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By Florian Kongoli

While calcium ferrite slags have been successfully used in continuous copper converting for the last 30 years, ferrous calcium silicate slag was proposed about 8 years ago as an additional alternative for copper smelting. Although both slags are normal extensions of each other their phase relations have not been completely clarified. In this paper the liquidus relations of both slags have been quantified at various areas that cover both of them. The existing experimental data have been first reviewed and discussed in relation to the solidification procedure. An original physical model is then used to predict various diagrams of the liquidus surface of both slags. It is shown that the ternary liquidus diagrams normally used for FeOx-SiO2-CaO system are not suitable for industrial slags. The new model diagrams of Fe/CaO versus SiO2 and Fe/SiO2 versus CaO as well as Fe/CaO versus Temperature and Fe/SiO2 versus temperature are proven to be much more convenient for ferrite and ferrous calcium silicate slags. Based on these diagrams the effect of SiO2 and CaO on the melting temperature is quantified. The effect of Cu2O is also quantified through the model. Some Fe/CaO versus Cu2O and Fe/SiO2versus CaO at various copper contents are predicted and the results show good agreement with the experimental data. It is also shown that in the presence of liquid copper, Cu2O is dissolved in the slag depending on the oxidation degree of the system and might lower the liquidus temperature. Some discussions are also presented taking into account plant observations and important conclusions are drawn for copper smelting and converting

Jan 1, 2006

By A. A. Shook

For relatively little capital outlay, the metal delivery control system in the BHP Copper Rod Plant at San Manuel' was significantly upgraded using the UNAC process simulation and control system (CICS Automation, Newcastle, Australia). An accurate simulation of the metal delivery process was developed with UNAC, which was then used to design a robust controller capable of dealing with plant complexities such as noise, time delays, and nonlinearities. This controller was implemented online using UNAC. Thanks to the extensive preparatory simulation, the controller worked immediately and required no additional online "tuning". Operator response has been favorable, and the UNAC control system has become part of the standard operation of the plant.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. -L. Metsärinta, J. Nyberg, A. Roine

The Kokkola roasting plant uses more than 20 different zinc concentrates every year. During recent years there has been an increase in the variation in concentrate quality; in particular, the amount of fine-grained and low-grade concentrates has increased. Therefore, a great deal of development work has been carried out to improve the operational flexibility, online availability, production capacity and calcine quality of the roasting plant. This work consisted of a heat and material balance model of the roasting based on HSC Chemistry software, a new water admixture system for the concentrate feed, a new oxygen feed system for the process air line, improved cooling of the furnace and boiler and improved operational practices, dust removal and concentrate mixing. These new process control tools and other improvements, as well as some test results, will be described in this paper. The oxygen feed may be used to improve production capacity and to decrease the sulfide content of the calcine. The water feed may be used with fine concentrates to decrease both dust carry-over and the temperature in the top part of the furnace. Improved cooling of the furnace and boiler helps to increase production capacity.

Jan 1, 2000

By Sergio Demetrio

Over a period of nearly a hundred years throughout this century, the company direction and management of copper smelters in Chile has evolved from one characteristised by a paternalistic, autocratic style to one which empowers the local management team and people for running the smelter as a successful business. This paper discusses the evolution of the present style of management amidst changes in the Chilean Government, the mining industry and society since the beginning of this century.

Jan 1, 1999

By Jouko Kallionen

Advanced Flotation Technology is the application driven design of flotation cells to achieve the optimum performance for each type and grind of flotation. This can be applied to roughers, scavengers, cleaners and specialty cells such as those to float hydrocyclone underflows in both primary and regrind circuits in order to reduce overgrinding. Standard, engineered, components are matched to provide mechanism design and cell dimensions for each case according to feed parameters and flotation type. Advances in process control have been achieved with high level controls and operator information data. This has gained a higher degree of understanding of cell operation and ore type being processed. Excellent results of this Advanced Flotation Technology in large scale porphyric copper ore have been achieved and designs through 7000 cu ft (200 m3) are currently available for high capacity concentrators. This paper will detail how flotation cells are more responsive to the exact requirements of the duty specified.

