Search Documents

By N. L. Parduhn

Populations of Bacillus cereus spores are elevated in soils over four subsurface gold deposits in the western United States. Large deposit-to-background ratios of B. cereus populations were obtained in soil traverses over the Minnesota vein deposit, Empire District, Colorado (maximum 50:1); the Shasta (maximum 3,500:1), and Evening Star maximum 18,000:1) vein deposits, Shasta County, California; and the Hog Ranch disseminated gold deposit (maximum 40,000:1) in Washoe County, Nevada. Small increases in the concentration of toxic metals in the soil may be responsible for the elevated spore populations. The observed elevation of B. cereus spore populations near these gold deposits indicates that the method should be further investigated as a potential exploration tool.

Jan 1, 2013

By Merete Tangstad, Lars Klemet Jakobsson

"Slag refining is a promising refining method for boron removal from silicon as a part of a metallurgical route for production of silicon for solar cells. There is, however, limited data on the distribution of impurity elements between silicon and different types of slags. In the present study, the distribution of boron and calcium between silicon and slag were determined at 1600 °C for calcium silicate slags with a CaO/SiC>2 ratio between 0.65 and 1.3. An almost horizontal linear trend was found for the distribution of boron between silicon and slag, and the borate capacity was found to follow the relationln(CB0, ) = 30.8 + 2.96-V (1)where V\s the CaO/SiCh mass ratio within the range of the experiments.IntroductionSolar grade silicon feedstock contributes significantly to the total cost and energy required to make crystalline silicon solar cells. A less expensive and less energy requiring method of solar grade silicon production is therefore needed in order to make crystalline silicon solar cells more viable as an energy source. Silicon is an abundant element and the manufacturing cost of solar grade silicon is therefore mainly determined by costs related to purification of metallurgical grade silicon. The Siemens process is the most common process today, but it is an expensive and highly energy requiring process that gives silicon with a higher purity than is needed for crystalline silicon solar cells. A cheaper and less energy requiring method for production of solar grade silicon can either be achieved by modifying the Siemens process or by using a new production method. Purification of metallurgical grade silicon through a metallurgical route is a promising method that is already in use industrially. It has however proven to be hard to lower the boron content to 0.3 mg/kg or less, which is the requirement for most p-type crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturers. Slag refining is seen as one of the most promising approaches that can be used to bring down the boron content to the required level, but there is not much data on how boron is distributed between silicon and binary calcium silicate slags [1-4]. The distribution of boron between silicon and calcium silicate slags at 1600 °C has been studied in this work, and the obtained data has been used to calculate the borate capacity of binary calcium silicate slags."

Jan 1, 2012

By R. Boom, Y. V. Meteleva-Fischer, B. Kraaijveld, H. Kuntzel

"Segregation of impurities during refining of metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si) is an option to produce solar grade silicon (SG-Si). Directional solidification is a last step in production of SG-Si effective for removal of metallic impurities. The possibility is investigated to use metallic impurities originally present in MG-Si for removing boron and phosphorus. MG-Si has been treated using two methods: 1) alloying with calcium and 2) refining with Na2O-CaO-SiO2 slag, both by controlled cooling. The microstructure of silicon and the impurities distribution have been studied before and after the treatments. Using EPMA phosphorus and boron have been detected in 1-2 wt% concentration range in several intermetallic compounds in grain boundaries after both treatments. This observation points to a different possible mechanism of silicon refining from boron and phosphorus. Controlled cooling improves migration of phosphorus and boron to the silicide phases in grain boundaries, which can be removed by acid leaching treatment.2. IntroductionStandards for silicon solar cells and growing demand on “green” energy require economical and efficient route to the production of solar grade silicon. Refining of cheap metallurgical grade silicon is one of the promising options, where application of existing metallurgical approaches can result in cost-efficient production on industrial scale. Focus in refining is on impurities, which are most difficult to remove: B, P, Al, Ti, due to their large segregation coefficient in silicon and low vapour pressure [1]. Moreover, more environmentally friendly technology in comparison to the traditional Siemens process [2] will be in accordance with societal needs. Based on properties of common impurities in metallurgical grade silicon, alloying refining and slag refining are suggested as competitive techniques having potential effect on removal of impurities harmful for conversion of solar energy [3, 4]. Alloying with Ca followed by acid leaching was found to be effective for removal of Fe and Ti from silicon [5] and to enhance also removal of boron [6] and phosphorus [7, 8]. In the work of Inoue et al. [8] drastically increasing removal of phosphorus from silicon has been observed with an increase of Ca content and a thermodynamics-based explanation was provided. Since phosphorus has been found to condense in the secondary precipitate mainly composed of CaSi2, it can be removed together with iron and titanium by consecutive acid leaching treatment. Slag refining is one of the metallurgical methods proposed to be effective for refining of metallurgical grade silicon from boron [9, 10]. Slags with additions of the following oxides to silica have shown positive effect on removal of boron: CaO [11-13], Na2O [11,14]. Mechanism of slag refining from boron is based on oxidation of boron followed by its incorporation in the slag network [9,11]; the same mechanism is suggested for refining from phosphorus taking into account that oxides of boron and phosphorus are known as network-formers [15]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Brison Robertson, W. P. Fishel

