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By M. -V. Wang

Hydrotreating and hydrorefining (HT and HDS) spent catalysts contain molybdenum, vanadium, nickel or cobalt at concentration levels that can make metals recovery economically viable. Quanzhou Jing-Tai of China has developed, through many years of operating experience in metal recovery from spent catalysts, a simple process for recovery of these metals and the production of environmentally benign residues. The process first subjects the catalysts to a low-temperature calcination step, followed by grinding of the calcine. The ground material is then leached with 10-20% v/v hydrogen peroxide to recover metals such as Mo, V and Ni or Co. This step has a selectivity that is greater than 95% for the metals. The undissovled residue, which contains mainly Ah03 and Si02, can be dewaterd and used in the production of masonry bricks. The pH of the rich liquor is then adjusted to between 0.5 and 2.5 by adding dilute sulfuric acid to co-precipitate Mo and V, with a recovery rate of greater than 99%. The lean liquor contains mostly dissolved Ni or Co, which can be recovered through precipitation at a pH of between 8.5 and 9.5 by caustic additions. The final liquor is then sent to an ion exchange step for final recovery and cleanup of residual metals. The effluent is then discharged after a simple wastewater treatment process, which has been found to meet all environmental requirements. The entire process has been found to be simple, cost-effective with minimal environmental impacts while achieving the goal of complete resource recovery from spent catalysts commercially.

Jan 1, 2000

By José Roberto de Oliveira

Based on literature review one can see that the main objectives of MnO reduction is the comprehension of slag interactions and reactions with other elements beyond carbon. That's because it is worthwhile to study pure MnO reduction, where there will be not oxides interaction and just carbon will be the reduction agent. By a thermodynamic analysis we know that Si can react with MnO, then it's important to study this influence, so as Mn content. Our work aims to develop kinetics parameters for the MnO reduction, varying Mn and Si contents in bath. This has been given by pressure measure of CO in a Fe-C bath. The CO is generated by the oxide reduction with carbon. It has been proved that: - Mn content decreases the MnO reduction; - the MnO reduction is mainly influenced by Si content in a bath containing Iron, Carbon and Manganese so as Silicium

Jan 1, 1997

By Arthur G. Hunt

Smelting using the direct-to-blister process commenced at Olympic Dam on 31 July 1988. The unique nature of the Olympic Dam ore body led to the selection of the direct to blister smelting process. Significant improvement in the design of the furnace and the understanding of the fundamentals of the process and its operation has occurred in the 10 years of operation. The paper will discuss the operation of the #1 Smelter and the design, preparation for start up and early operating experience of the #2 Smelter.

Jan 1, 1999

By Lucas L. Costa, Luiz F. Lopes, Ludy C. Motta, Felipe P. D. Lopes, Sergio N. Monteiro, Lara S. Vasconcellos

"Environmentally correct materials like the lignocellulosic natural fibers, which are renewable and biodegradable, are being extensively investigated as possible substitutes for synthetic fiber in polymeric composites. Several natural fibers have never been thoroughly investigated as possible composite reinforcement. The fiber obtained from the leaves of the buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) palm tree is one example. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the properties of buriti waste fibers, in amounts of up to 30%, reinforcing polyester composites.IntroductionIn the past century, the technological development gave priority to new synthetic materials with energy intensive methods of production. Today, there is a concern that conventional energy source such as petroleum, natural gas and coal are the main responsible for global warming. Therefore, the use of natural materials is gaining attention not only for the saving in process energy but also the renewable and biodegradable characteristics that make them environmentally correct. The lignocellulosic natural fibers extracted from cultivated vegetables like jute, sisal, hemp, coconut, flax, ramie and many others are typical examples. This type of fiber is being extensively investigated as a possible substitute for synthetic ones, especially the glass fiber, as composite reinforcement [1].A relevant example of lignocellulosic fiber substitution is nowadays occurring in vehicles. The automobile industry is applying composites reinforced with natural fibers to replace parts such as panels and seat cushions made of fiberglass or polymeric foams [4], as illustrated in Fig. 1. The practical reasons for this preference are that natural fiber composites present less damage to tools and molding equipments as well as relatively better finishing and less abrasive surface than corresponding parts made, for instance, of glass fibers. On top of these advantages, low cost is probably the main motivation for the industrial interest for natural fiber composites, especially in the case of residual fibers [5] or post-used fabrics such as jute sackcloth [6]. Natural fibers, however, are hydrophilic and will not form strong bonding with a hydrophobic polymer, normally used as composite matrix [1-3]. Another disadvantage is the heterogeneous characteristics of a natural fiber, which is typical of biomaterials. This results in a relatively great dispersion of dimensions and properties values such as the mechanical strength [1-3]."

