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By Jean Goldschmidt

Recycling of fine oxidized particles of non-ferrous metals usually cannot be carried out by pyrometallurgical methods. 'Hydrometallurgy provides an alternative technology to reintroduce? the resulting products as secondary raw materials into the industrial cycle, thereby saving resources and energy while keeping the environment a little cleaner. The paper summarizes the methods employed by Hydrometal to achieve these objectives and? stigmatizes the latest counterproductive international regulations which create ever more obstacles to environmentally sound recycling.

Jan 1, 1995

By I. M. Richardson, M. Janssen, W. Geerstma, I. J. Bennett, V. A. Popovich

Avoiding wafer breakage is a big challenge in the photovoltaic silicon industry, limiting production yield and further price reduction. Special fracture strength tests suitable for thin silicon solar wafers and solar cells, to be used in combination with Weibull statistics, finiteelement (FE) modelling and digital image correlation have been developed in order to study the mechanical stability of solar wafers. The results show that removal of the saw damage significantly increases the strength of crystalline silicon wafers. Furthermore, it was found that silicon crystallinity and the location where the wafer is extracted from the cast Si ingot have a significant effect on the strength, namely samples taken from the bottom of the ingot are 30% stronger than those taken from the top. The study also showed that there is a decrease in fracture strength when an anti-reflective SiNx coating is applied, which is caused by high thermal stresses.

Jan 1, 2015

By G. H. Khoe

Neutralisation of acid uranium mill tailings with lime or other alkaline materials is usually practised to reduce the dissolved concentration of heavy metals and radio nuclides. Computer modelling of this process was carried out using the geochemical equilibrium code MINTEQA2. Computed dissolved metal and sulfate concentrations were compared with laboratory-based experimental data. It was found necessary to include the modelling of adsorption of trace metals (such as uranium and lead) by the precipitated ferric hydroxide in order to obtain acceptable concentrations in the neutralised liquors. There were limitations of the modelling exercise due to important aspects which were not addressed or properly accounted for such as chemical reaction kinetics and the effect of high ionic strength. These are discussed in the paper.

Jan 1, 1991

By LeoJ. Miller

Exploration for an ore deposit commences with an outline of the regional ore controlling environment and is followed by the application of tools to focus the target area. One of the most essential focusing is the mapping of the mineral assemblages within the area of the ore. Key elements of mineralizing fluids, either epigenetic or syngenetic, enter into mineral assemblages that extend far beyond ore deposits. Portions of these assemblages may consist of new matrix minerals or alteration of previously existing minerals. Today, ore deposits are divided into genetic classes and each class is d8fined by a specific geological environment. Ore deposits within a given class are associated with a mineralogy, that is characteristic of the ore deposit class. So faithful is the mineral assemblage surrounding, or within an ore deposit, that recognition of the assemblage may be sufficient to define the class. Porphyry copper deposits have long been noted for their halos of alter-ation minerals. The outermost ring of chlorite, epidote and calcite extend thousands of feet away from the main ore zone. The mineral associated with porphyry copper deposits have been well documented by our distinguished speaker Paul Kerr, at Santa Rita (1), and Silver Bell' (2), and by excellent papers from S. C. Creasey, 1959 (3), Sales, 1948 (4), T. S. Lovering, 1949 (5), our Co-Chairman John Guilbert, 1970 (6), and many others. Several recent porphyry copper mines have been discovered in recent years by utilizing the mineral assemblage model described by Lowell and Guilbert, 1970 (6). Dave Lowell applied his own model of mineral halos for the discovery of Kalamazoo at San Manuel (7), Arizona, and Casa Grande West, Arizona. The purpose of this paper is to outline the application of mineralogy for discoveries of deposits other than porphyry copper mines and in particular, to ore discoveries in which mineralogy has played a key roll.