THE carbide-forming tendencies of the various steel-alloying elements, or their affinities for carbon, is a subject that has received considerable attention, but little more than a probable arrangement of the elements as to their carbide-forming tendencies has been proposed. The physical properties of alloy steels depend upon the relative proportions of the elements present and their combinations. One important phase of this subject is the distribution of carbon between the various elements present. The distribution of carbon between iron and other elements evidently will depend upon: (I) the affinity of each for carbon; (2) the relative atomic masses of the elements present; and (3) the possible formation of compounds between the alloying elements and iron and between the elements themselves. In ternary steels the case is simplified, especially in systems in which the element and iron form no compounds. In such systems iron and the alloying element are competing for the carbon present. In this work the distribution of carbon between titanium and iron has been studied by measuring the relative amounts of iron carbide and titanium carbide present in a series of annealed steels in which the ratio of titanium to carbon extended from 0.527 to 4.61. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Ten Fe-Ti-C alloys, weighing about 250 grams each, were prepared by melting under a vacuum, in an induction furnace, Armco iron, carbon-free ferrotitanium (25 per cent Ti), and pure carbon. Vacuum melting prevented the formation of titanium oxides and nitrides, which would complicate the problem. The melts were made in graphite crucibles lined with sintered magnesium oxide. The ingots were cooled in the furnace under a vacuum and were then completely annealed at 950°C. The determination of the amount of titanium carbide present was based upon the established insolubility of titanium carbide in boiling dilute (I :4) sulphuric acid, and the complete solubility of free titanium and titanium-iron compounds in this acid. High-carbon ferrotitanium, which had been treated to remove free Ti and Fe, was found to be completely insoluble in the acid; and the carbon-free ferrotitanium used in making the alloys was found to be completely soluble. Others 1,2 have reported the insolubility of titanium carbide in sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. Turnings from the ingots were digested with boiling sulphuric acid (1:4) until all action had ceased. The carbide residue was filtered off and analyzed for titanium, and in some cases for carbon. This represents the titanium that was united with carbon. The filtrate from the carbide residue contains the portion of the titanium that wasin solid solution in the ferrite. Titanium

