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By Ronald C. Askin

Dredging is a common method of remediating ponds containing contaminated wastes. However, dewatering of the dredged solids is usually not well integrated with the dredging phase. As a result, overall project efficiency can be poor. Specifically, since dredges deliver material in a widely varying slurry form and since dewatering presses require the delivered material to be uniform, union of the two systems often results in inconsistent operation of the overall process. In an effort to enhance overall dredging and dewatering process production rates as well as minimize the return of suspended solids in the decant water, a new process was developed to provide a consistent dredged sludge for delivery to the press. This paper discusses modifications made to a conventional dredging and dewatering process to improve production rates and dewatering capabilities. These modifications are applicable to any project where efficient solids dewatering is required and where returning decant water must be visually free of suspended solids.

Jan 1, 1996

By Laszlo Kadar, J. D. Lavers

"In the continuous casting of aluminum killed steel, the tundish nozzle often experiences clogging problems. Water model studies have shown that the clogging problem is dependent on the flow pattern in the nozzle entry region. In particular, the flow can separate at the entrance to the nozzle, leading to the development of a recirculation region. Although a nozzle can be designed such that no recirculation develops, even a small misalignment from the vertical positioning of the nozzle may render the design ineffective.To reduce the possibility of nozzle clogging, the recirculation zone must be reduced or eliminated. This may be achieved by moving the fluid downwards or raising the turbulence level in the separation region. In the case of a tundish nozzle, it is proposed that this can be achieved by using electromagnetic forces.To generate the required electromagnetic force, two systems are considered. The first is based on injecting a DC current; the second by using electromagnetic induction. Both methods are described in this paper. Order of magnitude calculations are provided to illustrate that both methods are essentially feasible. The performance of each method in terms of modifying the turbulent flow characteristics in the nozzle entry region is then examined using a numerical model. It is shown that both methods can greatly reduce the recirculation zone. A cylindrical nozzle was chosen for the model studies since it represents a worst case situation.On the basis of the model studies, it can be concluded that whereas both of the proposed methods have the potential to reduce the troublesome recirculation zone, the induction method appears to be simpler in terms of practical implementation."

Jan 1, 1999

By T. B. Braun

Cathode contamination is the principal factor affecting the quality of electrorefined copper. It is commonly accepted that annealability is unfavorably affected by the following elements, in decreasing order of adverse effect: tellurium, selenium, bismuth, antimony, and arsenic. Silver in cathodes has importance as it represents a nonrecoverable loss of silver to the refinery. Mechanisms for the contamination of cathodes by these elements are examined and the effect of operating variables on contamination, including anode composition, electrolyte composition, electrolyte temperature, addition agent practice, and electrolyte discard rate, are discussed.

Jan 1, 1976

By Bernd-Arno Behrens, Klaus-Georg Kosch

"In times of increasing energy costs automotive lightweight construction is gaining in importance. This paper deals with the production of hybrid steel-aluminum compounds by forging. The compound forging process is a promising method to successfully manufacture functional parts by applying resource-saving process steps. Nevertheless, challenges resulting from different material properties must be solved.The heating of hybrid material work pieces made of steel and aluminum is a great challenge. Steel is forged at a temperature of at least TSt =900 °C, while aluminum should not exceed a temperature of TA1= 500 °C. For achieving the required temperature gradient extensive experimental investigations have been carried out. Intermetallic phases form during the manufacturing process and can influence the bonding and the global part quality. In addition, methods for the characterization of the joining zone between the materials steel and aluminum are analyzed and the factors influencing the formation of intermetallic phases are determined experimentally.IntroductionIn times of increasing energy costs and stricter conditions relating to environmental protection, automotive lightweight construction is gaining in importance. The production of hybrid compounds by forging is a promising method to manufacture functional parts by applying resource-saving process steps. In compound forging a hybrid raw part consisting of a solid core, which is enclosed by a hollow casing, is joint in the forming process. This results in a graded material structure in the part in which the mechanical properties can be specifically adapted to the requirements. Compound forging is the form joining and/or firmly bonded joining of at least two different materials while plastic shape forming occurs (Figure 1)."

