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By Deborah A. Kopsick

Several minerals were observed and collected in a small gully originating from a weathered coal processing waste (gob) pile in Barton County, Missouri. The rapid alteration of these various minerals after collection suggested that they might represent a dehydration sequence. X-ray diffraction of the dehydrated and rehydrated minerals deposited on the gob pile indicated the presence of the monohydrate and heptahydrate forms of ferrous sulfate, szomolnokite and melanterite respectively. The occurrence of melanterite (FeSO4.7H2O), was limited to isolated areas of ponded water while szomolnokite (FeSO4.H2O), was associated with the outwash areas of the pile. Laboratory dehydration of melanterite collected at the gob pile revealed the formation of rozenite (FeSO4.4H2O), an intermediate form of ferrous sulfate. Szomolnokite was shown to be the stable form of these ferrous sulfates during these experiments while melanterite and rozenite were shown to alter readily. Chemical analysis of szomolnokite revealed enrichment in Fe, Mg, Zn, Cd, Cu and Mn relative to the chemical composition of the gob ad the lechate generated from the gob wastes. Although this gob pile had been weathering for more than 35 years, significant concentrations of trace metals were still being released from the pile through the generation of leachate and the formation of various soluble metal enriched ferrous sulfate minerals.

Jan 1, 1982

By Geoffrey Brooks, Ben M. Ekman, M. Akbar Rhamdhani

"Concentrated solar collectors including solar simulators have been studied to concentrate solar radiation to flux levels capable of reaching temperatures of 3000K. Currently, there are no industrial scale solar reactors used for material processing and only small research units have been tried. Various laboratory scale solar reactor designs are reviewed including their operating temperature and heat transfer efficiency. Solar reactor designs can be classed into directly or indirectly irradiated and single or double cavity construction. Thermal efficiencies of up to 40% have been achieved in experimental units while operating at 1500K. Problems are encountered that relate to the transfer of high heat flux. Hybrid reactor system should be considered in the future to overcome some of the practical issues associated with solar thermal reactors.I. INTRODUCTIONIn the high temperature processing of materials, such as the production of metals, cement, refractory or glass, the reactions are typically performed in the range of 500° to 2000°C. Metals are produced from minerals, which maybe oxides, sulphides, chlorides or silicates, and to recover the metals, these compounds have to undergo chemical reaction to liberate the metal. The thermodynamic stability of these compounds found in minerals necessitates the use of high temperatures to break down the bonds between the metals and other elements. Normally, the raw metals produced from smelting require refining, which is often carried out in the molten state. As new energy sources have been established, new furnace designs have evolved to incorporate the latest technology. Although solar energy has existed longer than all the current energy sources, it has not yet been incorporated into any industrial smelting; refining or melting processes. The solar radiation reaching the earth’s atmosphere, called the “Solar Constant” (SC), is defined as the rate at which solar energy is incident on a surface normal to the sun’s rays at the outer edge of the atmosphere when the earth is at its mean distance from the sun. The currently accepted value is 1367 W/m2 [1]. The earth intercepts only a small amount of this and 30% is reflected back into space, 47% is converted to low-temperature heat and reradiated into space and 23% powers the evaporative and precipitation cycle of the biosphere [2]. As a result, the solar energy reaching the earth’s surface is weakened considerably to about 1000 W/m2 or one sun, on a clear day and much lower on cloudy or smoggy days [3]. The thermodynamic limit for solar concentration is determined from the inverse square law [4] by the factor sin2? = 46,764 sun’s [5] where ? is the angular size of the sun and equals 0.0093 radians [7]. This would produce a steady state temperature equal to that of the sun’s surface of approximately 5800oC. In practice however much lower concentrations are achieved due to geometrical and optical imperfections, shading effects and tracking inaccuracies. Optical configurations based on parabolic-shaped mirrors are commercially available for large-scale collection and concentration of solar energy for the generation of electrical power. The most common configurations used for concentration of the sun’s energy in solar thermal applications are parabolic troughs, solar towers and parabolic dishes [8,9]."

