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By B. L. Chulu

In the carbothermic reduction of lead sulfate to produce lead, the inclusion of soda ash (Na,CO,) in the charge provides for the control of sulfur dioxide in the effluent gas. An important mechanism in the process appears to be the carbothermic reduction of the sodium carbonate whereby sodium gas and carbon monoxide are produced. These intermediates then participate in the reduction of the lead sulfate to produce lead metal and stable sulfur species in the molten slag phase. In addition, there is some evidence that the presence of lead metal in the charge may also serve to increase the lead recovery in the process. These aspects were investigated by conducting laboratory-scale smelting tests with small charges (;3g), at 1173°K(9000C). Recovery did not exceed 74w% and the role of incipient lead metal in the charge could not be clearly assessed.

Jan 1, 1993

By Mark L. Dietz

The unique physicochemical properties of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have led to intense interest in these materials as alternatives to conventional organic solvents in a range of synthetic, catalytic, and electrochemical applications. Recently, there has been growing interest in their potential use in various separation processes, among them the liquid-liquid extraction of metal ions. Although certain RTIL-extractant combinations (e.g., crown ethers in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethylsulfonyl] imides) have been shown to provide extraction efficiencies far exceeding those observed with conventional solvents, recent work suggests that the utility of RTILs may be limited by solubilization losses and difficulties in recovering extracted metal ions. In this work, we demonstrate that these limitations arise, in part, from differences in the mechanism of metal ion partitioning in RTIL systems versus conventional organic diluents and consider approaches by which they might be overcome.

Jan 1, 2003

By G. Haesebroek

In L969 Metallurgie Hoboken-Overpelt started an industrial plant for the separation of iron and zinc from a concentrated CoCL2 solution. Iron and zinc are extracted in column contactors by a solvent containing 12 vol % of tertiary amines in xylene. The extracted metals are stripped from the pregnant organic phase by precipitation with a NaOH solution at pH LL. In this paper an overview is given of the industrial process. In order to overcome some drawbacks of this process (low flash point of the diluent, reagent consumption, batchwise stripping) an alternative solvent extraction process has been examined. In this alternative process, iron and zinc are extracted with an or¬ganic phase containing 50 vol % of TBP in Escaid 110. The pregnant solvent is stripped with water in conventional mixer settlers. Despite the ability of this process to overcome most of the inconveniences due to the use of tertiary amines, it suffers from the poor stability of TBP in concentrated chloride solutions, resulting in unavoidable and inacceptable precipitation phenomena in the stripping section.

Jan 1, 1988

By Keizo Uematsu, Satoshi Tanaka, Nozomu Uchida, Yutaka Saito

"Effect of moisture content must be fully understood for controlling the granule compaction of ceramics. It changes the mechanical behavior of spray-dried granules applied for compaction process, and governs the structure and properties of .ceramics. To understand the time-dependent change in processing, the kinetics was examined for change of moisture content for granules placed in a die and the pressed compacts also. The results were explained in terms of apparent moisture diffusion coefficients. They varied non-linearly with the PVA content in the granules. The results were explained through the non-uniform PVA distribution in the granules.IntroductionMoisture must be controlled in compaction process to produce the green compacts having uniform structure. It affects glass transition temperature of binder and thus the deformation behavior of powder granules under an applied stress. Several studies [1-7] have clarified the effect of moisture content on the compaction behavior of granules and the structure of resultant compacts for both die pressing and cold isostatic pressing (CIP) of pre-formed compacts. In these studies, the moisture contents in the system were equilibrated with the humidity in the atmosphere before compaction. In practice, however, the moisture content in the system may vary with time if the relative humidity of surrounding atmosphere is different from what the granules were equilibrated previously. This is very likely case in real production processes. However, the kinetics of moisture change in the granules as well as in the pre-formed powder compacts have not been well studied. For controlling the microstructure in a system, it is necessary to fully understand the kinetics of moisture change and its relevance to packing structure of powders."

