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By Tomás Vargas

The catalytic role of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in the dissolution of chalcopyrite was studied by leaching pure massive samples of this sulfide with a pure strain of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans (ATCC 19859). Monitoring of the bacterial activity showed that an important fraction of the total bacteria generated during leaching remained attached to the chalcopyrite surface. Bacteria grown in the system, which were the offspring of bacteria adhered to chalcopyrite, was well explained as the result of the utilization of ferrous ion and sulfur as energy sources. The potential for indirect and direct action was fully utilized by the existing bacteria and the leaching process was controlled by the kinetics of chalcopyrite dissolution.

Jan 1, 1990

By L. J. Davies

Refractories usage in furnaces for the extraction of nickel from both sulphides and lateritic ores is reviewed. Recent changes in raw materials and basic brick qualities developed to meet the increasing demands of existing and new processes are outlined. Examples of used brick examinations to establish mechanisms of wear are given. The importance of physical and chemical properties are discussed. The use of simulative laboratory testing to aid in refractories development and selection is described.

Jan 1, 1988

By Janusz Majta

The aim of this work is to investigate the control of microstructure evolution through variation of particular deformation parameters in the two-phase (intercritical) region. Niobium-microalloyed and low-carbon steels were investigated. A detailed examination of the factors affecting the ferrite microstructures of tested steels indicated that there were distinct advantages of finishing at temperatures in the austenite-ferrite region. The various results of deformation in the two-phase region are presented. Consequently, the influence of the most important process parameters on the microstructure evolution and mechanical response of the material is determined. The prime objective of the realized research work is the determination of relationship between the history of deformation and final product quality i.e. texture and mechanical properties. To reach the objective, the constitutive equations are proposed for modeling the effects of the hot-deformation process occurring in the austenite and austenite-ferrite region of low carbon and microalloyed steels on the mechanical properties of the resulting product. These models link advanced, finite element approaches simulating metal flow and heat transfer during hot-plastic deformation with constitutive equations describing microstructural processes and mechanical properties.

Jan 1, 2003

By Pekka Taskinen, Hannu Johto

"Copper sulfide concentrates often contain impurities such as lead and iron. The phase stabilities of the sulfide impurity systems in metallurgical process conditions are in many cases unsatisfactorily known. Thermodynamic information of a system gives better understanding of its behavior of metal making processes, but also has effects on the economic and environmental factors of the production process. In this study, isothermal equilibrium and quenching experiments of the stable phases of the system Cu2S-FeS-PbS at 700 and 900 °C were carried out and based on the experimental results, Gibbs triangle of equilibrium phases of the system was outlined.IntroductionThe knowledge of stabilities of phases and the thermodynamic properties of many sulfide systems in the temperature range of 500-1200 °C are quite limited. Especially, the knowledge of liquidus surfaces of multicomponent sulfide systems is essential for making many metallurgical processes more environmental friendly and allowing the utilization of complex concentrates. In this work, the aim was to investigate the phase stabilities of the quasiternary system CU2SFeS- PbS using evacuated silica ampoules. Of greatest interest were the properties of the liquidus surface in the system, in order to be able to predict better the formation of a liquid phase in metallurgical processes."

Jan 1, 2012

By Animesh Jha, Catherine Davey

"Carbothermic reduction and nitridation reactions using synthetic kaolinite mineral were investigated for the formation of silicon based nitrogen ceramics. The temperature dependence of the reaction rate and its effect on phases formed are reported. The effect of the reactivity of carbon on the kinetics of formation of AIN and ShN4 is discussed. Using the standard Gibbs free energy values for the formation of nitrides and oxides of aluminium and silicon, a log po2 verses I/T diagram is constructed. The experimental data results are discussed and compared with the predicted phase equilibria. We also report the influence of sub-oxide gaseous species on the microstructure of the ceramic phases produced.IntroductionSynthetic kaolinite is a clay containing alumina, silica and water of crystallisation, and has a chemical formula 3(Al2O 3.2SiO2.2H2O). This mineral is relatively inexpensive and, is therefore an ideal candidate for use in the production of ceramic powder mixtures for example silicon nitride and aluminium nitride for composite material formation, When the mineral is heated, the water of crystallisation from the crystal lattice is lost via the 3(Al2O 3.2SiO2.2H2O) = 3(Al2O3.2SiO2) + 6H2O reaction. It has been shown [1·2j that on further heating to 1673K, the anhydrous kaolinite decomposes to a mixture of mulllte and silica, 3(Al2O3.2SiO2) = 3Al2O 3.2SiO2 + 4SiO2 which is consistent with the alumina-silica phase diagram, shown in figure 1.The binary alumina-silica phase diagram has a well-defined sub-eutectic immiscibility dome and this characteristic dernixing behaviour is reflected in the thermal decomposition of anhydrous kaolinite consequently the microstructural features resemble the spinodal decomposition process. It is well established that the spinodal decomposition process raises the nucleation frequency due to their low free energy barrier, (?G). The small magnitude of this barrier consequently promotes the evolution of a very fine microstructure. The process of spinodal decomposition is therefore expected to be influential during the reduction-nitridation of kaolinite minerals."

