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By Shengqin Zhang, Yousef Mohassab, Feng Chen, Hong Yong Sohn, Mohamed Elzohiery, Amr Abdelghany

The kinetics of hematite concentrate reduction by mixtures of hydrogen and CO of various compositions has been investigated as part of the development of a flash ironmaking process at the University of Utah. This process produces iron directly from iron oxides concentrates by the gas-solid flash reaction based on the partial oxidation of natural gas, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission. The reduction kinetics of hematite concentrate of an average particle size 21.3 μm by the above mentioned gases in the temperature range 1423 to 1623 K (1150 to 1350 ºC) was investigated. Hematite concentrate particles can be reduced to > 90% by any of these reductants in several seconds of residence time typically available in a flash reactor. The activation energy ranged from 214 kJ/mol for hydrogen to 231 kJ/mol for CO.

Jan 1, 2016

By Varadarajan Seshadri

Geometallurgical characterization of iron ore which is a raw material for Iron making as in the case of charcoal blast furnaces operating in Brazil or for production of agglomerates such as iron ore sinter which serves as burden material for blast furnces of high productivity or pellets extensively used in the direct reduction processes all over the world in the iron and steel industry. Selection of proper raw material after due characterization should lead to an improvement of the productivity of the respective processes The usual classification of quality of iron ore is uniquely based on chemical analysis, granulometric and physical parameters. However not much emphasis has been given to the structural characteristics which also are important in the processes. Different typological categories of Brazilian iron ores have been used in the characterization . For instance, several kinds of hematite crystals like specularite, martite and microgranular hematite, etc with variable crystal sizes are found in the different ore types. They are also composed of different of fabrics and types of accessorial mineralogical constituents and have different porosities, pore diameters, etc which influence the cold and the hot agglomeration stages of the ore fines, and also chracteristics such as reducibility, decrepitation etc, important for assessment of quality of iron ores. . The first step for attaining a good characterization of ores is to know in detail about the structure of the deposit, shape of the body, types of iron ores and their distribution. This requires a geological-structural study and the mapping of the bodies using mineralogical criteria for typological classification of ores. followed by structural characterization of materials in stages of mining, comminution, screening and concentration processes. In this contribution a geometallurgical approach for quality control of Brazilian iron ores for sintering and pelletizing processes is highligted.

Jan 1, 2006

By E. Ozberk

The copper and nickel smelting industries are important contributors to the technical and economic well-being of Canada while some of the smelters are among the largest sources of sulphur dioxide emissions in Canada. A review of the operations in six smelters - Falconbridge Limited, Falconbridge, Ontario; Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. Limited, Flin Flon, Manitoba; Inco Limited, Copper Cliff, Ontario and Thompson, Manitoba; Noranda Mines Limited, Horne Division, Noranda, Quebec and Gaspe Mines Division, Murdochville, Quebec - have shown that about 80% of the total sulphur input to these smelters was emitted to the atmosphere in 1980. A simultaneous review of the existing and emerging technologies which can directly or indirectly reduce the sulphur dioxide emissions indicated that it is possible to reduce the emissions to below 20% of the sulphur input to these smelters. This can be achieved by varying degrees of modifications to the smelting operations and installing sulphur fixation facilities at significant costs which may increase the metal production costs. This would consequently make the competitiveness of the Canadian copper and nickel producers more difficult in the already tough world metals market.

Jan 1, 1983

By Dale Zacherl, Andreas Buhr, Rainer Kockegey-Lorenz

"The microporous calcium hexaluminate insulating material SLA-92 has been introduced as an alternative to refractory ceramic fiber and other insulating refractory materials. Key properties associated with this product include: high chemical purity, long term high temperature stability up to 1500 °C, low thermal conductivity up to 1500 °C, and high thermal shock resistance. The properties of the new material and various applications in the steel and ceramic industries have been reported in previous papers. The current paper summarizes the industrial application experiences with innovative refractories based on SLA- 92 and discusses potential new applications in various manufacturing as well as energyrelated industries.IntroductionSLA-92 was introduced to the refractories industry in 1998 by van Garsel, et al. [1] as a new insulating raw material for high temperature applications, followed by investigations [2] of long term temperature stability for this new lightweight aggregate up to 1500°C.SLA-92 was developed as an innovative alternative to commonly used refractory ceramic fibers. It has unique properties regarding chemical purity and mineral composition and is a microporous, silica-free calcium hexaluminate (CA6 – mineral name: hibonite)."

