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By Neusa Alonso-Falleiros, Aristeu Braz da Veiga, Marcelo B. Mourão, Adriano Pescarmona, Antonio Alberto Froes Schettino, Cyro Takano, Carlos A. S. Giraldo

"The Caron process of nickel extraction from lateritic ores produces a fair amount of an inert residue, the so-called “black sludge”, that is disposed in a dam according to the required environmental regulations. On the other hand, it represents an opportunity to resource recovery. This work presents the characterization of the residue, discusses some possible ways to recover the valuables, and presents experimental results of pyrometallurgical runs aimed at recover nickel as an iron-nickel alloy. It has been shown that the residue contains large amounts of silicon, iron, aluminum and magnesium, in the form of oxides and silicates, and small quantities of nickel, cooper and cobalt, besides several other elements. It has also been shown that gravimetric or magnetic concentration methods do not present promising results. On the other hand, it is possible to obtain iron-nickel alloys by high-temperature carbothermic reduction of the “black sludge”.IntroductionThe Caron process consists of a combined pyro-hydrometallurgical process to extract nickel from high iron limonitic lateritic ores, recovering also the cobalt present in the ore. The main steps are the reduction roasting of the ore, aiming at a selective reduction of nickel and cobalt to the metallic state, avoiding as much as possible iron reduction, followed by leaching with ammonium carbonate solution and the recovery of metal from the pregnant liquor [1,2]. As a result, significant amount of tailings are generated, that are disposed in appropriate dams. This residue, called “black sludge”, contains significant proportion of silica and iron, and also small amounts of nickel, cobalt, cooper and some other elements. Due to diminishing deposits of nickel ore, high metal prices and a significant amount of “black sludge “ available after several years of operation of the plant, Votorantim Metais, who operates a facility in Brazil that uses the Caron process, decided to explore the possibility of recover nickel from the residue. This paper presents the characterization of the residue, and the results of experimental work aiming recovery of nickel from it."

Jan 1, 2008

By Isıl Kerti, Sibel Daglılar, Sinem Yıldırım

In this study, effect of rolling and coiling temperature in thermo mechanical controlled process (TMCP), on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dual phase (DP) steel according to martensite volume fraction (MVF) rate was investigated. By using various finishing mill exit temperature and cooling conditions that is controlled laminar cooling system, the microstructural evolution of coil improves the mechanical properties with lower costs and higher productivities, in comparison to the heat treatment after rolling. The main part of the paper contains the result of tensile, yield and microstructure properties of DP600 steel produced on hot strip rolling plant and run- out table line. The results show that a higher MVF and an increasing cooling rate after the last deformation raised strength of the DP600 steel. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increase by decreasing coiling temperature.

Jan 1, 2015

By K. Krishnapisharody

The phenomenon of slag droplet formation under the action of gas-stirring in steel ladles has been analyzed with experiments conducted in a thin-slice room-temperature model using water and mineral oils as the working fluids. Visual and video investigations have been performed on the interface behaviour along with measurements of liquid velocities in both phases, using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. The measured velocity data and observations on the interface break-up establish that the droplet formation results primarily from an instability mechanism at the interface.

Jan 1, 2008

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 C. M. F. Vieira

The main characteristics and physical and mechanical properties of clays from the county of Campos dos Goytacazes, located at the northern part of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are presented. The characterization included mineralogical composition, chemical composition and particle size distribution. The properties related to water absorption, linear shrinkage and flexural rupture strength were obtained in samples that were prepared by 20 MPa uniaxial pressing and fired at 950 and 1100oC. The results showed that the clays are predominantly kaolinitic with high percentage of clay minerals. The kaolinitic structure associated with a small amount of fluxes confers a refractory behavior which makes difficult the sinterization and impairs the ceramic consolidation.

