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By Andreas Siegmund

During the decade of the nineties the conventional method of primary lead smelting (sinter machine/blast furnace) was successfully challenged by the introduction of novel direct and continuous smelting processes. In combination with a significant shift in market structure, as well as more stringent government regulations these modem technological innovations like the QSL, Kivcet, and Isa/Ausmelt processes became more than major competitors. They have proven to be economically and environmentally viable. The intensification of the metallurgical reaction by applying oxygen enriched or pure oxygen bath or flash smelting principles resulted in cost savings and a higher flexibility with respect to raw materials and additives usage. By synchronizing individual auxiliary plant sections with the smelting process a virtually waste- free production and low-emission mode of operation with nearly optimum energy exploitation is achieved. The primary lead industry will gradually substitute the sinter -blast furnace operation with novel high-energy efficient technologies in the new millennium.

Jan 1, 2003

By Xiang Sun

Microwave processing has been under continuous development as an advanced heating method in modern industries. However, problems with uneven heating still remain. Although heating uniformity is highly dependant on the properties of the materials being heated, proper furnace design to prevent uneven field distribution is another important factor. As an alternative to experimental measurements and adjustments to find appropriate furnace parameters, computer simulation is a convenient method for modeling, understanding, and improving the uniformity of microwave heating. This paper discusses current modeling technologies as well as applicable techniques for improving microwave heating uniformity. The purpose is to give a basic understanding on how to find, analyze, and minimize the problems associated with uneven heating in microwave processing.

Jan 1, 2006

Although anion exchange resins are widely used for gold recovery in Russia and the former CIS, accounting for almost 50 percent of gold recovery in that part of the world, the technology has not been adopted in the West, apart from one small operation in South Africa. This situation is likely to change as the gold industry heads into the twenty first century. With gold prices having declined steadily through the 1990's, mining companies are under great pressure to reduce costs and improve gold recovery. Most studies on the use of resins for gold recovery from cyanide solution or pulp have shown that this technology has the ability to achieve both these goals. Resins can also be used to recover and recycle free and complexed cyanide in gold plant tailings, which has the potential to significantly lower operating costs, and latest developments in this area of technology are discussed. Finally, recent studies on thiosulphate leaching of gold have'shown that this process is very well suited to the treatment of carbonaceous, preg-robbing ores from the Carlin trend (Nevada, USA), and elsewhere in the world, because the gold thiosulphate complex does not load on to carbon. Whilst this obviously benefits the leaching process, it means CIP and CIL are ineffective in this situation, and the use of ion-exchange resins for gold recovery from thiosulphate leach solution are discussed.

Jan 1, 1998

By D. Van Dooren

The final goal of the research project is to develop a 3D FEM model that is able to predict the kinetics and micro-structural evolution during the bainitic transformation. The input parameters consist of thermodynamic and atomic mobility data obtained from the ThermoCalc and mCTRA databases combined with structural mechanics data extracted from the stress-strain curves of the fcc and bee phases. In this paper the general principles of the model are outlined and some interesting preliminary results are shown and commented. The full implementation of the model has presently not been achieved yet. In the model the bainitic transformation is considered as a sequence of martensitic (re)nucleation and growth of a ferritic subunit followed by the carbon rejection into the surrounding austenite. The (re)nucleation of the subunits will be described through a non-classical martensitic nucleation criterion. Once a nucleus has been activated at a specific location in the material, a full-sized subunit is instantaneously formed through a displacive mechanism. The stress state in the system that arises due to the transformation strain can be calculated by a 3D FEM programming code. Immediately after the formation of the subunit, another 3D FEM programming code calculates the carbon diffusion from the supersaturated ferrite into the surrounding austenite. The resulting stress state and carbon profiles will be used to determine where and when a new subunit will nucleate based on a renucleation criterion. Keywords: Bainitic Transformation, Modeling, Eshelby, Carbon Diffusion

Jan 1, 2003

By Peter G. Mason

Over the last 15 years numerous Pressure Oxidation and Pressure Leach plants have been installed throughout the world. The technology is no longer regarded with awe and trepidation as plants designed to treat a wide range of feedstocks continue to be successfully brought on line. Important aspects of the design of such plants include feed preparation, slurry pumping, heating and heat recovery, pressure control and let-down, vessel design, safety and provision of associated services.

