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By Pedro A. Netto, Giulio R. Altoé, Sergio N. Monteiro, Ygor M. Moraes, Frederico M. Margem, Gabriel O. Glória

Since environmental issues are becoming more and more important Worldwide. Nowadays, Natural fibers are been used to substitute the synthetic ones. Although PALF fiber is an important natural fiber and its mechanical Properties surpass in various aspects some other lignocelluloses fibers, such few studies have been conducted with the fiber obtained from leaf of PALF plant. In order to better evaluate the mechanical properties and possible applications, this paper aims to improve the elastic modulus of the PALF fiber by Weibull statistics, by evaluating their mechanicals properties and possible applications. The fibers were divided in diameter intervals and the tensile strength and elasticity modulus were measured in each range. The fractured surface was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results, interpreted by the Weibull statistical method, showed a correlation between the fiber elastic modulus and its diameter.

Jan 1, 2015

At its Copper Cliff Smelter, Inco Limited processes a bulk copper-nickel concentrate in two Inco oxygen flash furnaces. The furnace matte is converted to low iron matte for further processing, and the molten converter slag is recycled to the flash furnaces. The flash furnace slag is discarded. Natural gas or coke supplies a minor proportion of the process heat requirements, thus limiting the flash furnace matte grade to the target 45% CuNiCo. Coke addition to the furnace offers a potential means of establishing a reducing barrier on the surface of the molten bath. Such a practice would be conducive to producing sulfur deficient (partially metallized) matte. At the same iron content, the iron activity of sulfur deficient matte is higher than that of regular matte. A supernatant coke barrier could, therefore, be expected to lead to higher nickel and cobalt recoveries, reduction or even elimination of magnetite furnace bottom build-up and increased sulfur elimination as SO2 in the flash furnace. Preliminary experiments were conducted in a mini plant flash furnace to investigate the effect on process metallurgy of the suggested modified scheme. This paper presents the experimental results and discusses key aspects of the possible operation of the Inco flash furnace with a coke barrier separating the freeboard from the molten bath.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. Hammen

Processes are needed to rapidly and cost-effectively produce highly pure lithium salts for the rechargeable battery sector. Lithium purification is a chemical engineering challenge, due to the low concentration of lithium compared to sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and transition metal ions commonly occurring in lithium brine resources. We describe a Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) process that rejects sodium and potassium, while binding lithium and other higher valent ions. Lithium is then harvested by selective displacement from the SPE column. The rapid equilibration kinetics of SPE composites enables these ion separations to occur in a small SPE column and in one column stage. The chemical parameters of the process are described.

By Hongli Wen, Guangkun Shen, Qiong Deng, Shoujian Huang, Min Gan, Xiaohui Fan

"Due to the low iron grade and high sulfur content, pyrite cinder is difficult to be directly used for iron-making. In this paper, technology of magnetic roasting -grinding and magnetic separation -acid leaching was put forward for reclamation of pyrite cinder. For pyrite cinder of TFe53.51%, S2.20 %, studies showed that good magnetic effect can be achieved at roasting temperature 650~7000, reducing atmosphere CO/(CO + C02) 10~20% and roasting time 10~30 minutes. In separation conditions of grinding size -0.045mm accounting for 96.09% and magnetic field intensity of 1240 GS, iron concentrate of TFe64.81 %, S0.18% and iron recovery rate 91.44% was achieved. Acid leaching was studied to strengthen desulfurization. Results showed that high-quality iron ore concentrate of TFe66.3 l %, S0.10% was obtained under the conditions of hydrochloric acid mass fraction of 5%, pulp density of30%, leaching temperature of70? and leaching time of2 hours.IntroductionPyrite cinder is produced as a by-product of sulfuric acid industry [1] Domestic production is more than 12 million tons every year and occupied area is over 10 million square meters [2,3]. The pyrite cinder outdoor not only pollutes air but also damages surrounding surface [4] It after treatment used for iron-making is an ideal reclamation approach for its rich iron which is commonly 40-60% [5]. But pyrite cinder gets low utilization for its low iron grade and high sulfur content in China [6]. Therefore, comprehensive utilization of pyrite cinder has profound significance to environmental protection and the development of domestic iron and steel industry."