Jan 1, 1999

By Kalyani Das Sarkar

"Steel Authority of India Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking with a production capacity of 14 million tones of crude steel, is India's largest steel maker and ranks among the leading steel producers in the world. SAIL owns and operates eight manufacturing plant – five integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur producing carbon steel, and three speciality steel plants. All integrated steel plants have hospitals of 650 – 750 bed capacity with modern facilities to serve it's employees and adjoining localities in a clean and sustainable environment.According to the Bio-Medical Waste(Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 and as amended to date, all Bio-Medical waste which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biologicals are to be categorized and taken to any facility wherein treatment, disposal of this waste or processes incidental to such treatment or disposal is carried out.The hospital management has created adequate treatment facility for Sharp and Infectious Waste, Pathological Waste and Anatomical Waste through Autoclave, Shredding Machine and developing deep burial pits. Some of these hospitals is ISO 9000-14000 certified. Use of above said treatment facilities in these hospitals are discussed in this paper.INTRODUCTIONBio-Medical waste means any waste, which is generated during diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining to these or in the production or testing of biologicals.Steel Authority of India Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking with a production capacity of 14 million tones of crude steel, is India's largest steel maker and ranks among the leading steel producers in the world. SAIL owns and operates eight manufacturing plant – five integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur producing carbon steel, and three speciality steel plants. All integrated steel plants have hospitals of 650 – 750 bed capacity with modern facilities to serve it's employees and adjoining localities in a clean and sustainable environment."

Jan 1, 2008

By Zhou Aiping, Lv Guozhi, Niu Liping, Wang Wenbo, Zhang Ting’an, Jiang Xiaoli

The current method used to produce sponge titanium utilizes a process cycle of magnesium metal and chlorine gas via the electrolysis of magnesium chloride. The primary issues are the high capital cost of the electrolysis process and the environmental regulations limiting high chloride concentrations. Thus, the authors have developed a conceptual method involving theelectrolysis of magnesium chloride as well as a reduction process which allows for a cycle of magnesium and chloride. In the new method, MgCl2 which was distilled during the titanium extracting process as raw material was directly pyrolyzed at elevated temperatures yielding high purity magnesium oxide and chlorine. The resulting magnesium oxide can be used in the production of magnesium metal. This work examines and compares the energy consumption and economic benefits of the Kroll method as well as the new proposed method. The results from the study demonstrated that in comparison to the traditional Kroll method, the new method provided considerable economic and environmental benefits.

Jan 1, 2014

By Nicola Baldo, Marco Pasetto

"The paper presents the results of a laboratory study, conducted at the Experimental Road Laboratory of the University of Padova, in order to verify the possibility to use different types of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slags – in substitution of the natural aggregates – in the composition of both dense graded and porous asphalt mixes for flexible road pavements. The research has been articulated in a preliminary study of the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the EAF steel slags, and in the following mix design and performance characterization of the bituminous concretes, through stiffness modulus tests at various temperatures and permanent deformation (creep) tests. All the mixtures with EAF slags have satisfied the requisites for acceptance standardized for the road sector, thus resulting as suitable for use in the construction of infrastructures, moreover presenting higher mechanical characteristics than those of the corresponding asphalts with full natural aggregate. IntroductionSteel is produced industrially employing two main technologies: the integral cycle, which starts from mineral iron, and the electric cycle, which uses scrap metal. A consistent amount of the steel produced in Italy (approx. 55%) comes from Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF), which every year, alongside the steel, produce approximately 2 million tons of slag. The recycling of this waste product to produce new high-quality raw materials would reduce both the exploitation of limited natural resources and the amounts of refuse. In the European Union, 60% of slag from EAF is still today disposed of in dumps. The extremely diverse origins of scrap metal (waste from mechanical manufacturing, industrial and civil demolition, car bodywork, etc.) means that the by-products generated by the smelting, slags and ashes, contain different elements, in varying composition, also depending on the type of steel to be produced and the consequent adding of binding and melting elements during the production process. For this reason, iron and steel industry electric furnace slag - unlike the blast furnace dross utilised in cement works, which has a more uniform composition as it comes from a more standardised cycle – has been viewed in the past with some diffidence and so, at least in Italy, the possibilities of its re-use have never been fully developed."