Jan 1, 1999

By R. M. Reynolds

Engitec Impianti, S?.p.A. of Milan, Italy has successfully designed, constructed and has in operation state-of-the-art battery breaker systems at two European locations. A third facility i:s partially completed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The CX system crushes whole batteries, separates the various components and desulfurizes the battery paste. The system also produces sodium sulfate from the sulfuric acid and lead sulfate contained in the batteries. Actual plant operating data indicates that the desulfurized paste contains less than 0. 6 percent sulfur and less than 0. 5 percent antimony. The CX system utilizes mechanical screening and an up-flow hydrodynamic separator to accomplish the component separation. Sodiwn hydroxide or sodium carbonate is used for desulfurization. The sodium sulfate brine is evaporated and crystallized to produce clean anhydrous sodium sulfate suitable for use by detergent or glass manufacturers. Plant data also indicates that an increase in furnace productivity of about 25 to 30 percent is achieved using feed from the CX system. The desulfurized paste is very suitable for electrolytic processing as an alternative to pyrometallurqical processing.

Jan 1, 1990

By Agnes Y. Lee

he U.S. Bureau of Mines developed a method to treat lead-contaminated soil and ebonite battery casing wastes to produce a nonhazardous material. The cleanup procedure involves wet screening to separate a minus 18-mesh soil fraction; removal of metal1ic lead, rocks, wood, etc. ; carbonation to change lead sulfate to acid-soluble lead carbonate; size reduction; acid leaching; and rinsing. The casing wastes undergo size reduction and washing to remove the lead sulfate sludge before carbonation. Similarly, the minus 18-mesh soil is carbonated, then acid leached and rinsed. In leaching, fluosilicic acid (H SiF,) and hydrogen peroxide (H20,) are used to dissolve lead compounds. An electrowinning method is employed to strip lead from the lead-rich leachate. The acid content in the leachate is replenished with fresh H,SiF, acid prior to recycling. Treated casing wastes and soils pass the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test and can be reclassified as nonhazardous materia1s. Based on this process, a conceptual pilot plant has been designed which will be demonstrated on wastes from two Superfund sites.

Jan 1, 1993

By Yuanbo Zhang, Huanpeng Mi, Guanghui Li, Binjun Liang, Zhiwei Peng, Tao Jiang

Ludwigite ore has not yet been utilized on an industrial scale due to its complex mineralogy and fine mineral dissemination. In this study, sodium salts were employed to enhance the separation of iron and boron by reductive roasting-magnetic separation. It was found that the separation of iron and boron as well as the iron grade and recovery were significantly improved b y the addition of Na2SO4 or Na2CO3. Under the reduction temperature of 1050 °C, reduction time of 60 min and magnetic intensity of 0.1T. Compared with the inexistence of sodium salts, the iron grade and recovery of the magnetic concentrate increased from 83.3% and 88.6% to 93.2% and 95.1%, respectively, by adding 6% Na2CO3. The XRD and microstructure analyses indicated that the iron oxides were transformed into metallic iron and the average metallic iron grains were grown to over 40μm which was beneficial for separation of metallic iron from gangue.

Jan 1, 2016

By Adam Powell

A Cahn-Hilliard phase field model is formulated to describe transport-limited electrochemical reactions coupled with fluid flow in a metal reduction cell. When the reaction is limited by mass transfer of metal ions from the electrolyte to the cathode, the metal-electrolyte interface at the cathode exhibits a Mullins-Sekerka instability, leading to the growth of dendrite-like "streamers" of liquid metal into the electrolyte, which in turn significantly enhance the apparent mass transfer coefficient there. Model results for iron reduction from ferrous oxide in slag show formation of these streamers. Although the double-layer is not included in this model, the related phenomenon of electrocapillarity can be represented by a gradient penalty term which includes the electric potential gradient, such that interfacial energy is a function of the electric field normal to the interface.

