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By Hiroyuki. Fukuyama

The pseudo-binary phase diagram of the cuspidine (3CaO2?SiO2?CaF2) - CaF2 system has been studied by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). To prevent fluorine loss in the form of a HF gas by a reaction of CaF2 with water vapor at elevated temperatures, the equilibrium experiments were conducted with the sample hermetically sealed in a platinum tube. By employing this technique, it was successfully revealed that cuspidine exists as a stable phase and congruently melts at 1684 ± 1 K, and the cuspidine - CaF2 system presents a simple eutectic type of phase diagram, of which eutectic temperature has been estimated to be around 1540 K, corresponding to the composition of 40 mass% 3CaO?2SiO2 - 60 mass% CaF2?

Jan 1, 1999

By John O. Marsden

The past fifteen years have seen a number of important developments in copper hydrometallurgy, including the commercial application of biological heap leaching of secondary (chalcocite-dominant) copper ores, the commercial demonstration of chalcopyrite concentrate leaching technology using pressure leaching and biological processes, and the application of novel configurations of solution extraction circuits. Significant emphasis is now being placed on the development of effective stockpile leaching practices for primary ores (chalcopyrite and bornite-dominant mineralization). Some of these developments have been highly successful, and will pave the way for further development and commercialization. Others have been less successful. These developments are reviewed in the context of the metal price cycle and trends for the future are identified.

Jan 1, 2006

By Long Meng, Yaodong Yi, Kuiyuan Chen, Zhancheng Guo, Yu Li

Blast furnace slag is the main by-product discharged in the iron and steel industry and contains considerable waste heat at dischargeing temperature between 1450 and 1550 °C. To fully utilize waste heat and slag, this study directly converted high temperature liquid Ti-bearing blast furnace slag into glass-ceramics via the “Petrurgic” method. Samples at different crystallization temperature were prepared and its influence on crystal phases, pore structure, and compressive strength were investigated via SEM, XRD techniques, and compressive strength measurements. Results showed that all glass-ceramic samples contained main crystals of perovskite, diopside and gehlenite and had a qualified mechanical performance with compressive strength above 100 Mpa, which meets the requirement of Chinese national standard for natural granite stone. With increasing crystallization temperature, pore size decreased, while the size of the perovskite phase firstly decreased and then increased with decreasing crystallization temperature. Samples had an optimum crystallization temperature of 1215 °C, maximum grain size and a densified structure with minimal pore defect.

Mar 1, 2018

By C. Leticia Hernández, P. Martín Reyes, D. Iván Alejandrox Reyes, L. Miguel Pérez, T. Julio Cesar Juárez, G. Mizraim Uriel Flores, T. Raúl Moreno, R. Aislinn Michelle Teja

This study shows the characterization of tailings from the mining district of Coscotitlán, State of Hidalgo, Mexico. Chemical analysis by Spectroscopy of atomic absorption (AAS) allowed to quantify the concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb as the most abundant elements in the mineral sample; in addition to the presence of Sn, Te, Bi, Ni, Co, and Cd. The presence of precious metals as the Ag (64 g ton−1) and Au (0.65 g ton−1) were identified. The greater distribution of Ag was detected in particles with diameter of 74 lm. Species as pyrite (FeS2), galena (PbS) and hematite (Fe2O3) were observed in a matrix of quartz (SiO2) by Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), these species were also identified by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Both the elemental and mineralogical composition of tailings was corroborated by the technique Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Microanalysis (SEM-EDS).

Mar 1, 2018

By Alistair Burrows

Situated in the oblast of East Kazakhstan, the Ust-Kamenogorsk Metallurgical Complex has spent the past twenty years renovating and remodelling itself as a modern polymetallic sulphide smelting facility, and a regional centre of excellence for custom smelting. Along the way there have been changes to the company structure, introduction of new technologies, investments in expanded capacity, environmental improvements, and addition of new metal products and by-products to the site’s repertoire. These changes have been gradual and incremental, but taken together they represent a significant contribution to placing Kazakhstan’s sulphide smelting industry on a strong foundation for enduring success in the international custom smelting market. In achieving these changes, a workforce that was historically isolated from much of the world now has recognised expertise, internationally competitive skills, and confidence to embrace the future. Further improvements in energy efficiency, environmental compliance and polymetallic processing capabilities are challenges that UKMC stands ready to face.

