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By P. A. Metz

The Fairbanks mining district has produced in excess of 7.5 million troy ounces of placer gold and 250,000 troy ounces of lode gold since gold was discovered in the area in 1902. The Fairbanks mining district is in the northwestern part of the Yukon-Tanana Upland Schist Terrane, an area of approximately 240,000 square km that has produced in excess of 21 million troy ounces of placer gold. All lode gold production from the terrane has been from the Fairbanks mining district, and all of this production has come from high-grade gold-quartz polymetallic sulfide veins. Gold grains in the vein systems range in size from several microns to several millimeters. The veins are localized in a complex metamorphic rock assemblage which includes greenstones and felsic metavolcanic and volcaniclastic rocks, meta-exhalatives and metasediments. Gold occurs in the metamorphic host rocks in association with arsenopyrite and arsenic-antimony sulfides which occur in lenses and disseminations within the host rock. Gold grains occurring in the metamorphic host rocks range. in size from sub-micron to a few microns in diameter.

Jan 1, 1987

By Donald R. Sadoway

"Molten salt electrolysis is a proven technology for the extraction of metals -- all· the world's primary aluminum is produced in this manner. The unique properties of molten salts also make them excellent media in which to treat a variety of forms of waste. Of special note in this regard is electrolysis in molten oxides, a concept put forward by the author, initially as a ""clean technology"" for producing primary metal. However, in the context of waste treatment, electrolysis in molten oxides is a process offering the prospect of changing the-valence of dissolved heavy metals while making pure oxygen gas as the main by-product. Laboratory tests conducted at a temperature of 1550°C on chromate sludge dissolved in an melt composed of Al2O3, SiO2; CaO, and MgO have confirmed electrochemical production of oxygen on a carbon-free anode. IntroductionMolten salt electrolysis is the electrolytic decomposition of a compound dissolved in an ionic melt. The prime example of this process can be found in the production of aluminum. The compound, alumina (Al2O3)' derived from the mineral bauxite, is dissolved in an ionic melt comprising a multicomponent solution of cryolite (Na3AlF6)' aluminum fluoride (AlF3)' and calcium fluoride (CaF2,). The products of electrolysis are molten aluminum and carbon dioxide, the latter due to the attendant consumption of the carbon anode. Primary aluminum is produced in a reactor known as the Hall cell.' Alternatively, the compound undergoing electrolytic decomposition can be derived from waste. Processing in molten salts, with their capacity to dissolve materials to very high concentrations compared to those attainable in aqueous solutions, can be rather advantageous. High solubilities lead to high limiting current densities, and this, in tum, results in high productivities: For a primer on molten salt electrolysis and a review of the basic literature in the field of molten salts the reader is directed to an earlier publication of the author (1)."

Jan 1, 1996

By Liu Wei-feng

Base on the thermodynamic calculation of vapor pressure of lead, antimony and arsenic at high temperature, the possibility of separating lead, antimony and arsenic in different temperature was analyzed ,and the practice of producing qualified antimony white from lead-antimony alloy by direct blowing was introduced in detail in this paper. The blast furnace reduction smelting was brief introduced firstly, and then alkaline refining was applied to removing arsenic from lead-antimony alloy that contains As1%,Sb39%,Pb58%,the arsenic in the treated lead-antimony alloy could decrease to 0.009% by that method. The antimony white containing Sb2O3 99.5% could be produced by air blowing in the special furnace at 650? from the treated lead-antimony alloy. And the electrolytic lead could be achieved by electrolysis from the lead-rich alloy which contained 83% lead.With high-grade product being obtained the process was shortened. The technology has been applied successfully many years in Guangxi, China.

Jan 1, 2009

By Orlando C. Rojas

The Potrerillos Smelter commissioned a new El Teniente converter in 1985. As a result of the use of this technology, the Peirce-Smith converters have been processing only high grade matte or white metal. These operational changes resulted in damages to the converter shells, excessive splashing and cold dope generation and very short refractory campaigns. The paper shows the modifications to the tuyere angle, mouth design changes and new techniques for mouth cleaning and gas handling. Operational results up to 1991 are also shown.

