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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 Saskia Duyvesteyn

Ion flotation is a technique applicable to the removal of metal ions from dilute solutions, using ionic surfactants.- While there are a number of physical and chemical parameters that influence the ion flotation process, this paper focuses on two of the important chemical ones, namely frother concentration and ionic strength. The effect of several frothers, including ethanol, iso-propanol and MIBC at concentrations ranging from 0% to 0.4%, was studied for the model Cd-dodecylsulfate and Cu-dodecylsulfate systems. The ionic strength, as well as the effect of monovalent and multivalent counter ions, was also studied in the range of 1@3 - 1 M, at constant pH. The results are discussed in terms of applicability to a range of effluents from minerals and materials processing operations.

Jan 1, 1994

By James P. Bennett, Jinichiro Nakano, Anna Nakano, Hani Abu El Hawa

Carbon feedstocks used in power, chemical and metallurgical industries typically contain numerous minerals or impurities that liquefy during high temperature processing to form slag as a byproduct. Slags have many industrial applications, for example, as construction materials and for element recovery. In addition to other variables, the extent of slag utilization is dependent on its com- position and post treatments. In this work, the in fluence of temperature and phos- phorus additions on phase evolution in coal slag was investigated. Synthetic slag mixtures with varying AlPO4 contents (0–14 wt%) were heated from 1380–1470 ° C in air, then water-quenched to preserve the phases formed. SEM/EDS, XRF and XRD analyses were performed before/after testing to gain insight about slag chemistry and phases present. It was found that coal slag exhibited a large solubility of phosphorous, affecting morphology of mullite formed under the conditions studied. Results obtained and their significance are discussed.

Mar 1, 2017

By S. J. Gerdemann

The U.S. Bureau of Mines is studying the kinetics of wet oxidation of sphalerite concen- trate (ZnS) as a possible process for a gravity-pressurized reactor (GPR). At tempera- tures in excess of 200' C, a sphalerite water slurry will react with 0, to form zinc sul- fate (ZnSO,). However, the pressure required to keep the water from boiling at these temperatures has kept this reaction from becoming a viable continuous process. The GPR can easily obtain the high pressures required for this reaction. The reaction rate is complicated by the solubility of 0, in water and the further oxidation of ZnSO, to insoluble zinc oxysulfate (Zn4(OH),S04.4H20). The effects of pressure, temperature, and particle size on the rate of reaction were investigated. Reaction rate was found to be limited by the amount of oxygen in solution. However, at 250" C and 1500 psia, over 90 pct of the zinc was solubilized in less than an hour. The conditions for maxi- mizing the Zn++ in solution, while minimizing oxysulfate formation, are discussed.

Jan 1, 1993

By Zhihe Dou, Jiang Liu, Ting-an ZHANG, Yukun Huang

The paper aimed to propose that mixed rare earth concentrate was decomposed by pressurized calcification where mechanical milling was applied simultaneously (also known as mechanochemical calcification). The bastnaesite and monazite were both decomposed by OH−, where released rare earth formed RE (OH)3, released fluorine and phosphorus formed CaF2 and Ca2P2O7. Then, the calcified slag was leached by diluted hydrochloric acid to extract rare earth and both recover fluorine and phosphorus. The phase transformation regularity, the behavioral trends of rare earth, fluorine and phosphorus were investigated. Results showed under the optimal conditions of ball to material weight 80:1, the calcification temperature 250 °C, the liquid-solid ratio 5:1, the leaching yield of rare earth reached to 92.16%, Ce was 86.47%, La was 97.58%, Nd was 99.99% and the mass fraction of F, P entering into calcified liquor were 8.27, 0.21% respectively. The micromorphology of the mineral has a transition from dense to fluffy, and then became dense again.

