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By Federico Chavez

The process for recovering lead from battery residues used in several Mexican Plants include lead blast furnace and rotary furnaces. The formers are basically fed with recycled batteries together with the necessary additives to produce metallic lead. One of the by-products generated in the blast furnace is a dust mainly formed by lead sulfide. The rotary furnace is used to recover lead .from lead batteries, dross from the refining-alloying process and the leady fines produced in the blast furnace. This paper describes thennodynamic analysis made to the rotary furnace process to understand the effect that each component of the system has upon the lead recovery. In order to enhance the process, the influence of iron chips composition and excess coke on slag viscosity is discussed. A computer optimization program . has been developed to design the furnace charge based on material and energy balances, .together with the thennodynamic equilibrium calculation.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. Elbert Nigri

Radioactive wastewaters from nuclear source of electrical energy production need to be treated and disposed of properly. Sr, Ca, Mg and Ba are common elements in this effluent, which can cause incrustation in process equipments and being unsafe to human health (90Sr). Fixation of CO2 can be applied to remove the ions mentioned before and to provide a solution where CO2 is sequestered and the deleterious elements precipitated, becoming one of the possible steps to reuse the water into the process. Moreover, removal of several metals from distinct wastewater has been evaluated using bone char through adsorption. The chemical similarity between calcium and strontium makes the exchange of these two metals favorable in the hydroxyapatite structure contained in bone char. This paper evaluated the combined action of precipitation and adsorption process with injection of CO2 and bone char addition in simulated nuclear wastewater. Removal levels of 89.0% (Sr) and 83.3% (Ca) were obtained in the combined process. The presence of bone char as seed increased the precipitation kinetics, allowing a Sr removal of 85.2% in five minutes, higher than 75.3% obtained in absence of seeds. However, removal of 91.6% (Sr) and 89.8% (Ca) were obtained in absence of seeds at 24 h. Analysis of solids have evidenced that CO2 was consumed to precipitate the metals as carbonates, since the hydroxides are formed at higher pH’s.

By I. B. Scorzelli

The aim of this paper is to make a detailed mineralogical characterization of a typical brazilian xenotime and zircon from the Pitinga Mine using SEMIEDS techniques, On the other hand, superficial pretreatments with HCI, HN03 and HF were done to evaluate the modifications on surface compositions and the morphology of the particles for flotation purposes, The studies showed that both xenotime and zircon present very small inclusions of thorite; zircon is strongly metamictizated given rise to malacon. The HF pretreatment deeply affected the morphology of the particles as well as the surface properties in relation to flotation.

Jan 1, 1996

By Ann M. Hagni

Microscopic and sub-microscopic gold commonly occurs in the sulfides pyrite (FeS2) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS). To recover refractory gold from pyrite and arsenopyrite, these sulfides are roasted to create porosity and permeability prior to cyanide leaching. A new technique of adding Ca(OH)2 and roasting, lime roasting, is being tested fro retention of contaminant sulfur and arsenic and effectiveness of gold extraction. The lime roasting of pyrite at 500°C contains anhydrite (CaS04), oldhamite (CaS), calcium sulfite (CaS03), hematite (FenOs), magnetite (Fe304), and minor amoupts of pyrrhotite (Fel.,S) and pyrite. At 600°C, 650°C and 700°C the main constituents are anhydrite, oldhamite, and hematite. At 750°C, 800°C, and 850°C anhydrite and hematite are the predominant phases with minor oldhamite. The roasted arsenopyrite at 450°C contains arsenic sulfides, calcium sulfite, hematite, and minor oldhamite, magnetite, and pyrrhotite. At 650°C 700°C 750°C and 800°C, anhydrite, oldhamite, arsenic sulfides, and hematite are present. At 850°C, the same minerals are present with only minor oldhamite. The textures indicate excellent porosity and permeability at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, rims of low porosity and permeability surround many of the pyrite and arsenopyrite particles, and the complete oxidation process from pyrite to pyrrhotite to magnetite to hematite can be observed in individual particles. Additional process mineralogy techniques employed in this study are electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and cathodoluminescence microscopy (CLM) in the determination of the calcium-sulfur- oxygen phases. Automated scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy was utilized to analyze particles for gold content. Reflected light microscopy (RLM) revealed arsenopyrite and pyrite encapsulated in quartz particles of the gold-bearing concentrate, gold roast calcine, and cyanide leach residue.

