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By G. Glinski, K. A. Pericleous

"Recent advances in new computational modelling techniques such as Lattice-Boltzmann and Dissipative Particle methods offer the prospect of simulating complex fluids such as colloidal and dense suspensions in industrial processes. They are referred to as mesoscopic methods since they lie between molecular dynamics at a microscopic atomistic scale «lO-9m) and traditional macroscopic CFD methods (> 1O-2m). The models behave like a 'coarse-grained' gas consisting of fictitious interacting particles, which are much larger than the real molecules of the actual fluid they represent. Inter-particle forces are set so that the collisions collectively mimic the phenomenological transport properties and flow of the underlying fluid at a macroscopic scale.Much of the developmental work to date has focused on laying theoretical foundations based on thermodynamic and kinetic theory. Successful applications include predictions of macroscopic transport properties of complex fluids and flows in porous media and filters. With the constant increase in computational power, these mesoscopic methods are now sufficiently developed to determine their suitability to simulate complex fluid flows in real industrial processes. This work describes the application of meso scopic methods to the stencil printing of solder pastes in the assembly of electronic components. The aim of this work is to assess the ability of these methods to study the transport mechanisms of individual solder particles suspended in the flux solvent as they enter and fill the micro-apertures of a stencil. This paper demonstrates the coupling of such mesoscopic methods to continuum CFD methods to predict the flow of dense suspensions (i.e. solder paste) in industrial processes."

Jan 1, 2001

By Lianjun Liu, Ying Li, Qianyi Zhang

"Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by H2O for production of Cl fuels (CO and CH4) was studied using copper and iodine co-modified TiO2 (Cu-IffiO2) nanocomposites, with copper deposited on the surface and iodine doped in the lattice. The nanocomposites were prepared via a combined hydrothermal and wet impregnation process. All I-doped samples demonstrated visible light activity. Under UV-vis irradiation, co-modification of Cu and I significantly increased TiO2 photoactivity compared with bare TiO2 or those modified with only one species.IntroductionThe photoreduction of CO2 into fuels on photocatalysts such as TiO2 has been regarded as an important approach to solve both energy shortage and globe warming problems [1]. However, the wide band gap and fast recombination ofphotoinduced hole (h+) and electrons (e"") limited the application of TiO2 in CO2 photoreduction reaction. Extensive research has been conducted to improve the photocatalytic ability ofTiO2 by depositing or doping foreign ions that can enhance charge transfer and/or creates intra-band-gap states to induce visible light absorption at the subband- gap energy. Compared with mono-doping, co-doping of metal/nonmetal species has been reported to have higher photocatalytic activity for TiO2 [1-3]. Our previous studies showed that Cu deposited on TiO2 [4] or iodine doped in TiO2 [5] significantly enhanced the catalytic efficiency for CO2 photoreduction and increased the response to visible light. We hypothesize that there could be a synergetic effect if TiO2 is co-modified by both Cu and I species resulting in further improvement in CO2 reduction efficiency. In this work, we synthesized and characterized Cu-IffiO2 samples and investigated their activity toward CO2 reduction under visible and UV-vis illumination, respectively.Experimental MethodsMaterialsTitanium tetra-isopropoxide (TTIP, 98%) and isopropanol (C3HsO, 99.8%) were purchased from Acros Organic. Iodic acid (HIO3,99.8%) and Copper Chloride (CuCh, 99.9%) were purchased from Alfa Aesar. All other chemicals were analytical grade and used without further treatment."

Jan 1, 2012

By Mohamed Ahmed, A. Kawy

"Smelting of scrap copper and residual anodes and cathodes carried out in a reverberatory type furnace. In this, deoxidation process is carried out by wood, which acts as a resource of reduction gases such carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane. Use of wood causes the formation of soot pollutants and efficiency of oxygen removal from copper is low leading to added costs in removing contaminants. This expensive problem was solved by using of reformed natural gas as a source of reduction gases (CO+ H2).IntroductionThree reverberatory furnaces were used for smelting of scrap copper and residual anodes and cathodes. Each furnace had a 7tpd capacity and was operated at 1183 °C.In this furnace, Step1-compressed air supplied by tubes from the side of the furnace to remove sulfur from copper matte by oxidation .The copper is also oxidized to copper oxide .[1]Step 2- copper from matte is deoxidized by a reductant. Typically deoxidation process is carried out using wood as a resource of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane which are the reduction gases. Use of wood causes the following:1- Forms soot pollutants2- Oxygen removal efficiency from copper is low; more contamination in copper matte increased energy in deoxidation3-the process is highly expensive.In the recent trends, this problem has been solved by using reformed natural gas as a source of reduction gases (CO+ H) .This results in 1-Reduced pollution during smelting.2- High efficiency in the removal of oxygen from copper to produce oxygen free copper. The surface of copper produced from this method is smooth which helps in forming and machining.3- Low cost and natural gas is more readily available in Egypt than wood."

