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By Fuming Wang, Xin Lu, Hao Bai, Hebin Zhu

"In this study, CO2 emissions and carbon footprint of a typical steel works with integrated process and iron and steel industry in China was calculated and analyzed by a carbon footprint method based on the model of process CO2 emissions in iron and steel making. The carbon footprint of iron and steel industry from 1991 to 2010 in China showed a rapid increasing tendency. In 2008, the CO2 emissions of iron and steel industry in China was 1.289 billion tons, 19.71% of the national total CO2 emissions, and the corresponding carbon footprint was 159.13 million hm2 of green area. Carbon deficit of iron and steel industry also go up gradually if considering the carbon storage by green vegetation. Thus, the internal carbon reduction strategy, such as energy structure optimization and energy saving technology, was mainly encouraged for the sustainable development of iron and steel industry in China.IntroductionThe Global Warming resulting from the increase of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), in particularly CO2, in the atmosphere has become the main reason of global climate change, and large emission reductions are required for sustainable development [ 1]. The iron and steel industry is the largest energy consuming manufacturing [2] in the world and the largest emitter of CO2 emissions. In 2005, it accounted for about 20% of global industrial energy use and 30% of energy and process CO2 emissions from industry [3]. In China, the crude steel has firmly been ranking at first of the world recent years and kept growing tendency year by year. With the production growth, the CO2 emissions of iron and steel industry also increased significantly and hence the steel industry has become one of the most sources of CO2 emission in China [4], which has attracted more and more attention to seek the carbon reduction strategies.Carbon footprint is an important and useful concept originating from Ecological Footprint, which was used efficiently to quantitatively analyze the impact of the human activities on ecological system, in particularly impact of the human energy activities [5]. In the view of Life Cycle, the carbon footprint is efficient to analyze the direct and indirect CO2 emission in the whole life of various products used in human activities. As to the iron and steel, the important materials and products in the human life, the carbon footprint analysis is quite necessary to evaluate the CO2 emission impact on the corresponding ecological system and global environmental."

Jan 1, 2013

By Vadym Drozd, Yongzhou Sun, Shah Najiba, Jiuhua Chen, Andriy Durygin

"Phase transitions of the potential hydrogen storage compound, ammonia borane (NH3.BH3), was investigated using Raman spectroscopy and a diamond anvil cell at high pressures up to 9.5 GPa and low temperatures down to 90K. At room temperature, ammonia borane has three phase transitions in this pressure range. Upon cooling, four new phases were discovered through changes in characteristic Raman spectra. This result provides information about the stability of new bonding characteristics of this potential hydrogen storage material at low temperature and high pressure region.IntroductionDevelopment of hydrogen technology requires the safe, efficient and environmental friendly materials for hydrogen storage and hydrides have attracted much attention as hydrogen storage media. Among chemical hydrides, ammonia borane (BH3NH3) stands out due to its high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen density ' "". Despite high hydrogen content, this compound is very stable. It releases hydrogen in several steps by thermal decomposition in the temperature range of 100°C to 500°C. Direct thermal decomposition also causes toxic borazine emission. Recent research interests on ammonia borane include destabilizing this compound to lower the dehydrogenation temperature with an enhanced hydrogen release rate using different techniques, e.g. the nanoscaffolds'', ionic liquids"" and acid'"" or transition metal catalysts' ""'. As a molecule of ammonia borane consists of protonic (NH) and hydritic (BH) hydrogens bonded by the polarized dative bond, thermal or catalyzed decomposition requires breaking of N-H and B-H bonding. Still now, the detailed information about the bonding characteristics of ammonia borane is not sufficient to understand details about its phases and structures. The development of methods to enhance hydrogen discharge rate from ammonia borane requires a detailed study about the structural and dynamical properties that control the stability and the intermolecular interactions of this material. This study is motivated to investigate the stability of the existing phases and also to explore the existence of any new phases at different temperatures and pressures which may have enhanced hydrogen release and uptake properties."

