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By Rongshan Qin, Dengfu Chen, Yan Zhao, Mingtu Ma, Yang Li, Xinming Wan

A two dimensional cellular automaton (CA) model coupled with finite element (FE) method has been developed for simulating the formation of solidified microstructure during beam blank continuous casting, which represents columnar and equiaxed dendrites growth in the case of detailed secondary cooling boundary conditions. In this model, a new adaptive mesh division is proposed to couple CA cubic lattice and irregular FE mesh of beam blank. A double-accuracy liner interpolation method is employed to obtain micro CA temperature field via macro FE calculation. The nucleation process and the velocity of dendrite tip are calculated by continuous nucleation model and KGT model, respectively. Moreover, the preferred orientation of dendrite growth is determined using a probabilistic model. The effects of super heat and casting speed on the microstructure characteristics are analyzed. This model can be applied to optimize processing parameters for beam blank continuous casting basing on microstructure evaluation.

Jan 1, 2015

By Sven Reutzel

Investigations show that Co-based melts embedded by glass flux in a crucible can be under- cooled nearly as strong as samples processed containerlessly by electromagnetic levitation. This allows to measure magnetic susceptibility on undercooled melts while combining the use of a Faraday-balance and undercooling technique. The magnetic susceptibility of Co and Co-based alloys (such as Co-Pd and Co-Cu) is investigated as a function of temperature from superheated to undercooled state. This is done by measuring the change of magnetic force F, on a sample in a constant magnetic field Bo and an additional gradient field by means of a Faraday-balance. When liquid Co-based alloys are undercooled the magnetisation steeply rises if temperature approaches the Curie temperature. The magnetisation is measured for some Co-based alloys in liquid state as a function of alloy system and its concentration. The results show that the magnetic susceptibility of the liquid undercooled samples follows a Curie-Weiss behaviour, from which Curie temperature and magnetic moments for the liquid state are inferred.

Jan 1, 2002

By Masaru Imaizumi, Hiroyuki Nomura, Mitsuharu Takita

"Cast iron possesses many superior characteristics caused from precipitated graphite structure, for example, castability, wear resistance, solid lubrication, damping capacity. But the more graphite hyper-eutectic cast iron contains, the lower its mechanical strength becomes, because graphite gives a negative effect to strength of cast iron. In addition, primary graphite tends to segregate during solidification, so uniform materials are difficult to be produced.In this study, authors introduced semi-solid processing in developing new and high quality cast iron. A series of semi-solid processing experiments were carried out to clarify the effect of stirring condition; solidification temperature and etc. on microstructures and characteristics of cast iron. In particular much attention is paid to the appearance of ternary eutectic zone at the final stage of solidification. As the results advanced hyper-eutectic cast iron was obtained with high quality of both the mechanical strength and wear resistance. As for the mechanical strength, 300MPa and 0.60% are obtained as the tensile strength and the elongation values, respectively, under the controlled stirring condition. This indicates that semi-solid processed hyper-eutectic cast iron is used prospectively without spheroidization.IntroductionCast iron has various good properties such as wear resistance, solid lubrication, damping capacity and machinability. The characteristics of cast iron are mainly decided by graphite structure, namely graphite shape and its distribution in the matrix. Mechanical strength of cast iron is large in the case of small quantity of graphite particles which are precipitated uniformly, however, it becomes small in the case of large quantity of graphite precipitated flakily."

