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By J. A. Jensen

In-situ composites were produced in both Ti matrix (Ti-20Y) and Mg matrix (Mg-20Ti, Mg- 20Nb, Mg-20Fe, and Mg-8Li) alloys. In Ti-20Y, a < 1010 > fiber texture formed in both the Ti and Y phases, and UTS increased from 240 MPa, (as-cast) to 950 MPa after deformation processing to a true strain of 7.3. Deformation processing produced smaller UTS increases in the Mg-matrix composites, but they showed exceptional resistance to weakening from exposure to elevated temperatures. The Mg-20Fe, Mg-20Nb. and Mg-20Ti composites tolerated 6-hour exposure to 400°C with no reduction in their 250 to 300 MPa room temperature UTS. All composites studied had excellent ductility and machinability.

Jan 1, 1995

By Claassen J. O.

The Zinc Corporation of South Africa Ltd. (Zincor) operates an integrated roast ? leach ? electrowinning circuit. The efficient removal and control of iron forms an integral part of the process. Zincor developed its own iron removal process (Zincor Process), which was recently shown to be unique with some similarities to the para-goethite iron removal process. Newly developed operating parameters for iron removal are in the process of being implemented. These include a change in the pH-profile and operating temperature, the recycling of seed material and the utilisation of an alternative neutralising agent to aid iron removal. Some of these actions, together with the implementation of a pre-neutralisation step, new filtration equipment and control systems in Zincor?s Residue Treatment Plant have significantly reduced zinc losses associated with iron in calcine and the iron residue produced. This enabled Zincor to take a step closer to world-class zinc recovery levels of around 96% for a similar type of operation.

Jan 1, 2003

By Fabiola Alvarez, Ana E. Bote, Daniel Pasquevich

"The oxidation of aluminum and its alloys was extensively studied for improving the corrosion resistance in structural materials having high specific strengths. But this reaction involves the formation of a very thin barrier layer on the metallic pieces. Furthermore, the ·recent development of the directed melt oxidation process for producing metal-ceramic; composites has renewed the interest in the study of interaction between gases and metals. Oxidation experiments in the presence of different chlorine partial pressures and at different temperatures were performed in ·a thermogravimetric balance, and microstructures were analyzed by electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The oxy-chlorination kinetics was determined and the oxide formed W(IS amorphous at temperatures below 600 °C and crystalline .at higher temperatures. The appropriate experimental conditions for the fastest completed oxidation was further determined.IntroductionThe use of fine powders for the manufacture of ceramic components has significant advantages. They include excellent sinterability; low sintering temperature and better microstructure leading to improved mechanical properties. The conventional method of producing fine oxide powders involves controlled precipitation and pirolysis of suitable salts. The main limitation of the high temperature decomposition route is the evolution of environmentally unacceptable and corrosive gases. Controlled precipitation of hydroxides from solutions of salts, followed by thermal treatment involves large volumes of solutions and the calcination step that can induce grain growth (1).Direct oxidation of aluminum metal for producing alumina powder requires high temperatures for the direct oxidation of molten Al alloys by a vapor phase oxidant process (2, 3) or high technological process like thermal plasma reactor ( 4).Oxidation of high purity aluminum (5, 6) below the melting temperature· is initially characterized by a nearly linear reaction rate, followed by a rate which decreases rapidly with further weight gain. However, the oxidation rate of an aluminummagnesium alloy is much faster and it does not conform to any common oxidation law, but it is nearly parabolic at temperatures between 200 and 400 °C, an nearly linear· above 400 °C."

Jan 1, 2000

By H. Deveci

Bioleaching/biooxidation is essentially a dissolution process with the involvement of acidophilic bacteria acting as the "catalyst" to accelerate the dissolution of metals from sulfide minerals. The contribution of bacteria to the metal dissolution is closely controlled by the growth of bacteria, which is itself affected by the physico-chemical conditions within the bioleaching environment. There are a number of operating parameters controlling bioleaching processes, which are required to be maintained within a certain range in the leaching environment whereby the activity of bacteria with the resultant oxidation of sulfide minerals can be optimized. In this regard temperature, acidity, oxidizing conditions, availability of nutrients, oxygen and carbon dioxide, surface area and presence of toxic ions are of prime importance for control and optimization of bioleaching of sulfide ores/concentrates. Bioleaching processes are temperature and pH dependent with optimum metal dissolution occurring in a particular range where the bacterial strain is most active e.g. mesophiles at 35-40°C and pH 1.6-2.0. Provision of nutrient salts is required to maintain the optimnm growth and hence metal dissolution with the quantity of nutrients apparently being dependent on the availability of substrate i.e. head grade/pulp density of an ore/concentrate. Oxygen transfer is one of the most critical factors since the oxygen levels below 1-2 mgll may adversely affect the oxidizing activity of bacteria. Bioleaching rate tends to improve with increasing the surface area at low pulp densities but, in practice. the pulp density is limited to -20010 w/v. Increasing concentrations of ions such as cr may also adversely affect the oxidative activity of bacteria. Keywords: Bioleaching, Biooxidation, Acidophilic bacteria