Jan 1, 1944

By J. D. A. Morrow

THIS discussion relates to the distribution of coal under the direction of the U. S. Fuel Administration beginning Apr. 1, 1918. At that time a definite method of ' controlling and directing distribution was put into effect. Prior thereto, although some of the machinery utilized was in operation, especially in the few weeks immediately preceding Apr. 1, distribution had not been effectively and comprehensively organized. The writer was called to the Fuel. Administration by Dr. Garfield about the. first of February, 1918, to assume general direction of the distribution of coal for the Fuel Administration, to develop the general plans, and to obtain practical men to assist in this work and in carrying through the program finally devised. A study of the situation and conferences with the Fuel Administrator and leading men in the business made it plain that it would- he necessary to begin at the bottom, measure the undertaking, develop plans to meet the need thus shown, and build an organization to effect the distribution required. This work had to be done under war pressure in the midst of a bad coal shortage. The successful performance of such a task is always primarily a matter of putting competent men in the right places and giving, them the power and opportunity to function properly together. In the Distribution Division of the U. S. Fuel Administration, the men who were chiefly responsible for whipping plans into practical form and then for carrying out these plans were A. W. Calloway, of Baltimore, President of the Davis Coal & Coke Co., who served as the Director of Bituminous Coal Distribution; S. Lovell Yerkes, of Birmingham, Alabama, Secretary of the Grider Coal Sales Agency, who assumed general charge of distribution while the new plans and organization were being perfected and then became the Assistant Director of Bituminous Coal Distribution; Warren S. Blauvelt, of Detroit, who was Director of Coke Distribution; A. S. Learoyd of New York, Director of Anthracite Distribution, in connection with the Anthracite Committee, consisting of Joseph

Jan 3, 1919

By N. Choi

The distribution behavior of cobalt, gold, and silver in nickel sulfide smelting was investigated between 1250-1300 °C under inert gas atmosphere. The distribution coefficients of these elements between nickel-copper-iron matte and silica-saturated iron silicate slag were determined as a function of matte and slag compositions. The effect of slag additives such as CaO, MgO, and Al2O3 on the solubility of cobalt, gold, and silver in slag was also investigated. It was observed that the distribution coefficients of these &nor elements were strongly dependent on matte grade. For cobalt and silver, the distribution coefficients decreased as the matte grade increased. However, the distribution coefficients of gold increased as the matte grade increased. The solubility of these minor elements in iron silicate slag was considerably decreased by the addition of basic oxides. Temperature dependence of the distribution of the minor elements will also be discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

By R. M. Geisenheyner

We are in the midst of a transportation revolution. From the Wright Brothers to the SST. From the Toonerville Trolly to the 120-mile-an-hour Northeast Corridor train. From Christopher Columbus to Neil Armstrong. There is another side to this revolution and it is going on every day at our mines and factories. We call it bulk distribution. Perhaps ordinary sounding, but every bit as exciting as those other transportation innovations. Basically, we have gone from bag to bulk, and in the process reached that Last Frontier in manufacturing cost savings. By revitalization of our distribution system, we have made it possible for our mines and factories to realize fully the vast economies of spage-age manufacturing techniques and accomplishments. The pacesetters in this distribution revolution have been you gentlemen, the producers and shippers of dry mineral products. In this area bulk distribution grew up. And here most of the current innovations are being introduced. Management of your industry was early to realize the economic advantages of bulk distribution. Distribution costs of your products comprises a sizeable, portion of the selling price and management is sensitive of any developments which may even slightly reduce the cost of transportation, marketing or the exploration of new frontiers.

Jan 1, 1969

By N. Choi, W. D. Cho

Distribution coefficients of gold and silver between matte and slag during the pyrometallurgical treatment of nickel-copper sulfide concentrates were evaluated as a function of matte and slag compositions in the temperature range of 1,250oC to 1,300oC. It was observed that the composition of the matte phase, including matte grade and copper content in the matte, significantly affected the distribution behavior of gold and silver in the matte-slag system. Both gold and silver preferentially concentrated in the matte phase as the matte grade increased With increasing temperature and copper content in the matte, the distribution coefficients of silver increased, while the gold distribution coefficients decreased. It was also, found that slag additives such as CaO, MgO, and A12O3 caused a significant decrease in the solubility of both gold and silver in silica-saturated iron silicate slag. An activity coefficient of gold in matte was derived from the experimenta1 results.