Jan 1, 1993

By Ann M. Hagni

"Ceramic matrix composites are inorganic materials that are particularly resistant to heat and abrasion. A magnesia (MgO) and aluminum nitride (AlN) based composite is formed by exposing a magnesia preform to a metallic alloy block in a nitrogen atmosphere at 950°C. The metallic alloy, which is composed primarily of aluminum, is wicked into the preform. Aluminum nitride matrix is grown between MgO particles as the wicked metallic aluminum reacts with nitrogen. Unused metallic alloy, remnant metallic alloy (carcass), and composite produced after 8 hours, 50 hours, and 225 hours of processing are characterized mineralogically. Reflected light microscopy, transmitted light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques reveal that in addition to anhedral to euhedral AhNi, AbSbSr, and Al crystallizing in the metallic alloy carcass, AIN and (Al,Si)N have formed as well. Nitride rings and nodules in the carcass may hinder AIN growth in the composite. Fine-grained residual AhNi and AhShSr are dispersed throughout the composite matrix. The nitride matrix is composed of AIN and (Al,Si)N. Rim replacement of MgO by spine! occurs in the composite. Aluminum nitrides in the metallic carcass cathodoluminesce deep violet-blue, unlike non-luminescent AIN in the composite matrix. This distinction in cathodoluminescence suggests a different mode of formation for composite AIN than for carcass AIN. Phase interpretations and textural characterizations deduced from the implementation of sophisticated mineralogical techniques have contributed to the understanding, and will aid in the improvement, of MgO/ AlN-based ceramic matrix compositeprocessing."

Jan 1, 1999

By Jörg Wallner

In order to limit SO2 emissions, the Montanwerke Brixlegg AG has installed a desulphurisation plant with the primary aim of reducing the peak emissions from the copper converter that are of particular ecological concern. The author discusses the process requirements, the desulphurisation process selected and the results achieved.

Jan 1, 1996

By Thais Cristina da Costa Caldas, Carlos Mauricio Fontes Vieira, Alline Sardinha Cordeiro Morais, Sergio Neves Monteiro

"This work has as its objective to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of a glass powder waste obtained from discarded and Hg-cleaned fluorescent lamp into clayey ceramics used to fabricate bricks and roofing tiles. Formulations were prepared with incorporation of the waste in amounts up to 10 wt.% into the clayey body. Rectangular specimens were prepared by uniaxial mold-press at 20 MPa to fire at 850 and 1050°C. The physical and mechanical properties evaluated were: linear shrinkage, water absorption and flexural rupture strength. The microstructure of the fired ceramics was evaluated by optical microscopy. The results showed that the waste incorporation significantly improved the evaluated properties mainly at 1050°C.IntroductionFluorescent lamps use mercury as a main component for its operation. This metal is potentially toxic and can contaminate soils, animals and water bodies. The problem is aggravated if considerations are made with respect to the amount of lamps that are commercialized and discharged in emergent countries like Brazil [ 1].By using appropriate recycling processes applied to discharging fluorescent lamps it is possible to reuse most constituents of these lamps into new productive processes. A study has shown that one million common fluorescent lamps can generate 900,000 tubes of clean glass [2]. Moreover, this Hg-cleaned gloss may be recycled in different products.In fact, to recovery and recycle all materials that constitute the lamp instead of discharging them. This action protects the soil avoiding the formation of environmental passives [3]. It is also relevant to mention that the glass from fluorescent lamps is 100% recyclable while its permanence in the environment would correspond to very long time pollution, since its decomposition time is undetermined [4]."

Jan 1, 2011

By Ross R. Bhappu

A theoretical and experimental investigation into pyrometallurgical refining of chloride leach/electrowin copper is described. The two techniques investigated were (i) vaporization and (ii) gaseous halogenation. Experiments were carried out with a packed bed of electrowon copper crystals and a boat of melted copper crystals. Nitrogen gas and Freon 12/nitrogen mixtures were used as the carrier and reac.tive gases. Vaporization was found to be effective in removing Bi, Pb and S while halogenation was effective. in removing As, Bi, Pb, S and Sb. Silver resisted all attempts at removal. Iron was removed but less effectively than the other impurities.