Jan 1, 1993

In accordance with the new concept described in the paper presented at the TMS annual meeting in 1989, 1 a new zinc cellhouse was constructed and successfully operated. The new concept was proposed in order to reduce energy requirements and to mechanize the electrode handling in the cellhouse. Major modifications involved the use of an electrode unit consistfog of assembled anodes and cathodes with frame bodies between each cathode and anode. The space between a cathode and an anode could be halved by this unit structure. In this paper actual operation data are summarized and discussed in comparison with the calculated figures.

Jan 1, 1990

By Suzanne Young

The effect of LiF additions on liqt.1id1.:1s temperature and electrical conductivity over a wide range of cryolite bath ratios (1.0 to 1.5 weight ratio) was investigated. Results did not agree with multi-regression equations reported by Dewing and Choudhary over the entire region. New regression equations were developed. Reasons? are given for the differences. The models are used to discuss the economic implications of LiF additions to Hali cell electrolytes.

Jan 1, 1985

By Nexhmedin Lohja

The production of high-carbon ferrochromium in a submerged electric furnace based on double-level technology has some advantages compared to close-type furnaces with one tap hole. These advantages include the reduction of the specific energy consumption for the overall process, good separation of ferrochromium from slag, an effective treatment of raw materials including lean chrome ores (low percentage of Cr2O3) etc. An outline of the operation of this furnace along with the production line of briquettes from fines of chrome ore by using organic and inorganic binders, will be followed by a description of the recent work carried out to improve the energy consumption in this furnace through a pre reduction process of Cr2O3 ores by the off-gas energy recuperated from the furnace and the use of SiC in the feed. A short theoretical analysis of the new work will also be given.

Jan 1, 2006

By Uchil Jayagopal, P. V. Krupakara, S. Manjunath

"This paper deals with the corrosion characterization of quartz particlate ZA-27 alloy metal matrix composites (MMCs). Quartz particles of size 50-80 microns are used as reinforcement. MMC's are prepared according to ASTM standards. Composites containing. 2, 4, and -6% by weight of quartz and unreinforced matrix were tested using 1 -N hydrochloric acid: The composite was found to be more corrosive resistant than matrix alloy. In each test the corrosion resistance of both alloy and composites were found to decrease with the exposure time.1. IntroductionMetal matrix composites- (MMCs) offer designers many added benefits, as they are particularly suited for applications requiring good strength at high temperature, good structural rigidity, dimensional stability, and light weight 1-5. The trend is towards safe usage of the MMC parts in the automobile engine, which work particularly at high temperature and pressure environments Particles reinforced MMCs has been the most popular over the last two decades.ZA alloy MMCs have most popular families being represented by. ZA-27 alloy reinforced with ceramic particulate. Although the incorporation of the second phase into a matrix material can enhance the physical and mechanical properties of the base metal, it could also significantly change the corrosion behavior.ZA alloys have been used extensively in industry. This is attributed to their excellent fludity, castability and good mechanical properties. Among the zinc-based foundry alloys, the ZA family of alloy have been widely used during the past few years. ZA alloys have many advantage over aluminium based ones, especially high strength with a low casting temperature 8."

Jan 1, 2000

By Hiromichi Ohla

Precise thermal properties of molten materials are essentially required for analyzing the metal production process. These properties are also important as a clue to consider the dynamic structure of liquid materials. However, it is difficult to obtain the precise thermal diffusivity values of molten oxides at high temperature because of the experimental uncertainties arising from the bubble formation or the severe separation of radiative and conductive heat components. Recently a novel laser flash method has also developed for measuring thernnal diffusivity of molten oxides at high temperature. In this new technique, the sample is melted in a metal crucible and heated to the desired temperature. A single laser pulse is flashed on the bottom of the metal crucible and the infrared ray irradiated from the same bottom surface is measured for obtaining the temperature decay, from which the thennal diffusivity of the liquid sample can be estimated. The usefulness and validity of this new laser flash technique have been confirmed by obtaining the thermal diffusivity values of silicate melts in the wide temperature range between 773 and 1673 K.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Potesser