Jan 1, 2000

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 Norihisa Iida, Yutaka Koshiba, Tsutoipu Masui

"Mitsubishi Materials has many years of experience in the production of oxygen free copper (OFC) and its alloys with a fully continuous-casting process. Four grades of OFC, commercial, electronic, superconductor, and ASTM class I are available according to user needs such as stabilizer for superconductivity, magnetron, and ultra-vacuum systems. Along with Cu-Ag and CuSn, we offer OFC based copper alloys such ·as Cu-Cr-Zr, Cu-Fe-P, Cu-Ni-Si and others, that are suitable for lead frame and connectors. Within the maximum sizes of 260mm X 1050mm for cakes and 385mm diameter for billets, we are very flexible and can adjust the ingot size to customer’s requirements. Other products that we can supply are semi-finished products such as hot rolled sheet, ·forged blank, extruded rod and finished products like mold for continuous casting of steel, ring mold for non-ferrous casting and backing plate for sputtering target.IntroductionMitsubishi Materials Corporation developed mass produced high quality oxygen free copper and. high copper alloy ingots in the 1960's. We produce 60,000 - 70,000 tons annually giving us 22 - 23% share of the world's market.Our oxygen free copper and. copper alloys are produced with a fully continuous casting process using only high-grade copper cathodes from our Naoshima and Onahama refineries. The raw material is melted and cast in' a carefully controlled atmosphere resulting in a product with low impurities and excellent properties.Using a controlled atmosphere it is possible to produce high quality copper alloys including active elements like chromium (Cr), zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), and magnesium (Mg) which are difficult to produce using standard batch casting methods.Using our own cakes and ·billets we produce and supply worldwide wrought materials like molds for ferrous and non-femous casting. These products receive special patented thermo-mechanical· treatments resulting in high strength and excellent conductivity with low cost."

Jan 1, 2000

By Derek J. Fray

"In order to extend the application of fused salts in\the electrowinning and electrorefining of metals, it is necessary to maximise the current density, minimise the voltage drop and greatly increase the area of electrode surface so as to compete with the space-time yield of pyrometallurgical reactions. The various designs of electrowinning cell are reviewed and it is shown that by the application of a modest centrifugal field it is possible to reduce the anode to cathode interelectrode spacing to 4 mm whilst still maintaining a current efficiency of 85-90%.The thermodynamic potential for electrorefining is far less than for electrowinning yet fused salt electrorefining is only applied in limited cases. The reasons for this are discussed and the important design parameters evaluated. It is concluded that by using packed bed electrodes, separated by a diaphragm, the possibility of electrorefining with very low energy consumption can be achieved. Carbothermically-produced metals are always cheaper than those produced by electrolysis but suffer from the disadvantage of low purity. It is proposed that fused salt electrorefining may offer an energy efficient way of upgrading the metal. IntroductionThe majority of metals can be deposited from fused salts (1,2) but as commercial production is restricted to the more reactive elements, it is worthwhile considering the advantages and disadvantages of fused salt electrolysis as' compared to smelting and aqueous electrolysis. The advantages over aqueous extraction are as follows:1) the much higher conductivities and diffusivities result in much lower IR losses and higher current densities can be achieved at modest voltages;2) the elevated temperatures of operation result in larger exchange currents which give rapid kinetics and lower activation polarisation for the electrode reactions;3) the absence of water as a solvent means that it is not necessary to consider the evolution of hydrogen as a competing cathodic reaction. Furthermore, alkali halide salts, often used as solvents in fused salt electrolytes, have high deposition potentials;4) molten salts generally are mutually soluble and, therefore, concentration polarisation effects are minimised."

Jan 1, 1988

By Oluwatosin A. Aladejebi, Apsara S. Jayasekara, Raymond J. Longbottom, Mark Reid, Marc in het Panhuis, Brian J. Monaghan

The coke analogue is a new research tool that has been developed to quantify and characterize the effect minerals in coke have on coke reactivity. The analogue material is made from a number of different carbon or carbon containing materials and minerals to in part replicate real industrial coke’s reactivity behavior. Elucidation of the effects of minerals on coke reactivity has proved difficult due to the complex and heterogeneous nature of industrial coke and the potential non-additive effects of minerals on coke reactivity. The coke analogue addresses this complexity and heterogeneity through control of its mineralogy, mineral size and mineral dispersion through the analogue, porosity and carbon structures. Initial studies using the analogue were focused on coke dissolution kinetics in liquid iron but recent work has focused in characterization of its porosity, carbon structure and rate of reaction.

