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By Juan H. Rojas C.

The Chuquicamata mining and metallurgical complex is the main Division belonging to Corporation Nacional del Cobre de Chile (CODELCO-CHILE) and it accounts for 50% of the 1.4 Mt of fine copper output of the Corporation. It has been producing copper since 1915. The paper refers to the challenges that Chuquicamata has to solve in the near future. These challenges are: the increasing operation costs associated to a 800 m depth pit with low prices in an overstocked copper market; the increasing people's sensitivity to environmental preservation; and, the transformation needed for achieving high levels of organizational effectiveness. According to Corporate policy, Chuquicamata is making efforts to switch from a management style focused on supply to a management style focused on demand side of the industry. In this direction is tempting to establish strategic alliances to develop both new copper products and uses, to rise the metal demand. In more than 80 years of operation, Chuquicamata had exploited just one third of its geological resources. The exploitation of the remaining two third is a huge engineering challenge, taking into account the depth of the deposit, the impurities content, the decreasing ore grades and the transportation distances for waste dumping. All those factors are relevant in the economical process of transforming geological resources into ore reserves. Chuquicamata has other limitations. First, a 20,000 people town just aside the pit that limits the mining rates because of dust generation; second the scarceness of water in the desert area where Chuquicamata deposit is located; and, finally, the new tailing pond is a problem which solution will demand huge engineering efforts and investments. People are the principal factor associated to a company success. In this field, Chuquicamata have been progressing, but much more efforts from people will be necessary to reduce production costs for being successful as any other price-taker within the copper industry. Chuquicamata must develop the skills of its Supervisors to transform them into leaders and entrepreneurs, who additionally have the challenge of passing on their knowledge to non-professional workers. It is an ethic commitment to assure personal and professional growth of workers, as the only sustainable way to get real and integral success.

Jan 1, 1999

By X. J. Wu

Effects of various factors such as diaphragm materials, composition of electrolytes and current density on copper electrowinning from cupric chloride solutions was investigated. It is found that the crux of this process is to prevent the dissolution of copper by cupric ion and the formation of suspended CuCl precipitate. A process with high difference of copper concentrations between the feed solution and the spent electrolyte was selected. With this process, in which the feed solution contains 90 g/dm3 [Cu"], 3M NaC1, and 10mg/dm3 bone glue, and the spent electrolytes contains 10 g/dm3 [Cul, a very smooth and dense copper cathode can be produced with current efficiency above 93% and energy requirement less than 1.7 kwh/kg Cu at 25°C with N2 sparging. If a slightly higher energy requirement is permitted, smooth and dense copper cathodes can be produced at the current density up to 800 A/m2 with the identical solutions.

Jan 1, 1991

By A. Galvan

High rate compressible media filter (CMF) tests produced exceptional total suspended solids (TSS) removal at hydraulic loading rates ranging from 97.8 to 122.2 m/h. The compressible media is manufactured from a robust resin fiber that can withstand low pH and temperatures up to 149 °C. The media porosity can be varied by applying compression onto the media. At 40% compression, the CMF can remove particles greater than 4 μ. Three synthetic test-samples were generated by Hazen Research Inc., (Golden, Colorado) to simulate the copper Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS), Raffinate and Electrolyte solutions used for the testwork conducted at their facility. The preliminary results showed that the CMF was very effective in removing TSS without the use of chemical conditioning from the above test-solutions with efficiencies of 98%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. Given the remarkably high hydraulic loading rates, the industrial equipment footprint would be minimized appreciably over conventional clarification and alternative filtration systems.