Jan 1, 1996

By Sylwia Zymankowska-Kumon, Rafal Danko, Józef Danko, Mariusz Holtzer

"Burning of ceramic materials is carried out at temperatures 900+ 1300°C, in dependence of the required functional properties. The Faculty of Foundry Engineering together with the Faculty of Material Engineering and Ceramics developed the technology of production of burned ceramic materials with using spent moulding and core sands. The mentioned above waste materials of the foundry industry fulfilled -in plastic masses intended for obtaining ceramic materials -the role of the addition weakening clay raw materials. The laboratory investigations were fully verified by the results of industrial tests. It should be pointed out that none negative effects were observed at the stage of mixing raw materials and preparation of plastic masses. The measurements of exhaust gases emissions performed during burning the products containing spent moulding sands as well as during the normal production did not exhibit any significant differences, which could have indicated the harmful impact on the natural environment.IntroductionSands are used by the foundry industry to make metal casting molds and are a mixture of silica sand, bentonite clay and carbonaceous additives or resins. During the casting process, the molten metal cause thermal decomposition of carbonaceous additives or resins, which results in the formation of potentially hazardous organics, that are emitted to the atmosphere and condense in the molding sand. Each year the U.S. foundry industry landfills about 10 million tones of sand because it is no longer suitable to make metal casting molds. A large high-silica sand content in spent foundry sands (SFSs) generates rational premises for their reuse in other than foundry practice fields. Efforts to divert the SFSs from landfills and encourage their beneficial use in manufactured soils, geotechnical applications, the construction industry (road construction, highway construction), the building materials industry (cement, bricks, limestone manufacture), in the filling of mining cavities or in landfill construction (roads on landfills, permanent covers) are make [1-7]."

Jan 1, 2013

By Patricia Negrini Siqueira Poveda, Leonardo G. A. Silva

Thermoplastic materials are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation (UV), which can cause structural changes, causing variation in mechanical properties and appearance. UV range between 250 and 400 nm is considered the most aggressive to polymers, and prolonged exposure to it results in breakage and/or crosslinking chains. Light stabilizer additives, blockers or absorbers are added to the polymers for protection in order to extend the life of the final product. The choice of the adequate light stabilizer additive system depends on factors such as resin final application, thickness, geographic location of exposure, presence of fillers in the composition, contact with chemicals, among others. This study evaluates different additive systems: conventional organic, inorganic nanotechnologyc base and the synergy between them when applied to polyethylene considering carbonyl index and UV/VIS results after aging by QUV chamber.

Mar 1, 2017

By Gennadiy M. Poletayev, Mikhail D. Starostenkov, Alexandra S. Starostenkova

"The process of the combustion synthesis was modeled by computer simulation using the molecular dynamics method. The set of the critical parameters regulating the velocity of the reaction was found from these computer experiments. It was established that the character of structure-energetical transformations at the combustion synthesis in the systems Ni-Al and TiAl depended on the type of boundaries used for the phases delimitation in the bimetal thin films.IntroductionProducing new materials and products, based on the combustion synthesis (CS), is the objective of scientific investigations as one of the most perspective one for industrial applications. But there are several problems connected with theory and experiment. It allows us to forecast the properties of materials. First of all, the main problems are stipulated by structure-energetical transformations taking place at high velocities of the reaction and at high temperatures. It prevents the analyzing of the transformation mechanisms in materials, taking place at microscopic, atomic levels in details.It is evident, that computer simulation allows to decide some problems and to approach to more exact theoretical presentation of structure-energetical reactions taking place at CS. It is known, that the most typical systems, where CS is observed, are bimetals Ni-Al and Ti-Al. The investigation of interphase boundary stability in the systems of Ni-Al and Ni-Fe was made by the method of molecular dynamics in [1]. The bimetal thin film was presented by the packing of atoms in the plane (111) of FCC lattice. It was found that the discrepancy in the sizes of atoms A and B of bimetal was compensated by the formation of 60° top dislocations, set against interphase boundary in the absence of point defects and free volume. The density of top dislocations was proportional to the factor of size discrepancy of atomic components of the bimetal. Diffusional reconstruction of the interphase boundary and areas, situated near it, was observed only at definite concentration of point defects - vacancies, inculcated in the structure of the bimetal at the definite temperature. The atoms of the bimetal component of less size penetrated in the area of the second component with higher velocity. The clusters of intermetallic germs began to form. It led to the growth of the system temperature and acceleration of the process of the diffusional reconstruction of thin film. The following transformations were found: top dislocations splitted into single ones, which climbed from interphase boundary into the zone of more plastic component; the formation of sub grain structures took place."