Jan 1, 2014

By Andreas Orth

Outokumpu Lurgi Metallurgie has developed a process for the calcination and reduction of laterite nickel ore tines where the reduction of iron and nickel to the wustite/metallic states respectively, is performed in a fluidized bed reactor using reduction gas generated very cost effectively from natural gas in an autothermal catalytic reactor. As an option coal can be used as reductant as well as additional fuel. The process of reduction and calcination is very energy optimized. It uses the off gas from the fluidized bed reduction reactor, which still contains energy, to dry and calcine the nickel ore fines in a primary stage circulating fluidized bed (CFB) reactor. The product shows high metallisation of nickel and iron oxides reduced to the wustite stage. This results in considerable energy savings in smelting the prereduced product to ferro-nickel. Alternatively the product can be leached to produce nickel. Laboratory tests showed very high recovery of nickel and cobalt. Keywords: Fluidized Bed, Prereduction, Calcination, Ferro-Nickel

Jan 1, 2004

By Christoph Pichler

A special desulphurization slag accrues during the processing of iron ore to steel, which is needed to generate high quality steel. Sulphur removing is done by different technologies, but the most common one is the generation of a high sulphur containing slag by sulphur affine elements. Currently, this desulphurization slag is partly recycled, however, huge amounts are still dumped. To utilize this desulphurization slag for future purposes, a recycling process must be established. Therefore, first characterization of this material started some years ago at the Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy, Montanuniversität Leoben. Subsequent trials in lab scale size were performed, also some investigations for different treatment steps were evaluated, starting with a parameter study in a hot stage microscope at various gas-atmospheres. Finally, the developed recycling process concept was verified in pilot scale trials to confirm the new recycling technology. Due to the successful treatment process, also a patent was applied.

By Cyro Takano

An alternative use for recycling of waste from bag house of iron ore sinter plant was tested by producing and evaluating" at laboratory scale, the self reducing cold bonded pellets. This waste was characterized and the self-reducing pellets were produced using anthracite coal fines as reductant and Portland cement or hydrated lime/Blast Furnace slag as binder. It was used the molar ratio of Fe2O3/C (fix) equal to 3. Evolution of cold strength with curing time, for different contents of binder, was evaluated. Cold strength of 200N/pellet was obtained, for sinter dust, after 10 days of curing. Suitable hot strength was also presented and no decrepitation and swelling were observed. Good fractional reduction was obtained at 950°C and 1137°C. These results show that this material may be used by the Self-Reducing Processes for hot metal production, as an alternative route for this dust destination.

Jan 1, 1996

By Peter Olubambi, Babatunde Obadele, Oluwagbenga Johnson

"The microstructure and corrosion behaviour of titanium carbide (TiC) reinforced duplex stainless steel matrix surface composites synthesized by laser melt injection technique was investigated. The surface melting operation was conducted using a 4.4 kW CW Nd:YAG laser with laser power of 1.5 kW, scanning speed of 0.4 to 1.0 m/min, beam size of 3 mm and argon shield gas flow rate of 4 L/min. The morphologies and microstructures of the coatings examined using field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEGSEM) revealed homogeneous distribution of fine precipitates of TiC in the matrix, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirm no phase change. TiC addition to the steels significantly increased hardness value to about 547 Hv0.1 but slightly decreased the corrosion resistance of the steels in 3.5% NaCl possibly due to the intergranular carbide coating that prevented chromium from forming continuous passive oxide layers.IntroductionComposite materials evolve from the idea of combining two basically dissimilar materials with different physical and mechanical properties to arrive at a product whose final properties are superior to those of the individual components [1]. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are receiving much attention and are the focus of intense research and development worldwide for aerospace, automotive and other applications because of their excellent combination of ductility and toughness of the metallic matrix with high hardness and strength of carbides reinforced in the matrix [2]. Surface modification techniques such as laser, thermal spray, plasma spray, chemical vapour deposition have been use to fabricate MMCs. Laser melt injection (LMI) is a surface modification technique known since the 1980s [3] has been used to improve surface properties of metallic alloys such as aluminium, titanium and steels [4-6]. It involves the lateral injection of carbides, ceramics and cermets blown by a gas stream into a liquid metallic pool, created by laser irradiation of the top surface of the base material."

