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By M. I. Kalashnikova

The leaching of metal nickel in copper sulfate solutions is investigated. It is established, that irre-spective of presence or absence of chloride-ion and oxidizer (oxygen) in system process can be divided into three stages, characterizing by restoration and oxidation of metals with formation of metal copper and cuprite and differing in the speeds of sedimentation of copper and transition of nickel into solution. At the initial stage of process along with allocation of metal copper it is be-sieged cuprite, that results in excess of speed of sedimentation of copper in comparison with dis-solution of nickel. At the second stage speed of transition of nickel into solution falls practically to zero, and sedimentation of copper proceeds on reaction of interaction of metal copper with copper sulfate solutions with cuprite formation. During the final period speed of transition of nickel into solution exceeds speed of sedimentation of copper due to course of reaction of resto-ration of cuprite up to metal. Influence of an ion of chloride and oxidizer on formation of various phases is revealed. It is established, that presence of an oxidizer results in increase in a share of cuprite in a deposit. With increase of the maintenance of chloride-ion speed of metal copper allo-cation essentially grows even at presence of an oxidizer in system.

Jan 1, 2006

By J. Ipinza

The slime formation with several metallic impurities from acidic electrolytes of copper has been studied. On fresh Pb-Ca-Sn anode surface firstly the formation of PbSO4 takes place, then, it is transformed in the conducting PbO2, which covers the anode surface. It has been experimentally established the formation of a manganese dioxide double layer at the anode; this double layer was always composed of a thick external layer of non-adhering and easily removable scales, and of a thin internal layer, which adheres relatively well to the surface of the electrode. It was found that manganese dioxides present in the slime were of different nature: a non-adhering layer produced by electrolysis (-MnO2) on the PbO2 surface and a pure chemical precipitation in the solution (-MnO2). When iron is present in the electrolyte on this last layer of manganese, lead sulfate was found. In the case of arsenic and antimony in the electrolyte the slime generated was found to be lead sulfate and amorphous compounds of those ions. The lower slime generation in Chilean EW plants could be due to the lower contents of iron and manganese in the electrolytes. It was found that this slime formation rate not only is due to the electrolyte composition but also to the poor control of operational parameters at EW plants.

Jan 1, 2003

By Osamu Iida

In the Mitsubishi converting furnace (C-furnace), molten matte continuously undergoes intensive conversion into blister, and an excess amount of heat is generated, even after taking into account heat loss from the furnace, off-gas, and latent heat of melt. To absorb excess heat in C-furnace, recycled granulated converting slags (C-slag) were wastefully charged in the C-furnace. In contrast, supplementary coal is necessary to make up a shortage of reaction heat in Smelting furnace (S-furnace). To utilize the excess heat of the C-furnace effectively and accommodate the unbalance of heat utilization between S and C furnaces, three technological innovations had been carried out. ? Spent anode charging facilities in C-furnace was modified, in order to solve some spent anodes hitting and eroding the hearth bricks. ? Cubic pressed copper scrap charging facilities were installed in C-furnace. ? Facilities were newly installed in C-furnace to treat neutralized residue from the wastewater and dust treatment plants, previously treated in the smelting furnace. Above innovations led to the further effective utilization of heat, increase in production, and savings in energy costs.

Jan 1, 1999

By B. Rourke, O&apos

Copper Refineries Ltd. (CRL), Townsville is Australia's largest producer and exporter of refined copper cathode. This status has been maintained by the implementation of a significant capital works program that increased the production capacity to 270,000 t/y by June 1999. In 1979, CRL was the first in the world to commission the ISA Process Technology which has now been marketed to 47 licensees worldwide. The new tankhouse design has focused particular attention on customer requirements, operational improvements, materials handling and equipment modernisation. Equipment which has been upgraded includes cranes, anode preparation, cathode stripping and scrap washing machines along with the total replacement of the electrolyte and electrical reticulation systems. Side stream electrolyte filtration has been introduced. Improvements to electrode alignment afforded by the conversion to polymer concrete cells, precise electrode location, and the upgrade of the electrode handling machines will ensure that CRL. continues to be one of the world's major quality copper cathode producers.