Jan 1, 2010

By Hüseyin Aydin

TWIP (Twinning-Induced Plasticity) steels have exceptionally good combinations of strength, ductility and damage tolerance which satisfy the recent requirements of automotive industries. Firstly, TWIP has the most beneficial effect on the work-hardening. It is believed that deformation twins increase the work-hardening rate by acting as obstacles against gliding dislocations. Moreover, TWIP steels have low to intermediate stacking fault energy and hence undergo extensive mechanical twinning during deformation, which in turn leads a good combination of both strength and ductility. To explain the mechanical characteristics and the mechanical behavior of the TWIP steels, we have been made some investigations and experiments that show the effects of microalloying elements and deformation mechanisms. In this study, three different compositions of TWIP steels have been produced. The microstructure and mechanical properties are characterized by using optical, electron microscopy and mechanical tests.

Jan 1, 2009

By Alessandro Blasi, Massimo Morgana, Corradino Sposato, Pietro Garzone, Giuseppe Devincenzis

A comparison among (2-ethylhexyl)-mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester Phosphonic acid (P507), Secondary-octyl phenoxy acetic acid (CA-12) and Bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex272), in heavy rare earths separation via hydrometallurgical processes has been investigated. The separation coefficients, , were obtained and the extraction selectivity has been evaluated using a mixture of heavy rare earths from Samarium to Ytterbium. The experimental results indicated that P507 and Cyanex 272 display a greater affinity for heavier rare earths while CA12 proved to be more effective for the lighter rare earth metals.

Jan 1, 2014

By Chen Song

Cobalt basic carbonate particles were precipitated from 1.0mol cobalt nitrate or cobalt sulfate solution with ammonia carbonate. By controlling the zeta-potential of the particles and the ionic strength of the solution, the uniform particles with ellipsoid or rod shapes were obtained. During the precipitation process, the interface tension was diminished to the minimum and therefore the Ostwald ripening and secondary nucleation were both inhibited. The morphology and the size control by zeta-potential seem to be the result of thermodynamics rather than classical crystalline kinetics. The particle sizes were in the range of 0.4-0.6, 0.3-0.4 micrometer. After thermolysis, the spinel-type C0304 particles were produced. The morphologies of C0304 particles were similar to that of their precursors.

Jan 1, 2003

By L. Katgerman, H. J. Brinkman, J. Duszczyk

"The phase formation sequence in the in-situ synthesis ofTiB2 in A1 from elemental A1, Ti and B powders is identified with a combination of DSC and XRD. After the melting of A1, A1B2 and A13 Ti are formed at the contact areas between A1-B and A1-Ti. The influence of variations in starting composition on the reaction kinetics is explained in terms of there effect on the different processes in the formation sequence. Parameters in the starting composition that were investigated are; fraction ofTiB2 forming reactants, non stoichiometric Ti:2B ratio's, and addition of alloying element Cu.It was found that a liquid Al phase is necessary for the in-situ TiB2 forming reaction from the intermediate A1B2 and A13 Ti phases. If all Al is consumed by the formation of A1B2 and A13 Ti the TiB2 formation is halted until the decomposition of A1B2 and A13 Ti .Overstoichiometric amounts of B are needed for complete conversion of the Ti, present in A13Ti, into TiB2 This is explained by the fact that some of the stable A1B12 phase is formed after the decomposition of A1B2•The addition of Cu leads to an increasing reaction rate in the A1-Ti reaction. A possible explanation for this is that the A1-Cu liquid penetrates more easily between the Ti and its surface oxide than the unalloyed A1 liquid."