Jan 1, 2008

By Enrique Posada

"The Valle de Aburrá area, corresponds to the city of Medellín and neighboring municipalities, with more than 3 million people. The area generates a sizable amount of solid waste, which has been taken to landfills for the last 20 years. This paper proposes a model for public policy making which considers the cost and benefit of different alternatives to handle the wastes in the coming 20 years. Combinations of several alternatives: Recycling, waste reduction, waste separation, incineration, land filling with lixiviate treating and gas energy recovery, and organic waste composting are considered and modeled and the results presented as a contribution for a more rational approach to policy making than the one currently being employed.IntroductionThe author, working for INDISA S.A., acted as a consultant for the direction of planning of the Empresas Varias de Medellín in 2004. This entity has the responsibility for the handling of the solid wastes of the city of Medellín and some of the neighboring municipalities. At the present time more the 700.000 annual tons of waste are taken to the site of La Pradera, located in very rainy location (3.000 mm of precipitation per year), with complex in topography and very far away from the sources of the waste. During the work the author detected important problems that should be addressed, as follows:Lack of adequate technical administration and resources. The entity did not count with sufficient human resources to focus on the appropriate technical handling of the solid waste. The organization worked mostly with independent contractors, lacking enough coherence and integration. The internal workload was too large for the few people who had technical responsibility and this gave rise to attention problems. It is important to have clear technical procedures, technical know how and human resources, continuity in the activities. It is important to have a clear capacity to plan, to study, to make tests and monitoring, to pursuit and develop ideas, to optimize the processes and to introduce changes, to respond to environmental authorities, to the communities and to mass media and to handle the contractors. All this was basically lacking. In the case of the handling of the sanitary filling of La Pradera, for example, although the people in charge were very able and dedicated, the magnitude of the task was too large and the resources they had were insufficient. As a result, the site had at the time of the study, problems with thousands of vultures, lack of immediate cover up for the waste, uncontrolled leaching, the area being dirty and little attractive, despite being called a park."

Jan 1, 2008

By N. V. Sujathkumar, I. Vasudhevan, R. Santhakumar

"Freshwater ornamental fish culture is gaining importance in India and cheaper and nutrient rich live foods such as infusorians, daphnids, copepods and tubifecids are needed urgently. In this regard, adequate research has been conducted to produce such live feeds through recycling of agriculture and animal wastes. By this venture, besides generation of additional income, environment is also kept clean. In order to popularise the technologies relating to production of live foods from wastes and generate employment opportunities, training programmes were conducted for 100 Self Help Group women belonging to Thoothukudi district. The topics of the training included, breeding of ornamental fishes by utilizing the building material wastes, production of live foods through recycling of agricultural and animal wastes. A study on feed back was conducted with 100 respondents represented from different villages. The variables such as socio economic status, economic motivation, usefulness of training and constraints were included in this study. The impact assessment of this training of rural women indicated that 79 percent respondents were in favour of using the training for self employment by utilizing different kinds of wastes. Similar training programmes have also been planned in other parts of Tamilnadu. Introduction Ornamental fish culture is one of the most appropriate sectors to provide opportunities of employment to uplift the status of rural women. To ensure women utilize their full potential in useful and profital activities like freshwater ornamental fish culture, it is necessary to provide training and support for rural women which will ultimately lead to empowerment. Self Help Group Women are being trained routinely in India on the production of live foods for ornamental fish culture through recycling of agricultural and animal wastes. In this regard, training programmes were organized for the Self Help Group Women on freshwater ornamental fish culture. Which is gaining much importance in India. Cheaper and nutrient rich live foods such as infusorians, daphnids, copepods and tubifecids are needed urgently. The techniques of live feed production through recycling of agricultural and animal wastes would not only generate additional income by would also keep the environment clean."

Jan 1, 2008

By Carlos A. Ferreira, Betina Hansen, Marco A. S. Rodrigues, Marcela P. Proença

"Nowadays, the concern with the reduction of industrial pollution has motivated researchers to found out new technologies for treatment of industrial waste. The clean technologies, as electrodialysis, are capable of treating these residues, minimizing the impacts when they are discarded directly on the environment. Membranes of SPS/HIPS, PAniCSA/SPS/HIPS, SPAN/SPS/HIPS were developed using chemical mixture method. Membranes were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). Membranes were submitted to electrical polarization and to electrodialysis at NaCl and KCl solutions, in order to determine ionic transport through the membranes. Results were compared with commercial membranes. The average percent extraction for Na+ ions obtained by membrane was beyond 20%.IntroductionThe high environmental impact caused by the galvanoplastic industries represents today a world concern(1). In the galvanoplasty, thin metallic layers are deposited on metallic surfaces(2) through chemical methods or electrochemical process. This industrial process presents some disadvantages that limit its utilization, as the generation of toxic effluents containing concentrations of heavy metals usually above the limits allowed for his release in receiving bodies(1), the production of galvanic sludge which is considered hazardous waste and that is very difficult to treat, beyond the high consumption of water (3).Stimulated by the development of new ion-exchanged membranes with high selectivity, lower electrical resistance, and improved thermal, chemical and mechanical properties, the use of electrodialysis in the wastewater treatment has recently gained a broader interest(5). The electrodialysis (ED) is a mass separation process in which electrically charged membranes and an electrical potential difference are used to separate ionic species from an aqueous solution(5). The technique permits the recovery and the reutilization of the waste products from the industrial process, avoiding the discharge of them on the environmental (acting as clean technology)."