Jan 1, 2003

By C. Isaac Garcia, Sihai Jiao, Anthony J. DeArdo

"A practical model based on the Hill analysis has been developed to calculate the Lankford value of interstitial free (IF) steels and its distribution in different rolling directions, by considering only a few selected texture components. The Texture Intensity Ratio (TIR), i.e. (111 ) /(100), was used in the model to describe texture. By using the new TIR parameter, the texture-based prediction models can be used more easily to predict the Lankford value in a rather straightforward way.IntroductionThe deep drawing capacity of sheet steels is generally indicated by the Lankford value, which is mainly determined by the texture in steels1. Traditionally, various models derived from the Taylor model are employed to calculate the Lankford value from the texture2-4. In such models, the plastic deformation of steel is assumed to be the result of the slip of dislocations in certain slip systems, i.e., by either pencil glide or restraint glide. The slip direction is the <111> direction. In the case of pencil glide, the slip is thought to be possible in all crystal planes with the <111> crystal direction. Assuming the material is elongated in the X1-direction by d n and compressed in the X2 and x3-direction by qd n and (l-q)d n, respectively, corresponding to a deformation tensor"

Jan 1, 2001

By Frank L. Marley

Mexican silver mining operations have existed prior to the sixteenth century. Recovery processes throughout the centuries were developed at the many mining localities and have progressed through smelting, the patio amalgamation process to cyanidation and flotation. A study of the present silver mining zones is reported in which the ores are evaluated in terms of the mineralogical constituents, their state in the matrix and the effects these are noted to impose upon the efficiency of recovery. Silver mineral identifications were by quantitative ore microscopic and scanning electron microscopic energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

Jan 1, 1982

By Jens Kristen Laursen

In 1999, Molymex S.A. de C.V. (Molymex), Mexico. (a company wholly owned by Molibdenos y Metales S.A. (Molymet), Chile) decided to install the Haldor Topsrae Wet gas Sulphuric Aicd (WSA) process for cleaning of the 4-5% SO2 off-gas from their molybdenum sulphide master in Cumpas, Mexico to produce sulphuric acid. The decision to install a WSA plant was based on the successful operation of a WSA plant at Molymet&apos;s molybdenum sulphide roaster in Santiago, Chile since 1993. This paper describes the process layout of the Cumpas plant, the operating experience of the Santiago plant, and the, differences in. process design between the two plants. It will furthermore summarise the applications of the WSA process for other roasting plants and smelters within the non-ferrous. metals industry producing metals such as copper, lead, and molybdenum.

Jan 1, 2002

By David J. Kinneberg, Barbara E. Mangion, Arnold M. Savolainen

Analytical laboratories require a qualitative or semi-qualitative method of determining major and minor constituents in "unknown" samples to select optimal analytical techniques. This is exceedingly important in precious metal assay laboratories where the precision and accuracy requirements are exacting (routinely within 0.02%, absolute basis). This paper describes the use of an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer with a specially designed software package to select optimal analytical procedures and specify relevant analytical parameters. A wavelength dispersive XRF spectrometer is capable of quick and accurate analyses of properly prepared samples without extensive standardization. When coupled with a specially designed software package, this preliminary assay system is applicable to a wide variety of sample types including gold and silver bullion, karat gold and karat PGM alloys, high silver and high copper metallic samples as well as particulate samples of ores and sweeps. The system relieves the assayer of tedious calculations for silver inquartation and proofing, minimizes human error and standardizes selections over time. Most importantly, the system allows for independent verification of final assay results.