Jan 1, 1981

By Jilai Xue, Jun Zhu, Germain Kouma Ndong, Qiaochu Liu, Luxing Feng

"High-temperature oxidation and corrosion behaviors of Ni-Fe-Cr alloy as inert anodes for aluminum electrolysis have been studied in oxygen and molten electrolyte. The oxidation and corrosion scales on the anodes tested were analyzed using XRD and SEM-EDS. The oxidation rate is found to increase with increasing temperature from 700 °C to 950 °C, which can be approximately described by an inverse power rate function. The oxidation scales at 750 °C, 920 °C and 950 °C contain Cr-rich phase along with FeCr204 and (Feo.6Cro4)203. The corrosion extent of Ni-Fe-Cr anodes in electrolyte is dominated by temperature, which can make the scales thickness double from 700 °C to 750 °C or from 920 °C to 950 °C. Cr and Fe in the scales on the anode in electrolysis corrode preferentially into the molten electrolyte, while the nickel oxides could better sustain the corrosive environment in electrolysis. The results can be useful for developing inert anode material for potential application in aluminum electrolysis.IntroductionThe development of an inert anode for aluminum electrolysis has been a long term goal for aluminum industry. The present process for primary aluminum production involves the reduction of alumina with carbon anodes, forming carbon dioxide:"

Jan 1, 2013

By Yuanbo Zhang, Xiaoming Mao, Zhixiong You, Zhenyu Fan, Tao Jiang

"It is generally known that the formation of calcium ferrite is favorable during the iron ore sintering, which dominatingly contributes to the improvement of strength and reducibility of the finished sinters. In this study, effects of roasting temperature and 02 content of inlet gas on the sintering mineralization properties of typical iron ores, including hematite, limonite, specularite and magnetite, were investigated. The results showed the amount of calcium ferrite initially increased then decreased with the increase of the roasting temperature. The temperature of maximum calcium ferrite generation amount for different iron ores was determined as follows: hematite and limonite was 1275 °C, whereas specularite and magnetite was 1250 °C. Increasing 02 content of inlet gas was advantageous to the generation of calcium ferrite during the sintering. The sequence of 02 content affecting the mineralization properties of different iron ores was determined as follows: magnetite > hematite > specularite > limonite.IntroductionThe mineralization property of iron ore plays a significant role in the mineral composition and microstructure of finished sinters, which determine the quality and output of the sinters [1-2]. The mineralization process of sinters is composed of solid-phase reaction, formation of liquid-phase and crystallization. The formation and crystallization of liquid-phase is the foundation to the mineralization as the quality of the sinter is poor when concreted by solid-phase consolidation [3-4]. With respect to the iron ore sintering, liquid-phase regarded as bonding phase is generated between the iron ores and fluxes at high temperature [5]. Calcium ferrite is the most favorable liquid-phase among the bonding phases which dominatingly contributes to the improvement of strength and reducibility of the finished sinters [6-8]. Especially for high iron-low silicon sintering and high basicity sintering, making sure sufficient calcium ferrite quantity and reasonable distribution is crucial to the sinters [9-10]. Therefore, carrying out the researches on the high temperature reaction properties of iron ores is of great significance [11]."

Jan 1, 2013

By Hongmin Zhu, Qiuyu Wang, Shuqiang Jiao, Guojing Hu

"The equilibrium between titanium ions and metal titanium was investigated in fluoride-chloride molten salt. The electrochemical properties of titanium ions in fluoride-chloride were studied on a molybdenum electrode by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The equilibrium constant of the equilibrium between titanium ions and metal Ti was calculated in KCI-NaCl- 2.5wt %K2 Tif 6 at the temperature of 1073K.IntroductionTitanium, the ninth most abundant element in the earth's crust, is endowed with high strength, low density, excellent flexibility, strong spring back characteristics, high-temperature performance, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. These characteristics make titanium eminently suitable to be used in aerospace, marine industries, and harsh chemical environments. Although it has many excellent properties, the application of titanium in industry was limited by its high-cost. Therefore, many methods have been investigated for producing high-purity titanium at low cost. Electrolysis, involving the extraction and preparation of pure metal from ore using an electrolytic process, is considered a promising method for titanium metallurgy. Many studies have focused on the electrochemical behaviour and electrodeposition of titanium in molten chloride, fluoride, and chloride-fluoride electrolytes (1-IOJ. The electroreduction mechanism of Ti3+ ions in molten alkali chlorides has previously been studied by several workers. Two reduction steps, Ti3+ -Ti2+ -Ti, have been observed in various molten alkali chlorides [IJ. One reduction step, Ti3+ -Ti, has been observed in alkali fluoride molten salts l21. The behaviour of Ti4+ in fluoride or chloride-fluoride molten salts has also been investigated in the literature; it was proposed that the reduction of Ti4+ ions in the molten salts proceeded in a two step process: Ti4+-Ti3+-Ti l3l or a three step process: Ti4+ -Ti3+ -Ti2+-Ti ri. 4l Indeed, the stability of the titanium oxidation states depends on the bath composition l5l. The valence state was Ti2+ in alkali chloride melts, which was a lower oxidation state and correspondingly, in alkali fluoride melts, the higher oxidation states ofTi4+ and Til+ were more stable.The aim of the present work is to explore the effect of F/Cl atomic ratio on the equilibrium between titanium ions and metal titanium in fluoride-chloride at the temperature of 1073K. The electrochemical properties of titanium ions in fluoride-chloride were studied on a molybdenum electrode by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The solubility product of the equilibrium between titanium ions and metal Ti was calculated."