Jan 1, 1999

By H. R. Bullis

Lupin is located on the shores of Contwoyto Lake at lat. 65° 48'N, Long. 111° 15'W and lies about 80 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Since start up in 1982 the mine has produced over 2.15 million ounces of gold from 6.66 million tonnes of ore grading 10.63 gm/tonne. Total remaining reserves at 1993 year end were 5.1 million tonnes at a grade of 9.11 gm/tonne (1.65 million ounces). This is sufficient for 7 -8 years at the present annual production rate of about 200,000 ounces. The Centre and West Zones of the deposit are open to depth. The deposit is in an Archean metaturbidite sequence of the Contwoyto Formation, which has been mapped as part of the Yellowknife Supergroup of supracrustal metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks making up part of the Slave Geologic Province. These rocks have been subjected to regionar and contact metamorphism and to several phases of deformation. Six stages of Archean plutonism have been identified and all Archean rocks have been cut by Proterozoic diabase dyke swarms. Gold mineralization in the Lupin deposit is commonly fine grained and associated with pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite in amphibolitic banded iron formation. The gold-bearing portions of the host iron formations are characterized by the presence of multiple quartz veins and the pervasive replacement of grunerite by hornblende. In sparsely mineralized portions of the host iron formation, zoning of sulfides about quartz veins is clearly seen with the arsenopyrite halo being more restricted around the veins than the pyrrhotite halo. In well mineralized portions, quartz vein densities approach one vein per metre along strike. In these areas pyrrhotite distribution in the iron formation is more pervasive and the rock takes on the appearance of a banded sulphide rock.

Jan 1, 1995

By P. J. Williams, A. R. Foster

Petrographic studies, assay records, and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of major sulfides suggest nearly all of the gold at the Ernest Henry Cu-Au deposit occurs in the form of native gold or electrum (95-65 wt.% Au); sylvanite and dissolved gold in cobaltite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite make only minor contributions. LA-ICP-MS analyses of the gold contents of chalcopyrite gave from 8 to 139 ppb (mean = 56 ppb), more than an order of magnitude lower than those experimentally determined in chalcopyrite in equilibrium with native gold at the estimated mineralization temperatures (350°-450°C). Gold content is more variable in pyrite (1-400 ppb, mean = 77 ppb) and highest in narrow growth zones of a subordinate type of complexly zoned pyrite wherein it is associated with elevated As, Ag, Sn, Sb, Te, and Bi. Deposition of gold-electrum was closely associated with, but preceded some of the chalcopyrite deposition, as indicated by microtextures and lower bulk Au:Cu ratios in late-stage chalcopyrite-rich veins. Gold grains have maximum dimensions from <1 to 50 micrometers, and are heterogeneously distributed with most occurring in microscale clusters. Fifty-five out of 76 grains recorded in polished sections are in contact with both chalcopyrite and pyrite, and many of the rest are in sites where such a relationship could exist in the third dimension. The dominant textural sites are intergrowths with chalcopyrite in microveinlets cutting pyrite, and on faces of pyrite grains in contact with chalcopyrite. Scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and proton induced X-ray emission studies show that pyrite associated with gold includes complexly zoned, weakly zoned, arsenian, and arsenic-poor types. The textures are compatible with the possibility that most gold was deposited electrochemically as native metal on pyrite surfaces. The textural distribution of gold has important metallurgical implications given that the ore processing circuits at Ernest Henry and most other sulfide copper mines are designed to exclude pyrite (and arsenic) from concentrates.

Jan 1, 2007

By Hristo Stanchev, Veselin Mehandzhiyski, Sashka Kozhuharova, Stefan Stamenov, Alexandar Penchev, Nikolay Nestorov, Velika Stamatova, Ekaterina Todorova

"This article presents the results of comprehensive research on the quantitative distribution of gold content in the raw ore and tailings from the flotation enrichment process at the Ellatzite Med plant. The study is a quantitative and qualitative determination of the presence of gold in the ore processed by Ellatzite Med AD, as well as its behavior and distribution in the various metallurgical products of the flotation process. The representativeness of the samples taken is ensured by the frequency of sampling: four work shifts of sampling on different days within a period of four consecutive weeks. The form of gold present is determined both in the analyzed samples and in separate fractions - granulometric, magnetic, electromagnetic, heavy and light. A summarized diagram presents the phase distribution of gold in the final products of the dressing process. The results obtained are used for further analysis and evaluation of the actual technological parameters of the gold. It was established that an increase in the initial gold content, respectively in the content of native gold in the raw ore, with the current process, leads to an increase in gold losses, mostly in the native gold phase. The conducted analysis of the results from the comprehensive tests on determining the form of gold present in the various enrichment products gave rise to further research with the use of a Knelson centrifugal concentrator."