Jan 1, 2013

By Masaru Tomoguchi, Tom Nishiyama, Naoto Sasamoto

"In Hanaoka Mine, which was one of the major ""black ore"" (Kuroko) mines in the north part of Japan, mining has finished in 1994, and only mineral processing plant is available now. Recently this mineral processing plant has been applied to the soil washing. Soils contaminated with heavy metals are excavated and transported to the plant. The soils are separated to cleaned soil and metal enrichment through the process which consists of scrubbing, classification, extraction, insolubilization, flotation, and so on. The process is flexibly designed for each contaminated soil, in order to the products can be recycled as cleaned soils or metal sources. . Soils contaminated with arsenic and lead were treated in 1999, which were entrusted from Environmental Agency of Japan.IntroductionDowa Mining has had the mine site named ""Hanaoka Mine"" and ""Kosaka Mine"" in the north part of Japan. Those mines consisted of some ore deposits and produced ""black ore"" (Kuroko) and ""yellow ore"" (Oko), which are complex sulfide ore. The ""black ore"" mainly consists of sphalerite, galena and barite with accessory chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite and Au, Ag minerals. The ""yellow ore"" mainly consists of powdery and clayey ore containing chalcopyrite and. pyrite, with a little sphalerite and galena. Each mine site had mineral processing plant respectively, ""Hanaoka Mine"" had two and ""Kosaka Mine"" had one plant. Those plants were operated by flotation process to separate each mineral, and produced concentrates of copper, lead, zinc, pyrite, barite and so on.Unfortunately, the mine had closed one by one because of change in economical circumstances and the lack of ore reserves. Mill plants were also closed and dismantled, but the last ""Matsumine mill plant"" of Hanaoka Mine was remained to be utilized usefully. In the circumstance like that, we came across with soil remediation business. Recent reports say that subsurface contamination in Japan is being grown substantially and that it can be a serious matter beyond the imagination of our society. So nowadays we have a tendency to pay attention to the environmental issues including subsurface one."

Jan 1, 2000

By D. F. Suarez

Spontaneous nodulation leading to growth of well developed glossy spheroids (generally hemispheres) of up to 0.06 cm width in 120 min has been observed during copper electrodeposition with certain levels of glue, thiourea and C1-. Thiourea alone can produce spontaneous nodulation but addition of glue and/or Cl- is required for rapid and sustained growth. In most cases once the glossy nodules develop they consume the majority of the copper deposited; thus, the specific current densities (and hence copper electrodeposition rates) on the glossy nodules are about an order of magnitude or, more greater than on the adjacent planar surfaces. The texture of the adjaoent planar surfaces is not glossy in appearance but is well faceted showing the usual deposition grain structure for such additives. Cathode potentials when spontaneous nodulation occurs are about TOO my more negative than with usual copper electroplating. This fact associated with evidence of extremely high levels of cathode surface passivation based on cyclic voltammograms indicates that the conditions which lead to spontaneous nodulation result from a very tightly adsorbed additive surface film. This film breaks down in specific points initiating the glossy nodules which then grow at extremely rapid rates. Current density is also important in spontaneous nodulation. At equal deposition times a current density of 21.5 mA/cm produced much larger glossy nodules than at 48 mA/cm2. The surface concentration of the glossy nodules was much greater in the latter case, however. The role of current density is still not well understood. The role of it as well as the relative roles of the three additives, thiourea, glue and Cl- in spontaneous nodulation is presented. Preliminary results and some possible correlations of these to help explain spontaneous nodulation are presented. It is believed that tankhouse upsets where cathode nodulation occurs may be related to this phenomenon.

Jan 1, 1987

By V. M. Paretsky

The basic work conducted by Prof. A.Yazawa has demonstrated that in order to ensure single-stage white metal production by autogenous smelting of copper sulfide raw materials, it is most favorable to use highly basic slags, in particular oxide systems CaO-FeO-Fe2O3-Sio2. he special studies have been conducted in the Gintsvetmet Institute to investigate the composition and structure of slags produced on a semi-commercial scale when testing the KFP and FBP processes for white metal smelting, as well as the slag obtained in a full-scale KFP furnace at the Almalyk copper smelter. The investigations conducted have demonstrated why production of high-grade matte or white metal is associated with lower loss of copper in slag in a series: silicate slag I silicate-calcium slag I ferrite-calcium slag.