Jan 1, 2012

By Hwa-Soo Park, J. K. Yoon, Hoseok Nam

In a thin slab casting process, control of fluid flow in mold is particularly difficult due to the high casting speed and large aspect ratio of the mold and the understanding of the fluid flow motion as well as heat transfer in mold is regarded as the most important information because the melt delivery is directly related to the problems of shell growth nonuniformity, surface turbulence and mold powder entrapment. A mathematical model has been developed for the coupled analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification in funnel type mold using finite volume method based on a body fitted coordinate and the characteristics of the transport phenomena in the mold of thin slab caster were analyzed by numerical simulation. As a result of simulation, the basic flow pattern is characterized as four large recirculations and two small eddies near the narrow faces of mold, which is somewhat different from that of parallel type mold or other conventional slab caster. The heat transfer model accurately predicted the mold positions susceptible to cracking as a result of thermal stress and the predicted shell thickness shows good agreements with the measured shell thickness on breakout products. We also investigated the influences of some operation parameters such as casting speed, nozzle type, submerging depth and mold material on fluid flow, heat transfer and distribution of solidifying shell and various information for the determination of optimal operating conditions were obtained.

Jan 1, 2000

By John J. Mortvedt

Application of some by-products of the metals industry which contain plant nutrients to agricultural lands could constitute resource recovery instead of costly disposal. Some industrial by-products contain appreciable concentrations of heavy metal contaminants, such as Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb. After land application, these metals may be absorbed by plants and enter the human food chain or be leached to groundwaters. Plant uptake of these heavy metals varies with plant species:, soil pH, soil texture, and the particular metal. Certain leafy vegetables can absorb significant amounts of heavy metals, while absorbed metals are usually poorly translocated to cereal grains. Allowable heavy metal concentrations in fertilizers now are not regulated, but EPA is considering such regulations. Heavy metal impurities in animal feed supplements are regulated by the states; so some by-products may not be permitted for this use.

Jan 1, 1992

By Patrice Chartrand, Halvor Dalaker, Philippe Ouzilleau

A size-dependant thermodynamical model for the carbon-hydrogen previously developed by Ouzilleau et al. [1] has been expanded here to include chemisorption of methyl groups. Gibbsenergy minimalisation calculations using FACTSAGE software on this model indicates that hydrogen bonding through methyl groups is energetically favoured as an intermediate between bonding as monoatomic hydrogen to edge hexagons (which is more favourable) and as monoatomic hydrogen to corner hexagons (which is less favourable). The model has also been applied to methane decomposition and oxide reduction using natural gas. A C-H solid solution as a thermodynamic description of the solid carbon phase influences calculations of carbon activity in metastable methane, and gives different results than when using graphite.

Jan 1, 2015

By Carvalho A. Felipe de

The search for environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods for gold extraction has been undertaken in order to provide alternatives to the use of cyanide leaching in the gold industry. Among such alternative reagents is the combination of chloride and hypochlorite ions due to their oxidation of metallic gold and its complexation. Therefore, the current work aims at investigating gold leaching from an oxidized material by means of a solution comprising calcium hypochlorite and sodium chlorite. The sample used in the current research contained 66.1% Fe2O3, 20.4%SiO2, and 35.7 g/t of Au. In addition, XRD and SEM-EDS analysis revealed iron oxide, quartz and muscovite as the main crystalline phases in the sample. For comparison purposes, cyanidation of the oxidized material resulted in 90% gold extraction in 24 h. The reference conditions for the leaching tests with the chlorite-hypochlorite system were: particle size −37 μm, solid/liquid ratio of 10% (w/v), 10 g/L NaCl, 10 g/L Ca (OCl)2, pH 5–6, 3 h of leaching. The effects of the: (i) Ca(OCl)2 concentration, (ii) NaCl concentration, (iii) pHrange and (iv) the effect of pulp density in the extraction of gold were assessed. In addition, the stability of the hypochlorite solutions (OCl−) was investigated. The ideal concentrations of Ca(OCl)2 and NaCl were determined as 25 g/L and 15 g/L, respectively, whereas the optimal pH range was 4–6. Under these conditions, the final gold extraction reached approximately 84%. By varying the solids content of the pulp (10%, 20% and 30%), it was observed that the lower solids value resulted in greater gold extraction (84%). The degradation of the hypochlorite solution and the possible catalytic effect of the presence of the solid were evidenced. To sumup, in the experiment, high gold extractions were achieved in shorter periods of time (3 h), as compared to the cyanidation of the same sample. On the other hand, itwas necessary to use significant amounts of the reagent due to hypochlorite instability at the pH conditions recommended for high gold extractions.

By Demaerel. J. P.

