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By Yuzhe Zhang, Matthew Andriese, Jiann-Yang Hwang, Guanghui Li, Zhiwei Peng, Tao Jiang

The microwave power absorption characteristics of iron oxides, including Fe2O3, Fe3O4 and Fe0.925O, have been studied by determining dielectric loss and magnetic loss distributions in 0.05-m-thick oxide slabs irradiated with 1.2-kW, 2.45-GHz microwaves. The results reveal that the dielectric loss is the main factor contributing to microwave absorption in Fe2O3 and Fe0.925O, while the magnetic loss dominates the power absorption in Fe3O4 below its Curie point. Uneven power distributions are observed in the slabs and this phenomenon becomes even worse at high temperatures at which the permittivity increases significantly. Quantification of power absorption in the oxides is of great importance for efficient and uniform microwave heating

Jan 1, 2015

By Hong-ying Xia, Bao-bao Wang, Jin-hui Peng, Bing-guo Liu, Li-bo Zhang, Zhi-qiang Li

Based on optimization using response surface methodology designed by Box- Behnken, to study the interaction of wet industrial salt with moisture drying temperature (50-90 ); duration (10-50s); and the weight of the materials (20-60g). The results show that: the experimental parameter conforms to the quadratic equation model to influence the moisture content and the dehydration speed., in analyzing the significance and the interaction of various factors, the optimum by the Design Expert software conditions for drying with microwave radiation include temperature of 90 , duration of 10s, and sample mass of 26g. Verified by experiment, the moisture content after drying is less than 0.25% and the dehydration rate reached 1.37g/min, between the predicted value and the actual value confirmed good fitting degree.

Jan 1, 2015

By Tianming Sun, Gabriella Tranell, Ragnhild E. Aune, Mark William Kennedy

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are critical for the production of many advanced materials and products. Mining and primary production of REEs are generally associated with significant environmental impacts. By recovery of REEs from secondary sources, through recycling or as a byproduct, the adverse environmental impacts may be partly avoided. In the present study apatite concentrate originating from iron ore beneficiation done by LKAB in Kiruna, Sweden, is explored as a possible source for REEs. The composition and distribution of the REEs within the concentrates are studied using ICP-MS, XRD and SEM-EDS/EPMA, as well as the melting point and heat of fusion using DTA-TGA-MS. The behavior of the material during melting has also been studied through wetting and slag saturation experiments. The overall aim of the study is to evaluate the implications for future smelting experiments aimed at concentration and recovery of the REEs.

Jan 1, 2015

By ZHANG Ting

In view of the high consumption and contamination of traditional vanadium extraction technology, a new process of leaching the converter vanadium slag without roasting with titanium dioxide waste was proposed. Extraction mechanism of P204 in the leaching solution had been researched and single factor experiments show that after a prereduction of Fe, and under conditions: ambient temperature，leaching solution original pH=2.5, phase ratio (A/O)=1:3, shaking time 8min, the extraction rate of V is more than 98.62% meanwhile the separation rate between V and Fe is up to 135.3 in the 20%P204-10%TBP-Sulfonated kerosene extraction system.

Jan 1, 2015

By Jose Carlos D’Abreu, Edelink Efrain Tinoco Falero, Mauricio Marcos Otaviano, Helio Marques Kohler

Nowadays the most important Direct Reduction - DR processes in shaft furnaces has to deal with carbon fines precipitation and DRI carburization issues. Based in a cooperative research program joining Catholic University (PUC-Rio) and SAMARCO Mining Co, a project dealing with pellets reduction and those two phenomena was established. This work analyzes kinetically the three reactions mentioned before, considering typical values for the operational variables temperature, flowrate, pressure and gas composition, parameters commonly used to control the DRI formation in the Reduction Zone - RZ of the shaft furnaces. From laboratories experimental results, the kinetic equations for those reactions were established and, using the superposition principle, generated a specific global kinetic model for the iron oxide reduction and the soot formation. Finally, using those experimental results and applying a planned statistical factorial analysis for the experiments, the numerical coefficients for each equation were calculated and the correlation factor determined for the proposed global kinetic equation.

