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By Y. K. Rao

Relatively pure crystalline lead sulfate (PbSO4) can be produced by chemical vapor transport from an impure source such as the lead-acid battery paste or the roast-ore-leach-residue from a hy¬drometallurgical process-route. In a closed-reactor, transport of matter is induced by a tempera¬ture-gradient and the steady-state transfer rate can be calculated using the data on the standard free energies of formation for the species present and the pertinent binary diffusion coefficients. The present work focusses on chemical vapor transport in a tubular reactor (1.4-cm inner diameter x 10-cm long) with the source- and deposition-ends held at 850°C (T,) and 750°C (Td), respectively; PbC12(g) is the 'solvent' or 'transport agent' and NiSO4(s) placed in the source-zone -serves to maintain a sufficiently high S0,-potential such that the stability of the lead sulfate species is ensured. For the purposes of analysis, the gas-phase in the reactor is assumed to consist of eight species: H2O, PbC12, SO3, SO2. O2 HO, C12, and PbC14. The reaction between C12(g) and PbSO4(s) in the high-temperature source-zone produces PbCl2, SO2, and 02; four more reaction-equilibria in the same zone yield other species. In the low-temperature deposition-zone, reaction equilibrium involving PbC12, H2O, and SO, leads to the nucleation and growth of PbSO4 crystals; three other reaction-equilibria occur in this zone. By employing the virtual equilibrium state for the end-zones and coupling it to the Stefan-Maxwell diffusion equations for each of the gas species, the respective partial pressures for these, in the source- and deposition-zones, are computed at steady-state. From these data, the molar fluxes of PbCl2. PbCl4, and so forth, are determined. Allowing for the transport-enhancing effects of thermal convection, the net transport rate of lead (or PbSO4) is duly calculated for specified initial conditions. The predicted rates show very good agreement with measured rate data reported in the literature [ V. Plies, T. Kohlmann and R. Gruehn: Z. anorg. allg. Chem, 568, 62 (1989)

Jan 1, 1995

By J. Hamisch

Climate policy regarding perfluorocarbons (PFCs) may have a significant influence on investment decisions in the production of primary aluminum. This work demonstrates an integrated analysis of the effectiveness and likely economic consequences of different climate policy options. In our study we first compare atmospheric observations to the available estimates of PFC emissions for the baseline years 1990 and 1995. We then present projections for regional emissions of PFCs from the aluminum industry using the MIT Emissions Projection and Policy Analysis model under different policy scenarios. Abatement costs for emissions of PFCs and C02 are compared in the context of the Kyoto Protocol.

Jan 1, 1999

By Wei Han, Zhenwei Liu, Jianhong Yang, Qingwei Qin, Tiejun Chen, Zili Huang

The preparation of industrial ammonium molybdate from molybdenum concentrate was conducted according to the process of roasting—leaching—purification—precipitation—crystallization. The optimum technological conditions were determined: the roasting temperature was 680 degrees C, the roasting time was 2.5 h; in the leaching process the alkali excess coefficient was 1.2, the reaction temperature was 80 degrees C, the liquid-solid ratio was 3:1, the leaching time was 3 h; the amount of (NH4)2S added into the solution was 1.1 times of the theoretical amount, the temperature was 80-85 degrees C, and the terminal pH was 8.5-9 in the purification process; the density of the solution was 1.4-1.6 g/mL, the pH was 1.5-2 in the precipitation process; temperature of dissolution was controlled at 80-90 degrees C. The recovery of the preparation of ammonium molybdate can reach 85.18%.

Mar 1, 2017

By W. K. Choi

Stainless steel exposed to wet environments at ambient temperature is subject to the formation of a surface biofilm. Depending upon the prevailing environmental conditions (dissolved oxygen, pH, Eh, concentration of cationic/anionic species), the biofilm may stimulate corrosion through formation of differential aeration zones and concentration cells. Corrosion significantly impacts the United States economy, since on a yearly basis, corrosion induced losses are estimated to be over $200 billion. A large portion of this corrosion is imputable to bacterial activity, and basic information is needed for a better understanding and control of the biocorrosion phenomenon. The present study has investigated the influence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in the corrosion of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 304, 316 and 416 stainless steel samples. The formation of biofilm and microstructural changes on the surface of stainless steel samples and their weldments were assessed by microscopic examination, and the changes in the mechanical properties by stress-strain measurements. The significance of the results will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1993

By A. A. Shook

The off gas from the #5 converter at BHP Copper's San Manuel smelter was analyzed continuously over a period of several weeks using an online sulfur dioxide analyzer. These data have shown that the oxygen utilization efficiency of this copper converter was somewhat lower than anticipated, and that oxygen efficiency declines significantly during the copper blow. A sharp reduction in sulfur dioxide generation was consistently observed at the end of the copper blow, which could be used by converter operators to prevent over-blowing and minimize rolling out of stack.

