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By Zemin Ma

A novel chromate [Cr(VI)] reducing bacterium was isolated from chromite ore processing residue disposal site of China and identified as a Leucobacter sp. by 16S rRNA gene sequence homology. The minimum inhibitory concentration of strain CRB1 was 820 mg l-1 of Cr(VI). The reduction of Cr(VI) occurred only under aerobic conditions. With an initial concentration of 2.5×108 cells ml-1, 1800 mg l-1 of Cr(VI) was reduced entirely within 38 h under the optimum conditions, at 30 °C and pH 9.0. Increasing Cr(VI) concentrations prolonged reduction process and higher cell densities meant quicker reduction. A blue precipitate was produced during chromate reduction of strain CRB1, which was binding to the surface of bacterial cells and determined as trivalent chromium with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry. The conspicuous chromate reduction ability of Leucobacter sp. CRB1 suggested a potential for bioremediation of Cr(VI) containing wastes.

Jan 1, 2008

By Kun Wang, Xinhui Li, Huaqing Xie, Qingbo Yu, Qin Qin

"Three typical model compounds of bio-oil (ethanol, acetone and phenol) were studied in the steam reforming process for hydrogen production. In the thermodynamic analysis, the three componds showed the similar trends. The hydrogen yields increased with the increase of steam/carbon (S/C) ratios, and the temperatures of the maximum hydrogen yields moved afterward to low temperature zone. However, the hydrogen contents were just about 70%. For improving hydrogen yield, a new system for steam reforming of bio-oil with site CO2 capture was put forward. This system required the catalst with the larger granularity having greater mechanical strength and higher abrasion resistance. So, six Ni-base catalysts loaded on Al2O3 particles prepared were used and among them, Mg-Ni/Co catalyst showed the best catalytic performance. For the simulated bio-oil (the mixture of the compounds), the hydrogen yield can attain 63% with Mg-Ni/Co catalyst with the good stability and regeneration ability.IntroductionCurrently the interest in the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier is increasing, and the main way for producing hydrogen is steam reforming of fossil fuels, containing steam reforming of nature gas, naphtha and coal. But this way caused substantial amounts of CO2 emitted, and these sources of hydrogen which are non-renewable energy will eventually be used up [1, 2]. As a kind of renewable energy, biomass is recognized as an attractive alternative to fossil fuels, because of its neutral CO2 emissions [3]. There are mainly two thermochemical processes using biomass to produce hydrogen, gasification and flash pyrolysis followed by steam reforming (SR) of the biooil produced in the flash pryolysis process [4]. The latter was known as one of the most promising and economically viable methods for hydrogen production [5]. In the last decades, the biomass flash pyrolysis technology was adequately developed and fairly mature [6]. But the steam reforming of bio-oil is still at the research stage and yet has been leading to more and more concerns by the researchers. In their research, the catalysts were widely studied and yet mainly were powdery[7-10], and the reactors manily were fixed bed reactors[11-13], readly causing the carbon deposition and the catalyst deactivation, against the continuous running. In this paper, a new systerm was put forward and could realize continuous production of hydrogen, yet needed catalysts with the larger granularity having greater mechanical strength and higher abrasion resistance, as well as powdery CO2 sorbents which mainly calcium oxide based ones.In this paper, the thermodynamic analysis of the steam reforming processes of three typical bio-oil model compounds (ethanol, acetone, phenol) was performed, and the effect of S/C ratio and temperature on the hydrogen yield and the compositions of gaseous products were investigated. Then, a new systerm for steam reforming of bio-oil with site CO2 capture was put forward, and the catalysts with a certain granularity were prepared and studied."