Jan 1, 2000

By Roger W. Lee

The commissioning of the prototype Imperial Smelting Furnace (ISF) in 1950 was a technological breakthrough in the pyrometallurgical smelting of zinc and provided significant advantages over the existing retort processes. However, for most zinc concentrates the electrolytic zinc process continued to be more economic. Therefore, the Imperial Smelting Process (ISP) specialised in smelting zinc and lead concentrates that were less amenable for treatment by either the electrolytic zinc process or the lead blast furnace. Subsequently, improved mineral processing techniques led to a decrease in the availability of these concentrates so the treatment of secondary materials in the ISP assumed greater importance. This was facilitated by the development of techniques such as hot briquetting and tuyere injection. In 2002 over 1 million tonnes of zinc and 400,000 tonnes of lead were produced by the ISP. However, in the 2002-3 the economics of the Process became extremely difficult because of low metal prices and increased operating costs. This resulted in the closure of four ISP smelters in 2003 and two in 2005. Nevertheless, two new ISP smelters are scheduled for commissioning in China in 2006 where local economic conditions continue to favour the process. The economics of the process are examined particularly in respect of smelter margin and operating costs. The need to increase the smelter margin means that the future of the process will be closely linked to its ability to consume secondary materials and an examination will be made of its potential for conversion to 100% secondary operation. Apart from a reduction in raw materials costs, a substantial reduction in operating costs would ensue from not operating sinter and sulphuric acid plants.

Jan 1, 2006

By Corby G. Anderson

In nature, mercury is quite commonly found in association with antimony ores. This can be as a separate mineral such as cinnabar or in direct association with the antimony ore. The most common antimony-mercury mineral is livingstonite that occurs in places such as Algeria, Mexico, USSR and China. In the Roznava deposit in eastern Slovakia, tetrahedrite ore containing mercury ore has historically been processed pyrometallurgically for its silver and copper values. As well, in Tajikistan, major antimony deposits there contain significant mercury ore concentrations within the stibnite ore body. The mercury contained in these materials poses both a processing and environmental challenge. This paper will outline the processing of these types materials by industrial alkaline sulfide hydrometallurgical methods. The economics relevant to this potential application at Roznava in Slovakia will be outlined.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. B. Vander Sande, I. G. Solórzano, B. S. You, P. M. Jardim, W. W. Park

"Alloys with six different compositions in the system Mg-Ca-Zn were produced by melt spinning. The aging behavior of alloys was investigated by measuring the changes in microhardness after isochronal aging and the microstructure was analyzed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All six compositions in the as-solidified condition show a difference in microstructure between the wheel contact side (zone A) and the free surface side (zone B) as a result of the differences in the solidification rate across the ribbons. One of the alloys (Mg-l.5wt%Ca-6wt%Zn) was chosen to be more deeply investigated in this work as it exhibited grain boundary films and an age hardening behavior was produced in that alloy.IntroductionMagnesium is the lightest of all the commonly used metals, and very attractive for applications in transportation. It also has a number of other desirable features, including good ductility, better damping characteristics than aluminum, and excellent castability. However, there are some negative features, such as high reactivity in the molten state, inferior fatigue and creep resistance as compared to aluminum, poor corrosion resistance and high production cost.In recent years there has been a significant increase in magnesium use as a structural material. These structural applications include aerospace, automotive and nuclear industries as well as appliances and sporting goods (1 ). According to reports on Mg-Zn alloys, the addition of Zn (2) in magnesium increased strength. Also, since the maximum solubility of Zn in magnesium is 6.2wt%, a considerable amount of Zn can be retained in solid solution in magnesium alloys by rapid solidification. In addition, Ca is known (3) to be one of the most potent alloying elements for refining the microstructure and precipitates in magnesium alloys, and also to improve mechanical strength and corrosion resistance."