Jan 1, 2012

By Ting Luo, Hongmin Zhu, Kai Huang, Shuanglong Du, Tao Gui, Yifan Xiu

"Poplar cotton, a cellulosic material, was found to adsorb metals ions effectively. In the present study, the biosorption characteristics of Pb(II) onto poplar cotton, were evaluated as a function of pH, contact time, biomass dosage, initial concentration and temperature. Within the pH range investigated (1.0-6.0), the optimal pH value suitable for the uptake of Pb(II) was determined. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model is around 0.52mol kg for the poplar cotton sorbent. Equilibration is achieved in 60min for the studied concentrations. Results suggest that the poplar cotton can be directly used as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution.IntroductionHigh value utilization of various biowastes produced in agricultural, forestry, fishing industries, etc. have attracted great interest from many researchers [1], Biomass, due to its easy availability, great abundance, low cost, easy processing, eco-friendliness and biodegradability, has exhibited exciting potential for being used as raw materials for the preparation of many new hi-tech functional products [2]. For example, using biowastes to synthesize sorbents for application in the removal of toxic substances such as dyes [3], heavy metals from the waste water [4] or in the recovery of valuable metals [5] from the ore tailings and secondary metals resources has made great progress in last decade. In present study, poplar cotton, a kind of white light fluff of poplar trees, like that of dandelion, usually flying in the air each spring was tested as a biosorbent for the remove lead ions from the water. It may also provide some good ideas for new sorbent design. Lead, as one of the typical poisonous heavy metals, for its typical toxicity and extensive pollution, was chosen to test the adsorption behavior of poplar cotton in aqueous solutions."

Jan 1, 2012

By M. Sakamoto, S. Karaswa, Y. Yoneoka, Y. Ohmizo

"The Annaka Refinery has been processing leach residue by Waelz process for 17 years. Recently, the quantity of the leach residue has increased due to a decline in the quality ~f zinc concentrate. Meanwhile, negative factors (e.g. deterioration of water balance due to improved electrolytic power consumption rate) have increased· in the processing of the leach residue.We have implemented various measures in responses to this situation, while striving to increase ·processing capacity and achieve stable operation. AS we have largely completed our assessment of the efficacy of these measures, we report on our recent process improvements.IntroductionWe have been treating leach residue by the Waelz kiln process since 1981. At that time, treatment of only 50,000 tons of leach residue per year was anticipated. However, subsequent process improvements have revised this figure up to 75,000 to 80,000 tons per year.However, today's increased Fe zinc concentrate grade has resulted in increased amounts of leach residue. In addition, improvements have reduced electrolytic power consumption rate of zinc electrolysis, limiting the amount of water that can be used in ·the zinc refining processes and for deaning leach residue. Consequently, we encounter an increasing number of problems and factors adversely affecting leach residue treatment, including increases in water-soluble Zn (WsZn) and. S (S04) in leach residue.To solve these problems, we have taken several measures to ensure long-term continuous operation and treatment of this increased · amount of leach residue. This paper discusses these measures."

Jan 1, 2000

By Jan Steinhoff

The design options of a gravity separator are still limited and rely on the study of settling behavior. A methodology will be presented where an experimentally given inlet droplet size distribution (DSD) is the basis for the calculation of the dispersion layer in a gravity separator. A pilot-scale continuous gravity separator is presented and CFD (computational fluid dynamic) results are validated. A transmitted light measurement technique for the determination of the DSD is presented up to a holdup of 15% dispersed phase. The resulting DSD was in the range of 20–2000 μm depending on flow rate and phase ratio. Furthermore, correlations of the real DSD with the settling behavior of the dispersion in a settling cell are discussed. The new approach to the description of gravity separators will be presented and the applied CFD methods showed good results with the system water/paraffin.

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 James C. Barker

Recent investigations of a 55-km long trend of intrusive complexes on southern Prince of Wales Island have identified significant resources of Nb, Y, REE. U, Zr, and a host of potential by-product metals. The northwesterly trend comprises multi-phased sodic alkaline and peralkaline diorite, monzonite, syenite, and riebeckite granite. There are at least three significant deposit types recognized, two of which, 1) pegmatite dikes/vein-dikes that zone laterally from the intrusions and 2) concentrically zoned pegmatites, contain most of the lithophile metals. A third, epigenetic replacement-type mineralization, contains much of the U resource. Other deposit types with minor or unknown resource potential include diatremes, carbonatite, and placers. This report summarizes the deposit evaluations, characterizes the mineralization, and estimates the resources. To date a total of 40.7 million tons of mineralized material is estimated as indicated or inferred. Most of the Y203 plus REO is at a grade exceeding 0.5% and half of the Nb20S exceeds 0.125%. Tonnage estimates would likely be substantially lncreased with additional exploration. Mineralogy is generally fine-grained and complex, and consists of more than a dozen principal REE-Y-Nb-U-Th-Zr phases, the sum of which may compose up to half of the rock. Approximately half of the REE-Y content comprises the heavy yttrium subgroup which is uncommon compared to deposits elsewhere. Although the Alaskan deposits are likely subeconomic at today's metal prices and consumption levels. recent technological advances suggest future demand may increase.