Jan 1, 1999

By Michael Heximer, Dominic Verfielst, Timothy Moore

"Teck's Trail Operations recently installed new pressure filters in the cold stage purification step in the zinc leaching plant. Alloy 2205 duplex stainless steel was chosen as the material of construction as it was in use in the hot stage purification operation. Within a year of commissioning, an unacceptably high rate (greater than 1 mm/y) of corrosion was observed on the weld heat affected zone (HAZ). Laboratory and field tests were conducted to establish the conditions under which the corrosion was occurring. The tests isolated the aggressive conditions to a unique combination of materials present during the filter regeneration stage. Furthermore, the change of the duplex grain structure of the alloy during welding resulted in the HAZ being more susceptible to the corrosive environment. A new material of construction was recommended as a result of the investigation.IntroductionThe sulphide leaching plant uses four horizontal tank pressure leaf filters to remove solids precipitated in the cold stage electrolyte purification process. The current filters were installed in 2007, and replaced a bank of filter presses. The material of construction for the filters - alloy 2205 duplex stainless steel - was selected based on its successful use in similar service areas of the leaching plant. However, within the first year, unexpected and rapid corrosion of the filter tank material was observed. Although moderate general corrosion was noted throughout the filters, the attack was particularly aggressive in the areas where intense heat was applied during fabrication, observed at the HAZs caused by welding, and on the exposed edge grain of the duplex plates. On the inaugural annual inspection of the filters in the first year of operation, a corrosion penetration rate of 1.0 to 1.5 mm/y was observed at the HAZs. The parent plate of the pressure tank was a minimum of 6 mm, with a minimum allowable thickness of 3 mm under the ASME pressure tank design rules. Therefore, the projected useful life of the filters could then be roughly calculated to be two to three years. Urgent action was required to understand and correct this problem."

Jan 1, 2012

By Y. Maeda

Non-ferrous smelting furnaces generally install a gas cooling system for treatment of waste gas containing SO2,. From the point of view of corrosion resistance and recovery of waste heat, the high pressure boiler system is the best way to cool gas, however this system requires high initial investment and relatively higher operating costs. Because the feasibility of this boiler system greatly depends on the smelting process and scale, other lower temperature systems, e.g. water-cooled jacket system, are more suitable if the smelting process does not produce enough steam nor generate enough electricity to compensate operating cost. In additton, the water-cooled jacket system is simple in structure and easy to operate. For those reasons, it is applied widely. A new smelting furnace was planned in our factory and it was necessary to install waste gas cooling equipment. In our case, a water-cooled jacket system was more feasible because of the low gas volume and high dust content. It was also expected to operate without maintenance for ten years. On the other hand, some leakage problems with the water-cooled jacket had been experienced in the past. That is because SO2 In the waste gas changed into sulfuric acid which corroded the jacket material. As the first step, several data from actual' usage were reviewed to throw light on the corrosion process, and an appropriate procedure to determine the operating temperature of cooling water was obtained. For the basis of this study, a water-cooled jacket system was newly designed and tested for three months in a pilot plant. After this system's performance was confirmed, it was installed in a new furnace as a commercial plant. After one year of operation, the initial thickness of carbon steel jacket remains almost the same.

Jan 1, 1992

By Tim B. Vander Wood

Standard methods of determining clay mineral powder aspect ratios involve manual scanning electron microscopy analyses of shadowed particles in order to measure both platelet thickness and diameter. We present a method whereby the diameters of platelets are quickly determined by automated scanning electron microscopy and their images are recorded and digitally transferred to a transmission electron microscope equipped for parallel electron energy loss spectroscopy. Thickness' of platelets whose diameters are known from the previous analyses are determined by measurement of the ratio of scattered and unscattered electrons in the beam after it has been transmitted through the platelet.