Jan 1, 2000

By A. Korbel

The progress in understanding the nature of strain localization in metallic materials and in particular the understanding of the role of external (deformation conditions) and internal (material substructure) factors in the development of the tendency toward concentration of plastic flow within transgranular shear bands was the background of the concept given in the title. Following this idea, the practical possibility of replacing the homogeneous in a micro scale mode of deformation by transgrasnular shear bands gives a chance to change the arrangement of the dislocation substructure in the material from that typical for homogeneous deformation into long wavelength (transgranular), pseudo-periodic dislocation walls. The presence or formation of such a substructure in a thermodynamically unstable matrix may result in the formation of the products of phase transformation along shear bands, giving rise to a composite-like structure. This work is aimed to provide a coherent justification to the concept of Natural-Metal-Matrix Composite and summarizes the results of experimental works in this area.

Jan 1, 1997

By Osarnu Inoue

In Mitsubishi Continuous Copper Smelting and Converting Process, smelting, slag-matte separation and matte converting are continuously carried out in series in three furnaces connected by launders. As a result of this operational configuration of the furnaces, influence of the change in operating condition in upper stream, such as variation of feeds in the smelting furnace, propagates to down stream with some delay. In order to achieve stabler operation, process control algorithm based on the dynamic characteristics of each furnace would be very effective. In this study, the dynamic process simulation model was developed for the smelting furnace. The model consists of two mathematical modules, i.e. the thermodynamic module and the mixing module. The calculation results using operating data obtained at Naoshima Smelter showed good agreement with the actually observed change in temperature, composition and flow rate of matte and slag at the outlet of the furnace. In addition, operation parameters such as reaction efficiency of oxygen and coal, dead volume of melts were estimated.

Jan 1, 1999

By Pengfu Tan

A thermodynamic model and computer program, CuModel, has been developed to model the distribution behaviors of Cu, Fe, S, O, Ni, Co, Sn, Pb, Zn, As, Sb, Bi, Au and Ag, copper loss in the slag, and heat balance in copper smelting process, matte converting process and copper con-tinuous smelting process. It can be predicted for any set of controllable process parameters such as feed composition, smelting temperature, degree of oxygen enrichment and volume of oxy-gen-enriched air. This model accounts for physical entrainment between matte and slag phases. It can be used in Isasmelt process, copper flash smelting process, Mitsubishi process, P-S con-verting process and Noranda process. The predictions by the present computer model are com-pared with the known commercial data from Guixi Smelter in China, PASAR Corporation in Philippines, Horne Smelter in Canada, MIM Limited in Australia and Naoshima Smelter in Ja-pan. The agreements between the computer predictions and the commercial data are excellent. In this paper, the applications of CuModel in the copper metallurgical industries have been pre-sented. CuModel has been used by Daye Smelter and Guixi Smelter in China, and by PASAR in Philippines as well.

Jan 1, 2004

By Goran Vukovic

The use of gas purging plugs in the copper industry is a widely used practice. They provide substantial improvements especially in anode refining furnaces, where savings in process time and energy are obtained as well as refractory wear and buildups inside the furnace are minimized. The newly developed system, enables purging plugs to be implemented in both stationary and tilting furnaces, is in operation in vessels on three continents. An additional advantage in these furnaces above all other benefits is the significantly improved melting rate. This innovative and patented gas purging system consists of a purging plug cooling device and a slidable, cooled piping system. It provides compensation for any thermal expansion in the furnace lining and minimizes the risk of undesirable copper infiltration. User experiences and results of this widely used system are reported in this paper.

Jan 1, 2014

By Jiangwei Shen, Cong Wang, Haibin Zuo

The research on the formation of Silico-Ferrite of Calcium and Aluminium (SFCA) in the process of cooling and solidification is rarely reported. The crystallization process was observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscope in this paper. The effect of different cooling system on the microstructure and phase composition of the sinters was investigated to obtain the appropriate cooling rate to improve the metallurgical properties of sinters. The experimental results show that the crystallization of calcium ferrite is getting better when the cooling rate is decreased from water quenching to cooling in the air. There are a large number of hematite phases with interconnected crystal structure in the sample cooled in the air. In the case of the compressive strength, it was determined by the mineral composition and pore structure, higher SFCA and hematite contents in sinter cooling in the air lead to a higher strength. Glass phase in the water quenching sinter was the major reason for the lowest strength. High porosity contributes to a decrease in compressive strength for the sinter cooling in the furnace. Therefore the air cooling was the appropriate cooling rate to achieve high quality sinter under this experimental condition.