In the primary and secondary copper industry the anode furnace is the most important process step in the refining procedure to reach an enhancement in value and quality of the copper by a selective oxidation and reduction. By combining the advantages of the conventional tilting hearth anode furnace and the benefits of the drum type anode furnace a new aggregate was developed and patented. The cross-section of the furnace is elliptical and the whole unit is tiltable. During the melting period, the contact surface between the burners and the bath or the scarp is enlarged - an increased energy input is the consequence. For the refining period the furnace is rotated, whereby a high bath level is guaranteed. Due to the longer residence time of the gas in the copper melt, not only the gas consumption is reduced but also the efficiency/quality of the refining process is improved. This investigation shows a metallurgical comparison between the new anode furnace concept with the elliptical profile/cross section and the conventional, tiltable hearth anode furnace as well as the drum type anode furnace. The CFD modeling of the currents in these different furnaces delivered helpful data to compare the geometry of the different furnaces. The investigation covered the refining of blister copper from primary metallurgy, from secondary metallurgy as well as from a mixture of both copper melts. The paper underlines the possibilities for a reduction of the tap-to-tap time and for an increase in production capacity, which can be achieved by applying the new furnace concept in comparison to the conventional furnaces.

Jan 1, 2006

By Rolando Campos

In August 1993, the operation of Refimet Chile's copper custom smelter commenced at La Negra, near Antofagasta in northern Chile. Design smelter throughput corresponded to 235 000 tonnes of concentrate, calcines and copper cements arising from suppliers in the north of the country to produce 90 000 t/y of blister copper. Refimet had initially gained experienced in building and operating leaching, roasting and a blast furnace facility at Rungue, near Santiago, followed by Roasting at La Negra. The initial smelter project was based on conventional reverb- smelting and Peirce-Smith converting and the majority of equipment was 'purchased second-hand and rehabilitated or modified. After only 3 years in production, the treatment capacity was significantly improved by introduction of technical improvements to the original plant operating scheme. Recently, the plant was further expanded to an annual smelting capacity in excess of 400 000 t/y feed, corresponding to around 160 000 t/y copper production. This expansion, referred to as Phase 2, was achieved by modification of the reverb to oxy-fuel firing, addition of a further (second-hand) acid plant, fire refining and anode casting facilities. Parallel development of concentrate injection into enlarged converters-also took place. Following successful commissioning of Phase 2 expansion, initial engineering studies for a third expansion phase have been completed. This aims to use leading technology based on bath smelting of bone-dry concentrates in a Continuous Reactor. This paper provides an overview of the relatively short plant history, its development and improvements together with operating indices achieved.

Jan 1, 1998

By lonkion M. Font

Due to the known disadvantages of the use of iron silicate slag in the nickel converting stage, i.e., high metal losses, high magnetite content, and low fixation of impurities in the slag, the development of the new proposed "ferrous calcium silicate slag" for smelting and converting processes of nickel is very promising. Hence, considering the successful experimental results of using CaO base slag for the nickel smelting process, a study based on a detailed comparison for the phase equilibrium, and the minor elements distribution between the NilS2-FeS matte with either FeOx-CaO or FeOx-Si02 base slag was investigated. The main results are summarized as: no difference in the nickel losses between both slags was found at high nickel content in the matte, and the fractional distribution analysis for arsenic and antimony pointed out their preferential fixation in the calcium ferrite slag rather than in the iron silicate slag. Considering the energy and pollution issues, the technical feasibility of using calcium ferrite slag in a converting process of the Bessemer matte will have a prominent future for the nickel industry.

Jan 1, 2003

By Antti Roine

HSC Chemistry is a widely-used therniochemical tool in the chemical and metallurgical industries and in universities. The main reasons for it's popularity is the easy user interface and the large integrated thermochemical database. This paper summarizes the main properties of the new HSC Chemistry version 3.0, and gives a short review of the new features: Some metallurgical applications with the new features are also presented. HSC Chemistry 3:0 contains seven calculation modules and a thermochemical database with more than 11 ,000 chemical compounds. The new spreadsheet type table editor gives more control to the user, the new graphics routines have fewer limitations and more formatting properties. The capability and speed of calculation routines have also been improved.

Jan 1, 1998

By Donald R. Sadoway

Molten salt electrolysis is a proven technology for the extraction of metals -- all the world's primary aluminum is produced in this manner. The unique properties of molten salts, also make them excellent media in which to treat a variety of forms of waste. Of special .note in this regard is electrolysis in molten oxides, a .concept put forward by. the author, initially as a ."clean technology" for producing primary metal. However, in the context of waste treatment, electroly-sis in molten oxides is a process offering the prospect of changing the. valence of dissolved heavy metals while making pure oxygen gas as the main by-product .Laboratory tests conducted at a temperature of 1550°C on chromate sludge dissolved in an melt composed of Al2O3 and MgO have confirmed electrochemical production of oxygen on a carbon-free anode.