Jan 1, 2014

By Shiju Zhang, Yongnian Dai, Songli Liu, Wenhui Ma

The BaZrO3 and CaO-doped BaZrO3 ceramics were fabricated at 1750 °C for melting the Ti2Ni alloys, respectively. Employing XRD, OM and SEM, the influence of CaO on the composition of BaZrO3 and the interaction between the BaZrO3 ceramic and titanium alloy was investigated. The results showed that the CaO doped BaZrO3 was consisted of CaO and Ba 1−xCaxZrO3. The grain on the surface of BaZrO3 ceramic was loose after melting, and the thermodynamic analysis indicated that the dissolution-erosion was responsible for the interaction mechanism. An amount of BaZrO 3 refractory was attached to the Ti2Ni alloy bottom after the alloy was cooled. However, no refractory was found on the bottom of Ti2Ni alloy, which was cooled down on the CaO doped BaZrO3 ceramic. CaO additive can effectively reduce the interaction between the BaZrO3 refractory and the titanium melt, indicating that it was a very promising refractory for preparing the titanium alloy.

Mar 1, 2018

By Wagner Aldeia, Duclerc Fernandes Parra, Danae Lopes Francisco, Ademar B. Lugão, Lucilene Betega de Paiva

The inorganic nanotube halloysite (HNT) is a promising type of natural occurring filler for polymers. Its characteristics, such as high aspect ratio (10–50), small size, and high strength (elasticmodulus—140GPa) suggest that HNT shave a potential use in high-performance polymer nanocomposites. Compared to other nanoclays and nanosilica the relatively low content of hydroxyl groups on their surfaces makes HNTs relatively hydrophobic, although, sometimes, this is not sufficient for guaranty a good interfacial adhesion in composite systems. Further hydrophobic treatment is required to improve HNTs compatibility with polymer matrixes, maximizing interfacial interactions. In the present study, different percentages of EPB (2,2-(1,2-ethene diyldi-4,1-phenylene) bisbenzoxazole) was used to perform anon-covalent functionalization of halloysite, based on electron transfer interactions. The functionalization is characterized by specific surface area (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and water/toluene extraction experiment.

Mar 1, 2018

By Yang Jian-guang, Deng Zi-xiang, Zhang Xu-liang, Li Jun-yuan

"Hyperaccumulator biomass harvested after heavy-metal phytoremediation must be considered as hazardous waste that should be contained or treated appropriately before disposal or reuse. As a potential method to detoxify the biomass and to convert this material to a suitable bio-energy resource, the hydrothermal upgrading process was applied to remove heavy metals and upgrading crude bio-oil from Pteris vittata stems and leaves harvest. Parameters such as material granularity, temperature, Liquid/Solid (L/S, ml/g), pressure, duration and catalysts were examined for their effect on the removal efficiency of heavy metals and upgrading efficiency of crude bio-oil. Maximum heavy metal removal efficiency of>99% and crude bio-oil upgrading efficiency of 83% were attained with an 200 mesh (75 µm) granularity, LIS 40:1and23 MPa at 380°C in the presence ofO.l mol L-1 K2C03 for 30 min. GC-MS analysis results show that the resulting bio-oil mainly consists of benzene 11 %, ketone 42%, alcohols 14%, alkene 15% and ester 11 %, etc., and the relative molecular weight distribution lies in 94-282, carbon number distribution lies in 6-18, calorific value is 32MJkg-1.IntroductionPhytoremediation of soil or water with hyperaccumulator has been extensively explored in recent years [1-4]. Living plants can clean up soils or waterways. This approach exploits the ability of various plant species to thrive in high metal environments where large amounts of toxic elements are accumulated, such as heavy metals, and is particularly appropriate when slow remediation of relatively low metal concentrations is acceptable. Advantages compared with existing remediation methods include the minimal site destruction and destabilization, low environmental impact, and favourable aesthetics; advantages compared with biosorption include continuous in situ regeneration of the biomass, and the ability of living plant cells to supplement passive sorption of metals with metabolic mechanisms of metal uptake and detoxification [5-8]."

Jan 1, 2014

By D. Raghavan

In recent years, the environmental issues related to the landfill shortage received considerable importance. Many polymeric solid wastes have high resistivity to chemical and biological degradation, and options are sought by which these wastes can be recycled and reused, or reduced in volume. The present study investigated the biodegradation of polyethylene by Aspergillus niger, and biodesulfurization of rubber by pure and mixed cultures of Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The fungus, A. niger, was found to metabolize portions of polyethylene. Quantitative calorimetric measurements revealed that the amorphocity of the sample decreased during biodegradation. Removal of sulfur from synthetic rubber samples containing 2 to 15% sulfur, was studied in shake flask experiments and the associated oxygen consumption was studied in Warburg respirometers. The mixed bacterial cultures were more effective in the desulfurization of rubber samples than the pure cultures of T. thiooxidans and T. ferrooxidans. The data obtained in these studies may have far reaching consequence for the development of new effective processes regarding the remediation and management of discarded polymeric packaging wastes and car tire rubber materials.