Jan 1, 2012

By L. G. Wiseman

The raw materials processed, highlights of technology used, and products produced at INCO's Copper Cliff Nickel Refinery in Ontario, Canada, are described in this paper. INCO's Bessemer matte separation process yields various nickel and copper products and intermediates. The latter presents the main supply of raw materials for the Refinery. Key features in the Refinery are Top Blown Rotary Converters and the INCO Pressure Carbonyl (IPC) process. Process improvements made since the commissioning of the Refinery in 1973 are also discussed. The Refinery produces a variety of nickel products, including nickel powders. Residue after carbonylation presents an important intermediate enriched in precious metals and cobalt that serves as feed to downstream operations for recovery of the residue's metal values. Also discussed are detection, measurement and control procedures which ensure safe operation.

Jan 1, 1988

By W. G. Davenport

Changes in copper extraction from 1960 till today are documented. The top ten changes have been: (a) replacement of reverberatory smelting by high intensity oxygen rich smelting (b) growth of the Outokumpu flash smelting to over 50% of the world's smelting capacity (c) successful development of single furnace coppermaking but only for low slag fall concentrates (d) replacement of the batch Peirce-Smith converter by continuous converting, but only in a few cases (e) increased SO2 capture throughout the industry, mainly-as sulfuric acid (f) development of low initiation temperature `big bight' Cs catalysts for treating the continuous high-SO2 strength gases from continuous smelting/converting (g) complete replacement of reverberatory anode scrap and cathode melting furnaces by the Asarco shaft furnace (h) adoption of stainless steel permanent cathodes and automated stripping technology for electrorefining and electrowinning (i) complete elimination of wire bar casting by continuous bar casting/rod rolling (j) development and adoption of extractants for turning weak impure leach solutions into strong pure electrolytes. It is postulated that the biggest possible change over the next 20 years would be complete replacement of smelting/converting by hydrometallurgical processing. However, this seems unlikely due to copper purity, precious metal recovery, and economic concerns. The increasing value of sulfuric acid to many copper companies gives chalcopyrite smelting/oxide-supergene leaching a nice synergy especially with the energy credits now coming from continuous smelters, and their acid plants.

Jan 1, 1999

By Kouji Mimura, Tamas Kekesi, Yongfu Zhu, Masahito Uchikoshi, Minoru Isshiki

"The formation and anion exchange sorption of chloro complex ions can offer a great potential to be utilized for the separation and purification of metals in aqueous solutions. Available stability data were primarily used to estimate the predominance of chloro complex species, indicating the feasibility of such separations. Anion-exchange sorption functions, describing the equilibrium distribution of a number of important elements have been determined by the batch equilibrating method in the practical HC1 concentration range. Various oxidation states were stabilized by the addition of appropriate agents. Tendencies in oxidation, complex formation and anion exchange sorption were confirmed by spectrophotometric investigations. Based on the fundamental results, anion exchange processes have been developed for the purification of iron, cobalt, copper and zinc. The efficiency of separation was assessed and the procedure optimized by the analysis of experimental elution curves. Results have demonstrated that by properly controlling the oxidation states and HC1 concentrations, practically all the impurities can be eliminated. Computer programs have been developed to estimate complex formation and redox equilibria, to screen and correct analytical data, to determine distribution coefficients and to evaluate efficiencies of separation.IntroductionBase transition metals have long been used as the staple materials in various fields of industry. In general, there has been an increasing tendency in purity requirements but recent advances have created a rapidly increasing demand for ultra-high purity metals. To give a few examples, ultra high purity copper can be used as bonding wire and interconnection in integrated circuits, or as material for superconductor stabilizing, high-field magnets, beside its use in cryogenics and ultra high vacuum technology [1]. Iron holds promises as a constituent element in the ß-FeSi2 material to be applied in new opto-electronic devices [2] and it is currently used, together with chromium and manganese, in the production of special magneto-optical materials for digital recording. The use of ultra high purity manganese and chromium in semiconductor technology is evolving. Although not considered a transition metal, zinc is also treated here because of the major significance in compound ZnSe semiconductors [3], and the possibility to purify it by the anion exchange method."