Jan 1, 2003

By Gus Van Weert

Solvent extraction of iron from zinc refinery liquors has been investigated before, mainly on the MEHPA / HC1 stripping combination. Leakage of chloride into the zinc electrolyte and the costs of handling the ferric chloride eluate have prevented this option from being adopted. This work explores the stripping of the ferric loaded organic phase with nitric acid to take advantage of the possibility of regenerating up to 6N nitric acid, and clean spheroidal hematite production by autoclave treatment of ferric nitrate solution. The work was carried out with DEHPA (di 2-ethyl-hexyl phosphoric acid) in kerosine. Degradation testing proved the DEHPA to be very stable, when exposed to nitric acid solutions up to 6N and temperatures up to 70" C over a period of five days. Ferric iron was removed completely froma synthetic hot acid leach liquor, irrespective of the DEHPA concentration. Stripping the ferric turned out to be the problematic step. Although the stripping efficiency was considerable better at 50 than at 20° C, it decreased with increasing DEHPA/Fe ration in the organic phase. Eluates of no more than 5-10 g/l ferric nitrate were produced. surprisingly, nitric acid was found to be a less efficient stripping agent than sulphuric at equivalent normality and its efficacy levelled off above 4N. It was concluded that DEHPA does not appear to be the S.X. reagent to take advantage of the low cost autoclave decomposition of ferric nitrate opportunity in zinc hydrometallurgy and that another S.X. reagent, also resistant to nitric acid, but based on weaker compound formation is needed.

Jan 1, 1998

By George S. Dulikravich

An advanced semi-stochastic algorithm for constrained multi-objective optimization has been adapted and combined with experimental testing and verification to determine optimum concentrations of alloying elements in heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant H-Series austenitic stainless steel alloys. The objective was to simultaneously maximize a number of alloy&apos;s mechanical properties. This research will result in a rigorous tool for the design of high-strength H-Series steels and other types of alloys unattainable by any means existing at the present time. Such a material-by-design tool will also be able to reduce or minimize the need for the addition of expensive elements such as Cr, Ni, Co, Nb, Ti, V, etc. and still obtain the optimum properties of an alloy.

Jan 1, 2003

By Ross R. Bhappu

Anticipating a major power cost increase in 1990, Cyprus Copper Company decided to modernize the Miami Smelter at a cost of $92.5 million. The modernization project included the addition of an Isasmelt vessel for use as the primary copper smelter and the modification of the existing electric furnace to a slaglmatte separating vessel. The project was completed in June of 1992 and is currently operating at close to its design capacity. This paper provides a summary of the decision making process, a description of the project, a summary of start-up problems and solutions and the current status of the smelter operation.