Jan 1, 2008

By Wander. L. Vasconcelos, Virgínia. S. T. Ciminelli, Angela. M. F. Guimarães

"The present work was aimed at synthesizing nanostructured hybrid materials derived from the functionalization of smectite clays with ligands containing thiol (-SH) groups for application in cadmium adsorption processes. An in nature Brazilian bentonite was investigated. The modification route was based on the grafting reaction between hydroxyl groups present on clay surface and the hydrolyzable alkoxy group of the (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane in dry toluene under reflux. The present work showed that the proposed modification route was effective for the grafting of the thiol groups in the clay structure. The thiol-functionalized bentonite samples showed average binding capacities 160% higher with respect to Cd2+ to those obtained with the ungrafted material. These results support a mechanism of adsorption involving primarily ion complexation by the thiol groups (specific) instead of cation exchange (unspecific). The proposed modification processes are suggested for the preparation of novel adsorbent materials with controlled selectivity and specificity and therefore with good potential for separation and pre-concentration purposes.IntroductionMany efforts have recently been devoted to the design and preparation of inorganic-organic nanomaterials because of their potential application in novel functional materials. The intercalation of organic species within the spaces between interlayers of inorganic layered crystals provides nanostructures consisting of alternating layers of inorganic and organic compound. The intercalation reactions occur by insertion of mobile guest species (neutral, molecules, or ions) into the accessible crystallographic-defined vacant sites located between the layers (interlayer spacing) of the layered host structure [1}.Silane coupling agents, used widely for the modification of silica surfaces, have also been employed more recently for modification of layered silicates [2,3,4,5]. Modification with organosilane involves grafting reactions by establishing covalent bonds between the reactive groups of the layer, normally hydroxyl groups, and silane molecules. These reactions can be restricted to the external surface (the basal spacing remains unchanged) or to the interlayer surface, in which case an interlayer expansion occurs. The resulting material can be defined as a hybrid material or, more specifically, functionalized inorganic layered material [1]."

Jan 1, 2008

By Enrico Cerilli, Bryan Salt

Xstrata Nickel’s Sudbury Smelter has systematically developed its converting aisle from a single stage to a counter current multi stage converting process. This has required the development of two unique converters; the Slag Cleaning Vessel (SCV) and the Slag Make Converter (SMC). This has resulted in a unique three stage converting process that enables treatment of secondary materials and producing a slag that can be discharged without further treatment. The paper will also discuss future changes currently being considered to further improve environmental, plant hygiene and productivity performance.

Jan 1, 2009

By A. Bruynesteyn

It is well known that most North American gold deposits are of a hydrothermal origin and therefore they are often associated with sulphide minerals such as pyrite and arsenopyrite. When the precious metals in such ores are held captive inside sulphide crystals, the ores are called refractory because they do not respond to treatment by direct cyanidation. In these cases, it is necessary to recover the contained precious metals using high temperature treatments such as smelting or roasting, or high pressure leaching processes to break down the sulphide crystal matrices and thus liberate the precious metals for subsequent extraction by cyanidation. Sulphidic gold ores containing arsenic and/or antimony are considerably more difficult to treat because, in addition to their refractory nature, the arsenic and antimony content also prohibits treatment by direct cyanidation or amalgamation. These ores must be milled and their sulphidic gold values concentrated by flotation. The resultant concentrates must then be roasted to break down the sulphides before cyanide treatment can be applied.

Jan 1, 1985

By A. Robles

The main goal of the present work is to propose a viable alternative for selective arsenic elimination from copper smelter flue dust without the need of a global leaching scheme for all the individual components of the flue dust. Using this alternative, the inherent copper recovery problems are avoided. Arsenic precipitation is also considered for regenerating the solution and completing the process cycle. The experimental results for arsenic extraction and precipitation are satisfactory. Concentration of NaOH used was relatively low. The main reason for succeeding in high arsenic extraction and low NaOH consumption is due to the previous water washing of the flue dust. Water washing dissolves much of the iron and copper that are present in certain percentage as sulphate.

Jan 1, 1999

By Yong Hack Lee

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) dust is generated when scraps are treated in the electric arc furnace and usually classified as hazardous industrial waste in most countries. EAF dust usually contains 15 to 25% of zinc and 3% of lead. It is usually treated in rotary kiln (Waelz process) or landfilled after a solidification and stabilization treatment. Numerous methods have been proposed as the EAF dust treatment technology, but few of them are in operation as a commercial scale except the Waelz process. Korea Zinc performed a plant test in which 600 tons of EAF dust was treated using TSL (Top Submerged Lance) technology. The TSL technology is a low cost, proven technology for processing zinc-bearing residues. The EAF dust was first de-chlorinated and fed to the TSL furnace. Finally, clean slag satisfying toxicity criteria was generated and valuable metals such as zinc and lead were recovered as fume oxide. The fume oxide was de-halogenated by sodium carbonate and sent to zinc refinery to recover zinc and lead. The recovery of zinc and lead was 90% and 93%, respectively. Most of the dioxin in the EAF dust was discomposed so dioxin less than the Korean regulation limit was detected in the offgas, which proves that the TSL technology is the best solution to treat EAF dust.