Jan 1, 2000

By Thor Pedersen

Elkem's technologies for the processing of waste materials, dusts, sludges and other residues, are based on the use of their Multi-Purpose Furnace as the primary processing component. The Multi-Purpose Furnace? is an electric slag resistance reduction furnace equipped with a hot media, Modular Freeze Lining and Elkem's proprietary, air tight electrode seals. The oil cooled? freeze lining allows specific heat fluxes 2 to 3 times higher than furnaces lined with conventional refractory. Reduction activities taking place within the furnace are free from the reoxidation potential of infiltrated air as Elkem's electrode seals are positively gas tight. Small quantities of highly concentrated off gas of controlled composition are produced to suit the requirements of downstream processing. The high electrical thermal efficiency achieved by generating heat within the slag itself, combined with the ability to operate at high melting rates and intense power density, makes the Multi-Purpose Furnace 9 an unique implement for the design of furnace products. These characteristics are utilized in the processing example cited, "Elkem's EAF Dust Processing Technology", which combines two proven technologies in an economically feasible system for the recovery of contained metal values from K061 wastes at the same time producing a disposable slag product. The portion of the example dealing with the condensation of zinc was prepared with the assistance of Imperial Smelting Processes, Limited of Bristol, England with whom Elkem has a non- exclusive license.

Jan 1, 1990

By Joachim Ulrich

The spreading and splashing behaviour of single tin, lead, copper, aluminium and steel droplets impacting on a solid surface were experimentally examined. The droplet impact was observed using a high speed video imaging technique. The onset of splashing and the mass of the secondary droplets of impacting tin and lead droplets was quantified by the weight difference of the droplets before melting and the splat after the impact. The spread factor and the mass of the secondary droplets in dependence of the impact velocity is shown for different droplet materials, initial droplet diameters, target temperatures in ambient air and inert gas atmosphere. An empirical found correlation predicting the transition from spreading to splashing is presented by means of dimensionless numbers.

Jan 1, 1999

By V. Kamavaram

Keywords: Recycling, Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite, Ionic Liquids, BMIC Recycling of aluminum metal matrix composites (MMC) via electrolysis in ionic liquids at near room temperature was investigated. The electrolytic melt comprised of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC) and anhydrous AlCl3. Impure aluminum composite (Duralcan MMC Al-380, 20 vol % SiC) was electrochemically dissolved at the anode and pure aluminum (>98%) was deposited on a copper cathode. The deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractrometer, and mass spectrometer. The influence of various process parameters such as concentration of electrolyte, and applied cell voltage on the recycling process was studied. The recycling process yielded current densities in the range of 200-500 A/m2, and cathode current efficiency of about 85%. The results indicated that impurities such as Cu, Si, Ni, Fe, Mg, Mn, and SiC particles were removed as anode residue. Energy consumption of about 3.7-6.3 kWh/kg-Al was obtained at a cell voltage of 1.0-2.0 V and cell temperature of 100 ± 5°C. Low energy consumption and no emission of pollutants are the two main advantages of this process compared to present recycling processes.