Jan 1, 2010

By F. F. Aplan

Though over 100 minerals are known to contain the rare earth (RE) or lanthanide elements, only a few provide the bulk of the world's source of these elements. The principal RE-containing mineral, monazite [(Ce,La,Th,Y)PO4], is recovered by gravity, magnetic, electrostatic and flotation concentration methods, while the other important source mineral, bastnasite [CeFC03], is concentrated by flotation. The processing of the lesser important source minerals is discussed, as is the recovery of the lanthanides from apatite [Ca5(P04)3(F,OH)] where the rare earth elements are present from trace amounts to over 10% as the mixed oxides.

Jan 1, 1989

By J. Borlée, J. P. Birat

"ULCOS is a large European program launched by a consortium of 48 partners led by arcelor and a core group of steel producers, which was started in 2004 with the support of the European Commission (RFCS and 6FP programs) to search for breakthrough process routes that could, in the future, when fully developed, demonstrate the potential of large cuts in CO2 emissions for the production of steel from iron ore.The timescale for commercial implementation is the post-Kyoto period, i.e. 15 to 20 years from today.The present paper presents the progress made in the first 2 years of this 5 year program.Several concepts are being investigated in parallel: re-engineering of the blast furnace to incorporate CCS in the core of the process, smelting reduction with CCS capabilities, massive use of natural with more CO2-lean technologies than today, hydrogen steelmaking and electrolysis of iron ore. Biomass also offers very attractive perspectives, while raising major challenges.None of these new steelmaking routes are ""no regret"", which means that the European Steel Industry has already incorporated extensive energy saving steps in its present process technology and is working as close to thermodynamics limits as is cinematically and economically feasible, and that decreasing GHG emissions further means introducing breakthrough technologies that add significant costs to the operation of the Steel Mills.They will also require much research and development before they can be proven and implemented commercially.IntroductionThe ULCOS program (Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking) is a large research program of the European Steel Industry and its industrial and research partners launched in September 2004 to investigate steelmaking technologies that have the potential of reducing the CO2 emission of the Industry by a large amount, typically in the order of 50%. It is supported in the European Community by the 6th Framework and the RFCS programs through 3 complementary European projects [1,2].The present paper summarizes the work carried out in the phase 1 of ULCOS and in framing the program of phase 2."

Jan 1, 2008

By Yuchun Wang

In principle, supported liquid membranes could be an exceedingly elegant separation process. However they tend to fail by displacement and emulsification of the organic solution in the pores, which allows mixing of the feed and strip solutions. We have stabilized supported liquid membranes comprising moctylamine in nylon and PVDF supports by covering the pores with semi-permeable polyamide films, using an in-situ polymerization technique. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that the polyamide films are sensitive to production conditions and the nature of the support. The transport properties of stabilized supported liquid membranes for Cr(VI) are compared with those of unstabilized membranes.

Jan 1, 1998

By K. W. Cathrine Solem

Filtration of liquid aluminium is widely used in the industry for the removal of inclusions, and Ceramic Foam Filters (CFFs) are often the filtration media of choice. It is known that PH3 (phosphine) can be released from used phosphate bonded CFFs when in contact with water. Additionally, there is a need of an improved understanding of the thermal stability and the chemical reactivity of these types of filters, as there is limited information available in the public domain. In the present preliminary study, three CFFs, i.e. Substrate 1–3, with varying AlPO4 (aluminium phosphate) content were studied under controlled conditions. Samples of the substrates, as produced and in contact with 5N pure aluminium, were heat-treated in a vacuum induction furnace at 850 °C and 1300 °C, as well as thermally studied at 850 °C using a Differential Scanning Colorimeter connected to a Thermogravimetric Analyser (DSC-TG). All tests were performed under an inert atmosphere of argon (Ar). Mass changes of ∼0.001 % were registered for the pure substrates, and 0.003-0.10 % when in contact with aluminium. In the latter case, diffusion of P (phosphorous) from the bulk of the substrate to the interface was established to have taken place. A colour change, from white to orange/brown, was also observed at the interface, which is a clear sign that a chemical reaction has taken place. As a result, the thermal stability of the substrates can be questioned under present conditions.

By H. D. Freeman

The occurrence of gold in refractory gold ores varies widely and affects the recovery process. The determination of gold and the composition of the associated minerals are important in selecting an appropriate processing scheme. However, locating the gold in an ore sample is a difficult task which requires perseverance, luck, and experience. Our experience has led to the development of a relatively fast and reliable means of deter-mining the mineralogy of ore samples through analysis combining an energy-dispersive x-ray analyser coupled to a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In some cases, a wave length dispersive spectrometer or microprobe is used to further quantify the various mineral compositions. The SEM/microprobe analysis identifies the source of problems that may arise during the recovery of gold from refractory gold ores.