Jan 1, 2012

By Roderick Guthrie

Gas injection into liquid steel baths is widely practiced, ever since the early days of Bessemer’s pneumatic steelmaking process. What has not been fully appreciated is the critical role of bubble sizes for delivering higher quality commercial steels than is presently possible. This was first proposed by Prof P. Hayes and his research group. Using a full-scale water model of a typical 4-strand Ladle-Tundish-Mold system, we demonstrate the potential advantages of modifying a typical ladle shroud, to generate microbubbles within the water flowing into the tundish. This is possible by taking advantage of high shear rates and turbulence kinetic energy available in that region. These microbubbles enhanced the removal of “micro-inclusions” (hollow glass microspheres) in the 5–50 micron size range, to the upper surface of the tundish. There, they were absorbed into an overlaying “slag” phase. Accompanying CFD studies confirmed that no microbubbles in the size range generated (500–900 μm), pass through the submerged entry nozzles into the moulds.

By Jianxun Song, Hongmin Zhu, Qiuyu Wang, Jungang Hou, Shuqiang Jiao, Xiaobo Zhu

This work presents the results of a study on the Ti3+/Ti2+ couple redox potentials vs. Cl–/Cl2 at the temperature range (673 to 1073 K) in fused LiCl-KCl eutectic by direct potentiometric method. Initial concentrations of TiClx in solvents did not exceed 5.0 mol%. Basic thermodynamic properties of the reactions TiCl2+1/2Cl2(g)=TiCl3 were calculated using the temperature dependencies of apparent standard potentials of the couples E* Ti3+ /Ti2+.

Jan 1, 2014

By Jan A. Aune

The paper describes a number of electric furnace equipment modules especially developed or modified for slag furnace applications. Both the resulting design concept for a modern electric sulfide smelter and some of the changes in traditional process-concepts made possible are outlined.

Jan 1, 1983

By Snehanshu Pal

"Concrete understanding of fluid dynamics properties inside basic oxygen furnace (LD converter) and hot-metal surface deformation due to impinging oxygen jet is important for optimization of reaction kinetics and maximization of productivity and refractory lining life. In this study various k-å turbulence models and volume of fluid (VOF) method have been used to model fluid flow and interaction of impinging oxygen jet with hot metal for an industrial scale top blown LD converter.RNG, standard and realizable k-å turbulence models are used to study velocity magnitude, stream function, turbulence intensity profiles. Turbulence kinetic energy, turbulence eddy dissipation, velocity magnitude and probable mixing time have been calculated in three locations inside the converter.The average rate of oxygen jet penetration, location of vortex formation, centre line and superficial velocity of impinging oxygen jet, probability of emulsifícation are studied by VOF method.These simulation studies provide better understanding of phenomena inside LD converterIntroductionComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling in the field of basic oxygen steelmaking can improve substantially the understanding of existing processes where investigation of liquid steel flow measurement is hardly possible due to the rough ambient circumstances. In order to reasonably predict gas stirring operations and emulsifícation, mass, momentum, energy transfer and dynamic interaction among ions, atoms, molecules in the bath, detailed information on flow patterns, fluid velocities, and turbulent properties is essential. Concrete understanding of bath fluid dynamics inside basic oxygen furnace is also important for optimization of reaction kinetics inside the bath and maximization of LD converter lining life."