Jan 1, 1985

By M. Okido, O. Takai, Z. Zhao, M. Ishikawa, R. Ichino, K. Kuroda

"Electrolytic method was applied to calcium phosphate coating on titanium plates as an excellent technique for high density and intensive contact of coated films on biomaterials. The effect of H2O 2 as oxidation reagent on coating characteristics was examined to obtain biomineral films. Solution was containing 7.0 X 10·3 mol/dm3 ofCaC12 and 3.0 X 10·2 of Ca(H2PO4)z, kept at 55 ""C. All deposits were hydroxyapatite (HAp) in this study, independent of H2O 2 concentration, applied cathodic potential and solution pH. In the case of H2O 2 addition, an increase in cathode current started at the low potential, namely, ca. -0.2 V (vs. SCE). In contrast, the current increased at more than ca. -1.4 V in the solution without H2O 2 addition. H2O 2 appeared to be an effective reagent for increasing nucleation density and improving adhesion of deposits on titanium plates.IntroductionIn recent years, many researches have been undertaken to develop the techniques of calcium phosphate coating on titanium or bioglass for medical implantation. High density and intensive adhesion of coating are necessary for adding bioaffinity to these materials and for inducing bone morphogenesis on them when implanted in human body.1) Electrolytic deposition has been a newly developed method as high-speed deposition process. By this method, the supersaturation of calcium phosphate can be increased just in the vicinity of metal substrates and the heterogeneous nucleation is promoted on them. In this process, H2O is reduced according to eq. (1) on the cathodically polarized electrode"

Jan 1, 2000

By Henrique Kahn

The Anitapolis alkaline massif in southern Brazil underlies a sub circular area of 6 km2. Bore-hole data show a concentric rock distribution, with mafic rocks in the central part and felsic rocks in the border zone. The rocks are covered by talus and weathered material, 30 m thick on average, and very inhomogeneous in composition. Phosphate mineralization associated mainly with two levels of the weathering mantle and with fresh rocks. A preliminary ore-type classification was based on distribution of apatite, feldspar, vermiculite, biotite-phiogopite, calcite, pyroxene, amphibole and analcime, determined by semiquantitative diffraction method. Technological tests performed on eluvial ore samples from three adits resulted in a subdivision of ore-types based on the difference in behavior due to mineral characteristics during mineral pr

Jan 1, 1991

By Charles A. Sorrell

Two red muds, two fly ashes, and several aluminosilicate minerals were subjected to direct treatment with concentrated H2SO4 at temperatures of 175°C and below. X-ray analysis showed that virtually all the sulfate reaction products remained in the solid residue because of their low solubilities in x SO Substantial portions of the Al2O3 Fe2O3TiO2, Na2O, and K2O components of the materials reacted to form water soluble sulfates, which were then removed by H2O leaching at 55°C. The solid residue after water leaching consisted largely of amorphous silica and, in lime bearing compounds, CaSO4, The reaction and leaching processes were effective in removing all or nearly all the Al2O3. Fe2O3, TiO2, Na2O, and in lime components in the fly ashes, red muds, china clay, bentonites, the nephelioe fraction of nepheline syenite, and a plaster insulating brick composed of anorthite and mullite. Reaction with potassium feldspar and petalite took place, with formation of alkali aluminum sulfates, but the reaction rates and yields were extremely low. Potassium feldspar can be heated with Na2O and x O in air at 700°C for 24 hours, or with CaO at 1000°C for 24 hours, after which the reaction product kaliophilite, nepheline, and leucite-like phases, prove to be very susceptible to H2SO4, reaction and H2O leaching, providing yields near 100% of the Al2O2 content. An alternative method of H SO treatment consists of heating the sample in a silica tube and passing H2SO4 vapor over it. Preliminary results indicate that this method can be effective in enhancing the kinetics of reaction with the Al O component of potassium feldspar and offer the possibility that formation of Al2 (SO ) Fe2(SO4)3 and TiOSO4 can be accomplished selectively by taking advantage of the fact that the upper stability limits of the respective sulfates in the presence of H2SO4 vapor will be different.