Jan 1, 2015

By Ruiling DU, Jiazhi Zhang, Yong Zhao, Keng Wu

Reaction kinetics of metallurgical physical chemistry which was successfully applied in metallurgy (as ferrous metallurgy, non-ferrous metallurgy) became an important theoretical foundation for subject system of traditional metallurgy. Not only the research methods were very perfect, but also the independent structures and systems of it had been formed. One of the important tasks of metallurgical reaction engineering was the simulation of metallurgical process. And then, the mechanism of reaction process and the conversion time points of different control links should be obtained accurately. Therefore, the research methods and results of reaction kinetics in metallurgical physical chemistry were not very suitable for metallurgical reaction engineering. In order to provide the definite conditions of transmission, reaction kinetics parameters and the conversion time points of different control links for solving the transmission and reaction equations in metallurgical reaction engineering, a new method for researching kinetics mechanisms in metallurgical reaction engineering was proposed ,which was named stepwise attempt method. Then the comparison of results between the two methods and the further development of stepwise attempt method were discussed in this paper. As a new research method for reaction kinetics in metallurgical reaction engineering, stepwise attempt method could not only satisfy the development of metallurgical reaction engineering, but also provide necessary guarantees for establishing its independent subject system.

Jan 1, 2015

By Bingliang Gao, Junli Xu, Michal Korenko, Jinzhao Guan, Liangxing Li, Zhongning Shi, Zhaowen Wang, Aimin Liu

Al-Si alloy, a precursor of solar grade silicon, was prepared by direct electrolysis in cryolite molten salt at 950 oC using high purity silica as material, liquid aluminum as the cathode and high purity graphite as the anode. The electrochemical behavior of Si(IV) ion was investigated using cyclic voltammetry method. The electrolysis products were characterized by XRD, SEM/EDS and ICP. The results indicate that the reduction process of Si(IV) on tungsten electrode is a two-step process and there is about 0.6 V gap between the two steps. The contents of boron and phosphorus in the aluminum-silicon alloy are 3 ppmw and 8 ppmw, which will make the directional solidification purification effectively and reduce the cost of preparation solar grade silicon from metallurgical grade silicon.

Jan 1, 2015

By QIE Jun-mao, DONG Fang, DENG Hao-hua

The DIL402C thermal dilatometer and STA449C thermal analyzer were employed to test the linear expansion and contraction coefficient，CP and DSC curve of 304 stainless steel. The result showed that the linear expansion coefficient range was 20.9700×10-6～21.5712×10-6 and the linear contraction coefficient range was 21.2528×10-6～21.9471×10-6.The linear expansion and contraction coefficient were higher than other steel grade，so the 304 stainless steel belonged to the crack sensitive steel. Because of the crystal phase transformation occurred during the 1000~1400 ℃,the curve of CP fluctuated obviously and the defects of casting blank occurred easily. Chosen 1414℃ as the liquidus temperature of 304 stainless steel based on the analysis results of DSC. The curve of DSC was unsmooth during 1450～1100℃，the crystal phase transformation occurs and thermal stability of slab was inferior.When the initial solidified shell formed in this temperature range,the thickness of the shell would be nonuniform and the surface defects occurred more easily.

Jan 1, 2015

By Yi Tan, Kazuki Morita, Yaqiong Li

Molten Si-Al alloy, with the addition of Sn, was used for metallurgical grade Si purification by a low-temperature solidification method, with the aim of improving the recovery rate of Si. In this ternary melt, bulk Si was grown with a planar front by a directional solidification process under a well-controlled thermal gradient and growth rate conditions, thereby reducing the contamination of solvent metals. Effects of cooling rate, amount of Sn addition, and temperature gradient on the quality of bulk Si were determined. The criterion for constitutional supercooling for single-phase growth from multicomponent melts was employed to evaluate the growth process.

Jan 1, 2015

By Huimin Lu, Liyuan Zhao, Zhijiang Gao

The aluminum matrix composite reinforced by graphene was successfully fabricated using high pressure torsion (HPT). With only 0.5wt% graphene, the grain size was reduced to 100nm while that of pure Al was about 500nm. The hardness of the composite increased from the center (64HV) to the edge (120HV) of the sample. Moreover, the tensile strength of this composite reached 197MPa, while that of pure Al was 157MPa. The enhancement in mechanical properties was induced by grain refinement, load transfer from the matrix to the reinforcement and dislocations piled up at the grain boundaries.