Jan 1, 1981

By P. K. N. Raghavan

This paper identifies potential technologies for Carbon dioxide abatement from the mining and metal industry with special reference to the Aluminium industry. Mine reclamation could contribute to this effort to successfully reach the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction commitments for a nation. An overview of GHG production by the mining and metal industry together with a review of principles used to set the context in which specific options for GHG reduction are described. Options for GHG reduction in the mining and metal industry include reforestation, Addition of soil amendments or neutralizing agents, CO2 capture and storage, initiatives towards energy reduction, waste heat recovery and alternative energy use. An analysis and quantification of the potential GHG reduction of potential carbon sinks and sequestration options for the mining and metal industry are provided. Cost estimates for different options are provided. The paper also identifies sources that could fund research regarding GHG reduction options. The paper concludes with recommendations.

Jan 1, 2011

By M. I. Brasileiro

The use of experimental design to the study of mixtures has found a wide range of applications, even in laboratory scale or in industrial development works. The aim of this work was to maximize granite sawing waste content in ceramic tiles using experimental design. Based on the raw materials, specific formulations were developed using the experimental design. The raw materials were mixed and sample bodies were produced using uniaxial pressing. The sample bodies were fired and characterized in terms of water absorption, mechanical strength and X-ray diffraction. Regression models were adjusted relating the water absorption and mechanical strength with the amount of raw materials. The results showed that the methodology of experimental design maximize the content of wastes incorporated in ceramic tiles formulations. Formulations containing up to 40% of waste can be used for the production of ceramic tiles.

Jan 1, 2009

By C. J. Beyke

In recent years recycling of household batteries has received increasing attention, primarily for environmental reasons. This article reviews the major battery types and some of the technologies available to recycle them. It also discusses issues such as collection and sorting which are related to battery recycling in the United States. Finally, results from research being conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines on the reclamation of nickel-metal hydride, alkaline, and zinc-carbon batteries are presented.

Jan 1, 1995

By Y. Zhoa

The surface morphology of materials is of fundamental importance to many surface related applications, such as wetting, friction, reflection, drag, and adhesion. Various approaches for micro/nano patterning atop polymer surfaces have been proposed in recent years. However, a cost effective technique is still highly in demand. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel but rather simple and generic approach for surface micro/nano patterning using shape memory polymers (SMPs). Different types of novel patterns are realized and their 3-D surface features are quantitatively analyzed by a PLµ Confocal imaging profiler.

Jan 1, 2010

By Zhouhua Jinag

The attempt has been made to manufacture high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels by pressurized electro-slag remelting furnace with maximum nitrogen pressure of 7MPa. To obtain high nitrogen content in steels, the compound electrodes with different nitrogen sources (FeCrN, Si3N4) were prepared. Using the Si3N4 as the nitrogen alloying source, the silicon contents in ingots were prone to be out of the specification range, and the electric current fluctuated greatly and the surface qualities of the ingots were poor. The surface qualities of the ingots were improved using FeCrN as nitrogen alloying source. The sound and compact macrostructure ingot with the maximum nitrogen above 1.0wt% could be obtained. A series of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels have been successfully developed by this method. The mechanical and pitting corrosion resistance properties of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels were investigated. The results show that the steels exhibit excellent mechanical and pitting corrosion resistance properties.

Jan 1, 2009

By J. M. Tannenbaum

A depth-sensing micro-indentation technique is developed for evaluating mechanical properties of materials at elevated temperatures (to 1200°C). System description and design considerations of the test apparatus are described. Based on Hertzian spherical indentation approach, the micro-indentation test apparatus is capable of determining Young?s modulus and creep strength of test materials with flat, tubular, or curved architectures from room to 1200°C under either air or controlled gaseous environments. Calibration tests were conducted on a H13 Tool Steel coupon from 22°C to 500°C and single crystal Haynes 230 alloy at 1000°C with excellent agreement to the literature values. Indentation creep tests of Haynes 230 alloy were carried out at 1200°C with preliminary results showing good correlation to creep exponents. Further system refinements will be investigated, and additional testing will be conducted.

Jan 1, 2010

By WU Jian-hui

Keywords: metallic material, precursor synthesis, precipitation, nickel, fibrillar powder The composition and morphology of the precursor of fibrillar nanocrystalline nickel powder prepared by oxalate precipitation are characterized by XRD,IR and SEM analysis, and the effects of temperature, nickel concentration, pH, surfactant and drying process on the morphology and the dispersion of the precursor are investigated. By the experiment results, the fibrillar precursor is a complicated nickel salt. The precursor prepared in the of 60~70°C,0.6~0.8 mol/L nickel ion, pH=8.4~8.6 and with addition of PVP surfactant is well dispersive and in fiber form. The powder dried by azeotropic distillation is dispersive.