Jan 1, 1998

By S. B. Bortnikova

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the gold-silver oxidized ores at the Salair mine. West Siberia. High losses of precious metals during primary ore processing are the result of outdated technology that is not suited to treat the present ore compositions. The main mineralogical forms of gold and silver and their confinement to different grain size fractions have been determined. About 50% of gold in the slime fraction and 60% of the silver in the form of acanthite that are scattered from the secondary minerals are lost to the waste. The results of these investigations have provided the basis for the recommendation of a new technological process to upgrade the current practice of the gold extraction plant and for methods to reprocess the concentrates.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. M. Antony

The galvanizing process involves the use of accessory equipment in a series of aggressive environments including zinc ammonium chloride flux, molten zinc at 45S°C (850°F), and acid for stripping of adherent zinc. An Fe-Ni-Cr-Co alloy has been identified which combines excellent strength and resistance to molten zinc and acid attack making it suitable for accessory equipment. The alloy was field tested by a commercial galvanizer as basket material and was found to provide improved life compared to original low-alloy steel baskets while cross-section thickness was reduced 44%. Additionally, other associated processing cost savings were realized.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. M. Figueiredo, A. R. Silva, M. C. Coelho, R. M. Guedes

"With the continuous depletion of conventional sources of non ferrous metals, low grade complex sulphide deposits have been regarded as an alternative source of supply of zinc, copper, lead and also silver and gold. In spite of very important efforts in research in this domain it is still a long way to go in order to achieve reliable technological solutions both in ore dressing and metallurgical treatments which enable these complex materials to be regarded as commodities. The RLE process to treat bulk concentrates such as those obtained from portuguese ores, under development at LNETI and QUIMIGAL premises, combines experienced unit operations and innovative configurations and is an effective contribution for the future use of these materials. The results of three years of experimental work and main conclusions on the overall feasibility of the process are presented.IntroductionIn spite of the very well-known problems associated to the development of complex sulphide deposits, the economical importance of the enormous reserves of these materials, widespread all over the world, is so evident that its future use as source of supply of basic and precious metals and other minor elements is almost unavoidable.Critical steps in that direction are mainly concerned with favourable economical conditions and sound metallurgical practice for the treatment of nonferrous metals concentrates, which are nowadays still considered as non-conventional raw materials.Since Portugal is one of the countries where these orebodies occur more extensively, Portuguese authorities have dedicated since the beginning of the seventies, a big effort on finding economical and reliable processes for the recovery of copper, lead, zinc and also gold and silver, and for this purpose, several alternatives on ore dressing and metallurgical processing were studied, however without full sucess.Five years ago LNETI, a research laboratory, and QUIMIGAL, a chemical company, both state owned, decided to launch a research programme for the development of a metallurgical process for the treatment of NFM concentrates, which received financial support from NATO under its programme ""Science for Stability""."

Jan 1, 1988

By Rashmi Kumar, Amit Chatterjee, Sanjay Chandra

The practice of adding alloying materials to a molten bath is an integral feature of many pyrometallurgical operations. However, very little is known about the dissolution rate and solution mechanisms of solid additives in liquid melts. In foundries where large tonnages of liquid metals are handled, there is considerable interest in achieving optimum metal quality at minimum cost. This objective is influenced by several factors and the solution is often plant specific. Though the amount, sequence and mode of ferroalloy addition vary from plant to plant, various fundamental factors determine how quickly these additions dissolve in the bath. At the Ingot Mould Foundry (IMF) in TATA STEEL blast furnace hot metal is used to cast ingot moulds. The composition of hot metal desired for making ingot moulds demands addition of 20 kg each of Ferromanganese and Ferrosilicon in the 12 T transfer ladles into which the blast furnace metal is poured at the IMF. Owing to low temperature of hot metal at the IMF, casting commences immediately and complete dissolution of the ferroalloys is often not possible. To study this aspect in detail and to evolve suitable corrective measures, a mathematical model for the melting of a solid particle in a liquid metal bath was developed at TATA STEEL. The model was validated using the data available in literature. In keeping with published work, two separate dissolution periods were identified - a "shell period" and a "free dissolution period". The maximum thickness of the crust formed around a spherical particle shortly after immersion, can be obtained by using the mathematical model which has been developed. The model can also be used to investigate the effect of various parameters such as superheat of the bath, size of the particle, etc., on the maximum crust thickness and the particle melting time. On the basis of this study, the addition of ferromanganese and ferrosilicon was optimized at the IMF in Tata Steel.