Jan 1, 2009

By Takaaki Ishikawa

The distribution equilibria of lead, zinc and copper between CaO-Si02-Ah03 melts and liquid copper were measured at 1623K under a controlled H2-C02 atmosphere. The distribution ratios were plotted against the oxygen partial pressure, and reasonable oxide forms dissolved in the melts were estimated from the slopes of the plots. The activity coefficients of zinc oxide (ZnO), lead oxide (PbO) and cuprous oxide (CuO0.5) increased with increasing slag basicity, defined by XCao/Xsio2 The temperature dependence of the activity coefficients was also measured.

Jan 1, 2003

By Toshia Ishii, Jun Kubota, Noriko Kubo

"For steel continuous castings, it is essential to control molten steel velocity at the meniscus, since the velocity is closely related to surface defects on the resultant products. Argon gas is supplied with molten steel into the mold through the submerged entry nozzle to prevent nozzle clogging. In this study, to investigate the influence of argon gas on molten steel flow, a numerical simulation was carried out by a two-phase model. Simulation results indicate that as argon gas bubbles ascend near the nozzle by their buoyancy, they induce the molten steel flow with them and resulted a meniscus molten steel flow from the nozzle to the narrow face of the mold. This flow direction is opposite to the case without argon gas. The calculated data are compared with the experimental data. The comparison shows generally good agreement between the measured and the calculated data. IntroductionIn a steelmaking process, molten steel carried by a ladle is first fed into a buffer vessel called tundish. From the tundish, it is then fed into a continuous casting mold. Molten steel solidifies gradually in the mold (the primary cooling zone) forming a solidified shell. As the solidified shell is just thick enough to support the molten steel at the mold exit, it is withdrawn through the mold by pinch rolls. It is progressively thicken as it is further cooled with water sprays in the secondary cooling zone. At the end of guide roll zone, completely solidified steel is cut into desirable lengths. Schematic view of a typical continuous casting is shown in Figure 1."

Jan 1, 1999

By Xiang-dong XING, Zhen-yang wang, Jian-Liang Zhang

Distribution behavior of titanium between CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3-TiO2 and hot metal was studied between 1350 °C to 1600 °C. Experimental results indicate that the reaction temperature influenced the activity coefficients of titanium and resulted in the variation of equilibrium constant. Finally, the Gibbs free energy formula of titanium carbothermic reduction was fit out using the thermodynamic model of Wagner and congregated electron phase models.

Jan 1, 2015

By Yuanbo Zhang, Qian Li, Helei Zhang, Heng Yu, Guanghui Li, Tao Jiang

"Large reserves of specularite iron ores have been found all over the world, which is characterized by high total iron grade, low gangues content, as well as low commercial price. However, it has not been widely used in sinter or pellet production due to its inferior sintering and roasting behaviors. It has shown that the proportion of specularite ores was increased as high as 40%~50% and good results was achieveed by using Composite Agglomeration Process (CAP), an innovative agglomeration process invented by Central South University. But the mineralization of specularite is still unknown during composite agglomeration processing. In this paper, the induration characteristic of specularite ore is studied by simulating CAP in laboratory, as well as microstructure analysis of CAP product. The results show that specularite pellet is mainly indurated through recrystallization of Fe2O3, calcium ferrite within high basicity sinters matrix interweaves with the recrystallized Fe2O3 on the surface of the pellet, which forms an integral microstructure, and ensures high strength of CAP product for ironmaking.IntroductionLarge reserves of specularite iron ores have been found all over the world, especially in Minas Gerais of Brazil, Xuanhua city and Anshan city of China, Elba island of Italy, St.Gotthard of Switzerland, Cumberland of Britannic, and so on. The specularite ores have a smooth surface, as well as a good crystallization and dense texture. When specularite is used to produce pellets, the specularite ore grains are difficult to adhere onto green ball due to its poor ballability. Moreover, specularite pellet requires high roasting temperature over 1300°C [1]. When specularite ore is used in sintering, the permeability of sintering bed gets bad and the quality of sinter is diminished. The practice in a few sintering plants finds that the output and strength of sinter decrease with the increase of specularite proportion, and the consumption of coke increases [2-4]. Therefore, the utilization of specularite has been limited. Composite Agglomeration Process (CAP) is an innovative technology invented by Central South University [5-7]. The process has the following merits: making reasonable utilization of different iron ore resources; improving the quality and output of sinters; manufacturing sinters with low basicity; significantly reducing energy consumption, etc[8-9]. It has been shown that large proportion specularite ores, as high as 40%~50% can be used well by CAP [10], but the mineralization of specularite pellet is still unknown during composite agglomeration processing. In this investigation, the induration characteristics of specularite ore pellets is studied by simulating CAP in laboratory, and the phase composition and microstructure of CAP product are also characterized by using microscope and Leica image analyzer (Germany, Leica DM RXp)."