Jan 1, 2001

By A. René Silva

The separation of Fe(III) from simulated Ni(II) solutions using different ion exchange resins was studied. The resins tested included cation exchangers with sulfonic and carboxylic groups and chelating resins with iminodiacetic, aminophosphonic, and mixed sulfonic and phosphonic groups. The dosage of resins was varied from 0.1 to 0.5 g/mL to study the impact of resin type and dosage on iron separation from simulated nickel leach solution containing 25 g/L Ni(II) and 25 g/L Fe(III) at pH 1.5. Also, the effects of different metal ion concentrations, Fe (III):Ni(II) ratios in solution, pH, and adsorption times were investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that all the chelating resins selected favored the adsorption of Fe(III) over Ni(II) with high Fe(III) loading. Soft cation exchange resins also favored the adsorption of Fe(III) over Ni(II), but no significant Fe(III) loading was observed. In contrast, strong cation exchange resins did not show adsorption preferences. The most efficient separation was observed using resin with aminophosphonic groups at resin dosage of 0.2 g/mL, having a Fe(III) adsorption over 94% and Ni(II) adsorption below 5%.

By Henry L. Ehrlich

This survey compares bioleaching and biobeneficiation by autotrophic bacteria with that by heterotrophic bacteria and fungi Some physiological principles are reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages of autotrophic and heterotrophic leaching are discussed. Principles of anaerobic leaching by autotrophs and heterotrophs are introduced. and the advantages? over aerobic heterotrophic leaching are discussed. Examples of useful organisms in the autotrophic and heterotrophic categories are cited.

Jan 1, 1991

By Luis M. González, Guzmánm Guillermo D., Davis Juan C.

"The Teniente converter (CT) of the Ventanas Smelter and Refinery of Codelco-Chile has two tuyeres for dry concentrate injection directly into the melt.The diluted phase injection system can feed 15 to 20 kg of concentrate for 1 kg of air, which creates a very abrasive solid/gas phase. The tuyeres commonly used lasted for about 3.5 days due to the accelerated decay of the shell, and 1.5 hours were necessary for the replacement of new ones in the reactor.Tests were carried out with common shell tuyeres with a tungsten based welding cover, and a life span of 28 days was reached, increasing the Teniente converter operational continuity between 1.5 to 2 %."

Jan 1, 2009

By E. Ilgar

"Deposition studies were conducted in acid copper electrolyte to determine the influence of chloride ions on cathode morphology. A statistically designed screening test was carried out in the absence and presence of 20 ppm CI- using a three factor, two level factorial design, in an electrolyte containing 36 gl'! Cu2+ and 150 gl-! H2S04, The independent variables evaluated were agitation; current density and temperature and their influence on surface roughness was determined. The copper deposited at current densities where activation was the primary control mechanism appeared similar in morphology whether stirring was used or not. The addition of 20 ppm CI- to the electrolyte gave rougher deposits under the same conditions. In the mixed control regions, considerably rougher, dendritic deposits were obtained when CI- was present. Agitation was effective in reducing the copper surface roughness both in the apparent activation and mixed control regions in the presence ofCI-. The results of this study showed that 20 ppm Cl- polarized the copper deposition at low overpotentials but caused depolarization at higher overpotentials.IntroductionChloride ion is inherently present in copper electrolyte, either as an additive or from other sources such as make up water. The behavior of the chloride ion is well documented in electrorefining operations, but its role in copper winning is less obvious. However in both cases there is evidence that cathode growth and solution chemistry are strongly influenced by its presence. The mechanism and electrochemical action of the Cl"" have been shown to be very complex, therefore a better understanding of its influence on electrocrystallization is essential for improved cathode deposit growth control. It was proposed that Cl"" polarizes the copper deposition reaction at low concentrations due to CuCI formation but depolarization occurs at higher concentrations due to the formation of a soluble CuCI2"" complex [1,2]. Franklin [3] reviewed the mechanism of additives in the electrodeposition process and proposed that the Cl"" complexed with copper, adsorbed on the cathode as an induced anion leading to an increase in the reduction rate. At cathodic overpotentials less than 100 mY, lppm NaCl had a polarizing effect, i.e. an increase in impedance of the charge transfer step. At higher Cl"" concentrations up to 100 ppm, depolarization occurred as evidenced by a decrease in impedance, which was attributed to soluble cuprous complexes [4]."