Jan 1, 1996

By Fumio Hashiuchi, Yushiro Hirai, Masatoshi Maeda, Toshihiro Nagata

"Increase in the copper smelting capacity at Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery was attained through various improvements in the PSconverters and the flash furnace. Two of the major innovations in the converting process were: a new operational technology which avoids increase in the copper content in the converter slag even when higher copper grade matte (65%) are treated in the slag making stage and a technology which shortens the operational interruption time which is caused by coolant charging. The latter was realized by introducing a new automated coolant charging system with which it was made possible to charge the coolant without stopping the blowing into the converter. These improvements brought about a remarkable increase in · the production capacity per converter and an annual production of 450,000 tons of copper without adding new furnaces was made possible. In addition, good results have been obtained of the tests with modified tuyeres to further increase the production.IntroductionIn a bid to renovate its Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery and to establish a leading production unit in terms of global competitiveness, Nippon Mining & Metals undertook major restructuring efforts since 1994. One of its themes was the shift from· a two-flash furnaces operation to a single-flash furnace operation. The shift was successfully completed in 1996 while maintaining the production at the same level (330,000 tons per annum of copper). Then, the productivity was enhanced to 450,000 mtpy without adding new furnaces through technological and operational improvements. It is now planned to increase the smelting capacity further to 470,000 mtpy this year.Some technological and operational improvements in the matte converting process and the new plan resulted from the tests with modified tuyeres are presented in this paper."

Jan 1, 2000

By D. de la Villa

From 1989 to 1992 Rio Tinto Minera has developed and implemented a productivity program in its Huelva Plant, including Smelter, Acid Plant and Electrorefinery. This Plan was designed in order to increase productivity, reduce emissions and produce a better quality of cathodes. This paper describes investments and operating improvements involved in this project, focusing on Smelter and Acid Plants, and comments the results obtained so far.

Jan 1, 1993

By Lv Guozhi, Niu Liping, Liu Yan, Zhao Qiuyue, He Jicheng, Zhang Ting’an, Dou Zhihe

"This paper proposed a new method of Mg and Cl2 circulating for titanium sponge production by direct pyrolysis and thermal reduction process. Effects of pyrolysis temperature, pyrolysis time and partial pressure of oxygen on pyrolysis efficiency were researched, and the crystallite structural transformation of MgO productions at different pyrolysis temperature and time were analyzed by XRD. The experimental results indicates that the pyrolysis temperature and time effects the pyrolysis efficiency obviously, and the reasonable pyrolysis conditions by using MgCl2 in molten state are as follows: the pyrolysis temperature is 1100?, pyrolysis time is 60min and the partial pressure of oxygen is 100%, the pyrolysis efficiency get above 95% at this conditions. The dynamic analysis of molten magnesium chloride pyrolysis reaction shows that, as a chemical reaction process control, the response of the apparent activation energy Ea=70.4 kJ/mol.IntroductionTitanium is a young metal, it is applied in industrial until the Second World War. It is 160 years from the discovery of titanium to the industrial production of ductility titanium by magnesium reduction method in the United States in 1948. As a new kind of metal, titanium and titanium material are better than the traditional metal materials in mechanical properties, heat resistance and thermal conductivity. Titanium is a kind of landmark structure and function material, which is called “space metal”, “Marine metal”, “Intelligent metal” [1-3]. Although the study of new methods of titanium melting get more at present, Kroll method and Hunter method are really applied to industrial production methods for titanium smelting, and Hunter method is already discontinued because of costs at present. The core technology in Kroll method of sponge titanium production process can be ome down to two circulation, namely the cycle of magnesium and chlorine in preparation-process of titanium sponge. In the traditional Kroll method, the cycle is realized through magnesium chloride which is produced by the electrolytic magnesium reduction process in hot molten state. But because investment of equipment for electrolysis method is too high, this method has not been used by most titanium sponge production enterprise in China. At present most titanium sponge production enterprise in China produce titanium sponge by the outsourcing of titanium tetrachloride, but the main disadvantage of this method is that the by-product of magnesium chloride is difficult to deal with."