Jan 1, 2003

By Mark Jolly, Xiaojun Dai

"Foundry engineers in the traditional foundry usually regard the quality of casting component as the most important issue and leave the energy saving or energy efficiency as the subsidiary one. This frequently causes disproportionate energy consumption as a result of the inefficient casting processes used and increases the production costs. This paper presents the novel CRIMSON aluminium casting process and compares its facility and melting process with traditional melt furnaces and aluminium alloy melting process. A real example is investigated to demonstrate quantitatively how the traditional foundry wastes energy and what the improvement of energy efficiency can be achieved using the new CRIMSON method. The results of this investigation will help the foundry engineer recognize the importance of energy saving and demonstrate how to use this new technology to reduce production costs and carbon footprint without decreasing the quality of the cast component.IntroductionAluminium melting in metal casting industry is an energy intensive process where it is estimated that the energy consumption is in the order of 1,700 ~ 4,700 kWh tonne-1 in using crucible and natural gas [1]. Different countries may use different energy resources for aluminium melting: in US the main energy resources are natural gas, electricity and coke [2] and in UK most of the foundry use electricity, gas and oil as energy resources [3]. Due to the pressure of rising energy price and the strict environment law, it is anticipated that under the right socioeconomic conditions, the efficiency optimisation of industrial process can be an important step toward increased industrial sustainability [4]. In metal casting industry the energy efficiency of a casting facility depends largely on the efficiency of its melting and heat treating performance. In association with the two performances, over 60 % of the total process energy costs are represented in a typical casting facility [5] where there are huge opportunities for metal casting industry to adopt the best energy practices for potential energy saving. How to ameliorate the current processes for increasing energy efficiency will have a vital effect on reducing the production costs and increasing the competitiveness. For instance, by implementing some state of the art technologies such as the CRIMSON method in aluminium alloy casting will make use of such opportunities."

Jan 1, 2011

By Ángel Ruiz-Sánchez

Ethylene glycol additions to aqueous acid solutions for leaching copper sulfides increase both copper and iron extractions compared to a conventional sulfuric acid leach with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The role of ethylene glycol is to prevent peroxide destruction, which normally occurs in solutions that contain both cupric and ferric ions. However, despite this improvement, ethylene glycol and sulfuric acid concentrations must be high (3.5 M and 0.7 M, respectively) to obtain satisfactory conversion levels at room temperature. In the present investigation, EDTA was used as an additive to complex the cupric and ferrous ions, lowering the requirements of ethylene glycol and H2SO4 to 0.11 M and 0.007 M, respectively, while minimizing oxidant decomposition. The experimental results for a mainly chalcopyrite, copper concentrate showed complete copper extraction in 24 h at room temperature, with the stoichiometric quantity of EDTA for the copper and iron dissolved. Tests using seawater were equally as successful.

By Jan Pan, Deqing Zhu, Xianlin Zhou, Yanhong Luo, Zixing Xue

"Magnetic roasting process, aiming at obtaining magnetite concentrate, is the principle method of exploiting siderite as a raw material in iron and steel industry. Study on preparing DRI from siderite through coal based reduction technology is sporadic. To make the process of how siderite is reduced to iron clear, roasted ore reduced from siderite by lignite under different time periods were analyzed. The results indicated that: at the temperature of 1050°C, siderite was rapidly decomposed into magnetite, and further reduced as Fe30r?FeO?Fe, the later step was slower than the previous one. A fracture of particles was found during the process of thermal decomposition and the reduction of newly formed magnetite. As the reduction proceeded, metallization rate of products increased, and the iron grain grew along with time.IntroductionWith the rapid development of economy, China demands more and more iron ores for the iron and steel industry. China has rich iron ore resources, but 97% of them are below 30% in iron grade, many are refractory and unutilized [1], therefore large quantities of imported iron ores are in a desperate need. China imported 686 million tons of iron ore in 2011 (data from the China Customs), accounting for nearly 60% of the total consumption. To guarantee the healthy development of iron and steel industry, domestic refractory iron ores have to be utilized both economically and environmentally."

Jan 1, 2013

By Mike Dry

Conventionally, lithium-bearing brines are processed via solar evaporation, chemical purification, and either electrolysis to lithium hydroxide or precipitation of lithium carbonate. Lithium-ion battery technology and electric vehicles are forecast to greatly increase the demand for lithium, but not all lithium-bearing brines are amenable to the conventional extraction process and new approaches are being developed. The chemistry associated with conventional lithium extraction is outlined and two new approaches are discussed.