Arsenic plays a major role during electroreflning of copper. Both the arsenic content in the anode and the arsenic concentration of the electrolyte have, in conjunction with other impurities such as lead, antimony, bismuth and oxygen, a direct influence on the quality of the cathode. The mechanisms are currently slime. inclusion and precipitation of insoluble compounds in the bulk of the electrolyte. Arsenic has also been reported to have a depassivating effect on the anode. An influence on the anode slime adhesion has also been found. A literature survey is given and these data are compared with and completed by our own results based on lab and pilot scale experiments as well as on Olen tank.house practice.

Jan 1, 1987

By Andre L. De Vegt

Hydrogen sulfide is an expensive chemical used in nickel, zinc and copper mining and metallurgical operations for selective recovery and concentration of metals, from leach water streams, acid plant blow down streams, refinery electrolyte bleeds and precious metal, plant bleeds. Hydrogen sulfide is either produced on site by catalytic reduction of elemental sulfur or transported to the site as liquefied hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or as a sodium sulfide solution (NaHS) Biologically produced hydrogen sulfide has economically very interesting, application possibilities in the mining and metallurgical industry. Converting sulfates from waste streams into usable hydrogen sulfide by biological reduction results in operational cost savings in existing lime treatment systems. H2S can be produced biologically for less-than $500/ton S. For the past ten years Paques has been engaged in the development and installation of treatment systems based on biotechnological processes to remove sulfur compounds from water, air and gaseous streams. Paques has designed and installed a groundwater treatment system for the Budelco zinc refinery in the Netherlands to remove sulfate and heavy metals. The hydrogen sulfide produced is used for recovery of metals,, mainly zinc, from the ground water stream. The system has been operating since May 1992 treating a flow of 5000 m3/d. At Kennecott's Bingham Canyon Utah copper mine, a pilot plant started operation in November 1995 to develop the process for selective recovery of copper from leach water using biologically produced hydrogen sulfide from sulfate containing groundwater. Other pilot plants are operated at DOE's Pittsburgh Research Center and at Cominco Research focusing on selective recovery of metals.

Jan 1, 1998

By H. P. Wang, E. M. Perry

"Analytical solutions for investigating the solidification of casting problems with initial superheat and natural boundary conditions have been derived using an integral method. There are two moving interfaces in the solution field, one for the phase change line and the other for the superheat line. Two coupled nonlinear differential equations, representing two moving layers, were calculated by the Runge-Kutta numerical integration scheme. The solutions are in terms of six dimensionless parameters: phase change number, two Biot numbers for interfaces, diffusivity ratio, and dimensionless superheat temperature and time. Parametric studies on these parameters have been conducted to provide generic information about this phase change problem. This analytical information is extremely useful for validating numerical solutions. A simplified I-D finite element model was constructed for the purpose of comparison. The excellent agreement between the analytical and finite element solutions has proven that they are mutually validated.This validated finite element modeling tool was then used for modeling an investment casting process of a super-alloy with a simple geometry: a two-step plate. The nonlinear latent heat release, a common property of alloy materials, was approximated by several piecewise linear segments. The transient temperature response of this 2-D finite element solution, including a metal/mold gap resistance, shows excellent agreement with experimental data.This fundamental work provides a solid basis for further work on the development of a process modeling tool for the complex investment casting process.IntroductionAt present, the investment casting process is used in a variety of industries. In the aircraft engine industry, in particular, investment casting is used to produce parts ranging from turbine blades to engine frames. Because a large single casting can replace many component parts that require machining, fabrication, and assembly, this one-piece casting approach becomes a very cost-effective manufacturing process.The main constraint in using this process for mass production is the long design-to-production lead time. The standard rigging design is still an art, based on the experience of casting experts, rather than on scientific methods. Many trials are often required before making a sound final casting. In order to .reduce the number of expensive casting trials, the development of computer-aided tooling technology is needed.The fundamental physics describing this manufacturing process can be simply described. They reduce to a solid/liquid phase change problem, with two parts - first, the thermal balance of the initial superheat temperature of the molten metal and the preheat temperature of the ceramic shell through heat conduction, and second, the energy release from the mold surface to the ambient by radiation."

Jan 1, 1986

By J. Dille

Metallic cobalt exist in two allotropic forms : the hexagonal compact a which is stable at low temperature ( ( 420') and the cubic form 0 stable at higher temperature. This latest form is the only one which is ductile. During the electrode position of Co, in moderate acidic conditions, we noticed a code position of both a and B forms. The influence of several parameters on the B/a ratio in the deposit was investigated. High acidity and the presence of Fe increased its ratio; on the opposite, high temperature promote the a phase. No significant influence on the material were noticed. The differentiation of a and B forms of Co is rather difficult and the method of J. Scoyer was improved quite successfully.