Jan 1, 1994

By Fiseha Tesfaye, Pekka Taskinen

"Thermodynamics of the equilibrium phase assemblage Ago_9Cul.lS-Cu2-xS-CuS have been studied by an EMF -method. The ternary phase was synthesized from the pure Cu2S and Ag2S in vacuum furnace at high-temperature and mixed with appropriate compositions of Cu2S and CuS to form the cathode electrode. The EMF-measurements were made on the solid-state galvanic cell Pt(-) I Ag I RbAg,ils I Ago9Cu1.1S-Cu2-xS-CuS I Pt(+), in a temperature range from 316 K to 498K.Based on the measured EMF vs. T relations, thermodynamic functions (?fG° , ?fS and ?fH°) of stromeyerite (Ag0.9Cu1.1S) in equilibrium with Cu2-xS and CuS have been determined. The obtained experimental values have been compared with the available literature values. New experimentally determined thermodynamic properties of the solid solution (Ag,Cu)2Sss were determined.IntroductionDue to intense mining of high grade sulfide ore minerals in the past, recently, the available sulfide ores are poor in metals and becoming increasingly complex; such that, the production of high grade metals by the conventional pyrometallurgical processes is compromised. Consequently, smelters are in need to modify their operating flow sheets and strategies for processing more complex feed materials economically, while meeting the strict environmental regulations. To make the appropriate modifications, accurate thermochemical data of phases and phase assemblages which exist in these complex ore minerals are essential.Silver-bearing sulfosalts are encountered in ore minerals for the production of base metals and are common sources of silver. Among the silver-based sulfosalts, stromeyerite (Ag0_9Cu1.1S) is relatively common ore mineral in most hydrothermal vein and replacement deposits [1]. Recently, the ternary chalcogenide compound Ago0.93Cu1,07S has been studied, intensively, due to its high ionic conductivity and gradual disorder in the sequential phase transitions [2]. Therefore, accurate knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of stromeyerite has considerable fundamental and practical interest in many aspects of extractive, chemical and physical metallurgy."

Jan 1, 2014

By Seetharama C. Deevi, Mohammad R. Hajaligol, Sarojini Deevi

"Carbides and nitrides of iron are being considered as magnetic materials for high-density recording due to their chemical stability and high-saturation magnetization values (> 100 emu/g). Iron carbides and iron nitrides with magnetic properties suitable for magnetic media were synthesized by employing a novel synthesis procedure based on fluidization of powders in reactive atmospheres. Fluidized-bed reactors of laboratory, bench, and pilot scale were employed for the synthesis of iron carbide, FeSC2, by reducing and carburizing U-Fe203 in the temperature range of 300 to 550 ºC. A temperature of 400· ºC and a reaction time of 2 to 3 h are found to be optimal for the synthesis of iron carbide. When the carburization was carried out in a reducing and carburizing atmosphere such as carbon monoxide, nucleation and growth of FeSC2 occurred directly from Fe304 with no intermediate phases such as FeO or Fe. Longer carburization times resulted in the deposition of carbon on the surfaces of FeSC2 particles due to Boudouard reaction, and higher temperatures favored the formation of a mixture of carbides such as FesC2 and Fe3C. Iron nitrides were synthesized by reducing u-Fe203 in the temperature range of 350 to 550 ºC, followed by nitriding in the temperature range of 350 to 550·ºC. The powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer, and a vibrating sample magnetometer.IntroductionRecent demand for high-quality recording of optical, electrical, and audio signals generated interest in magnetic tapes with high-recording densities as compared to the conventional magnetic tapes based on U-Fe203. At present, commercially available magnetic tapes contain maghematite, U-Fe203, as a magnetic material with a saturation magnetization of90 emu/g and a coercive force of 400 Oe. Recording of signals at a higher density per unit volume of magnetic material demands magnetic materials with high-saturation magnetization and a reasonable coercive force. Although metallic iron particles possess a saturation magnetization of 130 to 150 emu/g and a high coercive force of 1000 Oe, the gradual oxidation of iron-to-iron oxides (of lower saturation magnetization) prevents the use of iron particles for high-density recording. In contrast, iron carbides such as FesC2, Fe7C3 and iron nitrides such as Fe4N and Fe3N possess excellent magnetic properties coupled with good electrical conductivities and high hardness. The carbides and nitrides of iron have generated significant interest as magnetic materials for the next generation of magnetic tapes due to their unique magnetic properties and relatively greater oxidation resistance as compared to metallic iron particles [1-4]."