Jan 1, 1982

By C. J. Newman

In January 1999, a redesign of the Kennecott Flash Converting furnace settler was initiated to enhance furnace integrity and extend furnace life. This furnace uses Kennecott-Outokumpu Flash Converting technology to produce copper directly from copper matte. A detailed assessment was made of all technology available around the world before making a decision on the design features to be incorporated in the new design. The new design includes the following: redesign of all sidewall cooling elements to include the latest cooling element technology; redesign of the furnace hearth to include a stadium hearth at the reaction shaft end of the furnace; redesign of the furnace hearth to include a stepped hearth design adjacent to the furnace sidewalls; addition of flat settler roof cooling elements .around the reaction shaft; replacement of reaction shaft transition elements with an improved design and improvements to the furnace cooling element monitoring systems. The Flash Converting furnace was shut down on a planned basis in July 2001 to implement these improvements after 29 months of operation, converting more than 1,000,000 tonnes of matte. During the 30 day shut down, the improvements were successfully completed, with furnace start up in August 2001

Jan 1, 2002

By David Van Aken, Arpana S. Murthy, Simon Lekakh, Von L. Richards

"Three heats of 17-4PH stainless steel: with zero, three percent, and seven percent cobalt addition were melted in a 45kg (1 00lb) induction furnace under argon; and cast into no-bake molds and preheated investment shell molds. Specimens were sealed into quartz tubes under vacuum, and homogenized at 1200°C from 2h to 72h. Computational thermodynamics and optical microscopy were used to predict and characterize the microstructures. The lath martensite packet size and the amount of 8-ferrite were observed to be inversely related. A compromise between decrease in segregation and increase in lath martensite packet size was chosen for the optimum homogenization treatment. The specimens were austenitized, quenched, and characterized for retained austenite using x-ray diffraction. Age hardening kinetics were studied at 454°C (850°F), 468°C (875°F), and 482°C (900°F); and, the activation energies for precipitation of copper were calculated. Tensile properties and Charpy V-notch impact energies were measured in the peak aged condition. Fracture surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The addition of cobalt was found to be beneficial for the improvement of strength as well as notch toughness.IntroductionSegregation in the as-cast condition is one of the drawbacks of metal casting. This paper presents a study on the homogenization treatment of 17-4 PH cast stainless steel and the effect of cobalt addition on tensile properties and Charpy V-notch toughness. Lattice dilatation studies show that additions of up to 6% Co to iron has a negligible effect on the lattice parameter, whereas both the modulus of elasticity and shear modulus increase with increasing cobalt additions5• An ordering reaction has been reported in cobalt-containing, maraging steels and contributes to the hardening during ageing1-4• Although, cobalt addition in maraging steels has been extensively researched, and has been reported to be beneficial; it has not been explored much in other age-hardening stainless steel systems. In a previous study, the addition of 3% Co in cast 17-4 PH martensitic age-hardenable steel was found to improve the strength and elongation while maintaining the charpy V-notch toughness6."

