated by conducting laboratory-scale smelting tests with small charges (;3g), at 1173°K(9000C). Recovery did not exceed 74w% and the role of incipient lead metal in the charge could not be clearly assessed.

Jan 1, 1993

By Jorge A. S. Tenorio, Chuanwei Zhuo, Joner O. Alves, Yiannis A. Levendis

"Reduction of combustion-emitted greenhouse gases, which are associated with global warming, may be achieved by use of CO2-neutral alternative fuels, such as bio-ethanol. Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) are the main co-products of the com-grain-based ethanol industries. In 2009, the North American production of ethanol from com was about 38 billion liters, which generated approximately 31.5 million tons of DDGS. Samples of DDGS were pyrolysed at temperatures of 600-1000 °C in a two-stage laminar-flow horizontal furnace, and a catalyst system was used to synthesize nanomaterials. This work presents a microstructural characterization of these nanomaterials by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results showed that the nanomaterials produced from pyrolysis of DDGS were in the form of long, entangled, rope-like structures with rugged walls, lengths in the tens of microns, and axially non-uniform diameters in the range of 100-300 nm.IntroductionThe interest in ethanol has increased considerably worldwide due to the necessity of finding renewable and cleaner energy resources [1, 2]. According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RF A), the world ethanol production in 2008 was approximately 65.7 billion liters (17.3 billion gallons), which figure represented a 24% increase in the production over that in the previous year [3]. The major producers of ethanol are the USA and Brazil, which together account for 90% of world production. The main feedstock for ethanol in USA is com grain, whereas sugarcane predominates in Brazil [2-4]."

Jan 1, 2011

By Thomas P. Battle

Modern-day direct reduction of iron first developed as a small-scale, low capital and operating cost alternative to the blast furnace. Since commercialization of continuous DR technology in the late 1960s, the market for the products of direct reduction has grown to more than 74 million tonnes in 2012. The initial advantages of DR plants over BF facilities have grown over the years, for several reasons, including the increased size of DR modules, lower energy and emissions (particularly CO2), along with the flexibility to use a number of different reductants. The development of DR technology over the past forty years will be emphasized in this presentation, including recent developments that allow for even more direct sustainability comparisons with the iron blast furnace – and even combine the two technologies for improved synergies. Also briefly discussed will be the possibilities of using direct reduction for non-ferrous ores.

Jan 1, 2014

By Daniel K. Lindberg, Fiseha Tesfaye

To reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase self-sufficiency in energy, nowadays, there is an increasing interest to produce heat, power and transportation fuels from renewable resources. Solid biomass is one of the most important renewable energy sources for meeting this target. However, fouling, slagging, and corrosion threaten long-term operation availability and costs of biomass power plants. Slags accumulated on the surfaces of superheaters, which decrease thermal efficiency, often constitute a considerable percentage of complex inorganic phases. However, thermodynamic properties of the complex inorganic phases and their combined effect, which will help to deal with the slag related problems during high-temperature biomass combustion processes, are not well known. In the present paper, thermodynamic properties of K-, Ca-, and Na-based inorganic phases and their mixtures under different gas conditions are both critically reviewed and experimentally studied. The obtained results are presented and discussed.

Mar 1, 2017

By Stavros A. Argyropoulos

Exothermic mass transfer takes place in various areas involving metallic systems, ranging from liquid metal processing operations to the growth of thin films in microelectronics. The formation of intermetallic compounds plays an important role in the exothermic mass transfer of metallic systems. Two types of exothermicity are identified , namely , Microexothermicity and Macroexothermicity. The former is encountered when small amounts of metals are mixed, while the latter is exhibited when a solid metal in a lump form is added into liquid metal. In this paper two types of exothermic mass transfer in metallic systems will be presented and reviewed. Mathematical modelling work for these types of exothermic mass transfer will be analyzed.