Jan 1, 2014

By D. Gignac, P. A. Studemeister, H. Koza

Two epiclastic horizons in an Archean volcanic sequence host the gold occurrences on the Dunraine property near Wawa, Ontario, Canada. The Grace horizon of cherty and pelitic tuff strikes northnorthwest and dips east. Native gold occurs with arsenopyrite in bedlike and podlike bodies of quartz lenses and stringers set in a pelitic matrix. The Parkhill horizon of lithic graywacke with associated flow-breccia strikes southwest and dips south, Native gold occurs with minor sulfides in similar bodies of quartz erratic within the Parkhill horizon. The auriferous bodies occupy paleotopographic channels and troughs within the two horizons. The former producers are the Parkhill mine with 1689 kg (54,300 oz) Au, Darwin mine with 473 kg (15,200 oz) Au, and Van Sickle mine with 48 kg (1536 oz) Au between 1902 and 1944. The gold occurrences are syndepositional with the host volcanic sediments laid during a pause in explosive volcanism. Fumaroles along steep gullies on the flank of a subaqueous volcanic center precipitated aprons of auriferous silica-sulfide mud. Downslope slumping resulted in exhalative debris flows; gold concentrated in flexures and depressions along slumpage channels. Renewed explosive volcanism covered the auriferous sediments with pyroclastic tuffs, arresting the slumping of in situ fumarolic deposits.

Jan 1, 1986

By Richard V. Wyman

Leaching of a granitic rock mass by slightly acid groundwater brings uranium and genetically related ions into solution in groundwater. Uranium and related ions are moved through the vadose zone by groundwater which in turn moves through zones of greatest transmissivity into a deep zone of increased hydrostatic pressure. Cyclic wetting causes the hydrostatic condition to fluctuate causing recycling described by Gruner (op cit). Multiple cycling flushes the uranium ions from rock being leached and moves it via this method to permeable beds-channels-in the deep zone.

Jan 1, 1970

The hematite deposits of Quadrilßtero Ferrffero (QF) are hosted by the Proterozoic itabirites of the Itabira iron formation (Harder and Chamberlin, 1915). These deposits are widely distributed at QF and include the hard hematite ore bodies. However, considerable variations in ore structure and texture can be observed. A preserved banding and lamination in the thin bedded, compact hematite ore, apparently reflects the original layering and/or the prominent foliation of the partly or completely replaced itabirite. The structure of the hematite ore deposits varies from almond shaped, rootless, to bedded bodies, both concordant with the main foliation, and to mesoscopic veins and irregular bodies. Hematite ore textures, which depends on the structural characteristics of the deposit, may be grouped into four main types:thin bedded, laminated and banded; micaceous, foliated and schistose; brecciated; and compact/massive. Thin bedded ores occur in the western, central and subordinately eastern portions of QF, while submicaceous, micaceous and schistose ores are predominant at the eastern part. Brecciated ores exist mainly at the western part and subordinately in central QF. Structureless, compact hematite ores may be either related to the brecciated hematite or occur as isolated bodies at central QF. It is suggested that a synkinematic, acid and oxidant, metasomatism during metamorphism, under a ductile regime, was responsible for the hard hematite ores of the types 1 and 2, and a static, subsequent, hydrothermal, regional metasomatism, under brittle regime resulted in the formation of the types 3 and 4. The common texture present in the all ores is the ubiquitous magnetite porphyroclasts replacement by hematite. Quartz and other silicate minerals are also substituted by hematite. Muscovite, tourmaline, talc, chlorite, apatite and kaolinite have been recognised in the hard hematitic ores. Apparently that mineral association denotes different equilibrium conditions of formation.