Jan 1, 2014

By Lassi Klemettinen

For better understanding and maximal value utilization of the WEEE smelting process, the behavior and distribution of different trace elements must be known. In this study, the behavior of nickel as a trace element was studied in an equilibrium system with metallic copper—spinel saturated iron silicate slag (with 3 wt-% K2O)—iron aluminous spinel—gas. The experiments were conducted in alumina crucibles at 1300 °C, in oxygen pressure range of 10−10–10−5 atm. A time series of 15–60 min experiments was also conducted for investigating the formation rate of the primary spinel phase in the system. The results show that the distribution coefficient of nickel between metallic copper and liquid slag changes from approximately 70 to 0.4 along the increasing oxygen pressure range. In addition, a significant part of the nickel deports into the spinel phase. The spinel formation was investigated based on composition analysis results and visual observations from SEM-images.

By W. K. Connor, O&apos

Thermal Treatment Technology Division Albany Research Center, U.S. Dept. of Energy Oregon. This evaluation included a characterization study and direct smelting tests conducted in a bench-scale electric arc furnace (EAF). In contrast to other thermal treatment technologies considered for these wastes (i.e., fluidized bed combustion), direct smelting in the EAF can process 100% of the wastes without prior beneficiation, and utilizes solid oxidant additions (in this case iron ore) rather than air to oxidize the carbon. This solid oxidant addition is advantageous because it results in the production of several value-added furnace products. These products include cast iron resulting from the reduction of the iron oxides, baghouse dust containing virtually all of the zinc from the residues, and a clean (nonhazardous) slag product suitable for recycle as concrete aggregate or construction fill. Offgas from the smelting furnace also holds potential as fuel gas for cogeneration. The direct smelting tests conducted thus far were successful at producing the desired furnace products, exhibiting the potential for complete recycle of the waste pile. A cast iron product of comparable quality to conventional cast irons was produced, at nearly 80% iron recovery to the metal. The slag product was determined to be nonhazardous, based on the EPA TCLP. Lead and zinc partitioning to the dust product was greater than 99%. The material balance over the furnace indicates that for every ton of feed processed, 540 lb. of cast iron, 600 lb. of slag, and 150 lb. of dust would be produced. Energy consumption was roughly 1.10 kWxh/lb of feed material. Prior experience suggests that these figures measured in the bench-scale furnace would translate to 0040 to 0.50 kWxh/lb at the industrial-scale.

Jan 1, 2000

By Nina Bianco, Diana Drinkwater

MetSkill is a professional development program for metallurgical engineers that integrates with normal duties in their first one or two years of service. Graduates work together on a structured technical project, facilitated by specialists and supported by formal learning, and ultimately reported to their technical managers. The program enables graduates to “fill the gaps” in their undergraduate education, which is increasingly pertinent as engineering degrees become more general. Participants report that they enjoy the focus on more challenging (rewarding) aspects of their jobs and feel more confident about problem solving. Sponsor companies add that the relationships developed with external technical specialists enhances opportunities for innovation and development. MetSkill was delivered to two major resource companies in Australia in 2012. This paper provides an outline of the program and the reasons for its success, and demonstrates how the learning model could be applied to groups of graduates in other engineering disciplines.

Jan 1, 2014

By D. Gu, R. G. Anthony, C. V. Philip, M. E. Huckman

"In this paper, we review the equations needed to construct an ion exchange column model. These models contain three major components: 1) a differential material balance around the column, 2) a differential material balance around an ion exchange particle, and 3) a constitutive equation for diffusive flux. We then examine the ability of a fairly simple mathematical model to predict ion exchange column experimental data. This model contains the traditional absorption theory equations and is used to predict the behavior of a column filled with a hydrous crystalline silico-titanate and which is removing trace amounts of Cs+ from a high pH, complex electrolyte solution. Finally, we propose replacing Fick's law with the Nemst-Planck equation as the constitutive equation for diffusive flux. We use a NemstPlanck type model to predict batch experimental data, then evaluate it by comparing it's ability to predict experimental data to that of a more traditional Fick's law type model. The data from this comparison suggests that the Nemst-Planck type model yields better results.IntroductionMillions of gallons of strongly basic, radioactive waste are currently stored in underground storage tanks at Hanford and Savannah River and several locations within the United States. Due to the limited life expectancy of the tanks, there is a pressing need to remediate these wastes. This need has prompted the recent development of new ion-exchange materials for removing radioactive elements from aqueous solutions. A novel material called TAM-5 has been developed jointly by Texas A&M University and Sandia National Laboratories. TAM- 5, a crystalline silico-titanate, is highly selective for Cs + in the complex electrolytic solutions typical of these wastes. It is stable in very basic solutions and in radioactive environments [1, 2 ,3]. In laboratory testing to determine the selectivity of various materials, TAM-5 was superior to other candidate ion exchangers [4, 5]. The selectivities were determined by measuring a distribution coefficient, Kd, which is defined as the concentration, gig or mmols/g of Cs in the solid phase divided by the concentration, mg/L or mmols/mL, of Cs in the liquid phase. The units of Kd are ml/g or L/kg. Table 1 shows Kd values for TAM-5 compared to 9 other candidate materials in a typical waste solution [6]."