Mar 1, 2018

By James Bennett, Jinichiro Nakano, Anna Nakano

Previous empirical research demonstrated that by mixing gasification and metallurgical slags at a specific composition in a CO2 enriched environment, enough exothermic heat would be generated to transform CO2 to CO. The process capacity may be limited by the availability of the slags, however, it could be used to supplement existing energy or chemical production to reduce overall carbon emission. In this study, computational simulations were performed to explore optimal process conditions based on effects of individual slag constituents and thermal input for maximal gas conversion rate, heat production, and volume increase. In simulated conversions of CO2 to CO and H2O to H 2, comparisons were made by varying CaO, FeO, versus V2O3 slag constituents. The result indicated the optimal slag composition may be obtained by appropriate source selection and mixing of gasification and metallurgical slags in order to maximize carbon reduction and/or H2 production.

Mar 1, 2017

By Na Wang, Chao Du, Yao Zhang Shuqiang Jiao, Hongmin Zhu

"Na2NbAlO5 was synthesized using Nb2O5 and NaAlO2 as raw materials in molten NaCl-CaCl2 by a solid reaction. With an addition of sodium into the melts, Na2NbAlO5 was subsequently reduced to form NbAl3 intermetallic compound with a particle size of 50-300nm.IntroductionThe intermetallic compounds of niobium aluminides have been a subject of research interests as high temperature materials because of their properties such as high melting temperature, large specific strength at elevated temperature, good resistance to high temperature oxidation, low density and large ductility [1,2]. They are applicable for turbine blades in aircraft engines and stationary gas turbines [3,4].In recent years, the methods of powder synthesis have been widely discussed. There are many methods to synthesis intermetallic compounds such as conventional melting and solidification [5], powder metallurgy [6,7], reaction sintering [8] and reaction sintering with prior mechanical activation [9,10]. There is a prominent weakness in such methods that they use metal to produce intermetallic compounds by the means of diffusion reaction. Although the metal can diffusion sufficiently, it is still hard to avoid maldistribution of the constituents which impairs the properties of the materials."

Jan 1, 2012

By K. Fagerlund

In this work, the rate of dissolution, melting behaviour and phase separation of silica flux with molten slag and matte were investigated. Mutual dissolution between high-grade matte and silica was chemically determined. Silica dissolution rates ,in various iron silicate slags was determined using the rotating rod method. The reaction and separation phenomena of slightly oxidised chalcopyrite samples and cuprous sulphide-magnetite mixtures with silica sand were examined all about 1350°C. The samples were water quenched, and polished specimens were studied and analysed using a light optical microscope ,and a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer. The silica dissolution rate in slag was found to increase with decreasing silica content and increasing ferric iron content. The reaction rate of silica sand' with matte was found to increase with increasing oxidation degree and magnetite content of matte:

Jan 1, 1998

By Godwin M. Beene

Large scale mining operations started in Zambia in 1913 and rapidly expanded during the post 1930 period with the opening of several mining and processing plants on the present Zambian Copperbelt. As a consequence of poor tailings dumps design methods at the start of the mines, and in view of stringent Government Legislation pertaining to environment in the recent years, Nkana Mine has developed a unique method of dump construction at its current tailings depository, Tailings Dam 15A. This method has enabled the revegetation of the dump retaining walls while construction is still in progress, a situation which was not possible on the older dumps. Cowdung has proved to be a superior fertilizer for providing plant nutrients on the tailings. The new method of dump walls construction and walls rainwater runoff drainage system has almost eliminated tendency of gully formation which is common on older dumps, as rainfall on the Zambian Copperbelt comes in intense thunderstorms. The decanted water from the dump is discharged to the natural environment in a controlled fashion after ensuring that it meets the Zambian Government Statutory requirements.