Jan 1, 2002

By Y Cui, G Cao, H Zong, J Zheng, J Wang, S Yue, J Zhao, B Li

The iron (Fe) concentration in nickel slag is high, making its recovery and utilisation a hot and challenging topic. In the nickel smelting process, using CaO instead of SiO2 to adjust slag’s composition, and then directly reducing Fe from the output of molten slag is a more feasible method in practice for Fe recovery in nickel slag. The adjustment of slag’s composition in the nickel smelting process will have an impact on the distribution of impurity elements such as Pb, Zn, and As. In this paper, the slag adjustment of nickel smelting process was carried out with the oxygen-enriched topblowing system. The distribution of impurity elements in the smelting products with each composition slag was conducted by using thermodynamic software. Experimental verification was performed with rich oxygen top-blowing, and the distribution characteristics of impurity elements in the smelting products were characterised to explore the differences in mineral phases of impurity elements with each smelting conditions, elucidating the distribution patterns of Pb, Zn, and As in each phase. The results indicate that after slag adjustment, impurity elements are more easily to volatilisation and removal into the gas, reducing their total concentration in slag and matte. In the slag, the existence form of Pb, Zn is changed from silicate to ferrate, and As is changed from arsenate to low-valent arsenic oxide. It is easier to decompose the impurity-containing mineral phase and remove the impurity elements in the subsequent iron extraction process.

Jun 19, 2024

By R. L. Braun

In situ chemical mining of primary sulfide ore requires distribution of injected oxygen in a large underground flooded region of broken ore. Although the maximum oxygen content of the leach solution will be dictated by the operating temperature and hydrostatic pressure, the actual oxygen content will be limited by the geometric dispersion of the injected oxygen, the rate of dissolution of oxygen, and the rate of convective circulation of oxygenated solution within the flooded bed of ore fragments. These factors are examined by a detailed theoretical analysis supported by laboratory experimental data. Typical results of the study illustrate that adequate dissolution of oxygen and circulation of oxygenated solution can be obtained in a column of 4 million metric tons of broken ore by using three gas injection lines and an oxygen injection to consumption ratio of 1.84.

Jan 1, 1974

By Woodcock J. T, Sparrow G. J, MacRae C. M

The external urfaces and interiors (as polished sections) of particles of coconut hell and extruded peat activated carbons taken from everal Australian carbon-in-pulp operations were examined with an optical micro cope, a scanning electron microscope, and an electron microprobe.Calcium carbonate (calcite) precipitated from the pulp was the major inorganic material on the external surfaces of the carbon particle, but several ore minerals, including quartz, hematite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, and clay minerals were also identified, along with trona, gypsum, a nickel cyanide, and a magnesium salt. Sections of carbon particles showed that calcite was virtually the only introduced inorganic material inside the carbons.It was distributed in the pores and cracks throughout the coconut shell carbon particles but tended to be concentrated in the outer layers of the extruded peat carbon particles. The mechanism of calcite formation and deposition is uncertain. Gold X-ray dot maps showed that gold was distributed through to the centre of coconut shell carbons and to a depth of at least 500 &#181;m in extruded peat carbons. The distribution of gold within the carbon particles was similar to that of calcite.

Jan 1, 1988

By Walter Scott

THE removal of lead by fire refining methods from copper of electrolytic quality is growing in importance. Particularly is this true of the refining of secondary copper and copper cathodes obtained from electrolytic cells where lead is used as the anode material, as in the electrolysis of ore-leaching solutions and foul electrolyte. When investigating the removal of small amounts of lead from molten copper in a reverberatory furnace during the refining of secondary copper of otherwise electrolytic copper quality,1 it was found necessary first to FIG. 1.-SAMPLING DEVICE. know something about the distribution of the lead throughout the bath. The authors believe that it is not generally known how small amounts of lead as an impurity are distributed in a molten copper bath; that is, whether the lead is concentrated at the bottom or at the top, or whether it occurs more or less uniformly throughout the bath. The data contained in this report may help, therefore, in the development of a satis-factory fire refining method for the removal of this obstinate element from a molten copper bath.