Jan 1, 1997

By Craig A. Johnson

Cyanide speciation and behavior have been examined at three active heap leach operations, three heaps undergoing rinsing, and three sites with cyanide contaminated groundwater, all in the southwestern U.S. Data from these studies demonstrate that strong cyanometallic complexes of iron and cobalt can play ?an important role in cyanide behavior throughout the lifetimes of heap leach operations. In active circuits, we find evidence that significant amounts of cyanide combine with iron and cobalt to form strong cyanometallic complexes, and that these species can be adsorbed, probably onto iron hydroxides, or precipitated as insoluble cyanometallic compounds. When spent heaps are rinsed, the release of this cyanide is likely controlled by the slow kinetics of desorption from, or dissolution of, solids that have gone largely uncharacterized. We find evidence that strong cyanometallic complexes can give rise to transient free cyanide in some settings by rapid photo dissociation where heap rinse effluent is exposed to sunlight in open channels or translucent sample bottles. Thus, these species can complicate the ,preparation of spent heaps for decommissioning, even where regulatory standards ?are based on weak acid dissociable cyanide. There is a critical need for information on the form and stability of adsorbed and precipitated cyanide in spent ore heaps, on the concentrations of strong cyanometallic complexes in mineral processing effluents -particularly the complexes of cobalt, and on the natural attenuation of iron and cobalt cyanometallic complexes in both surface and subsurface waters.

Jan 1, 1998

By Henrique Ventura Oliveira

Continuous casting is the most important process for solidification of steels. In this process, the fluid flow pattern in the tundish and in the mould have significant effect on the product quality. Problems associated to fluid flow in the tundish include surface turbulence, ?short-circuits?, formation of dead zones and vortexing. During grade changes, mixing in the tundish plays a significant role in determining the length of the intermixed slab. All these flow aspects can be studied by means of mathematical and physical models. In the last years, numerical simulation of fluid flow has become a very popular tool in the analysis of the performance of continuous casting tundishes. In setting-up these numerical simulations, special care should be taken in choosing the appropriate mesh distribution, the interpolation scheme, the adequate location of the inlet boundary and the turbulence model. In the present paper, turbulent fluid flow in different configurations of tundishes was simulated. Different turbulence models were used in the simulations. Residence time distribution (RTD) and mixing curves during grade changes were predicted and compared to results obtained in physical models. The performances of the different turbulence models were evaluated. For the tundishes that have been studied, the performances of the different turbulence models tested in the present work were similar. There is no evidence that any of the models provided sustained improvement when compared to the well-established standard k- model. All turbulence models tested presented limitations in simulating flows under low turbulent Reynolds numbers.

Jan 1, 2006

By Akio Ohta

The Hyuga smelter has been producing ferronickel by a rotary kiln-electric furnace process in Miyazaki, Japan. Several approaches to improve our operation have decreased the electrical energy consumption. A new process was developed to decrease the cost of energy even further. Oil and technical oxygen are injected through lances to heat up the calcined ores (calcine) instead of the electric power. Main problems during the development of the process were the short life of the water-cooled lances, the check on security of the safety system and the eruption of combustion gases through the calcine bed. These problems have now been overcome successfully, and stable operation can be maintained. The addition of 1 Litre of heavy oil per tonne of ore can save the electrical energy requirement by 8.6 kwh per tonne of ore. The new process has resulted in a reduction of the electrical energy consumption by more than 10 percent

Jan 1, 1992

By B. R. Davis, Neale R. Neelameggham, R. E. Brown

The element Calcium element has a unique place in the production of etals, intermetallics and other compounds. The unusualness arises from the fact that we have several possible reductants – metallic calcium, calcium carbide, calcium cyanamide and calcium hydride. A review of how metallic calcium is manufactured and utilized is presented. The difficulties involved in producing the metal in large quantities and price implications are noted. . Fundamental thermodynamics of how these act as reductants are shown, along with the historic application of these in metal production during the past century and a half. Alternate applications as to how to control the cost of the reductant is indicated, such as the numerous attempts in making low cost titanium utilizing direct or indirect calcium reductant.