Jan 1, 2006

By Alex Moyano

The Codelco-Chile is considering different processing options for the projected concentrate from the Alejandro Hales mine (former Mansa Mina mine with high arsenic and antimony content of 6% and 0.6%, respectively), that will produce complex blister copper with high impurities contents, higher than the present values produced at the converting process of the Codelco Norte smelter processing only Chuquicamata concentrates. In order to know both the anodic copper quality and the metallurgical implications when a complex blister copper is processed in the refining process of the CN smelter, the Codelco and IM2 ?task force? evaluated positively the refining process for the complex blister copper by addition of alkaline fluxes at laboratory and industrial scale tests. The promising results of the tests done at laboratory scale at the Tohoku University facilities, allowed a large scale test planning to validate the lab-scale results in 3 refining furnaces of 250 t capacity at the CN smelter. The obtained results demonstrate the industrial technical feasibility to process a complex blister copper in the refining furnaces producing an anodic copper quality suitable for the electrolytic process.

Jan 1, 2006

By Rzyman Michal, Nakamura Takashi, Shibata Etsuro, Grabda Mariusz, Oleszek-Kudlak Sylwia

"Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and many systems based on the synergistic effect of brominated organic compounds with Sb2O3 are extensively used as effective brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in many materials such as plastics and textiles. Thermal degradation of BFR containing plastics leads to the formation of hydrocarbons and gaseous compounds such as HBr and SbBr3. Our thermodynamic considerations indicate that these gases can act as bromination agents for metallic oxides such as ZnO, Cu2O, CuO, PbO and FeO. Moreover, these metallic oxides have the thermodynamic tendency to brominate easier than does Sb2O3. The aim of this study was to investigate experimentally the reactivity of ZnO with 1) HBr originating from the thermal decomposition of TBBPA and 2) SbBr3, which is formed during thermal degradation of brominated flame retardant plastics. The thermal treatments of the mixture of compounds of interest were investigated by thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry.IntroductionTetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and many systems based on the synergistic effect of brominated organic compounds with Sb2O3 are extensively used as effective brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in materials such as plastics and textiles. For instance, 4.5 million tons of flame retardant plastics containing BFRs are produced in Japan each year. Thus, in thermal treatments such as the incineration and melting of solid wastes, BFR containing plastics are intentionally or unintentionally included in the wastes. Thermal degradation of BFR-containing plastics leads to the formation of hydrocarbons and gaseous compounds such as HBr and SbBr3 [1-5]. Our thermodynamic considerations [6] indicate that heavy metal oxides such as ZnO, Cu2O, CuO, PbO and FeO should easily react with HBr prior to Sb2O3 and also with SbBr3, the main gaseous product in the thermal decomposition of TBBPA, forming low boiling point metallic bromides suitable for the volatile separation of heavy metals. The metal oxides are also expected to qualitatively and quantitatively affect debromination and decomposition of the flame retardant."

Jan 1, 2008

By E. Munnik

The Chambishi Metals Cobalt Plant in Zambia has recently installed a novel oxidation/precipitation pressure leach process as part of the COSAC (Cobalt from Slag and Copper as by-product) Project. An iron-cobalt-copper alloy, produced by the carbothermic reduction of slag, is atomized and pumped to the COSAC Leach Plant, where cobalt and copper are recovered as dissolved sulphate salts, and iron is rejected primarily as hematite. Cobalt and copper are subsequently recovered as cathode metal in the existing Chambishi operation by conventional electrowinning. This paper examines the challenges faced during the design and subsequent successful commissioning of the COSAC Leach Plant.

Jan 1, 2003

By V. A. Bryukvin

A hydroelectrochemical technology has been proposed and experimentally proven for processing metallic gold- and silver-containing concentrates on the basis of copper and copper alloys obtained as a result of preliminary physico-mechanical upgrading of electronic scrap. The proposed technology is based on hydroelectrochemical leaching of scrap using reversible electric current and diluted nitric acid solutions, containing complexing agents, permitting complete separation of gold from the nonferrous matrix without involving gold in the process, and dissolving copper, zinc, lead and tin virtually without any emission of nitrose gases.

Jan 1, 2006