Jan 1, 1930

By B. M. Larsen, L. S. Darken

SOME years ago we collated all laboratory data then available to us on the distribution at equilibrium of manganese and of sulphur between metal and simple slags, and used the results in setting up an equation, which proved to be in accord with determinations of the distribution ratio of manganese and of sulphur between liquid steel and open-hearth slag, over a wide range of operating conditions. We now present an outline of our calculations and inferences on these two closely related questions, which are of especial importance because of the advisability of conserving manganese wherever possible. In general, our results show that in the open-hearth furnace equilibrium between metal and slag, with respect to both manganese and sulphur, is substantially attained during the finishing period of the heat, or in about a half hour to an hour after any additions were made. This implies that the end result will be identical whether manganese is added as alloy or metal to the liquid steel or as oxide to the slag. The proportion of total manganese retained by the steel is favored: (I) by use of the minimum amount of lime, consistent with other operating limitations, required to give a lime-silica ratio of about 2.4, which usually corresponds to a minimum practical slag volume; (2) by a high concentration in the slag of MnO relative to FeO; (3) by high operating temperature. Absorption of sulphur by the slag from the liquid metal is favored: (I) by large slag volume; (2 by a high concentration of active (or "free") lime and of manganese oxide dis) solved in the slag; (3) by low concentration of silica, iron oxide, and phosphate dissolved in the slag. DISTRIBUTION OF MANGANESE BETWEEN SLAG AND METAL AT EQUILIBRIUM On the basis that the distribution of manganese between liquid steel and slag is controlled by the reaction [FeO + Mn = MnO + Fe [A]slag metal slag metal] the distribution at equilibrium, at a given temperature, is expressed by the equilibrium constant for this reaction, which is defined as [K" aMoO aFeI1 dFec) aMn] where a is the activity of the molecular species denoted by the subscript. The activity of each of the several components, although it is not known precisely, is approximately equal to the concentration of each component expressed as its mol fraction; that is, as the ratio of the number of mols of the given component to the total number of mols of all the molecular species present in the metal or slag, as the case may be. Moreover, since the activity, or concentration, of iron in the liquid metal is in fact substantially constant, the term [afe] may be combined with K" to give a new constant K&apos;. Making these changes,

Jan 1, 1942

By B. M. Larsen, L. S. Darken

SOME years ago we collated all laboratory data then available to us on the distribution at equilibrium of manganese and of sulphur between metal and simple slags, and used the results in setting up an equation, which proved to be in accord with determinations of the distribution ratio of manganese and of sulphur between liquid steel and open-hearth slag, over a wide range of operating conditions. We now present an outline of our calculations and inferences on these two closely related questions, which are of especial importance because of the advisability of conserving manganese wherever possible. In general. our results show that in the open-hearth furnace equilibrium between metal and slag, with respect to both manganese and sulphur, is substantially attained during the finishing period of the heat, or in about a half hour to an hour after any additions were made. This implies that the end result will be identical whether manganese is added as alloy or metal to the liquid steel or as oxide to the slag. The proportion of total manganese retained by the steel is favored: (I) by use of the minimum amount of lime, consistent with other operating limitations, required to give a lime-silica ratio of about 2.4, which usually corresponds to a minimum practical slag volume; (2) by a high concentration in the slag of MnO relative to FeO; (3) by high operating temperature. Absorption of sulphur by the slag from the liquid metal is favored: (I) by large slag volume; (2-by a high concentration of active (or "free") lime and of manganese oxide dis) solved in the slag; (3) by low concentration of silica, iron oxide, and phosphate dissolved in the slag. DISTRIBUTION OF MANGANESE BETWEEN SLAG AND METAL AT EQUILIBRIUM On the basis that the distribution of manganese between liquid steel and slag is controlled by the reaction [FeO + Mn ;7± MnO + Fe [A] slag metal slag metal] the distribution at equilibrium, at a given temperature, is expressed by the equilibrium constant for this reaction, which is defined as [K" aFPI OFeO ? aMn] where a is the activity of the molecular species denoted by the subscript. The activity of each of the several components, although it is not known precisely, is approximately equal to the concentration of each component expressed as its mol fraction; that is, as the ratio of the number of mols of the given component to the total number of mols of all the molecular species present in the metal or slag, as the case may be. Moreover, since the activity, or concentration, of iron in the liquid metal is in fact substantially constant, the term aFe may he combined with K" to give a new constant K&apos;. Making these changes.

Jan 1, 1942