Jan 1, 1993

By Wenzhou Yu, Cong Zhang, Wenhui Ma, Gang Wang, Kuixian Wei

"A novel technique was successfully developed for nickel further purification by vacuum directional solidification. The removal effect of impurities in nickel was studied based on theoretical analysis and experiments. High removal efficiency of impurities in nickel can be realized according to theoretical analysis. The experimental results show that the vacuum directional solidification treatment could increase the nickel purity from 99.96% to 99.996%. Since vacuum directional solidification could effectively remove the impurities from nickel with low contamination and low cost, it is a potential route to obtain high-purity nickel for commercial application.IntroductionNickel is widely used in metallurgy, machinery, petroleum industry, chemical industry, construction industry, light industry, and other industries for its ductility, medium hardness, ferromagnetism and high chemical activity. Nickel-based alloy is an important material for the key parts of aircraft, tanks, submarines, radars, nuclear reactors and aerospace fields [1-5]. Generally, nickel contains Si, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb, Bi, Al, Mn, Mg and other impurity elements, which may hinder the commercial application of nickel. Therefore, it is necessary to refine the crude nickel for the high purity nickel."

Jan 1, 2014

By C. A. Pickles

Microwave processing is a relatively new technology that has been successfully applied in a number of industries. However, in the field of metal extraction, there is a paucity of success, despite considerable hype in the early years. Increased reaction rates, lowered reaction temperatures and higher energy efficiencies were some of the advantages claimed. Even with over almost two decades of research and some pilot plant studies, microwave metal extraction remains essentially a laboratory technique. In this paper, the research performed over the last few decades will be reviewed and some reasons for the lack of success in developing microwave metal extraction processes will be discussed. Based on the knowledge gained from these experiences, a more informed view of microwave heating can lead to the realization that there is still some untapped potential for this heating technique in metal extraction processes.

By Joseph Bloch

The hydriding of bulk metals and alloys is a gas-solid reaction in which a hydride product layer is initially nucleated adjacent to the gas-solid interface and continues to grow until a complete transformation of the parent (a) phase into the hydride phase. The combination of measurements of the overall hydriding kinetics of samples having defined shapes and dimensions, together with examinations of partially hydrided samples, enables the presentation of the reaction rate in terms of an appropriate reaction model. A common and important type of topochemical development of the hydride in bulk metals and alloys involves a hydride layer formed on the metallic surface. The continuity of the layer can affect the reaction rate. The rate of hydrogen absorption in a sample, in the presence of a hydride layer, is usually analyzed using a model combining several sequential steps in which the hydrogen is transferred from the gas phase into the reaction site. Coupling the flux equations across the layer under proper steady state conditions, results in a complex rate equation in which the steady state rate of hydrogen absorption (proportional to the hydride layer velocity) is expressed in terms of the pressure, temperature, the rate constants of the sequential steps and the critical concentrations of hydrogen in the hydride. Generally, the rate constants of the individual microscopic processes are comparable in magnitude, so that the overall rate is not controlled by any of the specific sequential steps. However, there are two limit cases related to the first stage, the adsorption, for which the general rate equation is much simpler, namely, the fast and the slow adsorption approximations. Using this limit cases, equations are derived for the steady state hydriding rate of a given system. These equations provide means to anticipate the pressure dependence of the steady state absorption rate under low pressures, close to Peq and under very high pressures. At the low pressure regime both the fast and slow absorption cases yield linear pressure dependence. For the very high pressure range, it is found that the rate become independent of the applied pressure. The rate is given then by a combination of the individual rate constants of the system and the critical hydrogen concentrations. The model is shown to apply in several real cases, such as ZrCo, LaNi5 and titanium.