Jan 1, 2008

By C. Flores

The direct cementation of copper from a loaded D2EHPA 20 % vol. in kerosene using zinc, zinc-lead alloy and iron metallic powders was studied. Copper was loaded into the organic solvent from an aqueous copper sulfate solution. Results indicated that copper is reduced spontaneously with relatively fast reaction rates. The effects of several operating parameters such as water content in the organic system, initial copper concentration, reductant surface area, oxygen and nitrogen atmosphere, intensity of the agitation and temperature on the galvanic stripping of copper were studied. For a better understanding of the electrochemical reactions involved in the galvanic stripping, the dissolution of metallic copper in the organic solvent was also studied. Copper did not dissolve unless a small amount of water was present in the organic system. The results and possible reaction mechanisms are discussed.

Jan 1, 1999

By František Molnar, Zsolt Szentirmai, Juraj Schmiedl, Felix Sekula

"Hydrometallurgical nickel production in Sered Nickel Plant (Slovakia) that treated roasted Albanian ore left behind a considerable amount of the solid leaching residue. About 6 million tons of this fine-powder residue containing approximately 52 wt.% of iron in the form of oxides is to the present day stored in a stockpile. However, its iron content makes it a potentially interesting secondary raw material for iron production. This secondary raw material is not, unfortunately, suitable for direct treatment in iron and steelmaking processes.This paper presents results of the laboratory tests of pyrometallurgical method of processing of the leaching residue by its roasting and subsequent refining melting. The objective of the selective reducing agglomeration roasting was to reduce iron oxides and to simultaneously avoid reduction of chromium oxides and silica. Refining melting is carried out in an inert atmosphere. The products of melting are technically pure iron and slag.IntroductionThe leaching residue stockpiled on waste dump near already non-existing Nickel Plant Sered, Slovakia, is considered to be one of the most important environmental burdens in this country. The 40-years of an on-going effort focused on finding the methods for extracting metals and thus remove the waste dump have not been successful [1,4,5,6]. From the literature survey it is evident that past investigations have been following three main routes:1.Removal of chromium by mineral processing methods prior to its metallurgical treatment to achieve final chromium concentrations below 0.3 wt.%.2.Pelletization of solid leaching residue and its subsequent reduction in blast furnace and steelmaking plant and simultaneous removal of chromium.3.Pelletization of solid leaching residue followed by metallurgical processing of preliminary reduced semi-product in electric arc furnace (EAF) accompanied by partial reduction of chromium."