Jan 1, 2012

By Ricardo A. Valls

The Sechol Nickel-Cobalt Laterite Project is located in East-Central Guatemala, 140 km northeast from Guatemala City. In-situ resources in the immediate Sechol area, including those on other mining concessions contain 133 million tonnes of mineralization, grading 1.5 1% nickel. Considering the ever-increasing market for these metals, and the potential quick return on the initial investment, Jaguar Nickel Inc. is confident that by late 2006, it will be producing the first nickeltcobalt hydroxides from Guatemala. The path from now until the production stage passes through a pre-feasibility study, scheduled for completion by mid 2004, and bankable feasibility by mid 2005. Jaguar's objective, however, is not only to have a producing nickel-cobalt mine by late 2006, but also to continue with the exploration work in order to make Guatemala one of the world's leading nickel-cobalt producers. The Sechol group of deposits is conformed of several lateritic pockets, delimited by tectonic faults, and hosted by ultramafic rocks of the Sierra de Santa CW. ophiolitic belt that intruded the Maya Continental Block during the Early Tertiary age. The intrusive is mainly represented by a layered sequence of dunites, peridotites, and pyroxenites, usually strongly serpentinized. Existing data indicate that these rocks underwent fractional crystallization, and probably some degree of magma mixing and contamination previous to their main tectonic event. The most complete profiles are usually present over weathered dunites and serpentinites, while on top of the less altered pyroxenites, there is usually the formation of only a limonitic zone. The relative complexity of the ophiolitic belt explains the variety of mineral resources in the area, which include Ni-Co-Fe laterite, chromite, bauxite, magnesia, and also has the potential for gold, PGMs, and precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, nephrite, and chrysoprase. Metal recovery from the Sechol deposit will be based on an atmospheric chloride process, followed by solution purification, production of an intermediate nickellcobalt hydroxide suitable for sale, and finally acid and magnesia recovery by standard spray roasting technology. The chloride process will allow exploitation of the whole lateritic profile to produce 20,000 Mt of nickel hydroxide and 800 Mt of cobalt hydroxide per year. The exploration work completed to date has concentrated mostly on the Sechol group of deposits, representing less than 5% of the current land position of Jaguar in Guatemala. Within Sechol, the company has identified a large pocket of more than 5 Mt of laterites grading 2.1% nickel and 0.08 % cobalt as a startup pit "El Inicio". Including the work previously completed Keywords: Laterite deposits, Ophiolitic Belts, Central Guatemala, Nickel, Cobalt

Jan 1, 2004

By Dennis J. Kemp

Laterite projects are found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. As a result severe meteorological situations accompany such projects, often in regions of high seismic activity and political uncertainty. Frequently, socio-economic development supported by political interest is a major driver for development, while environmental protection imposes numerous stresses on the project. This paper will review and examine the many social, environmental, technical and financial issues that a mining and extraction process is subject to during development. The options that must be evaluated will be discussed in the context of sustainable development. Issues of project standards and cultural impact through to long-term issues such as greenhouse gasses and climate change will be assessed in redirecting project environmental norms. Although a rationale for sustainable project can be developed many long- term uncertainties around issues remain. Keywords: sustainable development, communities, social issues, standards, energy, waste management, consultation, agreements

Jan 1, 2004

By W. -D. Schneider, B. Schwab

Like all metals, zinc can be recycled theoretically without end. To demonstrate environmentally friendly use of zinc, it is necessary to increase the recycling rate. In this regard, the Imperial Smelting Process developed in the forties and fifties in the United Kingdom has become more and more important. This unique process combined with a sinter plant, hot briquetting, and direct injection through the ISP furnace tuyeres offers ideal possibilities to recycle all kinds of zinc and lead bearing materials. Possible secondary materials include Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) dust, zinc-containing sludges and even zinc/carbon batteries. This high temperature process also destroys all organic materials, like dioxin, and can be seen as a sink for many harmful substances.