Jan 1, 1993

By Zhendong Tao, Wei Huang, Zhongxi Yang, Hang Guo, Haoran Geng, Jingxiang Yao

"CaSO3.0.5H2O typed Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum is a by-product formed in flue gas desulfuration by double-cycle fluid bed method, its composition is different remarkably from that of gypsum yield by normal desulfuration methods, and few studies using it as cement retarder have been carried out. In this paper, the experimental study using CaSO3•0.5H2O typed FGD gypsum as cement retarder was carried out. The experimental results indicate that, when FGD gypsum is added solely into cement, the retarding action is not satisfactory because of its slow dissolution rate; The composite retarder composed of FGD gypsum and natural gypsum can regulate efficiently setting time of cement over a wide range of addition and rate of both each other, and the mechanical property of cement can be improved significantly.Fire-power plants have discharged a lot of harmful gases such as SO2 etc., which has resulted in serious pollution on the environment. To reduce harmful gas containing sulfur in the flue gas, various flue gas desulfuration (FGD) techniques have been developed. At present, the FGD method used widely is to add desulfuration agents such as limestone powder or other calcareous-contained materials during the coal burning or in the flue gas so that the components containing sulfur react with them to form solid sulfate or sulfite and to be separated from the flue gas by collectors. CaSO3•0.5H2O and CaSO4•2H2O typed FGDgypsum can be obtained respectively by dry and wet FGD process[1,2]. As a by-product of fire-power plant, features of of FGD gypsum and its applications have been paid great attention. Pavel Tesa'rek et al [3] presented in full the characters and properties of FGD gypsum; Zofia Konik et al[4] prepared expansive additive used to cemnent industry by using FGD gypsum and aluminate clinker; A. K. Alva et al [5] investigated the effects of FGD gypsum and fly ash on soil properties and found the growth of seedlings of either rootstock improved significantly in soils amended with FGD gypsum and fly ash. FGD gypsum also can be used in gypsum binders, plasters and plasterboard manufacture [2.6]. C. S. Poon et al [7] investigated the effects of FGD sludge on the pozzolanic reaction of reject-fly-ash-blended cement pastes. Many studies using CaSO4•2H2O typed FGD gypsum as cement retarder has been reported[2,8-12]. Howevere, few studies using FGDG as retarder were reported so far. In present study, the chemical compositon, phase composition, structure and features of CaSO3•0.5H2O typed FGD gypsum have been analyzed, and its application characters used as cement retarder have been investigated experimentally."

Jan 1, 2008

By J. R. Sarazin

Density driven convection during solidification has been recognized for some time to result in macrosegregation particularly when lower density alloying elements are rejected into the interdendritic liquid. The resulting segregates are commonly referred to as channels, freckles or A-segregates. Buoyancy driven convection leading to channel formation has been examined in three model systems possessing somewhat different materials parameters. They are the Pb-Sn eutectic system, the transparent aqueous-salt NH C1-H 0 4 2 eutectic system and the transparent organic succinonitrile-ethanol monotectic system. Convection in these systems is controlled by a balance of buoyant and viscous forces, which are strong functions of composition and temperature. Composition, temperature and flow velocity were measured and elimination of channels through heavier ternary additions is discussed.

Jan 1, 1991

By Kiyoshi Shibata

A new assessment model has been proposed for metal production and its recycling system. The model consists of three processes, smelting of ore, cascading and upgrading of metal scrap. The present approach is to assess the total energy consumption of the system, by introducing two equations for describing the relationships between critical impurity content and the mass of production or scrap recycling. The total energy consumption in the system can be described as a function of recycling rate and performance of the upgrading process. The present model suggests that the impurity removal efficiency and yield in the upgrading process are essential to reduce the energy consumption in the systems. Especially, such points should be explicitly controlled in recycling of aluminum. The potential capability of this model was also discussed by obtaining several quantitative information required for the process design and the operational control of beneficial recycling of metals.

Jan 1, 1998

By Sasa Djokic

In developed countries, the difference between demanded and produced quantities of non-ferrous and rare metals are compensated by secondary raw materials recycling and reprocessing of by-products from both ferrous and non-ferrous extractive metallurgy. Utilization of non-ferrous and rare metals from the metallic secondary raw materials is very significant, both for recovery of the metal value and contribution to the environment protection. Similar to all non-developed countries, the extractive metallurgy in Serbia was based on available natural resources and not so strict environment protection regulations, which was either insufficient or completely absent. Today, Serbia is at the beginning of development of efficient and economical technical and technological solutions in order to ?ecologize? technogenic systems by waste materials, secondary raw materials and degraded soils regeneration (by recycling and revitalization). Several metallurgical technogenic systems in Serbia, together with secondary raw materials classification according to their potentiality for metal extraction by using the existing technologies and expected economical and ecological effects of recycling, are discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 2005

By C. Díaz

Roast-reduction smelting (RRS) of nickel concentrate, combined with flash smelting of copper concentrate, was one of the process options that Inco considered as a means of meeting its 1994 sulfur dioxide abatement target at its Copper Cliff operations. RRS involves deep roasting the nickel concentrate in fluid bed roasters. The roaster off-gas is heated in a sulfuric acid plant, and the low sulfur calcine is reduction smelted with coke in an electric furnace to yield a sulfur-deficient matte. The latter material is converted to Bessemer matte in Peirce-Smith converters, with minimal evolution of sulfur dioxide, and the converter slag is reverted to the electric furnace. Excellent nickel and cobalt recoveries are obtained. This paper discusses the development of RRS, including extensive commercial scale testing at Inco's Thompson Smelter, and its key operating parameters.

Jan 1, 1993