Jan 1, 1995

By Akira Kaneda

Mitsubishi continuous process employs an electric furnace for settling matte from slag. Electrodes are immersed into the slag layer in the slag-cleaning furnace and the temperature of the melt is maintained at a predetermined level by Joule's heat. Electrodes are immersed to the depth where the current of each electrode is kept at a set value, and they are raised or lowered automatically to compensate for the deviation from it. Because electric resistance of the bath is varied with the matte level in the furnace and the composition and temperature of the slag, the immersion depth of the electrodes is affected by them. Therefore by monitoring the immersion depth and its change with time, abnormal situations in the furnace, such a~ rise of matte level or local abnormal state of melt, can be detected. In this paper, relations between state of the furnace and electrode behavior are discussed based on the plant data, and then a new and simple monitoring method of the condition of the furnace is proposed.

Jan 1, 2001

By Hiroyuki T. Takeshita

Ca-Ni based alloys were investigated on structures, hydrogenation properties and the effect of additive elements on hydrogenation properties. CaNi, samples were decomposed to form a new hydride with a CsCl-type structure on the constituent metal atoms at high temperatures such as 673K in a hydrogen atmosphere. The candidate of the third element which was added to stabilize the original compound was investigated by using the Miedema's semi- empirical model and, as a result, Pd was chosen. The hydrogenation of CaPd was conducted with a Sieverts' type apparatus and the synthesis of Ca-Ni-Pd ternary alloys was performed by high frequency heating.

Jan 1, 2002

By Matthew C. Binsfield

The simultaneous electro winning of zinc and manganese from waste water treatment plant sludge was studied as a part of the overall research program, which was conducted to develop the methods for removal of environmentally hazardous metals from the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. This paper discusses the electrolytic method for recovery of zinc and manganese from the solution produced by leaching of sludge with S02 + H2S04. After three stage purification of the leaching solution, zinc and manganese were electro won simultaneously in an undivided electrolytic cell. Zinc was deposited on an aluminum cathode, while manganese was simultaneously produced (as Mn02) on a lead silver anode. The electrowinning parameters studied were the effects of: temperature, current density, electrode material, spacing of electrodes, composition of electrolyte, and electrolyte additives. Anodic and cathodic efficiencies were 30 and 91%, respectively. In light of the process design parameters discussed in the paper, which are affecting the electrowinning, these efficiencies were found as acceptable with regard to the quality and marketability of the products.

Jan 1, 1996

By P. Aguirre

Recovery of zinc, copper and nickel from electroplating waste solutions was achieved 'by using a Pulsated Percolated Porous Electrode "3PE" reactor on a pilot plant scale. Intensity - potential curves were used to study the possibility of metal removal and to define the working potential range. The present study describes the use of the 3PE reactors in several electroplating industrial units for the decontamination of their effluents. These effluents were issued from different industrial solutions such as cyanide, sulfate, chloride and Watts baths. Using the stripping curves, deposition rates and electrical efficiencies were determined as function of the metal concentrations in these effluents. Their decontamination could be achieved to the level of few ppm of metals with reasonable current efficiencies. The recovery rates of zinc and copper were about 93 and 99 %, respectively. The. treated effluents contained less than 7 and 1 % of the initial contents of Zn and Cu, respec¬tively. This process allows the recycling of the recovered metals and leads to water saving.

Feb 13, 2014

By Peter J. Koros

The current wave of interest in this topic is the result of increased use of titaniferous ores or ilmenite in blast furnace burdens for the purpose of repairing hearth damage. The titanium compounds that promote deposition of ?patching? materials in blast furnaces are the cause of downstream problems in the steelmaking shops. Steelmakers historically have objected to significant amounts of titanium in hot metal (>0.10 % Ti) for several reasons: 1) accretions caused by the TiC.TiN needles that float out of the iron as it cools in transit and in transfers make the accompanying slag sticky and crusty, causing problems in desulfurization and increasing time and Fe yield loss at the subsequent raking, 2) defensive measures have been taken in treatment, such as use of argon for carrier gas, but without technical rationale for this approach, 3) difficulty in removal of the ladle slag by the raker, with subsequent sulfur addition to the vessel charge, and 4) transfer into the BOF and/or formation of a very corrosive TiO2 containing acid slag during the early part of the BOF blow which, in addition to causing lining damage, results in loss of sulfur removal capability by the vessel slag. Based on a conceptual analysis of the metal-slag-atmosphere interactions during transfer ladle desulfurization treatment, a mechanism is postulated for the apparent effectiveness of the use of argon in reducing the deleterious effect of titanium and an alternate technique, possibly more effective, is proposed. As probably the use of argon causes increased exposure to atmospheric oxidation of the titanium carbonitrides contained in the ladle slag, the same benefit can be obtained by use of either oxygen or an air blast to oxidize the noxious reaction compounds. Validity of the concept has been demonstrated in a pilot plant setting. These issues, and related effects on testing the hot metal, are examined in detail with reference to the literature and plant and laboratory experience.