By Kunihiko Takahashi, Gjergj Dodbiba, Hisayoshi Umeda, Toyohisa Fujita

"An increasing number of mobile phones is increasing the number of the discarded mobile phones. Many efforts are thus being made to collect and recycle these devices. This paper is a short introduction of the recycling system of precious metals from the discarded mobile phone, currently available in Japan. Moreover, an attempt has been made to compare the energy recovery and the mechanical recycling of plastic wastes from the discarded mobile phone. The assessment has been carried out in the context of the life cycle assessment methodology (LCA). The environmental impact of each option was assessed by calculating the following impact indicators: depletion of abiotic resources (ADP), and global warming potential (GWP). 1. Introduction In 2003, the demand for mobile phones was increased since the camera was included in a mobile phone and the 3rd generation of mobile phones was introduced. In turn, the number of discarded mobile phone is rising sharply. Generally speaking, all the metallic parts of mobile phones can be recovered and recycled by using smelting and purification techniques. The recycled materials are then used to fabricate other new products."

Jan 1, 2008

By Taegong Ryu

A thermal plasma process was used to synthesize nanosized tungsten carbide -cobalt composite powder, in which ammonium paratungstate and cobalt oxide were reacted with a gas mixture containing CH4, H2 and Ar. The reduction and carburization of vaporized precursors produced nanosized tungsten carbide (WC1-x) - cobalt composite powder, which sometimes contained small amounts of W2C and/or W phase. The effects of gas composition, plasma torch power, and the flow rate of plasma gas on the product composition and grain size were investigated. The grain size of synthesized tungsten carbide powder was less than 20 nm. The synthesized composite powders were also subjected to a hydrogen heat treatment to fully carburize WC1-x, W2C, and W phases to the WC phase as well as to remove excess carbon in the product. Finally nanosized WC-Co composite powder of grain size less than 50 nm was obtained.

Jan 1, 2009

By Ioannis Paspaliaris, Dimitrios I. Gerogiorgis, Dimitrios Panias

"Red mud fiberization is a process with remarkable potential, alleviating environmental pressure by transforming an aluminum by-product into mineral wool, thus to various marketable products. A promising mineral wool process is molten slag fiberization via an impinging air jet, which avoids mechanical wear and rotating parts. The molten slag which remains after pig iron casting flows out of a heated ladle orifice at a high temperature (1600 °C) and adjustable flowrate, and forms a free-falling vertical jet which visibly radiates its excessive heat: at a given distance, a high-velocity impinging air jet meets the vertical melt jet perpendicularly (or at an angle), inducing intensive droplet generation, subsequent fiber elongation, collection and processing.This paper focuses on high-fidelity CFD modeling of the molten jet flow under external cooling: the model encompasses all physicochemical phenomena (melt laminar flow, radiative cooling) and considers several temperature-dependent slag transport properties in order to understand which operational degrees of freedom (manipulated variables) are useful to process optimization."

Jan 1, 2012

By A. M. Strachan

The application of submerged electric arc furnace smelting techniques to tin concentrates at the Capper Pass tin smelter in England is discussed. Some experimental data from earlier small scale 50 KVA electric smelting testwork on various low and medium grade tin concentrates is presented. Design considerations for the construction of a 3 MVA electric furnace to treat tin concentrates from the East Kemptville mine in Canada are considered, together with necessary precautions peculiar to the construction of a high grade smelter in close proximity to an existing low grade, complex non-ferrous metal smelting operation<. Slag composition modifications to optimise operational smelting conditions for various concentrates treated are discussed, together with refractory selection. The effect of concentrate impurity levels on the permissible degree of recycle to produce a satisfactory metal product is highlighted.

Jan 1, 1990

By Z. Smieszek, W. D?browicz, J. Pawlowski, G. Krawiec, J. Czernecki, J. Por?mbski, S. Gizicki

Rapid development of the automotive industry and motorization has been observed in Poland over the last decade. This phenomenon has increased the amount of used car batteries requiring recycling and has thus posed new challenges for their processing. Orzel Bialy" S.A, is the major secondary lead smelter in Poland. Ibis paper describes the program for smelting technology modernisation and productivity increase through the application of oxy-fuel burners, which has been implemented at "Orzel Bialy'' S.A. The main objective of smelter modernisation, which was to increase the furnace productivity by 20%, has been achieved. This paper outlines the previous and present state of the lead acid battery scrap smelting technology at the "Orzel Bialy" S.A. Specifications of the burners and of oxygen installation are given. Industrial tests with the modernised smelting technology and optimisation of the process parameters are described, and the results obtained are discussed.