Jan 1, 1999

By B. Farouk, Y. G. Kim, D. Apelian

"Continuous strip casting has received considerable attention in recent years due to its economic advantages with increased energy savings and the elimination of intermediate processing steps. A promising concept in strip casting is the twin-belt (Hazelett) process which incorporates two cooled continuously moving thin metal belts wrapped around pulleys which tension and drive the belts at a predetermined speed. Molten metal is introduced at the entry end of the caster through a tundish and feeding nozzle into the mold. The twin-belt process has been successfully used with non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper and brass, and is a prime candidate for strip casting of ferrous materials. A numerical model has been developed which predicts the interface locations, the temperature fields in the solid and liquid regions of the cast and the velocity fields of the liquid metal at the entrance region of the twin-belt caster. The process variables considered are the velocity and cooling conditions of the belt and the nozzle shape. A body fitted coordinate system is used to track the front locations and to solve .the Navier-Stokes equations in the liquid region. Results obtained can help design efficient casters for thin strip steel castings. The development of the numerical model is presented, and sample results are discussed. I. IntroductionContinuous strip casting of steel has attracted world-wide concerns in recent years due to its economic advantages with increased energy savings and the elimination of intermediate processing steps. New methods of thin strip casting of steel are developing. One of the promising concepts is the Hazelett process, which is being used in nonferrous applications. The process incorporates two continuously moving, intensely cooled, thin metal belts. Metal blocks linked together are sandwiched between the moving belts and form moving side mold walls.In this work, the freezing front position, the temperature field and the liquid region flow field will be analyzed for the strip casting of metal using the twin belt caster (the Hazelett process). Up to now almost all theoretical analyses undertaken of the continuous casting of metal [1-3] have used a heat conduction equation, assuming slug flow in the liquid region. The effect of convection in the liquid pool during continuous casting were first investigated by Szekely and Stanek [4]. They considered potential flow between the feed metal orifice and the liquidus front, and slug flow in the mushy and solid regions of a vertical static continuous casting process for steel. Viscous effects and natural convection affects were not included Kroeger and Ostrach [5] studied the effect of natural convection flow in the liquid pool during solidification for a pure metal."

Jan 1, 1986

Reduction of titania and ilmenite ores by Cf4-H2-Ar gas mixture was investigated in a laboratory fixed bed reactor. Titania was reduced to titanium oxycarbide in the temperature range of 12OO-1500°C. At 1400-15000C, the extent of reduction of titania to titanium oxycarbide achieved more than 85% in 90 min. Optimum conditions for titanium oxycarbide synthesis by reduction of titania include temperature in the range of 1300-1450°C, methane content 8 vol% and hydrogen content above 35 vol%. Ilmenite ore was reduced by Cf4-HrAr gas mixture to metallic iron and titanium oxycarbide. Metallic iron catalyzed methane cracking and solid carbon deposition. Titanium oxycarbide formed at temperatures as low as 950°C. The optimum temperature for reduction of ilmenite is 1200°C and the optimum methane content is 8 vol%. Increase in hydrogen content increased both rate and extent of reduction. With 5 vol% CH4-75 vol% Hr20 vol% Ar gas mixture, the reduction of ilmenite completed in 60 min. Reduction of titanium oxides to oxycarbide with following chlorination may be an efficient alternative technology for processing of titanium minerals.

Jan 1, 2001

By P. Sergi

A method of characterizing gold ores with respect to processing is proposed. The method includes microscopical examinations to obtain qualitative and quantitative data that relate to processing. The main thrust, however, involves laboratory heavy liquid separation tests, laboratory amalgamation tests, and laboratory cyanidation tests to determine the proportions of gold that can be recovered in a conventional processing operation. Two different Brazilian gold ores: a quartz vein gold ore, and gold in metasediments were tested.