Jan 1, 1994

By J. D. Sunderkötter, M. F. Stroosnijder, V. A. C. Haanappel

"TiAI-based intermetallic compounds have attracted considerable interest as structural materials for high-temperature applications due to their low density and substantial mechanical strength at high temperatures. However, one major drawback hindering industrial application arises from the insufficient oxidation resistance at temperatures beyond 700 °C. In the present contribution some general aspects of high temperature oxidation of TiAI-based intermetallics will be presented. This will be followed by a discussion of the influence of alloying elements, in particular niobium, and of the effect of nitrogen in the oxidizing environment on the high temperature oxidation behaviour of such materials.Extended AbstractIntroductionTiAI-based intermetallics are being considered as construction materials for high temperature components, e.g. in aircraft and car engines, due to their low density and substantial mechanical strength at high temperatures, see e.g. [1,2]. The best ductility can be attained with alloys consisting of y-TiAI with around 5-15 vol.% Q2-Ti3AI. However, one major hindrance to industrial application arises from the insufficient oxidation resistance at temperatures beyond 700 aG. In spite of their high aluminium content, TiAI-based intermetallics do not generally form long-lasting protective alumina scales. After longer exposure times the scales, which are initially rich in alumina, deteriorate and scales consisting of mixed alumina and titania predominate, with high growth rates similar to pure titania.It is not the intention of the present paper to present a general overview of the high temperature oxidation behaviour of TiAI based intermetallics, for which the reader is referred to the literature [3,4]. In the present contribution some general aspects of high temperature oxidation of TiAI-based intermetallics will be presented. This will be followed by a discussion of the influence of alloying elements, in particular niobium. The effect of nitrogen in the oxidizing environment on the high temperature oxidation behaviour of these intermetallics will also be considered."

Jan 1, 1996

By N. Menad

. Electronic wastes are heterogeneous mixture, with mainly copper, aluminium and steel attached to or mixed with various types of plastics and ceramics. In general, small amounts of precious metals are incorporated in this mixture. Today, these components constitute an environmentally problematic fraction in disposal. Their physico-chemical characteristics have been investigated through chemical, x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis.

Jan 1, 2000

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 Seyed Mahdi Abbasi, Adel Sheikhhosseini

"This research was conducted to study the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and mechanical properties ofIN718 superalloy after adding aluminum to the ESR process slag. The experiments were performed in VIM and ESR furnaces. The results showed adding 1.5 percent aluminum to the slag increase lave phase in the IN718 samples from 0.34 percent in the base sample to 3.0 percent. It also indicated that the more increase of aluminum in slag cause decrease in the aluminum absorb yield in the superalloy.it is observed that increasing aluminum from 0.7 to 1.1 and then to 1.5 percent caused a decrease of absorb from 91.4 to 76.3 and 74.6 percent respectively due to increasing of aluminum oxidation. According to the results, tensile strength increased and ductility declined in the IN718 samples mainly because of rising the amount of y' volume fraction.IntroductionIN718 superalloy is an iron-nickel base superalloy with constant mechanical properties at medium at high temperatures. For the past seven years a considerable amount of time and effort has been expended by both suppliers and users in the study of Alloy 718 [ 1]. The interest in this material stems not only from the interesting metallurgy associated with the alloy, but with the large usage of the material in numerous applications In fact many people believe that the projected use of this alloy increase significantly over the next several years, The large use of Alloy 718 is the result of its performance in respect to high strength, good ductility, good repair weld ability and from its versatility of being supplied in various product forms. This superalloy is used in wide ranges of industries such as aerospace and gas turbines [2]. In the past more than 20 years many researchers did a lot of work to improve the structure stability of IN718 at high temperatures and intended to develop a new 718 type alloy to be used beyond 650 °C. One of the methods is to control and phase precipitation behavior by means of adjustment of Al, Ti and Nb contents. The other idea is to strengthen the matrix by altering the content of solid solution elements such as W and Co. The adjustment of these alloying elements can change phase precipitation behavior [3]. If detailed information dealing with phase precipitation behavior can be obtained before experimental work for alloy development, a lot of time can be saved and the development cost can also be reduced. In recent years, computer modeling based on experimental data plays an increasing role in alloy design and development. Adding Al to the Iron and Nickel increas the strength of superalloy by formation of y phase and subsequence formation of n phase. Ti in IN718 superalloy also helps the formation of MC carbides and gamma prime phase. Increasing Al/Ti and (Al + Ti)/Nb will lead to form finer particles of y'. More uniform distribution of the precipitates and enhancing stability of y' in IN718 superalloy [ 4]. Adding Al to slag of ESR process can reduce the oxide inclusions because of the strong tendency of Al to oxidation. In addition, tensile properties of IN718 superalloy improve. The most significant inclusions in IN718 superalloy are Alz03 and TiN that were found in agglomerate forms. Thermodynamic calculation results indicate that the effect of increasing Al shows a strong increase in solvus while phase solvus shows mildly decrease when Al level is less than 2%, after that it dramatically decreases [ 5]. Laves phase precipitation and the appearance of phase are occurred when Al content reaches 2%. In fact, when Al content is beyond 1.5%, phase has already precipitated in a considerable scale. Shows the fraction of increases greatly while the fraction of phase decreases remarkably with the increment of Al content. Based on thermodynamic theory, if these particles were not existed in the melt during cooling agglomeration would not accrue and the superalloy will be cleaned By adding Aluminum to the slag, the metal reacts with oxyge"