Jan 1, 2011

By Yuanyuan Zhang, Patrick J. Masset

"The reduction of FexO in slag is one of the fundamental reactions in iron and steelmaking technology, including the blast furnace process (BF). Experiments on the reduction reaction of iron oxide using CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-FexO-C mixtures were carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under reducing conditions at temperatures up to 1100°C. The composition of the primary slag was chosen so that the FexO concentration varied between 0 and 75 wt % and the CaO/SiO2 ratio being kept constant to 0.90. From the TGA curves recorded isothermally at different temperatures the kinetic parameters of the iron oxide reduction were determined.IntroductionIn blast furnace the iron ores and coke are charged in layers from the top. The reduction of iron oxide by coke is one of the fundamental reactions in the blast furnace process. Although a great amount of work has been done on the topic of reduction of composites [1, 2, 3], gasification of carbon [4, 5] and reduction of iron oxides by CO [4, 5, 6], the mechanism of reduction in iron oxide - carbon powder mixtures is not fully understood. Fruehan [1] and Rao [2] studied the reaction rate of the reduction of iron oxide by different types of carbon and concluded that the reaction mechanism is controlled by the oxidation of carbon at temperatures up to 1200°C. Rao [2] studied the reaction of hematite with graphite as carbon source up to 1080°C. An activation energy close to 300 kJ/mol was calculated within the temperature range of 950°C to 1087°C. In his study, Fruehan [1] determined the rate of reduction of Fe2O3 and FeO by coal, coke and coconut charcoal as carbon sources within the 900°C to 1200°C temperature range. He found that the reduction of Fe2O3 by carbon occurs in two stages and that the reduction of Fe2O3 to FeO is faster than that of FeO to Fe. This is due to the fact that the CO2/CO equilibrium ratio is higher, and hence, the rate of oxidation of carbon is faster. Fortini and Fruehan [3] have studied the reduction reaction of wustite by graphite and wood charcoal. They found that the wustite reduction can have a significant effect on the overall rate of reduction in composites at high temperatures or in the presence of a large excess of carbon. The calculated activation energy of the reduction reaction by wood charcoal was close to 368 kJ/mol, while the activation energy of the reduction reaction by graphite was 444 kJ/mol."

Jan 1, 2011

By M. Ide, K. Takemura, S. Taenaka, K. Shinzawa

"The laser characteristic is strongry dependent upon the stoichometry of forsterite (Mg2Si04) and YSO (Y2Si05) single crystals, because of change in the valency and occupied sites of doped Cr in the lattice so that mole ratios of Mg0/Si02 and Y203/Si02 in the above single crystals must be precisely analyzed. In this study ICP-AES was applied for analyzing the mole ratios. Emission intensities corresponding to Si and Mg or Si and Y were measured at the same time with internal standard method. Preparation of sample solutions, measurement conditions of ICP-AES and interferences by coexisting components were discussed, resulting in excellently precise detennination of stoichometry of the above single crystals.IntroductionIn conventional stoichiometric analysis of single crystals, the stoichiometry is detennined by analyzing each component separately with titrimetry and gravimetry techniques. On the other hand, by stoichiometric analyses using ICP-AES, emission intensities corresponding to components are measured at the same time with internal standard method. Consequently erros caused by variation of analytical condition are canceled out.Cr-doped Mg2Si04 and Y2Si05 syngle crystals are known as laser materials. The change of valency and occupied sites of doped Cr affect the characteristic of single crystal as aleser materials. The change of state of doped Cr.Stoichometric composition of Mg2Si04 is constructed by 2mole of MgO and 1mole of Si02, and Y2Si05 is constructed by 1mole of Y203 and 1mole of Si02. In this study, required analytical precision in component mole ratio is within an error of 0.0010 for Mg2Si04 (CV=0.05wt%), and within an error of 0.0030 for Y2Si05 (CV=0.05wt%) (Table I )."