Jan 1, 1999

Copper and gangue mineralogy constitute the most critical parameters for the hydrometallurgical processing and cost-efficient extraction of copper. Minor changes in copper-, rock-, or alteration mineralogy can severely impact the comminution efficiency, curing, agglomeration, acid consumption, copper extraction and PLS impurity loading. Further, copper leach operations, particularly in the southwestern United States, are increasingly challenged by a combination of low grades and semi-refractory copper. This paper discusses the metallurgical and economical benefits of continuous mineralogical analyses in order to establish and operate a mineralogical data base in copper leach operations. Troubleshooting for copper extraction, integration of process mineralogy into production forecasting, and process optimization will be illustrated with operational experiences from Chile and the United States.

Jan 1, 1999

By Peter Kettle

This paper describes the performance of the copper industry over a period of some two decades and examines the theme that improvements in operating efficiency have not been matched by improved returns on capital. The financial performance of the copper industry is analysed using CRU's MICA database. Regression analysis indicates a two percentage point increase in operating margins but no increase in returns on capital. The gain in operating efficiency appears to have been mainly achieved in the mid 1980s. The investment boom of recent years has resulted in a rapid increase in the industry's level of debt and gearing ratio (now some 47%). Data on 44 copper mine projects is used to show the linear relationship between scale and capital costs. Typically new capacity costs some US$5,000 /tpy. The relationship between cash costs and capital intensity of projects is also plotted. The greater attention now being focused on efficient use of capital means that capital intensity rankings will become increasingly important in determining which projects go ahead.

Jan 1, 1999

By Sylvie C. Bouffard

The need for a better understanding of the heap biooxidation pretreatment of pyritic refractory gold ores has prompted us to develop a rigorous mathematical model of the process. The hydrological structure of the model takes the form of lateral stagnant pores in contact with a uniformly distributed gas stream and connected to vertical plug flow channels, as suggested by the results of an independent study of column hydrology. A model of pyrite oxidation kinetics was derived based on electrochemical leaching theory and the results of potentiostatic stirred tank and column tests. The growth rates of attached and planktonic iron- and sulfur-oxidizing cells are modeled with separate Monod expressions over three separate temperature ranges corresponding to mesophiles, moderate thermophiles, and extreme thermophiles. Isothermal column tests validate the model simulations. Excellent fits of several leaching indicators (potential, extent of sulfide oxidation, iron concentration, cell numbers) reveal the rate-limiting step to shift from particle kinetics to oxygen gas/liquid mass transfer with increasing temperatures and pyrite head grades. Competition for oxygen between sulfur- and iron-oxidizing microorganisms lowers potentials and slows down pyrite oxidation. This modeling tool may assist engineers in the design and operation of heaps to give more complete gold liberation in a shorter time.

Jan 1, 2003

By Thomas K. Chow

For the well-being of all living creatures and in response to green-environment policy from governments around the global, it is essential to reduce SO2 emissions from mining / smelters as well as other industrial facilities around the globe. However, often times, these SO2 containing flue gases and smelter flash gases also include oxygen and SO3, which complicate the SO2 removal process and technology. There are many novel technologies recently developed for removing SO2 from such gases. Most of these, however, have not yet commercially demonstrated that they are technically viable and economically feasible. Many of these novel processes also generate undesired byproducts, which themselves then need to be disposed of in a safe and cost effective manner. Fluor has developed the Fluor SOx Cleanup Process with a wide variety of process configurations to customize removal of the undesired flue gas constituents in a cost-effective manner. The process removes practically all SO2 in the form of salable elemental sulfur and also reduces CO emissions. Successful operation of major components of the Fluor SOx removal technologies has been demonstrated in many commercially operating units. Besides their technical viability and economic feasibility, Fluor SOx removal technologies do not generate any undesired byproducts or encounter SO2 associated corrosion issues. Moreover, these technologies produce high-purity, saleable elemental sulfur. This paper discusses the merits of the Fluor SOx removal technologies, their technical and cost advantages, their simplicity in design and operation, and their readiness for implementation.