Jan 1, 1989

By Yufeng Guo, Tao Jiang, Jianjun Fan, Haizheng Hao

"Function of High Pressure Roll Grinding (HPRG) in production of oxidized pellets from magnetite concentrate as raw material was systematically studied. It was found that bentonite dosage decreased from 1.3% to 0.8% if specific surface area of magnetite concentrate pretreated by HPRG was up to 2553.41cm2.g-1. The green ball quality improved obviously due to the increase of specific surface area and fine particles content, and the improvements of size distribution and the ballability of pretreated materials. However, the decrease of pellet porosity accelerated the primary solid phase reaction and oxidation reaction, which made the pellets surface form compacted layer that handicapped the diffusion and migration of oxygen, promoting the formation of double layer structure of finished pellet. Consequently, the compression strength of preheated and roasted pellets was not markedly improved by HPRG.IntroductionWith the increase of proportion of pellets in the BF recently, the technical-economic index of BF has obviously been improved. Consequently, the production and the quality of BF pellet are given more attention [1]. However, with the decrease of the quality of iron ore concentrate, the problems such as poor ballability, high bentonite dosage, high preheating and roasting temperature are becoming the great challenges to not only the quality of finished pellets, but also the energy consumption [2, 3]. In order to overcome these problems, mechanical pretreating technologies such as the High Pressure Roll Grinding (HPRG) and Damp-grinding are widely applied. HPRG has a number of advantages such as low energy consumption, high productivity and easy-maintaining. It is more economic and environmentally friendly than the Damp-grinding technology [4, 5]. A great number of experiments have revealed that HPRG can improve the quality of hematite pellets. Although there are some studies of function of HPRG in the magnetite oxidized pellet production, they are not comprehensive and systematic, especially to the preheating and roasting system [1, 2, 6, 7]. Accordingly, the influence of HPRG on the pelletizing system and the preheating and roasting system are systematically studied in production of magnetite oxidized pellets in this article."

Jan 1, 2011

By R. F. Hammen

Heavy metal contamination of water is a problem of immense national and international proportions. However, effective cleanup is complicated both by the toxicity and the low concentrations of metals in wastewater streams. Using high performance chelation chromatography, the solid phase extraction and purification of extremely dilute metals from water was highly effective. The process is based on selective displacement of metals from a chromatographic column containing a chelating resin. The resin is characterized by extremely efficient adsorption kinetics which allow rapid and complete removal of the metals.

Jan 1, 1993

By Roger C. Urquhart

Copper-nickel-sulphide ores mined in the Rustenburg district of South Africa are generally smelted in electric furnaces because of the high-temperature slag produced, the availability of cheap electric power, and the smaller pollution problems. Apart from melting, the functions of the electric furnace are to recover most of the matte content in the converter slag by physical and chemical interaction with the furnace bath and to provide adequate time for the optimum separation of matte and slag. Smooth, efficient operation will denend on fluid slags for settling, balanced by high resistivities to obtain adequate concentration and distribution of power by way of current heating. To obtain a greater understanding of the processes involved, an investigation was undertaken at Rustenburg Platinum Mines on the smelting of copper-nickel concentrates in a 19.5 MVA furnace with six in-line electrodes. The matte- and slag-tapping temperatures, slag temperatures, slag analyses, electrical data, and electrode position were measured. Radioactive tracers were introduced into the slag, and quantitative results relating to the flow pattern within the furnace were obtained. These studies were augmented by scaled laboratory investigations relating to the determination of cell constants and current distribution within the furnace. Instantaneous field and power distribution plots were determined by use of an on-line mini-computer. The applicability of these results to furnace operation is discussed.

Jan 1, 1976

By J. Pérez

A lead smelter slag with high copper, lead, arsenic and silver contents was treated at laboratory scale for arsenic removal. The slag was first leached at atmospberic pressure with sulfuric acid and oxygen. According to arsenic contents leaching of most of the arsenic was achieved in either one or two stages, producing a lead-silver rich residue and a solution high in copper and arsenic concentrations. Alternative routes were considered to treat the resulting solution. Firstly, solvent extraction of arsenic with a mixture of TBP and 2-etbyl-bexanol was tested and extractions of over 95 percent of arsenic were achieved. Secondly, a copper arsenate precipitation treatment was done to eliminate arsenic and copper from solution.

Jan 1, 1996