Jan 1, 1988

By Ben Q. Li

An efficient numerical algorithm for solving steady state heat transfer and solidification problems is described. The algorithm is of boundary integral type and is based on the formulation of the field variables along the boundary of the domain of interest. Compared with the familiar domain-based methods, such as the finite element and finite difference (or finite volume) methods, this boundary-based method has an advantage of solving fewer unknowns and hence has a potential for reducing computational time significantly. Another and yet more important advantage of the present algorithm is that it is a stable scheme and is not prone to numerical oscillations resulting from convective effects, as often encountered in the domain-based methods. Therefore, no numerical or artificial diffusion (such as streamline upwinding) is necessary. Numerical examples are presented that are drawn from processing systems for producing aluminum-based materials.

Jan 1, 1994

By Young-Chul Kang

The Onsan Copper Smelter of LG-Nikko Copper Inc. is a unique plant, which has been operating two smelting processes since 1998. The operation of the first one was started in 1979 with a capacity of 80,000tpy of copper in concentrates utilizing Outokumpu flash- smelting technology. The other one was started in 1998 based on Mitsubishi continuous process with a capacity of 160,000tpy of copper in concentrates. Through several expansion projects, the total smelting capacity of both processes is expected to reach 430,000tpy of copper in concentrates towards the end of 2002. This article describes operation advantages of having two different processes at one plant and comparative operation results in terms of productivity, impurity distribution, energy consumption and environment issues and etc?

Jan 1, 2003

By Sumantra Mandal

The hot deformed microstructure of the 15Cr-15Ni-2.2Mo-Ti modified austenitic stainless steel (commonly known as alloy D9) was investigated employing electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Hot compression tests were conducted in a Gleeble thermo-mechanical simulator at temperatures of 1173K-1373K (in steps of 100K) with a strain rate of 10 and 100 s-1 to different strains. Various kinds of deformation patterns were observed inside the deformed grains. These were inferred as the development of geometrically necessary boundaries or formation of parallel set of micro-bands. Recrystallized grains were partitioned from the deformed grains employing grain orientation spread approach. Extent of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) was found to be minimal at 1173K. DRX was predominantly found to happen at and above 1273K which increases with increase in strain. DRX nucleation and development mechanisms were discussed with respect to bulging of the parent grains and sub-grain rotation. Special emphasize is given on the role of annealing twins on DRX nucleation and subsequent expansion.

Jan 1, 2009

By Zhang Chuanfu, Li Shixiong

"In the electrolysis electrodeposition or electroplating of aqueous solution of copper, lead, zinc, nickel, manganese etc, with the increase in cathodic over potential the reducing rate of metal and the cathodic current efficiency increases and the deposit becomes more compact and smooth. According to this principle, a method and equipment of the auto-control of electrolyte quality is invented. The industrial application shows that this method turns the experienced operation into auto-control. The quality and quantity of metal is improved greatly and the consumption of electric energy is reduced.In the electrolysis, electrodeposition or electroplating of aqueous solution of copper, lead, zinc, nickel, manganese etc, usually organic additives are added according to the state of cathodic deposit according to experience. This traditional and experienced operation, often lead to that the quality of additive is not optimum which affects the quality and quantity of metal and increases the consumption of electric energy. To counter the controlling problem of the quantity of additive, the authors have invented a corresponding equipment of the auto-control of electrolyte quality [1], it has found application in industrial practice."