Jan 1, 2011

By F. H. Froes, O. N. Senkov, N. Srisukhumbowornchai

"Mechanical alloying (MA) and thermohydrogen processing (THP) approaches were used to synthesize amorphous or nanocrystalline powders of the titanium-aluminide-based alloys and composites. Fully dense samples with nanocrystalline and bimodal structures were produced from these powders by hot isostatic pressing. The stability of the microstructures during continuous heating at high temperatures was studied. Characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and differential thermal analysis were used in this work.IntroductionAs performance demands increase, so do the demands for enhanced mechanical property combinations at reduced overall weight; and reduced weight can most efficiently be realized by the use of low-density metals with high specific strength, such as titanium alloys and titanium-aluminum intermetallics [l]. The TiAl-based alloys are attractive for high temperature applications, however, they exhibit poor ambient temperature ductility and fracture toughness [2-4]. Incremental improvements can be obtained using ingot metallurgy processing [1,2] but more substantial developments require ""far from equilibrium"" (FFE) synthesis [5-8] which allows development of novel constitutional and microstructural effects, leading to enhanced physical and mechanical properties. Improved ductility of titanium aluminide intermetallics can be achieved by disordering, grain refinement and deoxidation of the matrix, while good elevated temperature properties are achieved due to a dispersion of fine, thermodynamically stable, second phase particles.The approaches for producing nanocrystalline and amorphous TiAl-based alloys and composites used in this work included FFE powder metallurgy techniques such as rapid solidification, mechanical alloying and thermohydrogen processing. The rapid solidification (RS) technique allows extension of solubility limits, production of novel phases, and much more refined microstructures (down to nanostructure or even amorphous range) than is possible using the ingot metallurgy technique [9]. Mechanical alloying (MA) is a process in which heavy working of powder particles results in intimate alloying by repeated deformation, fracturing and welding. This process can produce greater departure from FFE than RS, leading to greater refinement effects; and additionally allows production of a dispersion of second phase particles [10]. Thermohydrogen processing involves hydrogen as a temporary alloying element in titanium to facilitate processes, refine microstructure, and improve final mechanical properties [11]; it was used in the present work to improve MA process. The combination of these three processes was expected to control the final microstructure even better than either process used alone."

Jan 1, 1998

By Biao Zhou, Qian Li, Kuo-Chih Chou, Yi-Long Liang, Jie-Yu Zhang, Qun Luo

"In this work, the phase transformational behaviors and microstructural characteristics of 60Si2CrVAT spring steel were systematically investigated as a function of applied cooling rates in the range of 0.l-10°C/s. A quenching deformation dilatometer was used to austenize and quench. The dilatometric curves between length changes and temperature of samples suggest three characteristic stages could be identified as different ranges of cooling rates, which meets well with metallographic examination and the measured hardness results. As the cooling rate increases, the structure transformed from pearlite, granular bainite to finally martensite. The F + P and B zones are completely overlapping in continuous cooling transformation (CCI) curve, which indicates that this steel is difficult to become single bainite and shows good hardenability.IntroductionThe 60Si2CrVAT, a high-carbon low ally super-high strength steel developed from the ?OCT 60C2XFA and 60Si2MnA, is often used for coil spring of heavy vehicles and high-speed railway by hot deformation or cold deformation [1-3]. The addition of Si improves relaxation resistance significantly, through the refinement of tempered carbides as the result of the retardation of E -carbide conversion to cementite during tempering. Due to its deleterious effects on decarburization and toughness, the maxinJum content of Si has limited to 1.5 or 2.0% [4-5]. Additionally, V and Cr can improve sag resistance due to the precipitation of fine carbonitrides during hot rolling [6-7]. To best of our knowledge, the strengthening by precipitation of alloy carbides of Cr and V often referred to secondary hardening [8]."

Jan 1, 2013

By Raymond M. Coveney

Bedded sulfide ores in Cambrian Chinese black shales typically contains at least 2% Ni, 4.5% Mo, 1% As and 0.2% Se. Thin laminae and replaced on colites from the ore contain intimate mixtures of fine-grained Ni-rich sulfides and jordisite complicating ore treatment. The ores contain abundant jordisite, vaesite, nickelian pyrite, and barite and lesser amounts of sphalerite, gersdorffite, millerite, tennantite, fluorite, chalcopyrite, and HgSe (probably tiemannite). At present only ores that are sufficiently rich (>4.5% Mo) for direct roasting are mined and treated to produce, ammonium molybdate. The ores contain Pt, Pd, and Au in amounts totaling up to -2.5 ppm, but these are not recovered.

Jan 1, 1993

By N. L. Piret

Primary and secondary copper smelting dusts are being generated in varying quantities with very dissimilar characteristics due to the different compositions of feed materials and the type of process utilized. After categorizing the multitude of dust types, the criteria for on-site and off-site recycling of smelter dust in terms of type and concentrations of the accompanying elements are established. Thereby, consideration is given to the important aspects of: ? optimization of copper recovery ? quality of copper product ? valorization of accompanying elements ? elimination and disposal of deleterious impurities ? minimization of impact on operation ? effects on operating costs ? environmental impact of dust treatment on overall process Existing commercial, emerging and proposed copper smelting dusts, pyrometallurgical as well as hydrometallurgical, treatment schemes are reviewed and evaluated technically, economically and environmentally in an attempt to streamline the vast number of proposed options. Thereby, the high selectivity achievable in hydrometallurgical dust processing due to it being complementary to the smelting process is expected to be given increased consideration.