Jan 1, 2005

By David Dreisinger

The cyanidation of copper containing gold ores results in the co-dissolution of copper along with gold. Copper dissolution results in elevated cyanide consumption that may make the treatment of the gold ore uneconomic. Copper-cyanide species in gold mill effluents may increase the environmental toxicity of the gold mill solutions. The objective of this study was to examine the use of solvent extraction to recover the copper cyanide species from gold mill effluents. Solvent extraction with Cognis (formerly Henkel) reagents LIX 79 and LIX 7950 was studied. Excellent extraction of copper and cyanide was achieved using pH control in extraction. Copper and cyanide may be stripped from the reagents using basic eluants. Various routes for copper and cyanide recovery from the strip solution were studied. Excellent results were obtained using electrowinning in both divided (Nation membrane) and undivided cells. Cyanide recovery was obtained by AVR treatment of a bleed stream from electrowinning. Full results of solvent extraction, copper and cyanide recovery are reported.

Jan 1, 1998

By Ningchuan Feng

A biosorbent, the chemically modified orange peel, was prepared from hydrolysis of the grafted copolymer, which was synthesized by interacting methyl acrylate with cross-linking orange peel, and FT-IR spectroscopy was used for determining the structure of the biosorbent. Adsorption characteristics and effects of various factors of the biosorbent on Cu (II) were investigated including pH, adsorption time and initial concentration of Cu (II). Experiment results show that when pH was 6.0 and the initial concentration of Cu (II) was 50mg·L-1, the removal rate was 91.7% after 3 h adsorption. After four cycles being reused, 85.3% removal rate could be obtained by the biosorbent.

Jan 1, 2008

By L. R. Verney

A number of interrelated factors influence the economics of the sulphide smelting of copper, lead, zinc and nickel. This paper discusses these factors, mainly from a US point of view, and shows how they affect the cost of construction and operation of new and existing plants. The paper shows how metallurgical plant construction costs and the consumer price index have increased at a much faster rate than metal prices thereby making some metal mining and production operations within the USA, Canada and the EEC less profitable than operations elsewhere. This in turn inhibits new "grass roots" metallurgical developments. It is explained how retrofit of existing pyrometallurgical plants can be a more viable development than the construction of "green field" plants, especially if such retrofit improves, energy efficiencies, overall operating costs and reduces emissions of sulphur and other toxic wastes. Some aspects of metallurgical plant operation are examined, especially for copper and nickel, to show how changes in operating practices may develop in order to improve overall smelting economies, especially when developed in conjunction with objective retrofit. The paper also examines some financial aspects, especially insofar as the disparity between terms for loans offered to third world countries and the USA and the EEC are concerned and also comments upon the need, especially within the USA, for legislation to permit rapid depreciation of capital. Specific comments are made about environmental aspects, including the lack of uniformity of pollution control legislation and how environmental considerations may have some bearing of the location of future smelting operations.

Jan 1, 1983

By John R. Howell

"SUMMARYThe process of producing a new cast component requires significant design and development by both the design engineer and the foundry engineer. This effort strives to produce a high quality component at minimum cost. To assist in this development, an analysis system, consisting of several computer programs, has been developed to simulate the metal casting process. This system incorporates analytical geometric solid modeling, finite element analysis, results display, and an innovative technique to model the casting mold with surface boundary conditions.The simulation has produced excellent thermal results and work is in progress to develop techniques to enable use of this data in additional analyses to predict porosity and residual stress. Research is required to produce working parametric formulations of material properties. Software development is required to develop good fluid flow analyses for large. 3D models to simulate filling of and convection in molds.Integrating this system of programs is difficult due to proprietary database structures used by software developers. However, an acceptable means has been accomplished' to move data from one program to another. Further software development is required to facilitate this task. INTRODUCTIONThe process of producing a new cast component requires significant design and development by both the design and foundry engineer. This effort strives to produce a high quality, reliable component at minimum cost in a timely manner. The design engineer needs to know the physical and mechanical properites which can be expected in the actual part at critical areas. This will enable him to design a part with minimum material while fulfilling the performance required. The foundry engineer needs to produce a sound, quality casting with a minimal amount of material In risers, the feeding system and machining stock. This must be done with a minimum· investment in tooling and development time and maximum productivity of labor and capital employed. This task Is continually being made more difficult because of increased competition in the marketplace and the use of castings in more severe service. This has strongly influenced the need for high quality castings.The task of developing a new casting is difficult for both the design and foundry engineer. To assist in this development, Deere & Company has been engaged in the development of an analysis system to simulate material processes. A major portion of this program involves simulation of the metal casting process. This analysis system has evolved into a package of computer programs which simulates casting solidification and subsequent cooling through the finite element method"

Jan 1, 1986