Jan 1, 2002

By D. A. Robbins

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. of 1976 (RCRA) requires testing of waste materials as part of the determination of whether these materials are classified and managed as hazardous wastes. The adoption of one standard testing procedure and its application to all types of waste materials has stirred much controversy. In the center of this controversy is the appropriateness of this testing procedure in characterizing non-ferrous metal intermediates and slags. The authors have evaluated the relative availability of metals in several types of copper and lead slags as defined by various testing protocols. Also discussed is the relationship between the chemical character of the slag and the availability of metals to leaching and certain metallurgical practices that can influence metals availability.

Jan 1, 1983

By Arthur E. Morris

The primary market driver for improving process technology is innovation, which requires a skilled and educated workforce. However, many Materials Science and Engineering departments have eliminated extractive metallurgy and chemical thermodynamics from their curricula, yet these topics contain the necessary fundamentals for process innovation. As a result, most MS&E students are ill-prepared for careers in processing. The dearth of processoriented MS&E curricula has prompted some Universities to develop a “shared” effort to offer distance education between multiple institutions [1]. A target audience for a shared process simulation course would not only benefit students, but also be a basis for an on-line course for practicing engineers faced with new or changing career choices. To fill the gap, the basics of a process simulation course was developed in an abbreviated form as series of eleven articles and Excel workbooks published in Industrial Heating magazine between July 2012 and July 2013.

Jan 1, 2014

By John L. H. Patterson

Handheld XRF has become the favorite way of measuring the content and identity of alloys in the field. This is because of the very portable nature of the instrumentation and its simple operation. However, these analyzers have been unable to determine the concentration of the light elements like Mg and Si due to the very low energy of the x-rays produced by these elements. In the past accessories such as vacuum and He flush have given some analyzers the ability to determine these light elements with modest detection limits. The introduction of the Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) into this class of instrumentation has added a new level of analysis capability to portable XRF instrumentation. X-ray fluorescence is achieved by exciting a sample with a beam of x-rays, which in recent portable equipment are generated by a small tube. This results in the emission of characteristic x-rays from the sample under test. By measuring the energy of each x-ray it is possible to determine what element generated it. By counting the number of x-rays at each energy it is possible to determine the concentration of each element. The detection limit for each element is dependent upon the number of x-rays which reach the detector. As the number of x-rays increases the detection limit will improve. One of the major factors in an x-ray reaching the detector is the energy of the x-ray. As the energy of an x-ray increases the probability of that x-ray reaching the detector increases. The energy of an x-ray is inversely proportional to the atomic number (AN) of the element generating the x-ray. For example, an iron x-ray (AN=26) is 6.40 keV while an aluminum x-ray (AN=13) is 1.49 keV. As the energy decreases, the detection of the x-ray becomes less and less probable because the x-ray may be absorbed by the windows which are part of the instrument and detector or the air in the path between the sample and detector. In SiPIN based portable XRF analyzers, the lowest element which is detected with acceptable detection limits is normally considered to be Ti (AN=22). The detection limits for 60 second measurements on typical SiPIN XRF analyzer are given in Table I. Thus, portable analyzers have not been useful for measurement of aluminum and titanium alloys as major components of these alloys are Mg (AN=12), Al (AN=13) and Si (AN=14).

Jan 1, 2009

By Edward P. Hagarty

The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984 added Subtitle I to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement a new regulatory program for Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) containing petroleum and other regulated substances. Technical standards required for release detection, prevention, and correction as necessary to protect human health and the environment were promulgated as described in 53 Federal Register 37082 (September 23, 1988). Virginia State Regulations (VR 680- 13-02) and U.S. Army Regulations require that a Corrective Action Plan and a Site Clearance Report be prepared to explain the details of remediation of any contaminated media. Construction of new buildings is proposed in two different areas at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia, where USTs containing gasoline, diesel and heating oil were located. Tightness testing performed on these USTs in September 1991 indicated that some of the tanks were leaking. Many of the tanks were removed for permanent closure. Initial Abatement (excavation of contaminated soil) was &ed out immediately. A detailed Site Characterization Study which included Hydropunch", field screening using immunoassay, and pilot test - dual phase (water and soil gas) extraction was conducted. Environmental media were analyzed for volatiles, semi-volatiles and metals. A detailed risk analysis (RA) was performed to determine risk-based clean up levels for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX); polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); and methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). The RA also discussed the presence of lead in the soil. Before constructing any buildings in these contaminated areas, remediation must be conducted in accordance with the State, Federal and other applicable regulations. The remedial alternatives evaluated included Vapor Enhanced Groundwater Extraction, Soil Vacuum Extraction, Soil Washing, Soil Steaming, Active and Passive Ventilation SolidificationlStabilization, Vapor Barrier Construction, and Excavation with Off-site Disposal. This paper discusses: (a) delineation of soil contamination @) risk analysis (c) evaluation of remedial alternatives and selection of the most appropriate technology and (d) consideration of various regulatory issues.