Jan 1, 1999

By J. Huisman

With the introduction of ever-stricter environmental operating guidelines, capital expenditure restrictions and operational budget cutbacks, the biological method of SO2 removal becomes more and more attractive. Biological treatment of dilute flue gases is a more cost effective technology in comparison to conventional sodium hydroxide scrubbing. Although the investment costs for sodium hydroxide scrubbing is lower, the operational costs are significantly higher. In addition, the end product of the biological installation is sulfur instead of sodium sulfate; and no further wastewater treatment of the bleed from the biological installation is required since heavy metals are removed simultaneously. Another option for the treatment of SO2 containing gas at a sulfuric acid plant is the production of extra sulfuric acid of the discharged SO2 by applying an additional converter. Comparing biological treatment with this option shows much lower investment costs for the biological installation. Sulfur is produced which can be converted to sulfuric acid, so the bio-route will be more cost-effective than an additional converter. In principle, the biotechnological gas cleaning system is an integration of an absorber with a wastewater treatment facility. In the absorber, the SO2 containing gas is brought into contact with the washing water. The effluent absorber liquid contains a mixture of sulfite and sulfate that is converted into elemental sulfur. This conversion takes place in an integrated system; first, the sulfite/sulfate mixture is converted anaerobically into sulfide; secondly, the sulfide is converted aerobically into elemental sulfur. Subsequently the sulfur is separated and the water is returned to the absorber. Due to the buffer capacity of the washing water, removal efficiencies over 98% are possible. In addition to SO2 removal, it is possible to convert for example other bleeds streams such as scrubber acid or weak acid to sulfur in the same SO2 installation. Recent evaluations concluded that biological desulphurization of flue gases is not only economically attractive in comparison to convention sodium hydroxide scrubbing but also in comparison to gypsum producing systems and even seawater scrubbers. This paper describes the technological and economical viability of biological flue gas desulphurization.

Jan 1, 2005

By Nagy El-Kaddah, Thinium T. Natarajan

A modeling strategy is presented for computing the electromagnetic field and the shape of the molten metal in electromagnetic confinement systems. This strategy involves the use of a hybrid finite element/integral technique to calculate the electromagnetic field and force distribution in the melt. The free surface shape is determined from minimization of electromagnetic, gravitational and surface tension energies using the Lagrange method of multipliers. This approach was applied to model the electromagnetic levitation melting process. The model was found to accurately predict the measured shape of levitated droplets.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. P. Ibáñez

The uptake of copper from extremely dilute aqueous solutions by alginate in the form of protonated dry alginate beads was investigated. Barium was used to cross link the alginate forming the beads. The effect of various experimental parameters such as pH and metal ions concentration on the uptake of copper were studied. The uptake was strongly dependent on the Cu-bearing solution pH up to a value of 4.5. A removal of 100% o was achieved when the initial concentration of copper was as low as 8.0 mg/L. The maximum uptake, i, e., the loading capacity, was found to be 167 mg of copper per g of beads. The mechanism governing the removal of copper was found to be ion exchange between protons of the alginate beads and cupric ions of the solution. For this ion exchange process a molar ratio, d[H+]/d[Cu2+], of 2.0 was determined. EPMA-EDX analysis of the Cu-loaded beads showed a uniform distribution of the ions throughout the structure of the alginate, regardless the solution pH. This may suggest that this sorbent material is a porous ion exchanger having high permeability and capacity. The uptake of copper and of the heavy metals cadmium and zinc by this sorbent is compared.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. Brian Maple

A rich variety of phenomena are produced by superconducting-magnetic interactions in rare earth and actinide compounds. These phenomena, and the materials in. which they have been observed, are described in this talk, with an emphasis on the new high superconducting transition temperature (Tc) copper oxides. The Materials The-materials in which these phenomena occur can' be divided into two classes. In the first group, there are two distinct interpenetrating systems of electrons, a set of localized 4f or 5f electrons and a set of itinerant electrons. The localized f electrons carry magnetic moments and interact with the spins and momenta of the the itinerant electrons, which are involved in the superconductivity, via exchange and electromagnetic interactions; respectively. This category includes materials containing rare earth (R) and actinide elements with partially-filled f electron shells which have been inroduced as substitutional impurities [e.g., La1-xCexA12, Th1-xUx] or form a sublattice in compounds [e.g., RRh4B4, RMo6S8, RMo6Se8, the high Tc. superconductors RBa2Cu3O7-d(d - 0.05)]. Materials of the second type are characterized by a single band of electrons that is responsible for both superconductivity and magnetic order. This group includes heavy electron rare earth and actinide compounds [e.g., CeCu2Si2, UBe13, UPt3, URu2Si2], and the high Tc copper oxide superconductors such as the hole-doped systems Lag- MxCuO4 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Na) and RBa2Cu3O7-d(0 =d= 1) and the electron-dope system Ln2-xMxCuO4-y (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu; M = Ce, Th; x = 0.15; y - 0.02).