Jan 1, 2000

By Luciano R. G. Santos

Keywords: biosorption, cadmium, copper, biomass, spent zeolite. The majority of the industrial activities produce some kind of solid wastes. In this work two industrial residues (spent zeolite and wood sawdust) were chemically modified to increase their heavy metals sorption capacities. Manilkara longifolia (a Brazilian plant known as parajú) sawdust was first treated with NaOH and modified with different citric acid concentrations (0.6-1.2 mol/L) at 120°C, for 90 min. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxylate groups in the wood structure as result of their mixing. Similarly, spent zeolites were also submitted to a chemical treatment (NaOH) to remove carbon deposited during oil cracking and to recover its sorption capacity. Batch experiments carried out at ambient temperature showed that both materials present sorption capacity for copper and cadmium comparable to weak acid ion exchange resins. A maximum of 78 mg-Cd/g and 59.7 mg-Cu/g as well as 29.9 mg-Cd/g and 14.6 mg-Cu/g were observed for the sawdust and the zeolite, respectively. The results were modeled according to the Freundlich and Langmuir equilibrium isotherms and compared with results of other studies.

Jan 1, 2005

By Terry Gerritsen

Electrode control systems regulate power by physically positioning electrodes. Due to the size and weight of the electrodes, this is a slow process where power fluctuations of less than a few seconds are not fully corrected. Nickel laterite AC furnaces operating in high voltage, shielded arc mode typically incur frequent power variations of approximately +I- 20% around the power set point. To provide enhanced power control, Hatch has recently supplied, at commercial scale, a thyristor-switched reactance system called an SPLC. The SPLC incorporates predictive control software to operate furnaces at the maximum transformer rating by reducing the large power swings experienced without the SPLC. The resulting higher average power enables higher production, without increasing transformer or power plant capacity. A 60 MW production version of the SPLC has been commissioned on Falconbridge Dominicans&apos;s laterite nickel furnace, yielding excellent results with a 3 to I reduction in power fluctuations. Keywords: SPLC, AC Power Supply, Electric Furnace

Jan 1, 2004

By Nan Wang

Based on the commercial computational fluid dynamics software, Fluent, the fluid flow and temperature field in an iron-bath reactor were simulated numerically, and the effects of top-blown and side-blown operating parameters on the mixing time of iron bath, distribution range of oxygen in top space, and post-combustion ratio were investigated. The simulated results showed that the mixing time of iron bath increased initially and then decreased with the increase of inclined degree and immersion depth of side-blown lance. The distribution range of oxygen became wider as pulling the top lance away from the iron bath. Furthermore, post-combustion ratio was reduced given the top lance was too close the bath. The simulation results provide theoretical base for the process optimization of iron-bath reactor and further development of new type iron-bath smelting reduction process.

Jan 1, 2009

By M. E. Huckman

In this paper, we review the equations needed to construct an ion exchange column model. These models contain three major components: 1) a differential material balance around the colunm, 2) a differential material balance around an ion exchange particle, and 3) a constitutive equation for diffusive flux We then examine the ability of a fairly simple mathematical model to predict ion exchange column experimental data. This model contains the traditional absorption theory equations and is used to predict the behavior of a column filled with a hydrous crystalline silico-titanate and which is removing trace amounts of Cs+ from a high pH, complex electrolyte solution. Finally, we propose replacing Fick&apos;s law with the Nernst-Planck equation as the constitutive equation for diffusive flux We use a Nernst-Planck type model to predict batch experimental data, then evaluate it by comparing it&apos;s ability to predict experimental data to that of a more traditional Fick&apos;s law type model? The data from this comparison suggests that the Nemst-Planck type model yields better results.