Jan 1, 2008

By Hai-Xing Fang, Chao Liu, Tao Zhang, Bing Xie, Hong-Yi Li, Cui Li

"Hongge Ore, a kind of vanadium-titanium magnetite ore containing high content of chromium, is valuable resource for extracting Fe, V and Cr in China. During present processing of the ore, vanadium and chromium were both concentrated in slag, leading to higher content of chromium in the vanadium slag than that of common one in Pan-Steel. Mineral phases and characteristics of spine! crystals, which influenced greatly subsequent roasting process, in the vanadium slag under different cooling conditions were investigated by using XRD and SEM/EDS. Results showed that vanadium slags containing various contents of chromium were composed of spine!, in which V and Cr were both concentrated, olivine and pyroxene. Growth rate of spine ls decreased sharply below 1350°C. The non-isothermal crystallization process could be described by modified Avrami equation and Ozawa equation. Avrami exponent and Ozawa index were calculated and growth mechanism of spine! crystals was discussed.IntroductionVanadium (V) as well as chromium (Cr) is important non-ferrous metal widely used in materials and chemical industries [1, 2]. Especially, both of them are important alloying elements for the production of high alloyed steels to achieve desired physical-chemical and mechanical properties. Vanadium-titanium magnetite ore in Panzhihua-Xichang area (China) is an important raw material for extracting vanadium. During the extracting process, vanadium is firstly reduced into hot metal and then concentrated in slag phase by blowing oxygen into the hot metal in converter [3]. This kind of slag containing 5~20 wt% V20 3 are usually roasted with sodium or calcium salts and then leached to obtain vanadium containing solution and final products. Current vanadium slag obtained from normal vanadium-titanium magnetite ore contains low content of Cr20 3 and chromium extraction is thus ignored. However, chromium content in the vanadium slag would be increased intensively when the Hongge Ore used, which is also important vanadium titanium magnetite in Panzhihua-Xichang area containing 0.2~0.8 wt% Cr203. Therefore, this kind of vanadium slag with high content of chromium would also be important sources for vanadium and chromium extraction. According to previous work [4], both vanadium and chromium could be extracted from vanadium slag with high content of chromium by salt roasting and leaching, which is illustrated in Fig.1."

Jan 1, 2013

By Zhan Jing

Keywords: thermodynamic, Ni-Co alloy powders, composition, fibrous The mathematics model of Ni(II)-Co(II)-C2O42?-NH3?H2O-H2O of thermodynamic equilibrium system has been developed theoretically according to the law of conservation of mass and the law of simultaneous equilibrium, and the logarithm concentration-pH (log[Me2+]T-pH) diagrams of this system have been made. The effect of ligand and pH value was studied. Two issues in coprecipitation route to synthesize fibrous nickel-cobalt alloy precursor powder, com-position and morphology which are a first priority, are addressed based on thermodynamic analysis and experiments. The results show that suitable pH value range of coprecipitation of nickel ions and cobalt ions in theory can be obtained to maintain fibrous, excellent compositonal homogeneity and stoichiometry in coprecipitation products. Experimental demonstration is also carried out.

Jan 1, 2005

By Yoshiyuki Matsui

As one of the factors of frequent troubles on iron-making blast in recent years, increased size of the blast furnace and high-productivity operation are pointed out. Consequently, great importance is attached to deadman shape and solid flow at the lower part of furnace. In the present study, firstly, the blast furnace raceway formation under the intensive coal injection by measurement of micro wave reflection gunned through a tuyere is discussed. As the flow rate of coke as the momentum of coke into raceway decreases by combustion of coal injected into tuyeres, the depth of raceway defined as the maximum position of micro wave reflection is easy to contract. It is expected that this new technology could detect the raceway collapse phenomena in short time and that the stability of raceway in coal injection is different from that in all coke operation. Secondly, the reduced stockline surface profile was measured by the reflection intensity of microwave struck from the furnace top after blow-off with stockline reduced, and investigation was made on the countermeasures for changes in the raceway depth and furnace body profile during operation. As a result, it has been clarified that flow-down of coke into the lower part of blast furnace and inflow into the raceway are greatly subject to the existence of deadman which is the packed structure of the lower part of furnace, and further, they are closely related to dynamic behavior of the raceway, and affect changes of the furnace body profile.

Jan 1, 2006

By A. V. Tarasov

The insufficient scientific and technical level of a number of operations in the nonferrous metals industry encourages development of new processes and equipment, including smelting in liquid bath, flame-type sparged smelting unit for combined processes, electrothermal process with the use of alternating current (PDF furnace), electrothermal processing of complex raw materials and intermediate products at nonferrous metallurgical plants, etc. One of the most important aspects for development of new processes and equipment in the Gintsvetmet Institute is their environmental safety. Special attention is paid to environmental protection measures, which is also of important economic and social significance. This refers also to a complete extent to processing of reserves of man-made raw materials and wastes available at the existing operations with the use of innovative techniques ensuring not only resource conservation and environmental protection, but also abatement of negative impact on the nature due to accumulated industrial and domestic waste, reclamation of the land used for waste disposal and recycling of nonferrous metals. Technologies and equipment developed in the Gintsvetmet Institute and based on electrothermal processes determine the prospects for ensuring more integrated usage of ores and man-made raw materials.