Jan 1, 1992

By Mohammed A. Tayeb, Narottam Behera, Raja Mathu

With the struggling steel market nowadays, steel producers are under intense pressure to reduce their operational cost. Therefore optimization in the melt shops becomes not only preferable, but mandatory. A continuous dynamic process model for scrap-DRI EAF process was developed. The model was then used to propose a new carbon profile, implemented successfully to decrease (%FeO) in the slag and improve the yield. While this work is continued at HADEED, this article reviews the basics of the model and presents a summary of the preliminary plant findings.

Mar 1, 2017

By Gus Van Weert

This paper describes the results of autoclave testwork where ferric nitrate was hydrolysed in the presence of certain cations and anions and the resulting hematite analyzed for foreign constituents. For the cations Zn++, Ni++, Cu++, and AI+++, selectivity factors of over 107 were found. Magnesium gave 3.106. These factors are calculated as Me/Fe in solution over Me/Fe in the hematite; Me representing the metal in ion added. As-a result of the testwork at Delft University of Technology, BUDELCO (the Netherlands electrolytic zinc producer) ran a series of ferric nitrate hydrolysis tests in the presence of 10 additional trace elements. Impurity levels were prejudiced on Me2 EPHA extraction of iron from their zinc circuit, followed by HNO3 stripping. Good selectivity against base metals was confirmed, but trace elements forming anions (As. Sb) and sulphate were incorporated in the hematite. These BUDELCO results are also presented.

Jan 1, 1995

By L. B. Tsymbulov

Sulphide melts formed in the course of smelting of nickel and copper-nickel feed (matte) actually are sulphide-metallic melts since sulphur contained in the melts is in deficiency with respect to metals. The level of metallization is rather relevant feature of sulphide melts and is widely used in calculating material and heat balances for pyrometallurgical processes. Despite of the above parameter? importance, the investigators have no single opinion on what should be understood under metallization level and the method of its determination. In the present study we present the results of our own experimental and theoretical researches that have allowed determination of some mechanisms of sulphide melts? crystallization. Based on the mechanisms revealed new scientifically justified approach has been offered for determining level of metallization of the components present in sulphide melts. It has been demonstrated that sulphur distribution between the melts is substantially different from generally accepted concept.

Jan 1, 2006

By Maria D. Salazar-Villalpando, Anthony Cugini, Bryan Reyes

"The electrochemical reduction of CO2 was performed in a laboratory-made, divided Htype cell. A copper electrode was used as the cathode. An Aldrich Nafion 117-type ion exchange membrane (0.18mm thickness) was used as the diaphragm. NaHCO3 and KHCO3 were studied as the catholytes. Hydrogen evolution from water reduction and products from CO2 electrochemical conversion were recorded. Higher CO2 reduction enhancement was observed by KHCO3 as compared to NaHCO3. The main conclusion of this work is that in fact CO2 can be electrochemically reduced with copper electrodes.1.-INTRODUCTIONThe direct electrochemical reduction of CO2 may allow for a simple process and, by avoiding high temperature reactors, would enable the process production rate to be quickly varied to follow the time of day availability of surplus electricity [1]. Temperature has a major effect on the electrochemical conversion of CO2 since its solubility increases when temperature decreases [2]. The electrical potential applied to the electrochemical reacting system will have an influence on the product distribution, as well. For example, a narrow potential range during cyclo-voltagraphic studies will determine the detection of a lower number of products. A recommended potential range to study the electrochemical reduction of CO2 is -2V to 2V. Moreover, the reaction rate on the electrode is governed by various processes, such as the kinetics of electron transfer, adsorption/desorption at the electrode surface, and diffusion of CO2 to the Cu electrode. The availability of active species, CO2 for electro-reduction, is extremely low at the vicinity of the electrode surface and it seriously interferes with the rate of mass transfer. In batch type electrolytic reactors, depletion of CO2 at the surface takes place first. CO2 from the bulk then has to diffuse to the electrode surface, resulting in mass transfer controlled kinetic phenomena. During the above process, several other competitive side reactions could suppress the primary reaction even though the cathode has good electro catalytic properties for reduction of carbon dioxide. When the dynamic supply of specific active species is ensured to electrode surface, the mass transfer effects are minimized to certain extent. Hence it is envisaged that a continuous flow reactor is more efficient for the electro-reduction of CO2 in CO2 saturated aqueous electrolytes. The primary reactions that occur at the copper electrode during the reduction of CO2 are listed below (with the standard potentials calculated using formation energies [1] :"