Jan 1, 2006

By Roberto Parra

The wear and corrosion phenomena in the furnace lining of the ferrous and non ferrous pyrometallurgical processes are complex problems where chemical, interfacial and mechanical phenomena are presents. The characteristics of the processes determine the conditions to which these materials are submitted, where the thermal conditions reached during the operation is one of the most important parameter. Assuming that all the degradation phenomena are thermal activated, the rate of the different steps of the wear mechanism will depend on the thermal field in the lining. In view to apply the independent physicochemical knowledge of degradation mechanisms to the analysis and design of furnace lining the methodology of the Nodal Wear Model (NWM) was done. It combines the mathematical modelling of the heat transfer in the lining with the physicochemical control equation for the wear-corrosion phenomena. The NWM has been applied to different examples: theoretical analysis, laboratory scale test and industrial applications. We present in this paper the theoretical background of the model and two examples of applications: the sole of an electric furnace and the earth of a blast furnace.

Jan 1, 2006

By V. L. Richards, S. N. Lekakh, S. A. Dutler

"This study presents determination on the thermal properties of investment casting shell molds used in casting process modeling. Superheat and latent heat from solidification and cooling of a casting can either be accumulated by ceramic shell for thin-walled casting or transfer to environment for massive casting. Heat capacity and thermal conductivity both play important roles in casting solidification. Thermal properties of ceramic shell depend on shell composition and fabrication techniques as well as thermal history during shell preparation process due to multiple phase transformations. Inverse modeling was combined with corrected Laser Flash method to determine the applicable thermal properties of the shell during casting solidification. Pure nickel was poured into ceramic shells containing two thermocouples and experimental cooling curves were obtained. These curves were then fitted to the model by adjusting temperature dependent heat capacity and thermal conductivity.IntroductionCasting solidification in investment casting shell affected by shell thermal properties including specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity. For relatively thin walled casting, most of the melt superheat and part of latent heat are accumulated by the shell. This process is mainly controlled by shell heat capacity. In the case of massive casting, significant part of latent heat transfers to environment through the shell so that this process is mainly controlled by shell thermal conductivity."

Jan 1, 2012

By M. Sadayappan

The grain refinement characteristics of four low-lead and lead-free copper base alloys for plumbing applications were investigated. These are leaded yellow brass (C85800). SeBiLOY III (C89550), silicon brasses (C87500 & C87800) and silicon bronzes (C87600 & C87610); Boron and zirconium were found to be the most effective .grain refiners for copper .alloys produced using the permanent mold cast processes. The study indicates that the type of grain refiner to be used is dependent on the alloy type, alloying constituents and their content. After grain refinement, hot tearing resistance of the alloys was improved but mechanical properties remained unaffected. Alloys refined with boron are prone to the formation of hard spots, which will have adverse effect on the surface quality of the castings during polishing and buffing.

Jan 1, 1999

By Ennio Bonetti

The technological applications of MgH2 hydrides for hydrogen storage demand the overcoming of some critical issues: an improvement of the reaction kinetics and a reduction of the desorption temperature. The synthesis of nanocrystalline MgH2 by reactive milling and inert gas condensation and a proper metal catalyst addition, constitute recently employed strategies. In the investigation of the hydrogen short and long-range dynamics, sorption kinetics and nanostructure stability, the mechanical spectroscopy offers some specific advantages. In the present research this technique was employed with other experimental approaches (XRD DSC) to investigate relaxational and structural damping processes in nanocrystalline MgH2 with added catalysts (Fe). Time/temperature variation of the dynamic elasticity moduli and mechanical quality factor are correlated to hydrogen anelastic relaxation processes and concomitant structural transformation of MgH2 to Mg associated to long range H diffusion. Results are discussed with reference to microstructural modification strategies able to assist hydrogen release.