Jan 1, 2006

By Keizo Uematsu, Satoshi Tanaka, Nozomu Uchida, Anze Shui, Joaquin Lira, Cyril Lavelle, Midori Saito, Thierry Poirier

"Dispersed and flocculated alumina (non-spherical particles) slurries were prepared by pH controlling with HCL Spray-drying of these resulted in dimpled granules with a smooth surface and high density, and spherical granules with rough surface and low-density, respectively. Detailed characterization on granules and their compacts includes: SEM observation, density measuring (mercury porosimetry and Archimedes's Principle) and liquid immersion optical microscopy. Compaction of these granules originated a larger particles rearrangement in the samples made with the spherical granules than with the dimpled granules. This was verified through the orientation of alumina particles, which was pronounced in the compact made with the former granules.IntroductionOn immersing a ceramic powder in water, the surface usually acquires a charge by interaction with ionic species in solution. The charge is affected by pH and the electrolyte concentration of the water. 1 The dispersion in a slurry is achieved through the interaction of charges on the particle surface with the media. In the ceramic processing, especially in the process of casting, the dispersion of slurry has been one of the most important topics studied for many years. Recently the attention is paid on its role in the pressing. The granule characteristics are governed by the dispersion state of slurry. Takahashi et al2 , Tsubaki et al3 and Walker et al4 showed that the granules from dispersed slurry were dimpled and of high density, while granules from flocculated slurry were spherical and of low density. This variation in the granules characteristics should have a marked effect on the structure of compact.This paper presents the influence of the dispersion state of alumina slurry on the granules characteristics and also on the internal structure of compacts. Different dispersion states were elaborated by adjusting pH of the slurry. In this method, the particles are dispersed or flocculated only by the effect of surface charging, and thus some secondary effect such as the steric hindrance from an electrolyte dispersant is avoided. The characteristics of granules and compacts are examined with SEM, density measurements by mercury porosimetry and by Archimedes's Principle and liquid immersion optical microscopy. This novel microscopy provides various important information on packing structure of particles, such as their orientation. 5"

Jan 1, 2000

By Isauro Rivera Landero, Martín Reyes Pérez, Eduardo Cerecedo Sáenz, Javier Flores Badillo, Mauricio Guerrero Rodríguez, Juan Hernández Ávila, Eleazar Salinas Rodríguez, María Isabel Reyes Valderrama

During column flotation of mining tailings of the Dos Carlos dam, it was observed that the effect of surface liquid flow (JL) is a variable that determines the rate of rise of packing bubbles and therefore, causes the generation of gas retained within the columnar system. Also overall more stable laminar flows were observed, in a range of superficial flow of liquid in the bottoms stream (JLT) from 0.446 to 0.68 cm/s, showing the stability in the range of superficial gas flow (Jg) from 0.1 to 0.5 cm/s. Observing a uniform bubble size for the three JLT evaluated, with a diameter between 0.05475 and 0.2525 cm, at all the range evaluated of Jg. Furthermore, an uniform performance was obtained, and with the same rate of rise of packing bubbles, showing a greater packing bubbles at JLT = 0.446 cm/s, due to the lesser bubble size observed, in comparison with the values of JLT of 0.68 and 1.017 cm/s.

Mar 1, 2017

By William Ewing

Copper is rapidly being adopted by the semiconductor industry as the interconnect material of choice. The aqueous processing techniques used generate wastes such as spent electrolyte from electroplating, electroplating rinse water, copper solutions from removing copper from the back of the wafer and CMP waste streams. We are examining the use of chelating resins as a means of recovering copper from these streams within the processing plant, thereby allowing recycling of process water and minimizing hazardous waste disposal costs. We have examined the effect of model plating additives (and other organic complexing agents) on the efficacy of Dowex M4195. Although these might have had a significant effect, commonly used electroplating additives polyethylene glycol (PEG), benzotriazole (BTA), thiourea, glycine, and 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate (MPSA) each had little or no effect on the ability of the resin to chelate copper and remove it from solution. This suggests that Dowex M4195 could be useful for treating waste solutions of rather variable compositions.