Jan 1, 2000

By Donald P. Ziegler, James F. Klausner, Srinivas S. Garimella

"By 2015, nearly half the world's population will live in ""water stressed"" areas. Production of fresh water utilizing waste heat from industrial processes has been identified globally as a research priority.About 15% of the electricity required to produce aluminum is lost as waste heat in the off-gas. However, the low temperature (low grade) of the heat limits reuse. The off-gases contain 50-150 ppm SO2 ; tightening regulations coupled with increasing coke sulfur levels are motivating SO2 control, for which seawater scrubbing is attractive for smelters with suitable access.We describe a process that produces fresh water, utilizing the waste heat while scrubbing SO2 . It uses direct contact between seawater and off-gas to humidify the off-gas. The vapor is subsequently condensed. In smelter trials, a unit treating a slip stream produced high quality water in the anticipated quantity, attaining over 95% SO2 scrubbing. Future work involves scaling the process to be economically attractive.BackgroundPopulation growth, coupled with industrialization and urbanization, are increasing demand for water. Water scarcity already affects every continent. Around 1.2 billion people, or almost one-fifth of the world's population, live in areas of water scarcity, and 500 million people are approaching this situation. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population could be living under water stressed conditions (< 1,700 m3 per person annually) [1]. An assessment by the U.S. General Accounting Office revealed that under normal conditions, by 2013, water managers in 36 states in the USA anticipate water shortages, and that the number might grow to 46 states under drought conditions [2].The obvious choice to alleviate water scarcity is the 97% of available water in the oceans, which is saline and requires desalination for use in biological, agricultural and industrial applications. Technologies developed for desalination include Thermal Distillation, Reverse Osmosis (RO), Electro-Dialysis, and Vacuum Freezing. Distillation and RO are the most commercially prominent. Thermal distillation technologies include Multiple Effect Distillation (MED) and Multi-Stage Flashing (MSF). The report commissioned by the World Bank [3] is one of the many excellent references on desalination technologies. According to the International Desalination Association working paper [4], there were more than 17,348 industrial scale desalination plants installed or contracted by 2004. The total production from these plants is on the order of 8.3 billion imperial gallons per day. RO provides 47.2% of the total capacity. The leading thermal process, MSF, provides 36.5% of the total capacity. Although MSF and RO technologies currently provide the most cost effective means for desalination, their drawback is that they are very energy intensive, and whether or not they remain cost effective strongly depends on energy prices and energy supply."

Jan 1, 2012

By H. -Peter Sattler

The laser sorting technique for replacing the handpicking of the non-ferrous metal scrap from auto shredders was first introduced 1990, The process is based on the use of atomic emission spectroscopy induced by lasers to identify the scrap particles and sort them with adequate systems into main fractions of Al-, Zn-and Cu-alloys, stainless steel and lead, In the meantime the handling technique for the scrap, i.e. the singling and sorting technique as well as the analytical detector were further developed for more efficiency and higher reliability, i,e. less maintenance, minor sorting errors etc. These developments were mainly based, on and initiated by operational experiences from the startup phase of a first production plant. Part of the on going research work was the development of an ,aluminium detector which makes it the first time possible to sort mixed aluminium scrap automatically into specific alloy fractions.

Jan 1, 1995

By Jorge A. S. Tenorio, Chuanwei Zhuo, Joner O. Alves, Yiannis A. Levendis

"The ever increasing number of automobiles and the consequential increase in consumption of tires have generated a pressing environmental issue, concerning the disposal of unserviceable tires. The worldwide disposed of waste tires is approximately 1 billion units per year and this amount is expected to increase by 2% each year. This work presents a microstructural characterization of nanomaterials synthesized in a catalyst system from the effluent of burning waste tire chips in a horizontal two-stage laminar-flow furnace. Controlled combustion of waste tire chips took place at temperatures of 900 or 1000 °C, and stainless steel meshes were used to synthesize the nanomaterials at 1000°C. Produced materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalyst meshes were covered by materials with diameters of 20 to 200 nm and lengths of about 40 µm. They possessed structures similar to those of carbon nanotubes.IntroductionThe motor vehicles on the road have been increasing annually. World motor vehicle production in 2009 approached 62 million units. Consequently, the consumption of tires has also been on the rise; about 1.4 billion units were produced around the world in 2007 [l]. The disposal of scrap tires is a serious environmental problem. The worldwide disposed of waste tires is almost 1 billion units per year with an expected increase of around 2% each year. However, less than 7% of produced waste tires are recycled (excluding reuse, retreading or incineration). The waste rubber tires are a thermoset polymer, which cannot be reprocessed like thermoplastics polymers, therefore the recycling of this material requires special techniques that demand big investments [2, 3].A solution to the disposal of waste tires is the sequential pyrolysis/combustion process. Past research showed that waste tires are an attractive potential fuel due the high heating value (29-3 7 MJ/kg), which is comparable, or even higher to those of typical bituminous coals [ 4, 5]. Pyrolysis is a process wherein the material is thermally decomposed at elevated temperatures at the absence of an oxidizing gas. Combustion is characterized by the addition of the oxidizing gases during the process. Several studies indicate that the pyrolysis and combustion processes for the tires treatment have a great energy conversion potential [4, 5, 6]."

Jan 1, 2011

By Valentine A. Chanturiya

A model for development of electric discharges between particles of sulfide minerals (pyrite) under the action of high-voltage nanosecond pulses is proposed. It is shown that through discharges in a layer of pyrite particles lead to energy concentration in small contact regions between particles; the concentrated energy is sufficiently high for local disintegration of mineral complexes.

Jan 1, 2009