Jan 1, 2006

The increasing need for robust pyrometallurgical furnace construction is driven by two trends in the copper and other base metals smelting industry: ? the desire for increased production within a single furnace line by greatly increasing smelting intensities, which generates high heat fluxes to the crucible. walls, and ? the operational and economic imperatives of maintaining high percentage on- line times and long campaign lives between rebuilds. A key feature of furnaces capable of producing at high rates, while containing intense processes, is a strong, thermally robust wall cooling system. Equally important design aspects include the furnace steel structure, refractories, a cooling water supply and piping arrangment for safety from leaks and disruptions, and instrumentation/controls for monitoring and rapid mitigation of process excursions. Integration of the cooling elements into these furnace systems is essential for optimum performance of the cooling elements, and indeed the entire furnace. This paper discusses the development of a composite copper / refractory water- cooled design, which has been successfully implemented on several copper smelting and converting furnaces, including Kennecott's flash converting furnace, INCO's MK reactor, and Kidd Creek's converting furnace.

Jan 1, 1999

By Kaixi Jiang, Lei Zhang, Sanping Liu, Yufang Wang, Xiaoping Zou

"Molybdenite concentrates are usually treated by roasting, but low concentration SO2 pollution is a problem. Extraction of molybdenum and rhenium from molybdenite concentrates with a pressure oxidative leaching (POX) and solvent extraction (SX) process was studied. A series of POX-SX laboratory and pilot tests were carried out on the molybdenite concentrate. In the POX stage, more than 95% rhenium and 15-20% molybdenum were leached into solution. Solvent extraction recovered the rhenium and molybdenum from the POX solution. The extraction rates of Re and Mo were above 98%. The loaded organic reagent is stripped with ammonia. The stripping ratio of Mo is more than 98%. Compared to the roasting process, the total recovery of Mo increased from 93% to 97%, and Re from 60% to 90%. In the coming five years, POX-SX technology will be competitive in China.IntroductionMolybdenite is the main resource for the production of molybdenum, and about 99% of the total molybdenum was extracted from molybdenite. Rhenium is one of the important new materials in national defense, space flights, nuclear energy and electronics, because of its high melting point, high strength, plastic properties and significant creep resistance. There are no single rhenium ores in the world; rhenium mainly co-exists with molybdenum. Consequently, molybdenite is also the main resource for the extraction of rhenium."

Jan 1, 2012

By Jimsher N. Aneli

There are many experimental works on the investigation of temperature effect on the conductivity of polymers filled by carbon materials. However frequently the establishment of current nature in the polymer heterogeneous systems becomes difficult. This fact is explained by complexity of calculation of different physical or chemical phenomena passing in materials at variation of the temperature. Among these phenomena it must be noted some morphological changes in the structure of polymers. These changes reflex on the structure of conductive system of composites. So, it has been shown, that the character of temperature dependence of thermal noises level and conductivity of some polymers filled by carbon black essentially depend on some relaxation transition in the polymeric matrix. In this paper the effect of difference transitions in polymer matrix of filled by carbon black some polymers and rubbers have been investigated in a wide temperature range. The importance of such investigation is due to possibility of application of resistive temperature sensors based on conductive polymeric composites (CPC) to measuring technology. The experiments have been carried out in the cavity with regulation of temperature in the range 110-650K. The resistance of samples was measured by four electrodes method. The samples were obtained by hot pressing of dry mixture of powdered components at chosen temperatures, pressures and cooling time in the case of plastics and by peroxide vulcanization of the elastomers in the case of the rubbers. The samples were produced on the basis of the following thermoplastics: low density polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate and polydimethylmethylvinilsiloxane.

Jan 1, 2006

By John A. Gisby

Phase equilibria for multi-component systems can be calculated reliably from critically assessed thermodynamic data for sub-systems using software packages like MTDATA, developed by the National Physical Laboratory, UK (NPL). Models and data resulting from an ongoing Mineral Industry Research Organisation (MIRO) project make such calculations possible for the complex systems encountered during sulphide smelting, involving interactions between matte, slag, metal, and gas phases. Predictive calculations can be made that are directly relevant to industrial processes, covering composition and temperature ranges beyond the scope of hard- copy phase diagram compilations, allowing the feasibility of more economic and environmentally sound routes to be explored, better choice of materials to be made, and pilot plant studies to ,be directed more efficiently. Current applications include the selection of suitable fluxing practices in copper and nickel smelting, analysing the operation of the Kennecott copper smelter, optimising the recovery of precious metals and investigating refractory wear.