Jan 1, 1995

By Yuri Gelfgat

"The report presents the results of theoretical and experimental investigations of the MHD method used for production of composite materials from immiscible melts, e.g., Al-Pb, Zn-Pb, Bi-Ga and others, which, when solidified, can be presumed as ""frozen emulsions""IntroductionThe searching of the methods for controlling the phase distribution in various liquid heterogeneous media is one of urgent tasks in modem material science. The studies [1-3] have revealed that in case of electrically conducting media the influence of electromagnetic body forces on the liquid can be a rather effective mean of such a control. The current paper investigates some physical conformities governing the behaviour of binary liquid metal systems with a immiscibility region under electromagnetic processing designated to produce ingots with homogeneous structure.The main idea of the proposed method rests upon a concept that the electromagnetic forces in the melt are similar to gravity forces due to buoyancy effects in space and have a selective ability to influence the melt components dependent on their conductivity. In crossed electric E and magnetic B fields (fig.I) each component of the medium is influence by the force density f = jXB, where the current density j is determined by the conductivity a of the component j = -oE. When this force is directed parallel or non-parallel to the gravity vector, the buoyancy of suspended particles can be controlled accordingly.This phenomenon allows one to create a situation in binary system, when the sums of all mass forces (gravity and electromagnetic) affecting every component are equal, and two components are under conditions of equilibrium with respect to each other. These conditions are called quasiweightlessness, which is generated in the melt by the electromagnetic forces."

Jan 1, 1998

By P. F. Stratton, M Huggahalli, N Saxena

"Several studies have been carried out to determine how the optimum atmosphere conditions in the heat treatment of metals can be established for a given product by using different gas injectors and varying atmosphere flow rate and composition. The most common approach taken to gain insight into furnace atmospheres has been to use commercial computational fluid dynamics codes and examples of their use are shown. However, the complexity of these codes, the difficulty in establishing boundary conditions, their cost and computational demands limit their usability in solving day-to-day production problems.A simplified, web-based model of a furnace atmosphere is described where the conservation equations are solved to determine the composition profiles of the atmosphere in the furnace. Although the model is restricted in scope to certain types of furnace, it is shown to give better results than CFD when boundary conditions are uncertain. The application of the model to the understanding of existing furnace conditions and to determining ways of optimising the use of gases are discussed. IntroductionThe important role of protective atmospheres during heat treatment of metals, furnace brazing of assemblies and soldering of printed circuit boards is well established. The atmosphere in the furnace prevents air ingress and oxidation of the parts, helps flush away any flux or binder from braze and solder pastes and provides an important mode of heat transfer [1]. In a batch furnace having typically one or two gas injectors, the gas utilisation and process can be optimised by minimising air leaks and mantaining atmosphere homogeneity with fans or other atmosphere circulation techniques. In a continuous furnace, however, atmosphere optimisation is more difficult as furnace inlets and exits can also let in air. The atmosphere requirements of different stages of heat treatment, brazing or soldering vary [2]. Achieving these atmospheres in different sections of the open-ended furnace is a relatively complex task. Methods such as atmosphere zoning and the use of physical curtains and gas injectors have evolved with time, though it is hard to predict how effective these techniques will be for a given furnace and process. Experts in the field tend to rely on experience and rules-of-thumb rather than scientific method to achieve the required results."

Jan 1, 2001

By Shinroku Matsuzaki

Data the measurement sensor installed with spatial distribution on the blast furnace were successively accumulated online from the process computer to the database system over a long period. This is a new system that accurately considers the relation with the installation position of each sensor, and picture computerization of the measurement data was developed. The overall operation state of a blast furnace, which skilled operators can see in their mind?s eye, was objectively visualized as pictorial information.

Jan 1, 2006