Jan 1, 2013

By H. Yin, T. Emi

"Advantages of gas/flux injection technology as materialized in the main stay unit processes for steelmaking are depicted covering hot metal pretreatment through secondary refining. Current status of micro-kinetic issues involved in the injection technology are reviewed including gas-in- metal, gas-in-slag, flux-in-metal, metal-in-flux and three-phase dispersion systems with reference to macro-kinetics. Key problems are briefly addressed to further develop injection technology for steelmaking processes.1. FROM PAST TO PRESENTApplication of gas injection to steel industry started in early 1950's when inert gas bubbling via stopper rod, lance, or porous refractory plug was practiced to make the temperature of steel melt in ladle uniform The gas bubbling in ladle was then extended to slightly removing hydrogen ti'om the steel melt tapped from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and Basic Open Hearth Furnace (BOH) when vacuum processing facilities were not popular. Later, oxygen gas injection via calorized steel pipe into molten steel bath in BOH Furnace was also put into operation to promote the decarburization to increase the productivity of the process. This line of development has been made in parallel with more profound processes, i.e, top blowing Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) for primary steelmaking and side blowing Argon Oxygen Oecarburization (AOD) vessel for decarburizing stainless steels.On the other hand, injection of fluxes into steel bath was first industrialized in Germany in 1960's, Primary objective was to desulfurize steel melt in ladle by injecting CaC2 or CaCrCaO mixture via lance under neutral slag cover with good success. Difficulties in injecting fluxes without clogging and rippling at a desired flux/gas ratio, and durability of injection lance were resolved in due time to bring forth many injection facilities to flourish for versatile refining operation. Top injection of fluxes from main oxygen lance to BOF was also industrialized as LDAC to promote early slag formation. A new process then emerged which injects oxygen gas and fluxes together through concentric annular tuyere, installed at the bottom of the BOE into steel melt. This process, developed in Germany [Oxygen Bottom Maxhutte (OBM)] and brought into maturity in USA (Q-BOP) and Japan in a large scale operation, became the predecessor of the combined blowing (top and bottom blown) BOF which dominates modern steelmaking."

Jan 1, 1996

By Noritaka Horii, Katsuyoshi Kakinuma, Hiroshi Yamamura

"ZrO2 and Y2O 3-doped ZrO2 gel film were obtained by spin coating of sol from Zr-n-propoxide, n-propanol, acetylacetone, nitric acid, and water on a silica glass as a substrate. ·Dried gel films crystallized to monoclinic, tetragonal, cubic and their mixed phases, depending on the chemical composition of sol, .firing temperature, and coating cycles. ZrO2 films with highly preferential orientation were successfully obtained from a solution containing a large amount of n-propanol. The highly oriented ZrO2 film was found to have high transparency compared with non-oriented 'films. Electrical conductivity of 8 mol% Y2O 3 doped ZrO2 film was also measured.Introduction3 mol% Y2O 3 doped ZrO2, which has a tetragonal symmetry is ·well known to have a strong mechanical property and a high toughness. (1) On the other hand, 8 mol % Y 2O 3-doped ZrO2 is high oxide-ion conducting material and is applied to oxygen sensor, oxygen pump, and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). (2) Sol-gel methods using metallic alkoxide are widely applied for synthesizing ceramics such as high-purity fine particles, thin film, and fiber. (3) For ceramics films, many reports have been made on SiO2, (4) TiO2, (5) and PZT. (6) Several case studies have been done on zirconia film based on the sol-gel method, (7) - (11) but very few on preferentially oriented film and on systematic Y zO3 doping. Almost zirconia ceramic· films reported were prepared by means of dip-coating. Kamiya et al. (12) and Ganguli et al (13) converted zirconia into fiber. Sol from Zr alkoxide is usually very unstable, and a stabilizing agent such as glycol or ß-keton is used beforehand (7) (14)."