Jan 1, 1996

By Tuula Mäkinen

One of the latest applications of the Outokumpu Flash Smelting Technology is the direct smelting ,of nickel concentrates to metallised low-iron nickel mattes. Compared to the conventional nickel smelting, the new DON process needs a lower number of smelting vessels resulting in considerable economic and environmental benefits. Fundamentals of smelting nickel concentrates in one stage to low-iron mattes are presented. Properties of nickel. smelting slags with an emphasis of the slag fluidity at high MgO-levels are also discussed. Conditions prevailing in DON mattes at high oxidation degrees are presented as well as their influence on the behaviour of such mattes in the settler and on tapping the furnace. Distributions of elements in the direct smelting are presented and compared with the conventional process. A further comparison is made with pilot-plant data and the industrial scale.

Jan 1, 1998

By Bryce Clark

Cobalts history from the 14th Century is outlined, with a look at its various sources over that period. The present sources and quantities are given, when in 1994 it is an equal co-product of copper in Africa and nickel elsewhere (Canada, Australia, Russia). Future trends in this scene are also examined. The final section deals with cobalts uses in superalloys, magnets, colours, electronics, chemicals, and examines trends in its markets. Supply and demand in co-product cobalt are shown, based on the latest production figures.

Jan 1, 1995

By Asmo Vartiainen

Background of Direct-to-Blister Flash Smelting is discussed; especially slag chemistry relating to copper solubility, slag fluidity and impurity behavior. In December, 2000, Mini-pilot Flash Smelting test runs were carried out at Outokumpu Research Oy to produce blister copper from Chilean concentrate and white metal and from a mixture of them. Tested slag types were iron silicate slag, ferrous calcium silicate slag and calcium ferrite slag with different slag compositions and different concentrate/white metal ratios. The test runs were successful. The fluxing effect of copper oxide was clearly demonstrated and ferrous calcium silicate slags remained fluid on a very wide liquidus range. The distribution of arsenic between ferrous calcium silicate slag and blister copper is much higher than between iron silicate slag and blister copper. This successful test run with the new slag type offer new possibilities in Direct- to-Blister process design.

Jan 1, 2003

By Asmo Vartiainen

Background of Direct-to-Blister Flash Smelting is discussed; especially slag chemistry relating to copper solubility, slag fluidity and impurity behavior. In December, 2000, Mini-pilot Flash Smelting test runs were carried out at Outokumpu Research Oy to produce blister copper from Chilean concentrate and white metal and from a mixture of them. Tested slag types were iron silicate slag, ferrous calcium silicate slag and calcium ferrite slag with different slag compositions and different concentrate/white metal ratios. The test runs were successful. The fluxing effect of copper oxide was clearly demonstrated and ferrous calcium silicate slags remained fluid on a very wide liquidus range. The distribution of arsenic between ferrous calcium silicate slag and blister copper is much higher than between iron silicate slag and blister copper. This successful test run with the new slag type offer new possibilities in Direct-to-Blister process design.