Jan 1, 2005

By P. R. Khangaonkar

The industry of tin ore mining, beneficiation and smelting gives rise to a number of waste products like the beneficiation plant wastes (called amang), tin smelting slags, refinery dross etc. Some of the wastes deserve treatment to obtain economically useful products or to recover the metal values. The paper describes studies conducted on two materials, viz., struverite-middling (struverite-magnetic tin), which is an intermediate product of beneficiation circuits of tin tailings, and tin-smelting slags. The struverite middling was studied for treatment by chlorination using carbon tetrachloride, so as to yield vapour products separable by convenient condensation. The treatment was also found to lead to a tin-rich product amenable for treatment by known hydrometallurgical routes. The tin smelting slag was studied by alkali-leaching so as to avoid any dissolution of iron and it was possible to obtain an iron-free product solution suitable for high purity tin recovery.

Jan 1, 1996

By Sylwia Zymankowska-Kumon, Rafal Danko, Mariusz Holtzer, Artur Bobrowski, Michal Kubecki

"Moulding sands with furan resin constitute constantly growing part in technologies of producing castings from iron alloys. Due to the presence of harmful substances in resins such as furfuryl alcohol, phenol and formaldehyde, using those mould sands may be hazardous to the natural environment and workers. The general assessment of harmfulness of sands used for molds and cores encompasses 2 basic points: emission of hazardous substances during processes of preparing sands, pouring mold with liquid metals (high temperatures), cooling and shaking-out; possibility of washing out hazardous substances from used sands to the environment, during storage or economic use outside foundries. We present the results of research on the assessment of harmfulness of mould sands with furan resin in the scope of the above points. The research was conducted according to the original method prepared by the authors, which has been used for years in cooperation with various foundries (Poland, abroad).IntroductionSands are used by the foundry industry to create metalcasting moulds, where the individual sand grains are typically bound using bentonite clay and carbonaceous additives or resins. During the casting process, the moulds can be exposed to temperatures as high as 1500°C depending upon the metal being poured. The molten metal causes thermal decomposition of carbonaceous additives or resins, which results in the formation of potentially hazardous organics that are emitted to the atmosphere and condense in the moulding sand [1]. The moulding sands are reclaimed within the foundry, but part of them are eventually discarded in landfills, because it is not longer suitable to make metalcasting molds [2, 3]."

Jan 1, 2013

By R J. Singh, E. Z. Chacko, Devilal, S. K. Jha, Rina Sahu, Sheshank Shekhar

"Breakouts are one of the biggest problems encountered during continuous casting of steel billets. Billets get cracked locally or break completely in two parts during solidification causing the liquid part of the partially solidified billet to empty inside the cooling chamber. Proper control of important parameters is necessary to avoid break outs during continuous casting. In the present work, the nature of the break outs at a billet caster at Tata Steel was studied. Data analysis was also done for certain casting parameters and the Sulphur tracer test was conducted to understand solidification in the mould. It was found that to reduce the occurrence of break outs, it was necessary to tune the operations based on the grade being cast and the design of the mould tube being used.IntroductionA break out during the continuous casting process is a rupture of the partially solidified shell inside the secondary cooling chamber, causing the contained liquid steel to spill out. In the mid 1970s while continuous casting technology was still in early stage of development, causes of breakouts was not well understood. Today, with technological development much has been understood about breakouts but, most of the understanding has been in the slab casting process wherein due to the higher level of instrumentation, a lot of information has been gained. In billet casting however, due to the geometry of the mould housing with the tube mould, multiplied by the complexity of the multiple strands, instrumentation has not been used and obtaining data for analysis has been difficult.Breakouts at billet casters are still the main hindrances to production. A break out results in a loss in production since the strand which has had a break out is now not available to produce and thus a six strand caster would be reduced to a five strand caster, increasing the time for casting the same tonnage. Additionally extra set up time is required as more often than not a mould change is required in order to have the strand casting again."

Jan 1, 2014