Jan 1, 2010

By Chu Yong Cheng

Synergists can be used in solvent extraction to improve the selectivity of extractants for metals. Research work carried out by the SX group at the AJ Parker Cooperative Research Centre for Hydrometallurgy / CSIRO Minerals has shown that the pH isotherm of nickel with Versatic 10 was significantly lowered by the addition of the synergist Acorga CLX50. The paper discusses how this synergistic shift can be used to alleviate a gypsum formation problem at Bulong nickel laterite operation in Western Australia. Metal pH isotherms were obtained with Versatic 10 and synergist CLX50 using synthetic leach solutions. In terms of pH50, the extraction order of the metals with 0.5 M Versatic 10 alone was Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Mn > Ca > Mg, whilst the extraction order with Versatic 10 and 20% by volume CLX50 was Cu > Ni Zn > Co > Mn > Ca > Mg with the pH50 (Mn-Co) significantlyincreased. This is significant because the isotherms of valuable metals Ni, Cu, Co and Zn shift more towards low pH than those of the waste metals Mn, Mg and Ca, resulting in a possible good separation of Ni, Cu, Co and Zn from Mn, Mg and Ca. The use of intermediate precipitation, solids/liquid separation and re-leach in the three Western Australian nickel plants make these processes complicated and costly in capital and operation. The research work carried by the SX groupat the AJ Parker Centre has led to the development of direct SX (DSX) processes to recover nickel and cobalt from leach solutions using synergistic organic systems. Semi-continuous tests with a BHP Billiton pilot plant leach solution showed that Ni and Co together with Zn and Cu were separated from the major impurities, Mn, Mg, Ca, and Cl, in the first SX circuit. The co-extracted impurities were easily scrubbed. After stripping, Ni and Co together with Zn and Cu were concentrated, resulting in a much smaller second SX circuit in the down stream processes.

Jan 1, 2003

By Mikiya Tanaka, Hirokazu Narita, Takeshi Ogata

There is an increasing attention to recover dilute rare earth elements (REEs) from acidic solutions in order to meet their demands and stabilize their supply chain. Adsorption is suitable for recovering target metal ions when their concentrations are low. Many adsorbents for REEs have been studied; nevertheless, there are no adsorbents in practical use. We have developed adsorbents consisting of silica gel particles modified with diglycolamic acid groups. The adsorbent has the ability to selectively adsorb RE ions from solutions containing high concentrations of base metal ions in a low pH region, and the adsorption capacities of the adsorbent for the heavy REEs were higher than those for the light ones. Moreover, this adsorbent meets the requirements for a practical adsorbent, such as high durability, easy desorption, and high adsorption rate. We therefore conclude that the adsorbent can contribute the production of heavy REEs from underutilized resources.

Mar 1, 2017

By Anxiang Wang, Kunhua Wu, Yifu Li, Junjie Xu, Yongnian Dai, Bin Yang, Lingxin Kong

In this study, the saturated vapor pressures of tin (Sn) and antimony (Sb), the separation coefficient and the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium of Sn-Sb alloy were theoretically analyzed, which demonstrate that it is possible to separate Sn and Sb by vacuum distillation. The process parameters of vacuum distillation, including the distillation temperature, distillation time and alloy mass (thickness of raw materials) on the direct yield of Sn and the content of Sn in liquid phase were investigated by using single factor experiments. The preliminary results show that the direct yield and the content of Sn are 98.77 wt.% and 96.01% with the optimized distillation conditions of a distillation temperature of 1473 K, a distillation t ime for 45 min and a Sn-Sb alloy mass of 125 g ( thickness o f 8 mm). The distillation parameters in the study provide effective and convenient conditions on separation of Sn-Sb alloy.

Jan 1, 2016