Jan 1, 1988

By Kimura. E.

Continuous estimation of phosphorus content of molten copper is required to produce phosphorus deoxidized copper in a continuous casting operation. The phosphorus content of molten copper was related to its electric resistivity, which was measured by the four-probed technique with a specially-shaped cell. In a laboratory scale, the linear relationship between the above factors was confirmed in the temperature range of 1083OC through 1200°C. The phosphorus concentration range measured was from 40 to 500 ppm. The phosphorus content was monitored successfully by measuring the electric resistivity of the molten copper in the distributor of a continuous caster in an industrial scale.

Jan 1, 1992

By Peter C. Hayes

"The high temperature reduction of solids through the use of reactive gas atmospheres has application in a wide range of industrially important processes. Whilst significant advances have been made in understanding and describing these processes, some key aspects of the chemical reactions and reaction mechanisms operating in these systems, for example, the transformation from metal oxide to metal, remain poorly understood. A number of different product morphologies have been identified in these reaction systems and the reaction rates have been shown to be critically dependent on the product structure.Theoretical examination of the elementary process steps taking place in the region of the gas/metal/metal oxide interface, combined with electron microscope studies of the resultant product microstructures, have enabled the key process and material variables responsible for the development of the various product morphologies to be identified. By considering i) established criteria for the stability of moving interfaces in a thermodynamic potential gradient, ii) the relative rates of chemical reactions on the oxide and metal surfaces, and iii) key process phenomena and physico-chemical properties of the solid phases, the mechanisms and conditions for the formation of various product morphologies are identified. Interestingly the analysis points to direct analogies between these phase transformations and, the phenomena and microstructures observed in metal solidification, and the potential to develop generic models of these fluid/solid reaction systems."

Jan 1, 2013

By Tibor Zoltai

Asbestos is a generic term for industrially useful fibers recovered from exploitable deposits of the asbestiform varieties of five silicate minerals: chrysotile, anthophyllite, actinolite-tremolite, cummingtonite-grunerite, and riebeckite. Asbestos and asbestiformm fibers of some other minerals are known to be carcinogenic. Minerals crystallized in the asbestiform habit are characterized by unique properties (morphology, strength and flexibility, physical and chemical durability, and defect-free surface structures). The key to the unusual properties, and health effects, of asbestifarm fibers appears to be in their unusual surface structure. In contrast, non-asbestiform crystals of the same minerals, including the five so-called asbestos minerals do not have these properties and are not carcinogenic (1, 2).

Jan 1, 1989

By David T. Hobbs

Large quantities of highly alkaline, radioactive, liquid wastes are stored in underground tanks throughout the Department of Energy complex. These wastes will be pretreated to separate radionuclides and the remaining decontaminated liquid wastes incorporated into solid waste forms for permanent disposal. Significant savings in disposal costs could result by recovering .the sodium as sodium hydroxide for reuse or disposal as nonradioactive waste. Recent testing demonstrated an electrochemical separation process for the recovery of sodium hydroxide from alkaline waste solutions; The separation process uses ion-selective membranes to separate sodium from the bulk of the waste constituents under an applied electrical field. The sodium is recovered as a 10-15 wt % solution of sodium hydroxide. Results of bench-sc3Ie and pilot-scale tests with simulated and radioactive waste solutions are presented.