Jan 1, 2015

By Larry Twidwell, Ed Rosenberg, Courtney Young, Sean Dudley, William Gleason, Maureen Chorney

Experimental and industrially produced polystyrene and silica resins are tested for recovery capabilities of Rare Earth Elements (REE). Testing regimes being used are typical of resin analysis. Inductively Coupled Plasma-AES results indicate that preferential separation and recovery is possible in the adjusted pH range of2 to 10, solution conditions, and resin type. Testing conditions are resulting in structure modification of the composite resin as indicated by X-Ray Diffraction, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Mercury Porisometry, and density analysis. Resin modification indicates both surface and internal structure alteration outside of reported standard behavior of resins. Structural changes have ramification for both Rare Earth Recovery RER and traditional resin operations. Analysis shows that the resin uptake of REE can be manipulated for concentration. Further analysis with SEM work indicates that widespread surface and interior modification is taking place as resins load with REE. This modification is leading to pore rupture and particle breakage. Further investigation is being performed to determine the mode of breakage.

Jan 1, 2015

By Antoine Allanore, Guillaume Lambotte, Bradley R. Nakanishi

Current industrial methods used for rare earth element (REE) extraction involve: 1) ore enrichment, 2) separation of rare earth oxides (REOs), 3) chlorination or hydrofluorination, and 4) individual electrowinning of REEs from a molten halide electrolyte. The complexity of REE extraction is inherited from their electronic configuration. Recently, molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) has been used to produce reactive metals directly from their oxides, e.g. titanium. As a single-step alternative to processes 3) and 4), or laboratory has investigated rare earth extraction by MOE. A key challenge is to find a molten electrolyte more stable than REOs. One possibility is to use binaries of REOs directly as a solvent. We have, therefore, developed two experimental approaches for studying molten REOs at temperatures exceeding 2200oC. The present work reports the most recent experimental results obtained with La2O3-Y2O3. Those promising results demonstrate potential for operating with molten REOs and refine the underlying materials challenge for electrodes to enable metal recovery.

Jan 1, 2015

By Min Chen, Lei Xu, Weijun Huang, Shuai Zhang

For the purpose of extending the service life of MgO-C bricks used as linings of vanadium-extraction converters, the effect of Fe addition on properties of MgO-C bricks was investigated. The results showed the addition of Fe could effectively improve the sinterability of the oxidized layer of the MgO-C refractory at 1400°C due to the effect of FeO (formed by oxidation of Fe) on formation of MgO-FeOss and modification of the microstructure, and excellent corrosion resistance against vanadium containing slag was also obtained due to the increase of compactness of the oxidized layer and concentration of FeO in the oxidized layer. Consequently, it is considered that MgO-C brick by introducing the new phase of Fe is a favorable substitute of MgO-C refractory to be used as linings of vanadium-extraction converters.

Jan 1, 2015

By Lei Zhang, Shining Chen, Lina Wang, Pu Liu, Benquan Fu, Jiannyang Hwang

A PFS(polymeric ferric sulfate) coagulation-photocatalytic oxidation technology was used for advanced treatment of coking wastewater from secondary biological treatment. Effects of some key factors on TOC removal rate were investigated, and the results were compared with those of the common photocatalytic oxidation technology under the operating parameters of the photocatalytic oxidation defined. Single factor experimental results showed that TOC removal rate could reach 81%, when optimal operating conditions were as follows: TiO2 loading: 4.0g/L, irradiation time: 4h, initial pH is 5.1and PFS dosage:700mg/L. PFS coagulation and photocatalytic oxidation have synergistic effect, which is meaningful for highly efficient treatment of coking wastewater

Jan 1, 2015

By Junli Xu, Xianwei Hu, Kaiyu Xie, Liangxing Li, Zhongning Shi, Zhaowen Wang, Bingliang Gao, Aimin Liu

Al-Ti master alloys were prepared by aluminothermic reduction between the dissolved titanium dioxide and aluminum in cryolite melts at 960oC. The kinetic analysis by differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the apparent activation energy of the reaction of reducing titanium dioxide by aluminium is 22.3 kJ/mol, and the reaction order is 0.5. The products were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer. Results from X-ray diffraction showed that the phase compositions of produced alloys are Al and Al3Ti. In addition, Al-Ti master alloys containing 2-6 mass% Ti were formed at different reduction time of 2-5h in aluminothermic reduction experiment.