Jan 1, 1994

By Ygor Macabu de Moraes, Jean Igor Margem, Carolina Gomes Dias Ribeiro, Frederico Muylaert Margem, Sergio Neves Monteiro, João Batista Vasconcelos

A natural fiber presents interfacial characteristics with polymeric matrices that favor a high impact energy absorption by the composite structure. The objective of this work was then to assess the Izod impact resistance of polymeric composites reinforced with one or two layers of batt malva and jute fibers. The results showed are markable increase in the notch toughness with increasing layers of mauve blankets and jute.This can be attributed to a preferential debonding of the fiber/matrix interface, which contributes to an elevated absorbed energy.

Mar 1, 2017

By Roy J. M. van Lier

In industrial aqueous solutions, germanium generally occurs in trace amounts amid high concentrations of other metals, such as zinc, copper and iron. Separation of germanium from these metals as well as its isolation from gallium and indium pose a real challenge to the hydrometallurgist. After a brief discussion of the aqueous chemistry of germanium, this paper reviews the flowsheet of the Apex Mine in Utah. The Apex property was the only mine in the world to be operated primarily for production of gallium and germanium, but apparently closed due to great operating difficulties. Several process variants proposed for the treatment of the Apex ore, including bioleaching methods, are addressed. Following a more general description of the behavior of germanium in hydrometallurgical zinc processing streams, available technology for its recovery from aqueous solutions is summarized. Precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, ion flotation and liquid-membrane separation are all outlined in terms of the aqueous chemistry of germanium. Finally, the production of high purity germanium dioxide and metal is briefly discussed

Jan 1, 1995

By W. K. Choi

Stainless steel exposed to wet environments at ambient temperature is subject to the formation of a surface biofilm. Depending upon the prevailing environmental conditions (dissolved oxygen, pH, Eh, concentration of cationic/anionic species), the biofilm may stimulate corrosion through formation of differential aeration zones and concentration cells. Corrosion significantly impacts the United States economy, since on a yearly basis, corrosion induced losses are estimated to be over $200 billion. A large portion of this corrosion is imputable to bacterial activity, and basic information is needed for a better understanding and control of the biocorrosion phenomenon. The present study has investigated the influence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in the corrosion of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 304, 316 and 416 stainless steel samples. The formation of biofilm and microstructural changes on the surface of stainless steel samples and their weldments were assessed by microscopic examination, and the changes in the mechanical properties by stress-strain measurements. The significance of the results will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1993