By Jesús Contreras

Since the commencement of its activities in Huelva in 1970, Atlantic Copper has maintained a course of action that has been more demanding than the successive environmental legislations current at different times. As its primary objective it has sought compatibility between the protection of the environment and both its industrial activity and the social and economic development of the area in which its Metallurgical Complex is located. For this reason, since the seventies it has maintained a continuous programme of investments which have allowed it to attain its present environmental situation. As a consequence of the Environmental Policy of Atlantic Copper, in April 1998 it obtained certification for its Integrated System of Environmental Management (SIGMA) according to international standard IS0-14001, and under European Community Regulation 1836/93 (replaced by the 76112001) for the Eco-Management and Eco-Audit System (EMAS). The SIGMA formalises the environmental management practices of Atlantic Copper and engages it to have available a system that can be fully audited. Atlantic Copper was the first European Company in the non-ferrous metallurgical sector to obtain both the UNE-EN-ISO 14001 certification and the EMAS registration. The present paper reviews the actions by Atlantic Copper in environmental matters that have allowed it to achieve its present position. It also describes the coming stages of improvement planned and the modifications to be carried out in the near future, in particular the criteria for the selection of technologies on the basis of the concept of BAT (Best Available Techniques) introduced by the European Union, and always guided by the final objective of converting Atlantic Copper into a reference within the sector, comparable to the best designed and operated installations in the world.

Jan 1, 2003

By James D. O, DeLa&apos

Multicomponent materials are common in nearly all areas of materials science and technology, yet the use of phase diagrams to represent these complex systems is hampered by the requirement of three or more dimensions for explicit graphical representation. In the present work, the "solid-modeling" capabilities of a computer aided design (CAD) system have been applied to the representation of three-dimensional phase diagrams. Relevant phase diagrams for a hypothetical quaternary eutectic system were constructed and used to demonstrate the capabilities of the technique. These capabilities lead to relative ease of phase diagram construction and improved access to qualitative and quantitative information. Results of this work are contrasted and compared to previous efforts toward computer ,representation of phase diagrams. It is concluded that solid-modeling of three-dimensional phase diagrams can be used to advantage in both education and research.

Jan 1, 1991

By Timothy W. Ellis, John A. Howes, Roger D. Feldman

The new generation of more powerful, energy-intensive devices for communications, industrial production, energy storage and other purposes is creating new challenges to guard against environmental harm and protect national security. Many devices are designed, used and disposed of in a linear, rather than circular manner. This causes scientific, legal and economic issues because the life-cycle costs of components are not adequately considered. Dealing with these issues in isolation from each other can lead to unintended consequences. New models to confront these issues are being defined. This paper suggests a fundamental tool for dealing with material science issues while taking into account the engineering, economic and policy perspectives. That tool is the development of a true, levelized cost of energy storage model with a wide spectrum of inputs for comprehensive analysis. This paper will discuss inputs and the process which can yield meaningful, useful comparisons among batteries and energy-intensive products.

Mar 1, 2018

By Susumu Nagae, Hajime Ikeda

Recently, a number of mine development projects have been setback by social, economic and, environmental circumstances that had not been seen before. Many of these problems do not always originate from direct mine pollution. Typical examples of these are· conflicts between the exploration company and the local residents, sudden objections just before the development is to begin, and unexpected tightening of environmental regulations. The common background to these problems is expanding global environmental awareness. This includes complex factors ·such as the expansion of exploration to remote regions, the brisk activities of environmental NGOs, the increase of international environmental laws and, governmental policy changes. Today, the range of issues concerning mine development is widening significantly. The participation of local residents arid NGOs in the development planning, together with the company and government, has become essential for smoothly carrying out mine projects and making them more beneficial for stakeholders. Introduction The common image of the environmental problem with respect to mining is direct mine pollution, such as the collapse of tailings dams, pollution from refineries, and acid mine drainage. All over the world, the mining industry has made large investments in capital and technology to solve and prevent mine pollution, and these efforts have been making steady achievements. However in recent years, new cypes of environmental problems which are not originating directly from mine pollution are emerging frequently. Most of the problems are concentrated at the exploration stage to early stage of development, which have less impact on the environment. In the worst case, mining project may be forced to cancel and could cause serious damage to the industry because they could not collect their investment. I would like to take a general view of the examples of new types of trouble, their characters, background, and strategies against these problems.

Jan 1, 2000

By Hongbo Zhao, Jun Wang, Wenqing Qin, Guanzhou Qiu

Jan 1, 2015

By Neale R. Neelameggham, Brian R. Davis

Organic agriculture is using natural materials such as degrading plant matter to replenish soils. This includes use of naturally degraded plant components such as peat, humus and weathered brown coals. Another important natural organic matter which has not been applied in agriculture thus far has been the black coal, Here we show that reversing the coal formation reaction by combined hydro-oxidation principles of biochemical engineering in natural conversion methods in an accelerated fashion. The modified coal soil additive can convert arid lands into farm lands for the future to sustain the population growth. In addition, the development of this new use of black coal will revive economically deprived areas from phasing out coal in the USA and Europe. This will show how the Stored energy in coal can be made renewable in helping plant growth under the soil to facilitate above ground photosynthesis.