Jan 1, 2003

By Avijit Moitra

The behavior of the solidifying shell in the early stages of solidification has an important influence on the final quality of continuously-cast steel slabs. In order to understand the thermal and mechanical behavior of the shell, a two-dimensional transient piecewise-coupled finite-element model has been developed. The model simulates a transverse section of the slab as it moves down through the mold and incorporates the effects of heat conduction, solidification, shrinkage, turbulent fluid flow, thermal distortion of the mold and the visco-plastic behavior of the steel. Coupling between the thermal and the mechanical model is based on the mutual dependence of heat transfer across the interface between the shell and the mold and the size of the gap. The effects of mold distortion and taper on the gap size are also included. The effect of fluid flow has been incorporated via a heat flux imposed at the solid-liquid interface, which is obtained from a separate fluid flow model. The high temperature creep and plasticity of the steel is incorporated through a unified constitutive law defining the inelastic strain rates as a function of temperature, time and stress state. The model can be applied to various problems in continuous casting, such as the formation of surface defects and the design of mold taper.

Jan 1, 1992

By Ryszard Prajsnar

During copper production in shaft and flash smelting processes at KGHM Polska Miedz S.A., lead bearing material of sulfide, sulfate, and oxide character is generated in forms such as slime from shaft furnace gas handling systems, converter dusts, and dusts from an electric furnace for copper removal from flash smelting slag. These materials are polymetallic concentrates of Pb, Zn, and Cu, with As, Cl, and Cd as impurities. Shaft furnace slime, containing. about 50% PbS and 15% bituminous substances, is the main lead-bearing material. At the Glogów copper mill, a new plant was commissioned in June 2001 to process 80,000 tonnes per year of lead bearing materials to produce 26,000 tonnes per year of crude lead. The plant consists of a feed conditioning system, three (3) rotary rocking furnaces with a capacity of sixteen (16) tonnes of lead feed fired with natural gas and oxygen-enriched air containing up to 45 vol% O2, and a gas handling system. The gas handling system includes a post-combustion chamber, a gas cooling chamber with Cl neutralization, gas mixing chamber, bag filter, and dry limestone scrubbing system for SO2 removal. The lead-bearing feed is smelted with five (5) wt% Na2CO3 and thirteen (13) wt% iron scrap at a temperature of 950 to 1050°C for three (3) hours. The smelting process consists of four (4) stages; feed drying, firing of gaseous hydrocarbons and solid coal from the feed, lead reduction from slag, and separation of molten products. The flow rates of natural gas and oxygen to the burners are controlled to ensure combustion of the bituminous material in the furnace. The process produces crude lead bullion containing (wt%) 0.1 to 0.5% Cu, 0.02 to 0.5% As, 0.05 to 0.07% Bi, 0.1 to 0.5% Sb, and 0.1 to 0.6%Sn. The process also produces a mixture of sodium silicate slag, Fe-Zn-Pb-Cu-S matte, and Fe-As speiss containing (wt%) 5 to 10% Pb, 2 to 6% Cu, 10 to 15% Zn, 1 to 3% As, 10 to 15% S, 0.5 to 3.0% Cl, 2 to 4% K, 4 to 7% Na, 20 to 30% Fe, and 5 to 10% SiO2. The dust is made up of PbO, ZnO, PbSO4, and PbCI2, KCI, and NaCI with a chemical composition (wt%) of 35 to 50% Pb, 5 to 15% Zn, 3 to 6% As, 4 to 8% Cl, 2 to 5% K, and 2 to 5% Na. The construction of the new lead production plant at the Glogów copper mill will process both current lead-bearing materials as well as lead-bearing material that have been stockpiled over the last fifteen (15) years to give a significant improvement in protection of the natural environment.

Jan 1, 2002

By S. N. Sinha

The distribution coefficients of lead and silver between copper and matte phases have been measured at two different temperatures. Experiments covered the ranges of 0.009-1.8, 0.07-0.13, and 0-11 wt pct lead, silver, and iron in matte, respectively. The distribution coefficients of lead have been measured at 1405 and 1505 K and correlated with lead and iron concentrations in metallic copper and matte. The values of the distribution coef¬ficient of lead between copper and iron-free matte, at infinite dilution of lead, have been determined to be 3.60 and 4,06 at 1505 and 1405 K, respectively. The distribution coefficient of silver between copper and iron-free matte is independent of silver concentrations and has been measured to be 2.13 and 2.21 at 1400 and 1500 K, respectively. For an iron-bearing matte, the distribution coefficient of silver has been correlated with iron concentration in the matte at both 1400 and 1500 K. From the measured values of distribution coefficients, the Raoultian activity coefficients of PbS and AgS0.5 in copper-saturated matte have been calculated. At infinite dilution, the following equations correlating the Raoultian activity coeffici¬ents of PbS and AgS0.5 with matte- composition and temperature have been obtained: log Y° PbS =1.515 + 1080/T 0.14 NFes lbS Fog YAgS = -0.074 - 425/T + 0.09 NFes. - 0.5