Jan 1, 2003

By Masayasu Kawahara

"The extraction and separation of nickel, cobalt and copper were investigated with a solvent impregnated resin which was produced from UX84-I and XAD-4. The extraction behavior of metals with the solvent impregnated resin is similar to that with solvent extraction. The extraction ability of solvent impregnated resin improves when using finer particle resin and with a higher concentration of extraction solvent.IntroductionSolvent extraction is well known-as a method for separation of metallic elements in solution. However there are problems with intermediate phase and solvent loss. Ion exchange resin is also used in hydrometallurgy, but it is not fit for separating a large quantity of metals. Amberlite XAD-4 resin is known as a absorption agent of organic matter in water. It is expected that the resin which has the ability of extracting metals can be made by absorbing organic extractant on XAD-4 resin In this study, solvent impregnated resin (SIR) was produced from LIX84-I and XAD-4, and extraction and separation of nickel, cobalt and copper were conducted using SIR. The extraction properties of SIR were investigated, and a comparison between ordinary solvent extraction and SIR was made.Experimental ProcedureAmberlite XAD-4 was used as absorption resin for the organic extractant in this study. The physical properties of XAD-4 are shown in Table I. Amber lite XAD-4 has a large surface area and shows good ability to absorb organic matter in water, but the: resin does not have the ability of exchanging metallic ion."

Jan 1, 2000

By Jari Aromaa, Antti Kekki, Olof Forsén

"The deposition of copper on inert substrate depends on the number of active sites that will react at certain overpotential. The critical overpotential depends on surface morphology, surface film resistance and additives on cathode surface. The effects of surface properties on copper nucleation and growth rates were studied for used stainless steel blanks from several tankhouses. The surfaces of the blanks were characterized with electrochemical and mechanical methods. Electrochemical deposition tests were done at current density of 300 A/m2 for 10, 30 and 60 seconds. The nucleation density and copper coverage were estimated using image analysis. The surface film resistance did not correlate with copper growth. Increasing surface roughness correlated with lower copper growth.IntroductionStainless steel cathode blanks in copper electrorefming are usually made of AISI 3 I6L type steel. They have a typical lifetime over 10 years. During use the surface will collect deposits and become rough due to wear and corrosion. These factors can affect the nucleation and growth of copper. The nucleation and deposition of copper on inert substrate depends on the number of active sites that will react at certain overpotential. The critical overpotential can depend on surface film resistance, surface morphology, and additives adsorbed on cathode surface.The deposition potential of metallic ions on a foreign substrate is usually higher than the deposition potential on the electrode made of the same metal due to crystallographic substrate/metal misfit [I]. If the substrate has traces of the depositing metal they will be preferential growth sites. For a smooth deposit a large number of simultaneous nuclei is necessary. However, excessive nucleation density can lead to porous deposits [2]. Surface films of good conductivity are needed for dense nucleation and small nuclei. On cathode blanks the number of active sites increases with increasing surface film conductivity [3-5] and/or surface film porosity [6]. On AISI 3 I6 L stainless steel a more resistive oxide has been found to limit favourable sites for copper nucleation and more conductive film promoted high-density copper nucleation [7]. Also Urda-Kiel et al. have concluded that thicker oxide layers on AISI 304 stainless steel resulted in lower nucleation [8]. Increase in overpotential or current density activates more and more of the potential nucleation sites and this can be seen as higher number of nuclei [9] or smaller average distance between nuclei [10]."