Jan 1, 2014

By Walter E. Dean

Twenty six samples of carbonaceous gold ores and associated rocks from outcrop and mine localities in northcentral Nevada were analyzed for concentrations of major. minor, and trace elements, total sulfur, and organic carbon. Q-mode factor analysis was used to define six distinctive carbonate, organic, and detrital associations of elements, and to group samples based on these associations. The trace metals that have clearly enriched the organic-carbon-rich samples are V, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Mo, although few of the samples could be considered "metal-rich" when compared to other organic-carbon-rich black shales. Rock-Eval pyrolysis was used to evaluate thermal maturity and hydrocarbon yield of the samples. Unfortunately, most samples were too thermally altered to be suitable for routine organic geochemical characterization of organic matter. The 813C values of organic carbon in rocks from different deposits have a trimodal distribution, but there is no clear distinction between the three groups of deposits that can be related to age, thermal history, or depositional environment.

Jan 1, 1987

By Anna Wasilkowska

The study concentrates on the effects exerted by microstructure, deformation history and uniaxial stress conditions (temperature, stress state, strain rate) on the mechanical properties offerritic TRIP-aided steels for automotive applications. In low-alloyed TRIP-steels it is quite difficult to separate the effect of the austenite to martensite phase transformation from the influence of the ferritic matrix contributing to the yield stress and uniform elongation. Investigation of transformation kinetics of retained austenite as a function of the deformation temperature show that using the parameter k to characterize the retained austenite stability allows to identify regious of different temperature sensitivity separated by a transition temperature of 10±5°C. The observed low strain-rate sensitivity of the flow stress is an intrinsic property of the ferritix matrix and points to defomtation governed by slip. The ultimate tensile strength is much stronger affected by temperature than the yield stress. The influence of the temperature on the elongation is complex, because of the heating of the specimens by 60-l20°C at moderate and high strain rates. The increase of the total strain can be understood in terms of thermal softening of the ferrite. On the other hand, the steep increase of the stress during dynamic testing is an effect of accommodated elastic and plastic strains in the matrix. The strain- hardening exponent is dependent on the conditions imposed during testing. The martensite transfomtation rate is lower and the critical stress for martensite nucleation is much higher under compression compared to tensile loading. In secondary tensile tests, the yield stress increases steeply, and the ultimate tensile strength and the total elongation depend linearly on the amount of pre-straining. The results confirm that in the range of 8=10-4 s-l the TRIP-effect governs room temperature plasticity. Keywords: TRIP-steels, mechanical properties, strain rate sensitivity, temperature sensitivity, austenite stability

Jan 1, 2003

By I. Gaballah

High and low grade concentrates of tantalum and niobium oxides were obtained by leaching a medium grade tin slag. Chlorination and carbochlorinalion of these concentrates were studied between 200 and 1000 "C. Chlorination or carbochlorination of the low grade concentrate led, at 1000 OC, to the extraction of about 95 % of the tantalum and niobium oxides. However, the tantalum and niobium chlorinated compounds were contaminated by iron and manganese chlorides. Complete extraction of the niobium and tantalum pentoxide was achieved during the carbochlorination of the high grade concentrate at 300 and 500 "C, respectively. While chlorination of this concentrate at 1000 "C, allowed to the volatilization of about 60 and 80 % of Ta205 and Nb205. In both cases, condensates were composed of almost pure tantalum and niobium chlorinated compounds. The results demonstrate the advantages of the lixivialion based on the "pseudo- structure" of the raw tin slag to obtain the high grade concentrate. The conclusions of this work suggest that the carbochlorination of the high grade concentrate is an efficient process for the extraction of refractory elements from tin slag.

Jan 1, 1993

By S. q. Honingh, G. Van Weert

Currently produced zinc-enriched blast furnace dust is stored on site at CORUS IJmuiden. To end this practise, a research program was started in 1996. Four technologies were studied: oxidative autoclave leaching in a chloride medium, fluid bed pyrohydrochloridisation (pyrohydrolysis) to yield lead-zinc-free (hematite) calcine, EAF (plasma) smelting/zinc fuming, and incorporation of the dust in 'iron foundry cupola charges. All aim to remove zinc and lead, recycle the iron residue internally, and produce a saleable zinc-lead product.

Jan 1, 2000