Jan 1, 1996

By B. Q. Li, R. A. Mirshams

"A numerical algorithm is described for the simultaneous prediction of the thermomechanical behavior of the materials and microstructure evolption during metal forging. The numerical development is based on the finite element solution of the thermoviscoplastic deformation of metals coupled with the internal state variable model describing the microstructure evolution involving work hardening, recovery, recrystallization and grain size distribution. The finite element code for rigid viscoplastic deformation is developed based on the modification of the existing code for the thermal and fluid flow calculations. The code is tested against and compares well with the results reported in literature. The procedures for the integration of the · rnicrostructure model into the macro finite element model are described. Results are presented showing the characteristics of materials dynamics and mechanical deformation during simple metal forging processes.IntroductionIn industrial deformation processes such as hot rolling and forging, the workpiece undergoes both macroscopic plastic deformations and microstructural evolution. A computer model that allows to predict both materials dynamics and macroscopic deformation is obviously more useful for both fundamental understanding and deformation process optimization. For some industrial applications, especially those involving novel, light and high strength materials, such an integrated model is critical in that both materials and thermomechanical 'behavior during forging must be carefully controlled to obtain the products that meet the desired strength requirement [I]."

Jan 1, 2000

By Tianjiao Luo

The electroless copper plating process for continuous carbon fiber using CuSO4?5H2O as the main salt and formaldehyde as reducing agent was experimentally studied, including the effects of pH values and concentration of chelating agents, stabilizing agents and reducing agent on the electroless plating process. The surface morphology and the composition of coating were investigated by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and deposited the coating thickness was measured by way of dissolution. The results indicated that the pretreatment of carbon fiber before plating was so important. This pretreatment could prevent the formation of the black cores, furthermore, it could form many active absorption cores with Ag as the center on the carbon fiber surface. Used the optimized parameters in this process, which led to a stable solution for plating, a homogeneous copper coating was conducted with the carbon fiber plated with favorable mechanical performance and high adhesion strength.

Jan 1, 2006

By Jian Li

Corrosion resistance of materials is highly dependent on the microstructure of the specific material. Apart from general corrosion rate measurement using techniques like linear polarization and A.C. impedance, microstructural investigations are frequently needed to identify the root cause of corrosion. Advanced techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), have been well integrated into routine characterization studies. Other microscopy techniques, including electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), Auger, X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), can provide detailed chemistry information on corrosion products. In recent years, focused-ion beam (FIB) microscopes have evolved into an important microstructural characterization instrument. In this study, corrosion of rebar encased in concrete was studied in great detail using advanced microscopy techniques. Corrosion product on the rebar surface was identified as ferrous oxide with relatively large crystal size. The morphology of this passive layer was thoroughly analyzed, and its formation mechanism is proposed.

Jan 1, 2009

By Duclerc Fernandes Parra, Washington Luiz Oliani, Christiano Gianesi Bastos Andrade, Ademar Benevolo Lugão, Danilo Marin Fermino, Francisco R. Valenzuela Diaz

This work concerns the study of the effect of discarded bond paper on the mechanical behavior of polypropylene/organophilic clay nanocomposites. A brown polycationic bentonite from the state of Paraíba, Brazil, was treated with sodium carbonate to transform it into a bentonite that swells in water and then treated with hexadecyltrimethylammonium ammonium chloride to transform it into a bentonite that swells in organic liquids. Polypropylene with 3 % polypropylene graft compatibilizer (PP-g-AM) was mixed with 1 % and 2 % by weight of discarded bond paper and with 1% and 2% by weight of organophilic clay using a twin-screw extruder. The specimens were prepared by the injection process. The clay as received and after organophilization was characterized by XRD, SEM, and capacity of swelling in water and in organic solvents. The nanocomposite specimens were characterized by XRD and thermal analysis. The mechanical behavior of the injected specimens was evaluated by strength, flexural and impact tests. The nanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties compared with the polymer without filler.