By Carlos M. Fontes Vieira, Ruben J. Sanchez Rodriguez, Carlos E. Gomes Ribeiro

"The worldwide demand for ornamental stones in building construction is motivating the use of their wastes, generated during fabrication, to produce compound stones. This work has as its objective to investigate the production of an ornamental compound marble (OCM) under vacuum and compression processing of a polyester matrix composite with addition of marble waste as load and as filler. Square OCM composite plates were subjected to compression and flexural mechanical tests. Samples were analyzed to obtain the density and water absorption. The OCM composites presented properties within the expected range of an artificial stone.IntroductionMarble is a limestone, composed mainly of calcite, more or less crystallized by metamorphism that ranges from granular to compact in texture. It has a density 2.7 g/cm3 and its porosity is approximately 0.4%. The UNI 8458 standard defined marble as: ""every crystalline rock constituted mainly by minerals with a Mohs hardness equal to 3-4"". In marble production around70 - 75% of whole extract material is lost in byproducts generation [1,2].In function of large volume of residues generated, the ornamental stones industry has attracted ever more the attention of environmentalists [3].Actually the marble can be pulverized to obtain calcium carbonate for industrial applications. It is also possible to obtain a thinner powder to produce concretes [l]. Some authors study the use of stone residues in concrete mortars and ceramic bricks, getting better properties to these materials [3,4].The marble residues can be also used in engineered stones, or ''agglomerated"" stones, production. The most common engineered stones in the market consist, like a polymer concretes, in polymer matrix composites incorporating petreous components. In the formulation of the engineered stones, the particulate or granular petreous components are the result of fragmentation or trituration processes to which natural stones were submitted to [ 5]."

Jan 1, 2014

By F. Robert Hubbard

IMCO Recycling Inc. has developed a new, patented technology for the production of fertilizer, K-SOIL?, as a by-product of its aluminum recycling operations. This new technology can substitute for conventional technology which now results in a saltcake residue that is placed in 'landfills. Four years of research and development work by IMCO culminated in a U. S. patent issued April 5, 1994. As part of the technology development effort, IMCO engaged the services of a nationally renowned research organization and a prominent university. These two organizations have conducted in-depth agronomy studies In the laboratory, greenhouse, and the field. Results have shown K-SOIL? to be performance equivalent, on a nutrient content basis, to conventional potash fertilizer. The first field applications on commercial farms were made in the spring of 1994. K-SOIL? is a potassium-bearIng, granular solid which may find use in fertilizer blends, direct application, and other forms of fertilizer products. The overall benefit of this new technology is to create a useful by-product rather than generate a useless residue and, thereby, reduce or eliminate the amount of salt cake now placed in landfills. As such, It is a significant, step toward IMCO's ultimate goal of complete recycle.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. L. Apel

A conceptual approach to the bioremediation of uranium mill tailings (UMT) is presented., This approach focuses on, biosorption to remediate the. effluent solution and bioleaching remediate the. solid fraction. Comparative biosorption studies were performed with synthetic single metal solutions using a commercially available biopolymer. The maximum rate of metal sorption by calcium alginate was found to be 5.43, 6,39, 6.48, and 9.74 mg dm-3 min-1 for U022*, Ba2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+, respectively. Activation energy (AEa) for barium uptake by calcium alginate beads was determined to be 11.5 kJ, indicating a diffusion controlled reaction mechanism. Thermodynamic values (AG+ AH+ and ASt) of the metal-alginate activated complex, as reported in the literature, were found to be in agreement with those calculated from this research. Results show that this biopolymer can be effectively applied in the removal of select metals prevalent in uranium mill tailing effluents and associated waste streams.

Jan 1, 1991

By M. H. Lin, S. Kou

"Czochralski pulling has been a very widely used process for growing single crystals for electronic and optical applications. Dopant segregation can significantly degrade the quality and yield of single crystals. We have used the floating-crucible technique for segregation control in Czochralski pulling, our floating crucibles being unique in that the melt passageway is very long. As such, dopant back diffusion is suppressed, even when the cross-section of the melt passageway has to be relatively large to help the melt go through or when the pulling rate is very low. Single crystals of model materials K-doped NaN03 and Pb-doped Sn have been grown with very uniform dopant concentrations. IntroductionSingle crystals of electronic and optical materials are often doped with a small amount of impurities to develop required physical properties, e.g., P and B in Si for n-type and p-type semiconductors, respectively, and Nd in YAG lasers. Dopant segregation can result in nonuniform physical properties, thus degrading the quality and yield of the resultant crystals.Figure 1 is an illustration of the conventional Czochralski process for crystal growth. Several techniques have been developed to control dopant segregation in Czochralski pulling, including the push-pull technique (1,2), the drop-pull technique (3-7) and the floating-crucible technique (8-13). The first two techniques require precise sensing devices and feedback control systems to keep the feeding rate equal to the pulling rate. The last technique is simple since the feeding rate is automatically equal to the pulling rate."

Jan 1, 1994