Jan 1, 1998

By H. Kaffash

Ferromanganese is a ferroalloy with high manganese content which finds many uses for example as deoxidizer in steelmaking industry. However, there is very little data on the dissolution rate of carbonaceous materials in Mn containing metals. In this paper, the kinetic analysis of carburization reactions is investigated for Mn–Fe alloys. Dissolution rate of graphite in pure iron and four different alloys with 10 wt%, 40 wt%, 60 wt% and 85 wt% manganese at 1823 K was studied. Results showed that the dissolution rate of carbon from graphite increased with increasing time for all alloys. The dissolution rate constant increased with the increasing manganese content from 6.5 × 10−3 cm/s for 0%Mn to 23.6 × 10−3 cm/s for 85%Mn.

By Xuling Chen, Yi Wang, Xiaohui Fan

"The current control method of grate-kiln iron ore oxide pellet production is lack of accuracy and normalization due to the limited detection conditions. Therefore, mathematical models of grate-kiln temperature field are presented. With calculation of gas-particle heat transfer as well as enthalpy changes of moisture evaporation and magnetite oxidation, the thermal history of pellets throughout grate-kiln process can be acquired and used for production status estimation. Taking the calculated results as well as detected data in production as inputs, process parameters such as running speed, fan opening and coal injection rate as adjusting objects, expert system for grate-kiln pellet production is outlined. And the preheating section dominated control strategy is explained. Results of production application show that the stability rate of gas temperature in gas hood of preheating section is increased from 91.0% to 94.2%, compressive strength and first grade rate of pellet are increased by 3.62% and 2.36%, respectively, while FeO content is 18.18% lower. Control guidance of this expert system can solve production anomalies effectively, stabilize grate-kiln iron ore oxide pellet production and improve pellet quality.IntroductionSteel industry in China has developed rapidly in recent years. China’s crude steel production in 2010 is nearly 627 million, which is 44.2% of the world total production. Burden with higher quality is demanded by enlargement and modernization of blast furnaces. And oxide pellet production has become a growing concern. In 2010, the total production of pellet in China is 110 million, and about 60% is produced by grate-kiln process."

Jan 1, 2012

By S. Yin, A. Bogno, H. Henein, P. Natzke

Impulse Atomization (IA) (a single fluid atomization technique) was used to rapidly solidify Al- 4.5wt%Cu and Al-4.5wt%Cu-0.4wt%Sc under argon atmosphere. In addition to the IA-generated droplets, the same technique was used to produce strips by Spray Deposition (SD) of the same alloys on a copper substrate with and without oil coating. The rapid solidification microstructures were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). From the SEM images, the amount of eutectic and the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) were measured. These SDAS results lead to the estimation of cooling rate. The eutectic fraction coupled with the metastable extension of the solidus and liquidus lines of Al-Cu (Sc) phase diagram lead to the estimation of primary and eutectic undercoolings. A comparison of the solidification path of the droplets and the strips was done as well as the analysis of the effects of scandium.

Jan 1, 2015

By A. V. Tarasov, V. M. Paretsky

"The knowledge of the true phase composition of the liquid slag is a very important problem, mastering of which grants the possibilities for the scientifically founded choosing of the decoppering method of the autogenous smelting slags. The investigation using different methods of the phase composition of the flash quenched autogenous copper melt's slags has shown, that the most effective method of the slags' decoppering during smelting with the white matte production is the flotation of the recrystallized slags. In this work the authors posed the problem to realize the slags quenching with the rates similar to those, which are used in the modem investigations devoted to the flash quenching of the ironcontaining alloys, with the subsequent study of the quenched samples using the Mossbauer spectroscopy methods in order to establish the connection between the liquid slag's structure and the metals losses with the slag."