Jan 1, 1999

By Christine Wenzl, Andreas Filzwieser, Stefan Konetschnik

"The METTOP-BRX-Technology is a novel manifold electrolyte inlet, which allows improved productivity and production in new and existing tankhouses by achieving higher current efficiency and cathode quality, as well as using current densities higher than 400 A/m2. Two installation examples are shown: Montanwerke Brixlegg AG, Brixlegg, Austria (upgrade of existing tankhouse) and Xiangguang Copper, Yanggu, China (new tank house). Montanwerke Brixlegg AG has been using the METTOP-BRX-Technology since 2005, and converted half of the whole tankhouse to METTOP-BRX in 2011 in order to use a current density of more than 400 A/m2. Xiangguang Copper started up their second tankhouse in May 2011. This tankhouse was constructed in the same way as the existing tankhouse, but was designed for 292,000 t/a cathode copper (existing tankhouse: 200,000 t/a) by using the METTOP-BRX-Technology. This production increase is a consequence of a much higher current density, namely 410 A/m2, compared to 280 A/m2 in the old tankhouse.IntroductionCopper electrorefining has been practised for more than hundred years, the last big change being the implementation of stainless steel cathodes in the 1980s [1], In 2005, the METTOP-BRXTechnology was first introduced. This technology was developed jointly by METTOP and Montanwerke Brixlegg, Austria, and allows improvements in productivity and production in new and existing tankhouses in an economic way. The METTOP-BRX-Technology is a novel manifold inlet that allows improved tankhouse productivity by increasing current density and/or current efficiency while maintaining or improving cathode quality [2]."

Jan 1, 2012

By R. G. Reddy

The Margules .equation is used for interpreting excess Gibbs energy of several ternary systems. In the present study activity coefficient of 'a dilute solute, 2, in a binary solvent 1-3 was derived. The derived expression is used to interpret logarithmic activity coefficient of oxygen and sulfur in several metallic systems. Self interaction parameter of the solute is derived from the partial function of solute using constant compositional path. An expression for logarithmic activity coefficient and self - interaction parameter of solute is also derived using Maclaurin infinite series. The derived equation is based on Maclaurin infinite series used successfully to deduce thermodynamics of self interaction of oxygen as a interstitial atom in two metallic systems. The predicted thermodynamic parameters values using Maclaurin infinite series and Margules. equations, are in excellent agreement with the experimental data and also our predictions are far more accurate than the predictions made by other models.

Jan 1, 1996

By Thomas J. Keefe, O&apos

Results of metal electrodeposition experiments conducted at the University of Brussels and University of Missouri-Rolla over the past few years are reviewed in terms of the relationship and impact on industrial processes. Examples are cited from common electrowinning, electrorefining, or electroplating operations for copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt and silver. The following topics are considered : metallographic structure, crystallographic texture, surface morphology, nucleation and growth, additive monitoring and effects, high current density, substrate related properties including adhesion. The studies were conducted on a variety of scales from laboratory beaker tests to full sized pilot and industrial operating plants.

Jan 1, 1993

By Jenq-Gong Duh, Jyh-Wei Lee

"Hard chromizing process is a method for developing a surface modified coating providing wear, corrosion resistance and high temperature surface protection. Two carbon steels with 0.45 wt% and 0.95 wt% carbon contents, respectively, were chromized with pack cementation process at 950'C for 4 and 9 hours, respectively. The phase transformation and microstructure phenomena of chromized coating layer and matrix of two steels were studied with X-ray diffractometer and electron probe microanalyzer. (Cr,Fe)23C6 and (Cr,Fe)7C3 carbides and (Cr,Fe)2N1-x nitride phases were observed on the chromized surfaces. The thickness of chromized layers obeyed the parabolic rate law. The mechanism and diffusional kinetics of the chromizing process were proposed. The diffusivity of chromium in the (Cr,Fe)7C3 carbide phase was calculated using the moving boundary method.IntroductionChromizing process is one of the surface treatment technologies that can produce a chromium contained surface layer with sufficient corrosion and wear resistance on the steel matrix [1-7]. The relatively low cost and no ""line-of-sight"" restrictions are main advantages of chromizing. Adequate bonding strength of these coatings to the substrate was reported [7]. Chromizing process can be classified into soft chromizing and hard chromizing [2]. Soft chromizing is applied to steels containing less than 0.1wt% carbon through which chromium will be diffused. High temperature oxidation resistance improvement is the main purpose of soft chromizing process. On the contrary, the hard chromizing can be applied to steel containing more than 0.3wt% carbon, and very hard chromium nitride and carbide layers will be formed on the surface, which are very resistant to wear, corrosion and temperature [5-7]. In the previous studies on the Fe-Mn-Al-Cr alloy [5,7] and carbon steels [6], the thickness (X) of chromizing layers was analyzed and found the parabolic rate Jaw prevailed:"