Jan 1, 1996

By Md. Maniruzzaman

The quenching performance of a liquid quenchant can be controlled by controlling the agitation in the quench tank. Without agitation, a vapor layer or bubbles form at the hot part surface and the natural convention of the quenchant limit the heat extraction rate at the quenched part surface. Resistance to the heat extraction rate can be reduced by breaking the vapor layer or by inducing a turbulent convection at the part surface through agitation (Le. forced circulation of the quenchant). To determine the effects of agitation on the quench performance of a mineral oil based quenchant, the CHTE quench probe system was used with AISI4140 steel probe tip. Quenching performance of the oil is evaluated by computing the effective heat transfer coefficients of the steel probe as a function of surface temperature using Lumped Parameter Analysis. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFO) simulation of the quench tank with an impeller type agitator has been done to understand and predict the fluid flow pattern in the tank. CFO simulation also provides insights for determination of optimal location of the impeller and the quench probe tip. Keywords: CHTE Quench Probe, agitation, CFD simulation, liquid quenchant, 4140 steel

Jan 1, 2003

By Patricio Barrios

The Rio Tinto Metal (RTMetal) copper smelter, located 5 Km from Huelva, Spain, began operations in 1970. Since then a series of expansions and modifications have allowed a progressive increase in copper production. Environmental considerations having become increasingly important, environmental protection has come to represent an important aspect of the investments in production. As a result, modifications have been carried out in the two existing acid plants: -Modification of the RTM I gas cleaning section to closed circuit. -Substitution of cascade filters and acid lines. -Modification of the RTM I plant to double absorption. The Expansion and Environmental Improvement Project, completed end 1995, will allow 270,000 t Cu and 800,000 t H2SO4 to be produced yearly, at the same time achieving a decrease in specific and overall emissions. RTMetal's goal is to be an efficient smelter, with the avowed intention of respecting the environment and adopting the best available technologies.

Jan 1, 1996

By Eric J. Grimsey

Nickel smelting and converting can be viewed as processes in which iron is either partitioned or transported between matte and slag. Metal recovery depends on the mass of iron transported to slag, the thermodynamic environment in which the transport is made, and the extent to which the slag, once formed, is left in contact with the matte. The importance of these effects is discussed with reference to a new equation which describes metal recovery in terms of a mass balance and a thermodynamically related parameter which is easily measured in practice.

Jan 1, 1993

By László I. Kiss, Verena Mackowiak, Alexandre Perron, Dominic Toulouse, Alicia Liedtke, Sándor Poncsák

"Bubbles play a very important role in different metallurgical applications like for example in electrowinning. During heterogeneous nucleation, the maximal size of the bubbles growing at the nucleation sites as well as the nucleation frequency is determined by the so-called detachment condition. Detachment occurs when the external forces acting on the bubble exceed the retaining forces along the solid-gas-liquid triple interface line. The phenomenon depends strongly on the shape and orientation of the solid surface and on the nature and strength of the external buoyancy and drag forces. In the present study the detachment conditions of bubbles from downward facing horizontal and inclined plates were studied experimentally under the effect of gravitational and hydrodynamic forces. The results show the deformation of the bubbles under the effect of the external forces and the detachment conditions as function of the bubble volume.IntroductionIn heterogeneous nucleation bubbles are generated at the so-called nucleation sites along the solid-liquid interfaces. They continue to grow there and after they reached a certain size they detach from the solid surface and leave the nucleation site. This scenario is well known both in boiling and electrolysis. During the growth period a stable equilibrium exists between the forces that retain the bubble at the nucleation site and the forces that try to remove it. This equilibrium evolves with the increasing volume of the bubble to the point when the detachment forces overcome the retaining forces.The life of a single bubble generated by heterogeneous nucleation can be divided into two periods separated by the detachment - or in other words by the departure - of the bubble: first the growth at the nucleation site and then the movement away. The knowledge of the detachment conditions makes possible the determination of the maximal volume of the bubble at the nucleation site that, in tum, makes possible the determination of the nucleation frequency. This is why so many researches have been directed toward the clarification of the details of the bubble detachment in the past decades. The equilibrium between the attaching and separating forces depend on the presence of body, surface and flow induced forces in the liquid, on the geometry and orientation of solid surface, on the properties of the solid-liquidgas system etc."