Jan 1, 2012

By N. V. Gorelikova

A new type of zirconium mineralization has been recognized in the Devonian volcanic rocks from an orogenic depression in the Central Kazakhstan. The most characteristic features of this deposit are the fine-grained nature of the zirconium mineralization, an unusual texture of the zirconium ores, and a close association of zirconium with phosphorus in the ores. Zircon grains form fine globular aggregates with the features of hexagonal crystal habit. In addition to crystalline zircon, the ores contain metacolloidal zircon, similar to hydrozircon. The morphological and textural features of the zirconium ores suggest that the deposition of ore deposits took place at a low temperature from colloidal solutions. It is believed that this deposit should be considered to be a new type of zirconium mineralization that is related to low-temperature hydrothermal processes.

Jan 1, 1995

By K. J. Richards

The converting of copper mattes to blister copper has seen few technical advances since the introduction of batch furnaces using submerged tuyeres over a hundred years ago. The first side-blown converting vessel, operated by P. Manhes in 1882, was an offshoot of the 'Bessemer steelmaking process, and subsequent improvements in the conversion of molten mattes resulted In the Peirce-Smith converter, still the Industry standard today. While Peirce-Smith' converting has served the industry well since the early 1900!s, increasingly stringent environmental regulations, burgeoning energy costs, and a trend toward continuous processing have set the stage for a major improvement in this area of copper production. In contrast to a growing number of approaches for continuous converting using molten copper mattes, Kennecott is developing a process for treatment of solidified matte which allows improved' control, higher oxygen enrichment and a separation or decoupling of smelting and converting operations not possible with the other converting technologies. The new process known as Solid Matte Oxygen Converting, or SMOC, eliminates the need for molten matte transfers, minimizes fugitive emissions, and produces high strength SO2 off gases which substantially reduce offgas handling requirements. The SMOC process, despite additional matte solidification and size reduction steps, offers both capital and operating cost advantages for new smelters and the upgrading of existing plants, when compared with conventional converting technologies. Capital cost reductions of up to 35% in converting, gas handling, and sulfur fixation are indicated. Kennecott has successfully tested the new process concept and continued' development work is now under way to commercialize the technology. This paper reviews the limitations of batch copper converting with emphasis on the need for a continuous process, previous industry approaches to continuous converting of molten mattes, and the new Kennecott development.

Jan 1, 1983

By D. Lui, B. G. Thomas, B. Ho

"Results from mathematical models and plant experiments are combined to quantify the effect of transverse depressions and oscillation marks on heat transfer in the continuous casting mold. A heat transfer model has been developed to calculate transient heat conduction within the solidifying steel, coupled with the steady-state heat conduction with the continuous casting mold wall. The model features a detailed treatment of the interfacial gap between the shell and mold, including mass and momentum balances on the solid and liquid powder layers. The model predicts the solidified shell thickness down the mold, temperature in the mold and shell, thickness of the resolidified and liquid powder layers, heat flux distribution down the mold, mold water temperature rise, ideal taper of the mold walls, and other related phenomena. The important effect of non-uniform distribution of superheat is incorporated using the results from previous 3-D turbulent fluid flow calculations within the liquid cavity. Results from plant experiments confirm that transverse surface depressions and oscillation marks form at the meniscus and move down the mold. Measurements of mold thermocouple temperatures and breakout shell thickness were used to calibrate the models. The results indicate that the surface depressions and oscillation marks are filled with mold flux, but still have a significant effect on decreasing heat transfer. The predicted mold temperature fluctuations are consistent with measurements. If the depressions become filled with air, their effect is greatly increased. These results should be useful in the difficult task of interpreting transient mold thermocouple signals for on-line quality monitoring.IntroductionMany different types of intermittent surface defects on steel slabs arise during initial solidification in the mold of the. continuous casting machine. These defects include deep oscillation marks, surface depressions, and cracks. They may lead to quality problems, such as slivers, in the final rolled product. In severe cases, breakouts may occur, where liquid steel bursts through a thin section of the shell and drains over the casting machine below the mold."

Jan 1, 1997