Mar 1, 2018

By Norihiko Fukatsu

In order to use effectively the previously reported new sensing system for hydrogen and oxygen potentials in molten copper, the criteria of the potentials for getting sound castings have been determined in the laboratory experiment. The copper melt equilibrated with a given hydrogen and an oxygen potential was rapidly quenched in the crucible. The relations between the holding potentials and the gas porosity in the solidified sample were investigated by measuring the density of the sample and microscopic observations. It was found that the defects of the gas porosity became the maximum at the potentials where the dissolved amount of hydrogen and oxygen was in the mole ratio 2:1. The samples having the density more than 99% of the theoretieal value were obtained in the higher oxygen and lower hydrogen potential region or in the lower oxygen and higher hydrogen potential region. The criteria thus determined were examined by comparing with the measured potentials in the practical casting machine. In tough-pitch copper casting, the problem due to gas porosity was found to be serious when the hydrogen potential increased. In the. oxygen-free copper casting, the evolution of hydrogen was found not avoided. The gas porosity in the casting, however, was found eliminated when the oxygen potential was kept at a low value.

Jan 1, 2003

By H. Cepin

Production of non-ferrous metals is still principally performed in shaft and flame fired furnaces. Electric furnaces increase metal recovery, reduce environmental burdens and decrease energy consumption compared to conventional processes. Because non-ferrous metals have low melting and boiling points and aggressive slags design of the furnace, energy input, and slag conductivity and composition are very important. Secondary materials are easily handled in electric furnaces. Since additional amounts of lead, zinc and tin will become available from secondary sources in the future, electric furnaces are expected to replace conventional smelting furnaces. The paper describes technical, electrical, and process designs of electric furnaces peculiar to the reduction of non-ferrous metals. Electric and various thermic furnace processes are compared.

Jan 1, 1990

By Richard L. Summers

The shaped charge has proven in various military and industrial applications to be an effective penetrator of materials. Upon initiation a detonation wave traverses the explosive billet, collapsing a metallic liner and creating a jetting process. From multiple non-simultaneous flash radiographs of the jet in free flight, the observer can study the collapse, formation, and growth of a shaped charge jet. Digitization of a particulated jet's position and shape from the radiograph into electronic storage files provides the experimentalist with an efficient basis for data reduction. With the aid of a simple personal computer, one can in a matter of minutes generate a wealth of information concerning jet formation after initiation and thus gain insight into the quality of its manufacture, design, and assembly. This paper will in detail explain the methods in place for fully automated data reduction of radiographic films. Methods of computer aided digitization of particulated jets and analysis of physical jet characteristics and performance will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1992

By L. L. Sutter

Fly ash is a by-product produced from the combustion of most hels including municipal solid waste. Currently, most combustion residuals are disposed of in landfills at a continually increasing cost and with questionable impact on the environment. Due to the presence of heavy metal compounds, municipal waste combustor (MWC) fly ash has the potential to leach these metals (e.g., lead and cadmium) above regulatory limits. The heterogeneous nature of MWC fly ash makes detailed characterization difficult. This research focuses on the identification of lead compounds in MWC fly ash. Samples obtained from the Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility in Rochester, Minnesota were examined in this study. The fly ash was fractionated into six size ranges and prepared as geological thin sections for analysis. The worked discussed in this paper involves using an electron microprobe analyzer to determine phase composition in MWC fly ash. In addition, backscattered electron imaging, digital image processing, and mineral liberation analysis software were used to determine phase distributions and phase associations as a function of particle size. Several lead containing compounds in several forms are identified. The results of this study show that lead can be identified in small sectioned particles which would not be apparent using normal backscattered electron imaging.