Jan 1, 2015

By Z. Y. Xie

The visualization techniques were employed for the analysis of computer simulation studies of dislocation core structure in ordered alloys. Atomistic computer simulation was used for the study of the local configuration of the material in the vicinity of the dislocation. Stresses were applied in the simulation in order to study the necessary stress level for the dislocation to move and onset plastic deformation of the material. The results were analyzed in terms of the strain tensor as a function of the position (x, y) in the material with the dislocation located at (0, 0). Various visualization packages are used to plot the invariants of this strain tensor and to visualize the changes that the dislocation core undergoes under stresses until it finally moves.

Jan 1, 1993

By Courtney A. Young

Cyanide is a fast-acting, highly toxic substance but, at the same time, is deemed essential for sustaining life as well &apos;as our standard of living. In this manuscript, the facts about cyanide are presented beginning with a brief history and definition and ending with a discussion on cyanide alternatives. Other topics include speciation, physical characteristics, toxicity, manufacturing, cyanogenics, cyanide cycle, separation, destruction, and markets including those outside the mining industry. Emphasis, of course, is placed on gold production by leaching and how it is influenced by ore type, mineral characteristics and economics as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

Jan 1, 1998

By T. C. -M. Cheng

Iron removal and disposal in zinc plants has imposed a major environmental challenge to the industry. Among the existing options of precipitating iron as jarosite, goethite, and hematite, the Hematite Process seems to be the best candidate for the future development of a waste-free technology, because of its potential of producing saleable iron oxide residues for feed in iron-steel making industry. Unfortunately, under the current practice of the Hematite Process, it is not possible to produce iron residues clean enough to meet the specifications of the said industry. In this paper, the practice of industrial hematite precipitation and the relevant technical literature are reviewed with the objective to identify the critical processing parameters which are responsible for the contamination of hematite, particularly with sulfur and zinc. The analysis is conducted from a crystallization theory standpoint with emphasis given to the role of supersaturation with respect to the cleanliness of hematite precipitates.

Jan 1, 1997

By Y. Huang, P. B. Prangnell

"An Al-0.1Mg alloy was firstly deformed at room temperature by ECAE to a true strain of 10, where a steady state deformation was established and further processing had little effect on grain refinement. The ECAE samples, with an average grain size of ~0.55µm, were then compressed in a channel die at 77K- 473K to various reductions. Microstructures were characterized by electron backscatter imaging and EBSD in a FEGSEM. Grain refinement to the ECAE submicron structure occurred during deformation at cryogenic temperatures of 77 – 213K, whereas coarsening took place during deformation at elevated temperatures. A steady state deformation was observed at all temperatures where a constant grain structure was developed and maintained upon further straining due to dynamic recovery. The mechanisms of dynamic recovery during steady state deformation at cryogenic temperatures are discussed.IntroductionSevere deformation processing (SDP) has been successfully used to produce submicron grain structures, and in some cases nano-scale crystallite sizes, in a wide range of alloys. However, the rate of grain refinement becomes increasingly inefficient at high strains as a steady state grain structure is approached [1-3]. Steady-state grain sizes have also been reported in other ultra-high strain deformation processes, like cryogenic ball-milling [4]. There is thus a minimum grain size achievable in a material by a given SPD process under constant deformation conditions.It is well documented that a steady state subgrain size is observed in warm deformation of metals due to dynamic recovery (e.g. [5]). In severely deformed alloys a constant grain size at ultra-high strains has similarly been attributed to dynamic recovery [1-3]. Mechanisms have been proposed, for rapid deformation induced grain growth including stress driven boundary migration and breakaway from solute pinning [2]. However, as pointed out by Humphreys et al. [2] the restoration processes are currently poorly understood, particularly at low temperatures, where the boundary migration rates required to maintain a constant grain size are orders of magnitude higher than can be satisfactory explained from diffusion controlled migration. Similar to the subgrain size, the steady state grain size obtained during SDP is generally related to the temperature compensated strain rate [2, 6]. Thermally activated restoration processes are thus expected to be suppressed by lowering the deformation temperature and a smaller steady state grain size can be achieved."

Jan 1, 2012