Jan 1, 2015

By Cheng Fang, Zhou Lie-xing, Peng Jin-hui, Guo Sheng-hui

This article discusses the behavior of temperature and microwave thermo gravimetric analysis characteristic of ammonium paratungstate in a microwave field. Experimental results show that when 12g of material is place in a microwave with 900W of power, paratungstate’s temperature rises at 70°C/min. This results in paratungstate’s temperature being 980°C after 14 minutes. Compared with thermo gravimetric analysis characteristic, former two-step process of paratungstate microwave calcined completed ahead of schedule, after two-step process reaction is more intense,Paratungstate warming is more rapidly, the reaction time is much shorter; According to XRD and SEM, the product is high purity, the crystal particle size is uniform, and the grain size is fine.

Jan 1, 2015

By Baozhong Ma, Qian Li, Yonggang Wei, Shiwei Zhou, Bo Li, Chengyan Wang, Hua Wang

The magnesium-rich nickel oxide ore (w (Ni) =1.09 %, w (MgO)=29.08 %) mixed with 6 % and 8 % anthracite were roasted at different temperatures. XRD and SEM/EDS techniques were utilized to characterize the phase and microstructure transformation of the ores. The results show that lizardite and chrysotile of raw ore were converted into forsterite and enstatite during reduction roasting process. Simultaneously, iron and nickel oxide were reduced and migrated from the initial magnesium silicate. Fe3Si were formed when the roasting temperature went up to 1300 ℃ and 1350 ℃, and a small amount of Ni was observed in it. Temperatures got too high were not benefit to the polymerization of ferronickel.

Jan 1, 2015

By Kexin Jiao, Zhijia Zhang, Jianliang Zhang, Zhengjian Liu

Carburization behavior of molten iron in blast furnace is an essential part of BF long campaign technology. Maintaining carbon content stable is an important prerequisite to ensure the high production of the blast furnace. In this paper, the important aspects of the research progress which mainly including the study of iron carburization at the upper and the lower parts of the blast furnace was reviewed. Indirect carburizing is the main way at the top of the blast furnace. The content of carbon in metallic iron increases with the reducibility of iron ore improved. The thermodynamics and kinetics conditions are good for carburization reaction to take place at the bottom of the blast furnace. Carbon content of molten iron increased by coke carburizing. Meanwhile, the drawbacks of the existing literature on iron carburization behavior were analyzed and new research directions of iron carburization were proposed in the future.

Jan 1, 2015

By Xuemei Zheng, Aiyuan Ma, Yonggang Zuo, Jinhui Peng, Shiwei Li, Libo Zhang

The effect of moisture content on the dielectric properties and microwave drying behavior of zirconium hydroxide was studied by using an open-ended sensor dielectric measurement system at the frequency of 2.45 GHz. The experimental results showed that moisture content can significantly influence the variation of dielectric properties. Dielectric constant, loss factor and loss tangent all increase with the increasing moisture content. Compared with the conventional drying method, the microwave-assisted drying method resulted in a substantial decrease (81.8%) in the drying time, and the drying effect was better at the lower power level of 600 W. This study offers the useful information on dielectric properties of zirconium hydroxide, which can be used for developing microwave drying applications in mineral processing and designing better microwave sensors for measuring zirconium hydroxide moisture content.

Jan 1, 2015

By Jong Hyeon Lee, Go-Gi Lee, Chang-Kyu Lee, Hong Youl Ryu, Sung-Koo Jo

This study deals with research on the reduction process of neodymium oxide by molten salt electrowinning. Neodymium fluoride and lithium fluoride electrolyte were used for feed stock of electrolyte and neodymium oxide was added as precursor. Cell current was confirmed that cell potential was applied as constant potential of 4.5V. Argon gas injection into the electrolyte was carried out to confirm convection effect on current efficiency. Applied current was gradually decreased without argon flow, but applied current was kept within a certain range with argon flow in electrolyte.

Jan 1, 2015