Jan 1, 2006

By P. Halsall

Smelters of medium or low grade tin concentrates must recover a high proportion of tin from iron-bearing slags or concentrates; the volatility of tin sulphide makes possible the production of iron-free tin fume. Laboratory work defined conditions which would promote the sulphidisation of tin slags and concentrates melted with them, to result in tin recovery as fume, and a residue of less than 0.5% Sn content, which could be controlled to vary with the value of tin. Subsequently pilot-plant work on 6-tonne and 15-tonne scale led to a commercial plant of 45 tonne. capacity (1962), for melting and fuming primary and secondary low-grade tin materials by submerged combustion. Some factors contributing to the rate of Working expressed in terms of the 'half-life and the amount of work done, the 'half-life-tonne' are studied, leading to the design and operation (1972) of the 100-tonne water-jacketed unit, presently in use, treating a wide range of slags and low tin-content ores and residues.

Jan 1, 1983

Lead blast furnace water-jacket stability was investigated by examining samples from the Port Pirie Lead Smelter. The compositions of the phases formed in the samples were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Probe X-ray Microanalyser (EPMA). Phase equilibria analysis and thermodynamic modelling was undertaken using FactSage with latest thermodynamic database for the slag/matte/metal/speiss/solids multi-component Cu2O–PbO–ZnO– Al2O3–CaO–MgO–FeO–Fe2O3–SiO2–S major and As–Bi–Sb–Sn–Ag–Au minor elements system. Results indicated that the stability of the water-jacket steel wall without freeze-lining is influenced by formation of the complex Fe-rich speiss phase at critical As concentrations. The integrity of the furnace walls with freeze-lining is critically dependent of the stability of the oxide-based freeze-lining which is dependent on various factors including most critical one—the proportion of solids determined by the slag chemistry and fluxing. Thermodynamic modelling of the lead blast furnace operation indicated limiting thermochemical conditions for the water-jacket stability. Factors and controls critical to the water-jackets integrity are discussed.

By Yosry Attia

Recent emphasis on environmental effects and costs of conventional mining processing, plus success in accelerating bacterial action, suggest that biotechnology be explored for gold ore processing. In our paper, the past experience with organisms in processing gold is reviewed. The use of microorganisms for liberation of gold from sulfide ores as a substitute for fine grinding is discussed. The possibility of accumulation of gold from solutions, such as cyanide solutions, is explored as a potential replacement for such processes, such as carbon-in-pulp or ion exchange. The improvement in engineering technology and kinetics needed to scale-up from laboratory experiments to production scale are outlined.

Jan 1, 1985

By Lv Guozhi, Ren Xiaodong, Liu Yan, Dou Zhihe

"This paper investigated a new desulfurizer, dolomite and ferrosilicon. Magnesium vapor produced by silicothermic reduction of dolomite and ferrosilicon in an immersion tube of molten iron was injected into the molten iron by carrier gas through the underpunch of the tube and desulfurization reaction occurred. In order to explore the desulfurization process of molten iron by the new desulfurizer, the thermodynamics, and experiments of magnesium vapor production and desulfurization have been studied. Through thermodynamic calculation, the reaction temperature of magnesium vapor production by 75ferrosilicon and light-burned dolomite is 1838K in the standard state and decreased with the decreasing partial pressure of magnesium vapor, PMg· When PMg=25kPa, the reaction happens at 1673K. From experiments of magnesium vapor production, reduction efficiency of Mg vapor is about 60 % in 15 minutes at 1673K. From hot metal experiments, the desulfurization efficiency is 89.35%, and the lowest sulfur concentration after desulfurization is 46ppm.IntroductionPretreatment desulfurization of hot metal has become a necessary step in modem optimizing steelmaking process for its cheap cost, which can not only liberate of blast furnace productivity and reduce the burden of produce steel, but also effectively improve overall economic efficiency of the iron and steel system[l-ZJ_ At present, injection magnesium particle is one of the two main methods of desulphurization in hot metal owing to its strong affinity for sulphur, low amount of slag produced, low iron loss in slag skimming and low equipment investment[3l. However, there are still some insufficiencies on the hot iron pretreatment with magnesium particles at present[4-5l"