Jan 1, 1994

By M. Tokumasu, T. Mutoh, Y. Sugawara

"In October 1986, a process computer was introduced in order to achieve an optimum combustion of pulverized coal at the reverberatory furnaces. The secondary combustion air volume is controlled based on the nitrogen oxide concentration of the off-gas from the reverberatory furnaces. The carbon monoxide concentration has strong relation with the concentration of nitrogen oxide under the situation of using alternative fuels, such as chipped tires and p,ulverized coal. Using this computer aided combustion control system, both nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide concentrations were stabilized and conventional monitoring and controlling apparatuses were absorbed into this computer system. Due to this easily operated system, labor cost was reduced and the operation of the reverberatory furnaces and the off-gas treatment plant became stable.IntroductionOnahama Smelter and Refinery started its operation in April 1965 as a large scale copper smelter and refinery in Japan. The green charged reverberatory furnaces were introduced and bunker C oil was chosen as the fuel for the reverberatory furnaces. After the oil crises, Onahama was forced to use cheaper fuels such as coal and waste tires, i.e., alternative fuels instead of the expensive oil. As the amount of the alternative fuels fed to the reverberatory furnaces increased, the concentrations of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide in the off-gas became unstable. Consequently, the fluctuation of the combustion condition became not to be negligible in view point of a combustion efficiency and pollution regulations. A process computer has been introduced to overcome these off-gas troubles and to reduce the operating cost of the smelter.Outline of Operation HistoryInitially, the operation started by one reverberatory furnace and then the capacity was expanded almost twice by additional furnace in December 1972. As shown in Figure I, the smelting throughput was depressed after oil crises in 1973 and 1978. From 1983 to 1985, some copper mines stopped their operations because of low price of copper metal. During this period, Onahama suffered from the shortage of concentrate production levels were depressed."

Jan 1, 1989

By Rashmi Kumar, Amit Chatterjee, Sanjay Chandra

The practice of adding alloying materials to a molten bath is an integral feature of many pyrometallurgical operations. However, very little is known about the dissolution rate and solution mechanisms of solid additives in liquid melts. In foundries where large tonnages of liquid metals are handled, there is considerable interest in achieving optimum metal quality at minimum cost. This objective is influenced by several factors and the solution is often plant specific. Though the amount, sequence and mode of ferroalloy addition vary from plant to plant, various fundamental factors determine how quickly these additions dissolve in the bath. At the Ingot Mould Foundry (IMF) in TATA STEEL blast furnace hot metal is used to cast ingot moulds. The composition of hot metal desired for making ingot moulds demands addition of 20 kg each of Ferromanganese and Ferrosilicon in the 12 T transfer ladles into which the blast furnace metal is poured at the IMF. Owing to low temperature of hot metal at the IMF, casting commences immediately and complete dissolution of the ferroalloys is often not possible. To study this aspect in detail and to evolve suitable corrective measures, a mathematical model for the melting of a solid particle in a liquid metal bath was developed at TATA STEEL. The model was validated using the data available in literature. In keeping with published work, two separate dissolution periods were identified - a "shell period" and a "free dissolution period". The maximum thickness of the crust formed around a spherical particle shortly after immersion, can be obtained by using the mathematical model which has been developed. The model can also be used to investigate the effect of various parameters such as superheat of the bath, size of the particle, etc., on the maximum crust thickness and the particle melting time. On the basis of this study, the addition of ferromanganese and ferrosilicon was optimized at the IMF in Tata Steel.

Jan 1, 1996

By R. P. King

The linear intercept distributions provide unambiguous and accurate characterizations of the texture of mineralogical materials. The relation between the measured linear intercept distributions and the spatial correlation function is shown to be given by: in the Laplace Transform domain. The linear intercept distributions of the two phases in a low- grade chromite-serpentinite ore were measured. and the spatial correlation functions for both phases were evaluated using the above relation. The correlation functions are the primary relations for integral geometric models of mineralogical texture and this work demonstrates the relation between the 10 stereological model and the 3D integral geometry model for mineral liberation.

Jan 1, 1991

By Onwukamike, Onyedika G. O, Ogwuegbu M. O. C., K., Onyenehide C

A detailed mineralogical and elemental characterization of a lead (Pb) ore deposit from Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria was carried out with XRD, SEM-EDX, and ICP-OES based mappingtechniques. The results show that the most dominant and valuable metal is lead (Pb = 95.02%, mass fraction). The main mineral is galena. Ilmenite and sphalerite occur as minors, which account for 2.71% and 0.80% respectively. Elements like Al, Ca, Mg, Ti, Na, Mn, Si and Sn occurred in trace amounts and are disseminated in the entire ore body.The surface and interrelations of the crystals were examined with x-ray mapping and the result shows the pattern of dissemination of the minerals within the ore body.

Jan 1, 2015

By Christoph Czettl, Christian Storf, Gregor Kücher, Stefan Luidold

The purpose of this investigation is to provide a basis for the semidirect recycling of hard metals. The present investigation focuses on revealing the fundamental chemical kinetic aspects during cemented carbide leaching in hydrochloric acid media. The kinetic relations of cobalt binder leaching from WC-Co cemented carbide are studied using a central composite face-centered design of experiments with temperature, acid concentration, and hydrogen peroxide as variables.

Mar 1, 2017