Jan 1, 2016

By M. A. H. Shuva, M. A. Rhamdhani, G. A. Brooks, S. H. Masood, M. A. Reuter

Ferrous-calcium-silicate (FCS) based slag has been used in the copper industry over the last two decades. The FCS slag has also been used in a secondary copper processing such as in black copper smelting which has different operation conditions compared to that of typical primary copper processing. In the process, a variety of copper bearing scraps from sources such as industrial waste, consumer waste and electronic waste (e-waste) are used. The valuable metals in these sec- ondary resources are distributed in different phases during the process. Understanding the behaviour of the valuable elements at the relevant conditions is vital for optimizing the process and to maximize the recovery of the elements. In this study, we investigated the structure of Ge-containing FCS-based slag at different conditions (oxygen partial pressure and temperature) using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to explore the effect of the polymerization on the behaviour of the valuable element Ge in the slag. It was found that experimental parameters significantly in fluence the slag structure, and therefore, the partitioning of Ge in the slag. A correlation between the distribution ratio of Ge and the slag structure has developed in the current study.

Mar 1, 2018

By Dale T. Peters

In the United States, the United Kingdom and numerous other countries, copper has long been the plumbing material of choice. This has been the case since the late 1920s in the United States and since World War II in the United Kingdom. However, in recent years the plumbing tube market has caught the eye of the chemical industry, and several plastic resins have been introduced to the marketplace as substitutes for copper in household plumbing systems. One of these, polybutylene tube, had so many failures in the United States that a class action law suit was filed, and the manufactures of this product were forced to create a trust fund of nearly one billion dollars to repair damages caused by their product. Chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC), in rigid pipe form, on the other hand, has been mechanically acceptable albeit its recent introduction precludes the test of time enjoyed by copper tube in this application. This paper reviews the State of California's portrayal of copper's environmental effects and will be largely based on the data and information assembled by the Copper Development Association Inc. in its presentation to the State of California in August, 1998 in response to the State's Draft Environmental Impact Report for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CVPC) Pipe for Use for Potable Water Piping in Residential Buildings. The paper is intended for use as a model for the use of other copper organizations and individuals in responding to similar situations.

Jan 1, 1999

By K. S. Jeong

Since the start-up of the Onsan Smelter in 1979, LS-Nikko Copper has grown into a competitive smelter through continuous development. Several environmental improvements have been carried out, in particular, intensive investments in reducing SOx emissions, such as de-sulfurization plants, fugitive gas capturing and TMS(Tele Metering System). In addition, in recent years LS-Nikko Copper has spent more than 10 million USD every year to improve environmental conditions. In order to be a global leading smelter in every aspect especially environmentally, LS-Nikko Copper plans to inspire environment-friendly minds, co-operate with shareholders, and participate in global conventions. This paper describes the environment improvements carried out at Onsan and briefly introduces a sustainable vision for a green smelter.

Jan 1, 2006

By Morimasa Ichida

One of the key factors of stabilized blast furnace operation under the conditions of high productivity and high pulverized coal rate is to enlarge the raceway to reduce the dead man area. With a reduced dead man area, the descent area is enlarged and the central gas flow is maintained at the same time. In this study, raceway furnace experiments were conducted with tuyere velocity and coke strength changed both in hot and cold conditions to measure the coke degradation rate. Using the coke degradation rate measurements, we examined the equivalent relation between the coke strength and tuyere velocity for coke degradation in the raceway. In addition, in this paper, we discuss the increase in tuyere velocity in relation to an increase in coke strength.