Jan 1, 2013

By Dongok Kim

Regardless of the advantages of the Friction Stir Process (FSP), for age-hardened aluminum alloys, the mechanical properties such as hardness in the stir zone decreased after FSP due to the growth or dissolution of strengthening precipitates. Here, as a new technique, FSP was introduced to alloy copper nanopowders in Al7075 T651. Mechanical properties of copper nanopowder- alloyed Al7075 T651 together with micro and nanostructures were compared with those of as-FSPed Al7075 T651 using SEM, TEM, and Vickers hardness testing to understand structure-property relationships. It was observed that Vickers hardness of the stir zone in copper nanopowder alloyed Al7075 T651 increased by 20% compared to that of the heat affected zone, while the as-FSPed samples did not show a noticeable increase in hardness in the same zone. Xray mapping showed traces of copper nanopowder after the process. TEM is being used to verify if there was CuAl2 formed in the copper alloyed sample.

Jan 1, 2006

By L. R. Verney

About 75% of the market economy countries's supply of cobalt is produced in Central Africa by Zafre and Zambia. Zafre alone accounts for more than 55% and has the resources and capacity to increase output significantly at any time so its dominant position is unlikely to be challenged in the foreseeable future. Other producers from domestic resources are Canada, Australia and South Africa; and Cuba, probably the most important producer outside of the Market Economy countries. Belgium, Norway, France, Japan and Finland produce cobalt from imported materials. While there are "cobalt ores", inMorocco, USA, Canada and the USSR, the mineralisation is complex and cobalt extraction is costly. In ZaPre and Zambia cobalt is a by-product of copper; in Canada, Australia, France, and Cuba it is a by-product of nickel; and in South Africa it is a by-product from the production of Platinum Group Metals. Thus the levels of cobalt production are inevitably related to the production of other primary metals. While some cobalt is produced by predominantly pyrometallurgical methods most of the world's cobalt is produced hydrometallurgically. The existence of large hydro-electric power plants and the mineralogy of the copper and cobalt concentrates encouraged research and development in Zafre of the recovery of copper and cobalt by electrowinning from sulfate solutions; much pioneering work was carried out, which lead to construction of the two largest copperlcobalt hydrometallurgical plants in the world, at Shituru and Luilu. Similar systems were adopted in Zambia. In Canada high pressure hydrometallurgical processes based on the sulfate system were developed and adopted in Australia, the Philippines, Finland and South Africa. Meanwhile developments in chloride hydrometallurgical extraction of nickel and cobalt lead to its use in the extraction of cobalt in Norway, France and Japan.

Jan 1, 1988

By L. Escudero-Castejon, S. Sanchez-Segado, A. Jha, Y. Hara, S. Parirenyatwa

In a world where declining ore grades are increasingly common, it has become necessary to process low-grade feedstock. Carbothermic reduction in the presence of alkali (Na2CO3) has been adapted to beneficiate waste that contains titaniferous minerals (TiO2 ca. 12 wt%), in order to recover valuable constituents such as TiO2, Fe and V2O5. The waste from vanadium metal processing has environmental legacy as it leaves nearly 1 wt% V2O5 process waste, which is environmentally problematic due to V5+ ions in contact with water and soil. This investigation focuses on the kinetics and mechanism for alkali reduction of mineral waste bearing 10–12 wt% TiO2, which we studied in the 1073–1323 K range. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique was used to record weight loss data. Two distinct regimes demonstrated mixed-control kinetics: (1) at low temperatures the activation energy was found to be 199 kJ mol−1, which corresponds to the outward diffusion of O2− ions; and (2) at high temperatures the calculated value was 130 kJ mol−1, which is consistent with the activation energy for the outward diffusion of Fe2+ ions. The metallic iron, sodium titanate and sodium aluminosilicate phases that formed were characterised using X-ray powder diffraction (XPRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, and their significance for metal recovery is explained.

Mar 1, 2017