Jan 1, 2004

By George Owusu

A study has been carried out on the use of solvent extraction, instead of the traditional zinc dust cementation process, to remove copper from concentrated zinc sulphate leach solutions. In a series of experiments using plant solution containing 1.9 g/L Cu, 2 g/L Fe, 173 g/L Zn, 7.9 g/L H,SO,, 0.25 g/L Cd, 15 mg/L Co etc. and LIX 622 in SX-1, up to about 97-98 % of copper present in the zinc sulphate leach solution was extracted with negligible co-extractions of zinc, iron, cadmium, cobalt, etc. pH modification was not required for this reagent. The copper loaded organic was almost completely stripped using 150 g/L sulphuric acid. Investigations into the effect of any possible organiclextractant contamination on zinc electrowinning showed (if any) little effect on current efficiency if the organic contamination is less than 45 ppm; current efficiencies of 95-97 % were obtained. At organic contaminations higher than 45 ppm, the current efficiency dropped to about 92- 94 %. Visually, the organic-contaminated cathode sheets had rough surface morphology, becoming more intense with increasing organic concentration, compared to the non-contaminated cathode sheets.

Jan 1, 1998

By Peter C. Hayes

"The high temperature reduction of solids through the use of reactive gas atmospheres has application in a wide range of industrially important processes. Whilst significant advances have been made in understanding and describing these processes, some key aspects of the chemical reactions and reaction mechanisms operating in these systems, for example, the transformation from metal oxide to metal, remain poorly understood. A number of different product morphologies have been identified in these reaction systems and the reaction rates have been shown to be critically dependent on the product structure.Theoretical examination of the elementary process steps taking place in the region of the gas/metal/metal oxide interface, combined with electron microscope studies of the resultant product microstructures, have enabled the key process and material variables responsible for the development of the various product morphologies to be identified. By considering i) established criteria for the stability of moving interfaces in a thermodynamic potential gradient, ii) the relative rates of chemical reactions on the oxide and metal surfaces, and iii) key process phenomena and physico-chemical properties of the solid phases, the mechanisms and conditions for the formation of various product morphologies are identified. Interestingly the analysis points to direct analogies between these phase transformations and, the phenomena and microstructures observed in metal solidification, and the potential to develop generic models of these fluid/solid reaction systems."

Jan 1, 2013

By P. Blazy

A hydrometallurgical procedure for the recovery of metal from ore, particularly of copper from sulphide materials is described. In the course of this procedure, the raw material is first of all submitted to the action of an appropriate reducing system and then treated with a ferric salt solution which brings about the selective solubilisation of the elements to be recovered with respect to those constituting the pyritic phase. This procedure is investigated using two ore samples proceeding from massive sulphide deposits, presenting different chemical and mine- ralogical characteristics. The results of this investigation are compared with those obtained by a classical process employing a ferric salt solution. It appears that one solubilisation of copper takes place under particularly advantageous conditions when our procedure is used. The principal parameters affecting leaching of zinc, lead and copper are examined. The selectivity of this treatment is evaluated by following the change during the treatment in the pyritic phase.

Jan 1, 1976

By Fathi Habashi

Solid gas reactions of metallurgical importance can be classified into three groups: Physical processes, e.g., drying and sublimation Chemical processes which may be an addition or a thermal decomposition reaction Electrochemical processes which may be addition, oxidation-reduction, or displacement reactions. Examples are given and the role of the boundary layer is emphasized.

Jan 1, 1996

By lonkion M. Font

Due to the known disadvantages of the use of iron silicate slag in the nickel converting stage, i.e., high metal losses, high magnetite content, and low fixation of impurities in the slag, the development of the new proposed "ferrous calcium silicate slag" for smelting and converting processes of nickel is very promising. Hence, considering the successful experimental results of using CaO base slag for the nickel smelting process, a study based on a detailed comparison for the phase equilibrium, and the minor elements distribution between the NilS2-FeS matte with either FeOx-CaO or FeOx-Si02 base slag was investigated. The main results are summarized as: no difference in the nickel losses between both slags was found at high nickel content in the matte, and the fractional distribution analysis for arsenic and antimony pointed out their preferential fixation in the calcium ferrite slag rather than in the iron silicate slag. Considering the energy and pollution issues, the technical feasibility of using calcium ferrite slag in a converting process of the Bessemer matte will have a prominent future for the nickel industry.

Jan 1, 2003