Jan 1, 2000

By Kenneth L. Driggs

The 1988 shift in primary smelting facilities from low grade matte (35%) reverberatory furnaces to high grade matte (63%) flash smelting heavily impacted a very stable and successful converter operation. Low matte grade converter campaigns averaged 36,000 short tons of copper and revert production/consumption was in balance. The conversion to high matte grades necessitated oxygen enrichment of converter blast and revisions in operating practices. After two years of operational development, campaign life has risen to over 40,000 short tons and revert production/consumption is again in balance.

Jan 1, 1991

By John Norton

"This presentation will cover the physical properties of waste heat recovery. It is a two part presentation. The first deals with actually recovering the heat with new state of the art heat exchangers and applying that heat to the furnace combustion and the second part will cover what other processes you can enhance with this ""free"" heat. It will also talk about converting it to steam, hot air or electricity to be used or sold back to the utility company. The economics of various schemes will be reviewed. A brief discussion on State and Federal grants and subsidies will be presented.IntroductionThere are large quantities of wasted heat in the usual aluminum melting process. And, there are several techniques for reducing and/or using some of that wasted heat as you have seen. Any technique that can make use of wasted heat is a form of recovery. This can range from simply preheating aluminum billets prior to melting, to more complicated processes like air-to-air heat exchangers using the boiling and condensing characteristics of special fluids in “heat pipes.” The objective of this type energy recovery process is to move the wasted heat from the hot and dirty exhaust gas stream into some useful process.Waste Heat Recovery in the Aluminum Melting Furnace.There are considerations, of course:1) What might the value be of the recovered energy?2) Can the recovered energy be used within the process? Within the plant? Or by theneighbors?3) What is the capital cost?4) Is the recovery process complicated?5) Will it take additional staff?6) Will it cause additional downtime on the melting line?7) Will the operations staff need to be licensed?Ideally, the process will be simple and inexpensive, the recovered energy will be very valuable, and the whole effort will cause little distraction to the aluminum melting process itself. These would be ideal."

Jan 1, 2011

By Jinrong Zhang

Major components of soil were tested for their ability to attenuate cyanide. Feldspar, kaolinite, plagioclase and bauxite are found to degrade cyanide at an appreciable amount mainly through adsorption. A soil near a mining site in northern Nevada was studied in detail using a tall column. Many species of cyanide were anlyzed to determine the mechanisms of the reactions of cyanide with soil. Volatilization, adsorption, oxidation, precipitation and complexing were quantitatively identified, being 5 to 10, 11.7, 4.2, 7.3 and 4 per cent of the total cyanide added, respectively. It is found that the oxidation of cyanide to cyanate is due to the catalytic effect of nickel and copper leached from the soil. Precipitation of metal-cyanide complexes occurred at low pH values.

Jan 1, 1991

By Takaaki Ishikawa

The distribution equilibria of lead, zinc and copper between CaO-Si02-Ah03 melts and liquid copper were measured at 1623K under a controlled H2-C02 atmosphere. The distribution ratios were plotted against the oxygen partial pressure, and reasonable oxide forms dissolved in the melts were estimated from the slopes of the plots. The activity coefficients of zinc oxide (ZnO), lead oxide (PbO) and cuprous oxide (CuOQs) increased with increasing slag basicity, defined by Xcao /XSiO, The temperature dependence of the activity coefficients was also measured.

Jan 1, 2003

By Masatoshi Ogasawara

Saganoseki smelter & refinery operated two flash smelting furnaces, producing a combined 330,000 metric tons per year (hereinafter mtpy) of copper. In 1996, however, it successfully shifted to a single furnace operation while maintaining production at the same level. Since then, the production capacity has been further increased to the present 470,000 mtpy by technological improvements. Also, in order to reduce the converter load which represents a bottleneck in efforts to increase production, the matte grade was gradually increased and currently runs at 65 to 66% attaining the low copper content in the slag (hereinafter slag loss) of 0.7 to 0.8%. This paper introduces some improvements, recent operation results and thermodynamic analyses.

Jan 1, 2003