By Krishna Parameswaran

This paper discusses sustainability considerations in primary copper smelting using selected examples of practices at ASARCO LLC, an integrated U.S. primary copper producer. Using the classic Brundtland Commission definition of sustainable development, i.e., “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” the paper discusses how copper mining and smelting practices can be made sustainable. The examples used to illustrate sustainability considerations include: (1) adoption of flash smelting; (2) emission reduction and process improvement associated with anode refining of blister copper and the converter retrofit project, and (3) preliminary research findings on alkali treatment of copper smelting slags and copper mine tailings.

By Teixeira

An experimental investigation on the kinetics of oxidation of As(III) with H202 in synthetic effluent solutions followed by precipitation of Fe/As (V) compounds was carried out. The variables investigated were: As concentration (200 -3000 mg/l) , oxidation pH (2.0 -11.0), oxidation temperature (25 -800C) , H202 stoichiometric excess (50% -100%), precipitation pH (5.0 -7.0), precipitation agent (Fe2+ -Fe3+). Fixed conditions were, Fe/As molar ratio (6:1) and stirring speed (560 rpm). The results were empirically modelled. The precipitates obtained were amorphous. The precipitates were checked upon their environmental stability according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.E.P.A.) Toxicity Test, and were considered to be adequate for deposition in impermeable waste dumps. The combined Fe/H202 detoxification process, in selected conditions, was able to reduce the As contents of effluents containing 1600 mg/l As to 0.1 mg/l, in about 2 1/2 hours of total processing time.

Jan 1, 1990

By E. Charles Abbey

Manganese in electrolyte has both beneficial and detrimental effects in Zn electrowinning. Mn oxidizes to form MnO2 on Pb–Ag anodes, cell walls and pipes. MnO2 reduces anode corrosion but also leads to short circuiting and maintenance issues. MnO2 is thought to interact with chloride ions and produce oxidized chlorine species. The interactions between Mn and Cl are not well understood. Therefore, two sets of 45+ day bench scale experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of the manganese to chloride ratio on anode corrosion rate and electrolyte chemistry using rolled Pb–Ag anodes. Daily manganese and chloride losses from the electrolyte appeared to be correlated. Increasing the average Mn/Cl− ratio from ∼7:1 to ∼11:1 reduced the anode corrosion rate. Increasing the ratio above 11 did not reduce the corrosion rate further. Anode scales produced with Mn/Cl− ratios at and above 11:1 contained some γ–MnO2 while scales formed with ratios less than 11:1 did not.

By E. Bélisle, Christopher W. Bale, S. Petersen, C. Robelin, K. Hack, J. Melançon, G. Eriksson, A. D. Pelton, P. Chartrand, S. A. Decterov, I. H. Jung, A. Gheribi

The FactSage® package consists of a series of information, database and calculation modules that enable one to access pure substances and solution databases and perform thermochemical equilibrium calculations. FactSage was originally founded by process pyrometallurgists and has since expanded its applications to include hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, corrosion, glass technology, combustion, ceramics, geology, environmental studies, etc. With the various modules one can perform a wide variety of thermochemical calculations and generate tables and graphs of complex chemical equilibria and phase diagrams for multicomponent systems. This paper presents examples of recent and current developments in FactSage in areas of particular interest to Dr. David Robertson. These include both ferrous and non-ferrous processing, as well as solidification and refining simulation. The paper also includes reference to the Internet Fact-Web education package.

Jan 1, 2014

By Yuanbo Zhang, Mingjun Rao, Guanghui Li, Chongzhong Ouyang, Shuhui Zhang

Oolitic hematite ore with high-phosphorus content is currently recognized as one of the most refractory iron ore resources in the world. The high-phosphorus content and unique structure of the oolitic hematite ore make it difficult to be beneficiated. The process of direct reduction followed by magnetic separation has significance to the utilization of oolitic hematite ore, and sodium salts can improve the dephosphorization. However, the behavior of phosphorus during reduction roasting, and the intensified dephosphorization mechanism of sodium salts are not clear. In this study, by using chemical analysis, chemical phase analysis, XRD analysis, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses, the behavior of phosphorus during reduction roasting of high-phosphorus content oolitic hematite ore and the effect of sodium salts on behavior of phosphorus were studied.