Jan 1, 1983

By Yasuo Ojima

The mainstream of copper smelting processes in the world today is a combination of Outokumpu type Flash smelting and PS (Pierse Smith) converting process. Presently it can be estimated that about 50% of the worldwide copper production is produced by the Flash smelting process and 80% by the PS converting process. PS converting process due to its operational flexibility and despite its batch character of operation has been widely used in many smelters for more than 100 years. However, an environmental issue has been pointed out related to this process because of the difficulty of handling the fugitive gases. Recently several copper smelters in the world have been newly constructed and others have executed major modification and modernization, The continuous converting process has been applied in many of them instead of PS converting process. This paper compares PS to the emerging continuous converting process and makes a prospect of the future of the copper converting process.

Jan 1, 2003

By Louis J. Mittoni

"It is well known that gas injection systems can exhibit a wide range of dynamical behaviours, ranging from linear periodic bubbling through to highly complex turbulent jetting. Recently, it has been observed that an important intermediate regime exists under certain system conditions, where the dynamics are complex in nature yet predictable for short time periods. This paper reviews the evidence to support the above hypothesis, and discusses the invariant quantitative measures such as density, return maps, Lyapunov exponent and dimension which may be used as pattern recognition features in a mOnitoring and control strategy.INTRODUCTIONThere has been a great deal of research on the submerged injection of gases into liquids. This interest is primarily due to the large number of applications in the pyrometallurgical and chemical engineering industries. Gases are typically injected into liquids to achieve goals such as heat and mass transfer, or physical mixing and agitation. Only recently though has the possibility of using the evolution of the gas dynamics as a probe to internal system conditions been raised [1, 2].At very low gas injection rates and small upstream chamber volumes, gas normally disperses in the form of stable bubbles of constant volume [3]. With increases in gas flow rate, the dynamics become more complex, bifurcating into double bubbling, multiple bubbling and complex coalescence behaviour. Irregularities measured in pressuretime series acquired upstream of the injection port under these complex conditions have usually been treated as bothersome noise or contamination to be filtered from the signal and ignored in the analysis. These irregularities, however, may contain physically interesting and useful information on the system from which they were produced if the system may be classified as deterministically chaotic [4]."

Jan 1, 1996

By J. Hamisch

Climate policy regarding perfluorocarbons (PFCs) may have a significant influence on investment decisions in the production of primary aluminum. This work demonstrates an integrated analysis of the effectiveness and likely economic consequences of different climate policy options. In our study we first compare atmospheric observations to the available estimates of PFC emissions for the baseline years 1990 and 1995. We then present projections for regional emissions of PFCs from the aluminum industry using the MIT Emissions Projection and Policy Analysis model under different policy scenarios. Abatement costs for emissions of PFCs and C02 are compared in the context of the Kyoto Protocol.

Jan 1, 1999

By R. Hurman Eric

Within the Ag-Pb-S ternary system, the boundaries of the immiscibility region together with the tie-line distributions were re-established at 925°C by the equilibrium-quenching technique where samples were kept in evacuated and sealed silica capsules. Activities of Pb were measured by the dew-point method along the Ag-Pb binary at 925°C, 1100° and 1200°C. positive deviations were observed and the results were modeled by the Krupkowski formalism. Activities of Ag, Pb, and S, along the ternary miscibility gap were calculated at 925°C by utilizing the boundaries binary thermodynamics, phase equilibria and tie-lines. Activities of PbS within the pseudobinary Ag2S-PbS mattes were also measured by the dew-point technique and the results were again modeled by the Krupkowski formation Where negative deviations were observed.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. Hurman Eric