Jan 1, 2000

By Berger. P.

The accepted definition of the function of an edge protector fails to specify adequately the several tasks which it must perform to be functionally effective: detailed analysis of these tasks leads to the reasoned conclusion that they cannot satisfactorily be fulfilled by the conventional types of "edge-strips". The true cost of edge protector failure is cumulative: renewal costs are dwarfed by the increased operating expenses and production losses which result from but partial or incipient failure of the edge-strip; yet, the several supposedly improved types, for use with starter-blanks, generally were "built down to a price", prolonging the agony, as it were. Clearly, a fresh appraisal of the problem was overdue, and more especially so with the advent of "permanent" cathodes. As a result, new methods of edge .protection have been developed, including the so-called "EDGEWISE" system in which the present author as patentee *) has a vested interest-which he hereby declares. Due mention is made of recent progress in protecting the edges of aluminium "Jumbo" cathodes in zinc electrowinning operations, although the present Paper is more concerned with edge protection of starter-blanks and permanent cathodes in copper ER/EW processes, where most of the "old" problems now may justifiably be claimed to have been overcome, Mention is also made - albeit at this time necessarily only briefly, and confined to edge protection - of "rigidized" metal blanks and permanent cathodes: a most recent development**) which may prove to represent a "breakthrough": time will tell.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. P. King

The central idea presented in this paper is straight forward. Some fairly obscure mathematical techniques are presented from the fields of integral geometry and stereology and these techniques are shown to provide workable quantitative relationships from which the liberation spectrum of an ore after comminution can be determined. The experimental data that is required can be obtained very accurately and conveniently by image analysis of polished sections of the original ore. This quantitative mineralogical analysis provides a bridge that can link the worlds of the mineralogist and the mineral process engineer. This paper has been written to introduce this quantitative approach to a wider audience in the hope that the approach will be used more widely and that the basic linear intercept analysis data will be measured for a wider range of mineralogical textures. This could lead to a more comprehensive characterization of typical mineral ores that will be of considerable use in practical mineral processing.

Jan 1, 1991

By T. Nakamura

TiO2 and Ti/TiO2 thin films were deposited on a quartz substrate by laser ablation of TiO2 and Ti targets using Nd:YAG pulsed laser. After sulfurization of the TiO2 film in H2S or CS2 gas at 1273 K for I hour, the surface atomic structure was changed. Furthermore, the Tirri02 film was successfully prepared by the subsequent ablation of Ti and Ti02 targets. The morphology and structure of the films were characterized by XRD, XPS and AFM analyses.

Jan 1, 2003

TiO2 and Ti/TiO2 thin films were deposited on a quartz substrate by laser ablation of Ti02 and Ti targets using Nd:YAG pulsed laser. After sulfurization of the Ti02 film in H2S or CS2 gas at 1273 K for 1 hour, the surface atomic structure was changed. Furthermore, the Ti/TiO2 film was successfully prepared by the subsequent ablation of Ti and TiO2 targets. The morphology and structure of the films were characterized by XRD, XPS and AFM analyses.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. Nilsson

In the present work the sulphide capacities of Ca0-Mn0-Si0, ternary slags have been measured in the temperature range 1798 - 1873 K by equilibrating the slag with a gas-mixture containing CO, CO,, SO, and Ar. The results are compared with the data reported in literature. A theoretical model has been developed in the present work where the sulphide capacity is expressed as a function of the slag composition and temperature. The model enables the estimation of sulphide capacities of complex slags with a knowledge of the capacities of simpler systems.

Jan 1, 1994

By Hsin H. Huang

Equilibrium calculational software programs can be effectively utilized to model the importance of activity or concentration, solubility, temperature, solution pH, solution potential, and ligand complexation on extraction and recovery processes. Illustrative examples using the calculational program ST ABCAL for the creation of diagrams such as EwpH, activity or concentration-pH, and activity or concentration-EH are presented to demonstrate the fundamental characteristics of real hydrometallurgical mercury dissolution and recovery processes. An industrial application will include leaching of mercury from K 106 mercury sulfide waste and solution purification by iron cementation.

Jan 1, 2003