Jan 1, 2012

By G. Achurra

The products of the smelting of copper concentrates in an El Teniente Converter (CT) are a high grade matte, analyzing 74-76% Cu; and a highly oxidized slag, typically containing 15-20% Fe3O4 and 4-10% Cu. The El Teniente Division of CODELCO¬CHILE has developed a slag reduction-cleaning process, that is practised in a tilting, horizontal furnace, to recover copper from these slags. The El Teniente slag cleaning process has been successfully implemented at the El Teniente Caletones smelter and various other smelters in Chile: Today, eight such slag cleaning furnaces, each with a capacity of 800-1000 tonnes/day, are in operation in Chile. This paper discusses basic laboratory research and industrial tests that led to substantial reductions in the slag cleaning cycle time and the specific consumption of fuel and reductants. Simultaneously, the slag cleaning off-gas quality was improved. Based on the experimental results, recommendations were made to improve the practice of the El Teniente slag cleaning process. The recommended modifications have been fully implemented at the Caletones smelter.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. Potesser

In the primary and secondary copper industry the anode furnace is the most important process step in the refining procedure to reach an enhancement in value and quality of the copper by a selective oxidation and reduction. By combining the advantages of the conventional tilting hearth anode furnace and the benefits of the drum type anode furnace a new aggregate was developed and patented. The cross-section of the furnace is elliptical and the whole unit is tiltable. During the melting period, the contact surface between the burners and the bath or the scarp is enlarged - an increased energy input is the consequence. For the refining period the furnace is rotated, whereby a high bath level is guaranteed. Due to the longer residence time of the gas in the copper melt, not only the gas consumption is reduced but also the efficiency/quality of the refining process is improved. This investigation shows a metallurgical comparison between the new anode furnace concept with the elliptical profile/cross section and the conventional, tiltable hearth anode furnace as well as the drum type anode furnace. The CFD modeling of the currents in these different furnaces delivered helpful data to compare the geometry of the different furnaces. The investigation covered the refining of blister copper from primary metallurgy, from secondary metallurgy as well as from a mixture of both copper melts. The paper underlines the possibilities for a reduction of the tap-to-tap time and for an increase in production capacity, which can be achieved by applying the new furnace concept in comparison to the conventional furnaces.

Jan 1, 2006

By Hideaki Tokuyarna

Recovery of metal such as V, Ni and Fe from oil fly ash is important for efficient use of natural resources and protection of environment. Leaching of metals from fly ash followed by ion exchange of leached metals has been examined to develop a process which can selectively recover V and Ni from the fly ash. Experiment of leaching with water, HCI, H2S04 and NaOH leads us to propose a two-step leaching process as an effective and mild operation. The first step is leaching with water for removal of Ni, Mg, A1 and Zn and the second step is leaching with acidic solution for the recovery of V. The metals V and Ni are then separated from other metals in each leached liquor by ion exchange. Advantage of this separation process is that acidic leachant can be reused, which contribute to save separation energy.

Jan 1, 2002

By Seung-Whee Rhee

Characteristics of ceramic support made by spent foundry sand-loess mixtures are investigated by bulk density, porosity, durability, and compressive strength. And the basic properties of SFS and loess are estimated. The effect of drying time after cutting process, elevated temperature time, sintering temperature, and sintering time is also estimated to obtain the optimal condition in the process of manufacture ceramic supports. From the basic properties of SFS and loess, the content of SiO2 in furan sand is much higher than that in loess but the content of Al2O3and Fe2O3 in furan sand is much lower than that in loess. In order to make ceramic supports cylinder shape is the most desirable to sustain the properties of ceramic support. If annulus shape has a enough compressive strength, however, annulus shape may be decided. For the optimal condition to manufacture ceramic supports, drying time after cutting process is decided to 24 hrs and elevated temperature time is decided by 9hrs. And sintering temperature and sintering time are decided to 900 and 9hrs, respectively in order to prevent solidification of sand materials.

Jan 1, 2006

By C. Palacios

The Plant, which was started up in April 1970, was originally designed for a capacity of 40.000 ton of cathodes per annum, using 12 sections, containing 408 cells. Since then the addition of another 8 sections containing 280 cells and using the Reverse Current System has made possible the increased output of 109.000 ton. The quality of the cathodes produced is excellent. The extension of the Electrolytic Refinery, by the introduction of the Reverse Current System, has been a great success and no problem has arisen in the new equipment or in the modifications carried out in the plant. The operation of the plant has improved due to better control procedures.

Jan 1, 1976