Jan 1, 2000

By Raj K. Rajamani, James R. Nagel, York R. Smith

In this work, we examine the efficacy of Electrodynamic Eddy Current Separation (EECS) to recover valuable materials from end-of-life solar panels. Traditional rotary-based eddy current separators are capable of excitation frequencies of 1 kHz or less and struggle to economically separate particles smaller than 1 cm. A new design of eddy current separators has been developed at the University of Utah which has no mechanically moving parts. The design is capable of excitation frequencies up to 50 kHz, allowing sorting of particles as small as 1.0 mm. Recently, we have been successful in separating mixtures of Si/Al and CdTe/Al particles (1–3 mm) with recovery and grades greater than 85%, an energy demand of 68 kWh/short ton of sorted material, and throughput of roughly 10 kg/h. Current and future challenges utilizing this method for valuable material recovery from end-of-life solar panels are discussed.

Mar 1, 2017

By Richard W. Lawrence

Leaching of copper from sulfide minerals using biooxidation offers a potential route for copper recovery. Oxidation of . sulfide sulfur can proceed either; to sulfate or to elemental sulfur depending on mineralogy and process conditions. The advances in commercial application of biooxidation for sulfidic gold ores has made available operating and cost data which allow the derivation of conceptual costs for copper ore processing for comparison with conventional processing routes. Although costs for copper biooxidation generally remain high relative to conventional smelting, application might be competitive in specific cases. Biooxidation becomes more competitive in the general case if the cost ofS02 emissions in pyrometallurgical processing were to be internalized to a greater degree than currently required. This paper describes the technical aspects of biological processing of copper sulfide ores and concentrates, specifically with respect to the fate of sulfur. The environmental and economic implications of the biooxidation route are discussed in relation to conventional processing.

Jan 1, 1996

By George S. Dulikravich

An advanced semi-stochastic algorithm for constrained multi-objective optimization has been adapted and combined with experimental testing and verification to determine optimum concentrations of aJ10ying elements in heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant H-Series austenitic stainless steel alloys. The objective was to simultaneously maximize a number of alloy&apos;s mechanical properties. This research will result in a rigorous tool for the design of high-strength H-Series steels and other types of alloys unattainable by any means existing at the present time. Such a material-by-design tool will also be able to reduce or minimize the need for the addition of expensive elements such as Cr, Ni, Co, Nb, Ti, V, etc. and still obtain the optimum properties of an aJ1oy.

Jan 1, 2003

By Francis Vanbellen

Umicore Precious Metals Refining operates an integrated precious metals smelting and refining plant in Hoboken, Belgium. Once a smelter and refiner of complex concentrates, the plant today?s feed consists exclusively of industrial and consumer recycled products, making it the world?s largest recycling facility for precious metals. Unlike the fairy tale of the Frog Prince, it took much more than a princess? kiss to successfully realize this makeover. A completely renewed plant has been built over the past decade. The most visible technological innovation was the commissioning of the Pb-Cu smelter. Its flexibility towards very different types of feed makes it perfectly suited as main entry to the Hoboken flow sheet. A new Cu-leaching & electro winning plant and precious metals refinery make up the Precious Metals Operations (PMO) whose targets are fast throughput and maximized yields for gold, silver and the platinum group metals. The Base Metals Operations (BMO), flexibly process the by-products from the PMO, valorizing ?impurities? like indium, tellurium, selenium and others. Off gas and waste water treatments ensure compliance with strict environmental standards. Precious metals recycling is an art that goes beyond mastering a unique flow sheet. Umicore Precious Metals Refining offers a complete recycling service, taking care of sampling and assaying, metals management and logistics. The quality of this integral service is recognized through the attribution of ISO certifications for our operational activities, sampling and the environmental care. And it?s an art that follows Michelangelo?s experience: ?Art is 5% of inspiration and 95% of transpiration.?

Jan 1, 2006

By C. A. Silva

Ladle change-over, during continuous casting of steel, initiates transient flow in the tundish which influences the inclusion content and degree of mixing between two consecutive batches of steel. The mixing behavior in the tundish during this period is determined by the casting rate and the ratios of: inflow to outflow during the refilling period; and, the low liquid level relative to the nominal level in the tundish during the transiency. A 3:10 scale water-model of a typical one strand slab caster was operated in conjunction with a tracer technique to characterize the velocity fields for several combinations of these parameters. Steady operation, a limiting case of the transiency, provided a basis for comparison. High-order moments -- skewness and kurtosis -- of the residence time density function have been utilized as signature elements associated with a particular residence-time distribution for the system. A simple mathematical model incorporating the above parameters as well as a characteristic Peclet Number was successful in simulating the features of the transient period.

Jan 1, 1993