Jan 1, 2004

By O. G. Yeremin

The Joint Venture "Inter-S" jointly with the Gintsvetmet Institute have developed a technology for manufacturing of sulphoconcrete and sulphoasphalt. The sulphoconcrete manufacturing technology comprises preliminary production of modified sulphur, which is blended in liquid form at a temperature of 120°C with an inert material preheated to the same temperature. The second promising area for the use of sulphur is partial substitution of modified sulphur for more expensive bitumen. The sulphoasphalt manufacturing process comprises preliminary production of a sulphur and bitumen mixture with a sulphur content of 30% to 40%, which is then blended with inert materials using conventional techniques. Sulphoasphalt manufactured at a full-scale plant meets all requirements set to its strength properties for road paving. Technology has been developed for production of high-purity sulphur based on rectification of liquid sulphur in a packed column. A commercial-scale plant with a capacity of up to 15 tonnes per year for production of sulphur with an impurities level of about 110-6 % by mass has been put into operation.

Jan 1, 2006

By Zhijing Zhang

A thermodynamic structure model for alkali borate melts is developed to describe the distribution of structural groups in the alkali borate melts as a function of compositions. Fractions of threefold coordinated boron atoms and fourfold coordinated boron atoms in the potassium borate melt are calculated for the entire composition range and compared with results reported in the literature. The model has been used for structural interpretation for the borate anomaly in viscosity, which regards the borate anomaly as a manifestation of the various antithetical effects caused by the introduction of alkali oxide into boric oxide. It has been found that the viscosities of alkali borate melts increase or decrease according to the changes in rigidity and spatial connectivity of the glass network structure, which is a function of temperature and composition.

Jan 1, 2001

By J. D. Law

The presence of long-lived radionuclides presents a challenge to the management of radioactive wastes. Separation of the radionuclides from the waste solutions has the potential of significantly decreasing the costs associated with the immobilization and disposal of the waste by minimizing waste volumes. Several solvent extraction processes have been developed at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory for the separation of transuranic elements (TRUs), 90 Sr, and/or 137 Cs from acidic radioactive waste solutions. The TRUEX and POR processes for the separation of TRUs, the SREX process for the separation of 90Sr, the cobalt dicarbollide process for the separation of 137Cs and and a universal solvent extraction process for the simultaneous separation of TRUs, 90Sr, and 137Cs have all been developed in centrifugal contactors using actual liquid radioactive waste solutions and simulated dissolved calcine waste solution. In addition, the behavior of metals with each of the solvent extraction processes was evaluated. This article summarizes the most recent results of the each of the flowsheet demonstrations and provides Information on the centrifugal contactor equipment used for the testing.

Jan 1, 1999

By Tam Tran

Over the last decade, halide (chloride, bromide and iodide) systems have been evaluated as alternative lixiviants for the processing of gold to replace cyanidation which has been widely used in commercial practice. This paper first reviews the development of processes promoted by Kaljas Ltd / Lachlan Resources (Australia) and Great Lakes Corp (USA) using different bromide/bromine systems in the early 1990's. Several research groups subsequently evaluated the use of iodide/iodine and chloride/chlorine for gold extraction, showing similar characteristics of gold/silver dissolution and recovery. A critique is :given on the advantages and the ,shortfalls of halide systems as alternative lixiviants. The stability of gold? halide complexes is discussed, based on practical experience and thermodynamic modelling of their speciation, The iodide system provides the most stable gold / silver complex for easier handling. However, the cost of iodide inhibits its application for are processing. In this critique, emphasis is given on the cheapest system, which involves the use of chloride for leaching (in conjunction with an appropriate oxidant). However the chloride-base leachant has a major drawback which is related to the unstable nature of gold chloride in a reducing environment.

Jan 1, 1998

By Y. Sako, E. Nomura, K. Muraguchi, K. Shibata

In 1998, Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. (MMS) produced 70,000 tonnes of lead, 231,000 tonnes of zinc and 214,000 tonnes of copper. MESCO, Inc. has been in charge of the automation and mechanization of smelting facilities promoted by MMS as well as the construction of facilities for chemical production and electronics materials plants, by which MESCO has contributed to the development of MMS. Initially, MESCO developed a casting machine for refined lead in the early 1960's, and thereafter, it developed a casting machine for refined zinc, a stripping machine for zinc tankhouses and energy saving facilities. In the field of copper smelting, it has also developed automation and mechanization facilities.

Jan 1, 2000