Within the Ag-Pb-S ternary system, the boundaries of the immiscibility region together with the tie-line distributions were re-established at 925°C by the equilibrium-quenching technique where samples were kept in evacuated and sealed silica capsules. Activities of Pb were measured by the dew-point method along the Ag-Pb binary at 925°C, 1100° and l200°C, positive deviations were observed and the results were modeled by the Krupkowski formalism. Activities of Ag, Pb, and S, along the ternary miscibility gap were calculated at 925°C by utilizing the boundaries binary thermodynamics, phase equilibria and tie-lines. Activities of PbS within the pseudobinary Ag2S-PbS mattes were also measured by the dew-point technique and the results were again modeled by the Krupkowski formation where negative deviations were observed.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Fujikawa, S. Goto, M. Nishikawa

"The semi-pilot scale plant for injection smelting of zinc calcine was operated under the committee of Joint Research Organization of Injection Metallurgy. The capacity of the plant is 10 ton metallic zinc per day. The plant was designed by the resul ts of basic and bench scale tests of the capacity of 1 ton metallic zinc per day which was published at ""Zinc '85"". The equipments of the plants, operational conditions, results of the operation such as recovery of zinc in injection furnace and condenser, combustion rate of powdered coke and consumption of energy in this process are presented in this paper. The results of the study of the feasibility of the commercial plant of 100,000 ton zinc per year by the injection smelting are also discussed in the paper. IntroductionThe research committee of new smelting process of zinc by injection was established in 1981 under the finantial support of Mining Promoting Foundation of Japan. Six zinc producing companies joined in this organization. The price of zinc was very low at that time and the energy cost, especially, cost of electric power in Japan was extremely high. Invention of a new economical process for zinc extraction had been stronglydesired. The author proposed a injection smelting of zinc as a economical process in energy saving after a calculation of thermodynamical equilibrium and heat balance(1 )(2).The research committee has been studying the injection process since 1981. The small basic experiment by using a crucible furnace was carried out from October 1981 to March 1983 and the reaction of reduction of calcine by injection smelting was ascertained (2). Vaporizatipon of zinc and behaviours of impurities were examined. After the basic experiment, the bench scale test with the production capacity of zinc of 1 ton per day was carried on from November 1983 to October 1984.The bench scale tests were carried out to obtain the proper design of feeding devices of calcines and coke into a furnace and also to obtain fundamental data for enlargement of this smelting process(3,4). The recovery of metallic zinc in this small equipments was about 50% and main loss of zinc was formation of dross in the condenser."

Jan 1, 1988

By Petr Stehlík

"This paper is aimed at showing and demonstrating progress in technologies and improvements in units for the thermal processing of various types of waste. The following areas are covered: units for the thermal treatment of hazardous industrial waste and common MSW, technologies for the thermal treatment of industrial and sewage sludge, utilizing waste in cement production (material and energy recovery), up-to-date off-gas cleaning systems, original and unique units for the thermal processing of polluted gases, low-NOx burners. The paper represents a review based on industrial applications, papers published in reputable international journals and a monograph under preparation.IntroductionThe present contribution is an overview of the activities and achievements of the Institute of process and environmental engineering (UPEI) of the Brno University of Technology (VUT). The Institute belongs to European leading teams in the field of the thermal processing of various types of waste. The research in the institute currently revolves mainly around a strategic project “Waste and Biomass Utilization focused on Environment Protection and Energy Generation” that is supported by the national government. Due to the limited space this paper is conceived as a review of papers published especially in reputable international journals.Main (strategic) target of the research is development of new, efficient processes (eventually modernized processes with novel original elements) for effective and highly efficient treatment of waste and biomass, including their maximum utilization as renewable energy sources while minimizing harmful emissions. To this purpose, highly advanced know-how for the design and construction of the related technology lines is being developed, supported by mathematical modeling (see e.g. [1]), experimental validation and optimization.Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste – Concept of Waste-to-Energy CentersThermal processing of various types of wastes is not only waste disposal and/or treatment at present. It has to be regarded as waste to energy process wherever and whenever possible and feasible. This observation was at the origin of the concept of new regional Waste-to-Energy Centers (WTEC), outlined in the following paragraphs. The proposal of the centers is based on a combination of experience, know-how and sophisticated approach. The main fact influencing the concept of WTEC is the necessity to treat different types of wastes. Typical types of wastes as well as main products of the processes in a WTEC are shown in Figure 1."

Jan 1, 2008