Jan 1, 2006

In accordance with the new concept described in the paper presented at the TMS annual meeting in 1989, 1 a new zinc cellhouse was constructed and successfully operated. The new concept was proposed in order to reduce energy requirements and to mechanize the electrode handling in the cellhouse. Major modifications involved the use of an electrode unit consistfog of assembled anodes and cathodes with frame bodies between each cathode and anode. The space between a cathode and an anode could be halved by this unit structure. In this paper actual operation data are summarized and discussed in comparison with the calculated figures.

Jan 1, 1990

Hazardous waste has often very complicated chemical compositions in a variety of physical forms and is normally processed in rotary kiln incinerators. Due to large variations in waste types and difficulties in feed characterization, the complex transport processes within the incinerator are not well understood, and the incineration process meets challenges in a smooth operation, and expects various uncertainties in the process chemistry and emission control. For better understanding of the incineration process, simulation was carried out by using Computational Fluid-dynamics (CFD) to characterize temperature and species distribution in the incinerator. In order to catch certain aspects of thermal and chemical behavior, a novel approach is proposed to represent approximately the waste streams and the subsequent combustion process. Hazardous waste in various forms from an industrial-rotary-kiln waste incinerator is firstly converted to a hydrocarbon-based virtual fuel mixture with approximately the same HIC molar ratio and calorific value. The simulation of the combustion process of the simplified hazardous waste was proceeded with a combustion model. The distribution of temperature and chemical species especially the remaining CO in the system is preliminarily investigated. Distribution of CO concentration, as a good indicator of emission level for the incineration process, could be used to evaluate the emission control. The predicted temperature distribution has been compared with available measurement data from an operating rotary kiln waste incinerator at AVR-Chieme, in the Netherlands. Reasonable agreement has been reached between the measured and predicted temperature data. In the next step, measurement of species distribution in the system is planned to further validate the combustion model.

Jan 1, 2003

By Anthony C. Mulligan

Metals have historically been used in mining since they offer an excellent combination of hardness, toughness and cost and can be fabricated to form a variety of shapes. However, for many applications the metals used today have limited performance in the environments in which they are needed. This is particularly true for geothermal environments where the brines are highly siliceous causing corrosion and accelerated wear of many components. Geothermal sources are increasingly being explored for their high thermal value as well as possible sources for future minerals. While advanced ceramics have historically been expensive to produce in comparison with metals, they offer significantly greater corrosion resistance and hardness and can improve the overall performance when used in selected ?problem? areas. One of the major drawbacks in the use of ceramics in high impact areas has been their brittle nature and propensity to fracture and spall (fail) when loaded. Recent advances in the fabrication of ceramics have combined hard (strong) ceramics with more ductile ceramics in a architecturally designed microstructure, thus allowing ceramics to perform well in these high impact regions. Additionally, ceramics are significantly more inert to corrosion from either alkaline or acidic environments and can typically be used for significantly longer periods in these environments than their metallic counterparts.

Jan 1, 2006

This symposium is dedicated to the lifetime achievements of Professor H.Y. Sohn. It covers the scientific fields, processing routes and investigation techniques in which Prof. Sohn has worked during his career and is based in the equally important three topical areas: Principles, Technologies, and Industrial practice. Professor Sohn was General Chair of the very first TMS Fall Extraction and Processing Symposium in 1983 in San Francisco which led to the Annual such symposia as this International symposium. Furthermore, the theme of that symposium was sulfide smelting, which is also included in this symposium. [ ] Professor Sohn was born in a beautiful dynastic capital Kaesung, Korea on August 21, 1941. He received his B.S. degree in 1962 from Seoul National University, M.Sc. in 1966 from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, N.B., Canada, and his Ph.D. degree in 1970 from theUniversity of California at Berkeley all in Chemical Engineering. After working as a Research Associate at the State University of New York at Buffalo and as a Research Engineer at Du Pont?s Engineering Technology Laboratory, Dr. Sohn joined the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Utah in 1974 and currently holds the ranks of Professor of Metallurgical Engineering and Adjunct Professor of Chemical Engineering.

Jan 1, 2006