Jan 1, 2015

By Hadi Fanisalek

"Most industries attempted to conduct their energy consumptions in an optimized way for a few decades. This is because policymakers and top managements in industries have felt the critical situation of a possible energy shortage that could happen for them in the near future, even in countries with significant fossil fuel resources. Decisions related to energy consumption in any industry will have a long-term effect on different parts of the industry structure. In this way, energy decisions should be categorized as part of any industry's main strategic and long-term decisions, which should be made by top strategists. On the other hand, strategic management has many powerful tools to help the policymakers in industries to establish a long-term strategy for energy consumption and reducing or preferably eliminating the energy loss. This will be more important for industries in the Middle East, where they have just started to make an applicable strategy for their energy consumption and to design a long-term procedure for their energy management. Based on strategic management and by comparison we designed and offered a new model for establishing the main structure of energy management strategy in primary aluminum industry, which is a high consuming energy industry. This strategy, which we will call ESM (Energy Strategic Model) and has been applied for a typical primary aluminum industry in this paper, is similar to the practical models in the field of strategic management, which were developed for designing the overall company strategy.IntroductionThe elementary goal for introducing strategic management in any organization was to establish a successful plan helping the company to survive and to gain competitive advantage over its competitors in a rough business environment. Strategic management is an ongoing process that evaluates and controls the business and industries in which the company is involved; assesses its competitors and sets goals and strategies to meet all existing and potential competitors; and then reassesses each strategy annually to determine how it has been implemented and whether it has succeeded or needs replacement by a new strategy to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, and a new economic environment[!]."

Jan 1, 2013

By R. D. Brittain

In order to analyze and control the transport of harmful trace-element impurities in various smelting processes, it is necessary to have fundamental information about the chemical thermodynamic properties of the pertinent condensed and vapor phases. This paper describes recent thermodynamic studies of the gaseous arsenic sulfides and of the activity of arsenic in a copper-iron sulfide matte phase. These studies were carried out by high temperature mass spectrometry and by effusion vaporization techniques, which permitted clear identification of the molecular species involved, a decided advantage in such complex systems. The nature of the results obtained and comparisons with previous interpretations will be described.

Jan 1, 1983

By A. K. Riihimäki

The description deals with duplex stainless cast steels and austenitic high molybdenum steels used in pumps for severe condition service. The main modem nitrogen alloyed duplex cast steels are presented in the ASTM standard A-890. Two grades of high molybdenum austenitic stainless steels there are presented in ASTM A-744 (-96) standard i.e. CN-3MN and CK-3MCuN. The latest and most corrosion- resistant stainless steel grade is AVESTA 654 SMO?. Avesta Sheffield the trademark owner has granted Ahlstrom Pumps license to produce the material. This new stainless steel as pump material for severe service has improved properties in the hydrometallurgy and electrorefining processes of metal and especially in the copper industry compared to duplex stainless steels. The paper deals briefly with the foundry process to manufacture high alloy stainless steel pump castings. The AOD-method (AOD= Argon Oxygen Decarburization) is an important prerequisite for the melting of low carbon, high chromium and molybdenum alloyed nitrogen steels. The properties of these steels are included. The main topic is the corrosion resistance of the above-mentioned pump materials in severe service. Results of short-time erosion and corrosion tests are discussed and compared with the results of plant tests. Practical results of pump materials performance in severe service for the copper industry are given. The new high alloyed cast stainless steel (main elements; Cr-24%, Ni-22%, Mo-7,3% and N-0,5%) has shown improved corrosion and erosion properties as process pump material in several severe service applications e.g. in the metal industry.

Jan 1, 1999

By Huimin Lu, Zhijiang Gao

Reduction reaction can happen among Al, V2O5 and TiO2 powders. Al can deoxidize metal V and Ti from the metal oxides. The electric igniter can be used to trigger the reduction. The reaction between Al and V2O5 is very intense and release large amounts of heat, but the heat which is needed to initiate the reaction between Al and TiO2 is not enough. These two reactions have been initiated first and V-Al and Ti-Al alloys can be obtained with a higher metal recovery percent. Through adjusting the ratio of Al, V2O5 and TiO2 powders, the system which combines these two reactions can ensured enough heat to react. KClO3 is added to the system, as the ignition agent, in order to make the reaction much complete. Finally, Ti-Al-V alloys can be obtained and need remelt to adjust the constituents.

Jan 1, 2016