Jan 1, 2002

By Wang Haibei

China is the important country in terms of Ga, Ge reserves and products. These elements usually associate with lead and zinc ores such as in Fankou, Dachang and Lanping mines. Until now these metals could not be extracted from zinc residues effectively. The main reason is that it is difficult to separate zinc and iron. BGRIMM has carried out considerable research on this subject and some hydrometallurgical processes were developed. Zinc residues were pressure leached with a reducing agent such as zinc concentrates or SO2 at 110~130C. The final concentrate of H2SO4 was 30~50g/L. The metals such as Zn, Fe, Ga and Ge were dissolved into solution. In the leaching residue Pb and Ag could reach 20% and 2000g/t. The feed of solvent extraction was prepared from the leaching solution by pre-neutralization ? precipitation of Ga, Ge and acid dissolving. Then Ga and Ge were extracted by solvent extraction through P204 and G315 produced by BGRIMM. After stripping, metallic Ga was produced by electrowinning. GeO2 was produced by precipitation. The iron in raffinate was removed by the hematite process. The solution after removal of iron came back at the zinc neutral leaching stage. In 2003-2004, pilot tests were finished in BGRIMM in cooperation with Fankou Lead and Zinc Mine Ltd. And the extraction rate of Ga and Ge in the leaching stage was 94% and 83% respectively. The total recovery rate was 90% and 80%. It is estimated that the technology has a wide commercial use in the coming five years.

Jan 1, 2006

By Shigeo Asai

History of EPM is described and several functions utilized in EPM are reviewed. Main activities of EPM are summarized with the view on mass production and applications of high magnetic field related to nano-technology. Future trends and prospects of EPM are discussed.

Jan 1, 2006

By Hector M. Henao

In order to provide the thermochemical data regarding the slag system, which are of importance for sulfide smelting and metallurgical processes but still lacking, an experimental study was carried out on the phase relations and activity of iron oxide in the FeOX-CaO-SiO2 system at temperatures between 1300 and 1400 °C and partial pressures of oxygen between 10-9 and 10-4atm. First, the solubility of CaO and SiO2 in the solid FeO were obtained and the tie lines connecting between the solid wustite (FeO) or magnetite (Fe3O4) phase and the liquid phase were determined. Secondly, iso-activity lines for FeO in the homogeneous liquid region were determined, based on the activity of iron in the Pt-crucible used in the equilibrium experiments. The activity coefficient of FeO in this region was also derived from the composition of FeO and FeO1.5 in the liquid region. Finally, the effect of (CaO/SiO2) ratio in the system and partial pressure of oxygen on these thermochemical quantities is discussed.

Jan 1, 2006

By V. Madhusudhan Rao

Fly ash is a finely divide non ? combustible material obtained as a by ? product of coal combustion. It is a major by ? product of coal based thermal power stations. Until recent past it was considered as a waste and highly polluting material. However its formation can only be minimized by using suitable technology in the boilers. In recent past it is found that Fly ash has many end uses and it has proven itself to be a potential construction material. But the suitability of fly ash for various applications largely depends on the amount of unburned carbon, which is turn depends on the firing method. Fly ash samples from various power plants existing in India using a fluidized bed method and pulverized bed were analyzed and a comparison of these two firing methods was carried. This paper deals with the compositional requirements for fly ash used for the fabrication of insulating doors using AAC (Aerated Autoclave Concrete) and the methods employed to make fly ash suitable for this purpose. It also includes the latest ?U? beam technology for effective fly ash recycle. If the by products of coal combustion from power plants like fly ash as the paper stresses are utilized properly, it is not an exaggeration to say that power generation is possible with absolutely zero cost.

Jan 1, 2006