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By John D. Kinton

A patent is a right granted by the government to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering to sell, or importing a claimed invention. Once the right is granted, the patentee may use the U.S. Federal Courts to enforce that right. Reading a patent from a litigation perspective is quite different than reading it from a technical perspective. The Judge's interpretation of the claims will affect their scope, and likely the ultimate outcome of a patent case. Additionally, the patent right can be challenged. If done successfully, the patent can be rendered invalid or unenforceable. The likelihood of success, and well as the achievement of other litigation goals is often influenced by the forum where the litigation is initiated. Finally, patent litigation costs are significant, and will weigh heavily in the decision to file (or fight) a patent lawsuit.

Jan 1, 2006

By Mark W. Sajewycz

Creating technology, securing patent rights, and managing a patent portfolio are time-sensitive and dynamic activities. Agreements should be in place with technology partners (employees, contractors, joint venture partners), prior to embarking on research and development projects, so as to mitigate future disputes over patent rights. Technology partners should be educated on patent law basics so as to be mindful of patent bar triggering events. Accurate records must be maintained to capture information relevant for preparation and filing of patent application, including subject matter, names of inventors, and invention date. Developed inventions should be evaluated for whether to file for patent protection, delay patenting until technology is further developed, maintain trade secrecy, or effect deliberate public disclosure. Once decision is made to file for patent protection, time is of the essence, and application for patent protection should be filed as soon as possible, as many countries award patents on a "first-to file" basis. Decisions on where to file are made having regard to potential competitive advantages versus cost considerations, and can be delayed by taking advantage of priority rights recognized in patent legislation of most countries. Once patents are granted, competitors must be policed for potential patent infringement, and legal action may be necessary to prevent patent infringement.

Jan 1, 2006

By Y. Zhoa

The surface morphology of materials is of fundamental importance to many surface related applications, such as wetting, friction, reflection, drag, and adhesion. Various approaches for micro/nano patterning atop polymer surfaces have been proposed in recent years. However, a cost effective technique is still highly in demand. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel but rather simple and generic approach for surface micro/nano patterning using shape memory polymers (SMPs). Different types of novel patterns are realized and their 3-D surface features are quantitatively analyzed by a PLµ Confocal imaging profiler.

Jan 1, 2010

By C. E. Abbey

Cobalt, iron and manganese play various roles in copper electrowinning using lead–calcium–tin alloyed anodes. Cobalt catalyzes electrochemical water decomposition resulting in lower anode potential and reduced corrosion rates. Iron reduces cathodic current efficiency, but is used to reduce higher oxidation states of manganese that oxidize organics in solvent extraction. Manganese also produces anode scale and is generally considered a problematic impurity. The effect of the combined interaction of these three metal ions on the anode potential has not been quantified yet. The current work used a three factor, two level, three replicate central composite design of experiments to analyze the effects and potential interactions among cobalt, iron and manganese. The experiments consisted of chronopotentiometric analysis to assess anode potential after 24 h of operation. Higher [Co], lower [Mn] and either high or low [Fe] yielded lower anode potentials. Two regression models were developed to predict anode potential as a function of [Co], [Fe] and [Mn]. A method to estimate electrical energy consumption for copper electrowinning is also presented.

By Klaus Bauckhage

Phase-Doppler-anemometry (PDA)-measurements have to be taken from representative measuring positions from inside the spray cone, helping - with the support of simulated data of improved process models - to describe the multiphase flow situations within the spray cone - and accordingly to that - the heat transfer conditions for the rapid cooling and (partly) solidifying melt droplets before their impact onto the substratddeposit. Simulations and PDA-measurements thus give the base to confirm the hypothesis of the existence of a semisolid mixed-layer and it's influence on the resulting material structure during compaction. The dispersed particles in the spray cone exhibit a cooling and solidification process within a split of a second, which leads - as far as the particles solidify - to a dendritic structure with very short dendritic arm spacings. This causes within the particles extremely short distances for the following equalizing diffision processes taking place on a high temperature level (between liquidus and solidus) in the semisolid mixed-layer of the deposit and explaining the short residence times within this zone of only seconds up to a few minutes. This and the fact that the globular structure of the mushy zone (in the semisolid mixed-layer) leads to an unidirectional crystallization process over very short distances also explains the chemical and morphological ,homogeneity of the sprayed material. The dynamics of these process steps, the very special buffer function of the mixing layer during parameter variations as well as the controlled cooling process of the preform in order to avoid hot cracks influence the quality of the material. Due to the necessity of measuring and controlling the particle bound mass-, momentum- and enthalpy- fluxes to the deposit the PDA-technique has been adapted and modified in order to receive in-line and (in the future) also on-line data from the dynamics of the multiphase flow conditions within the spray chamber.

Jan 1, 1999

By Viktor. P. Popov, Oleksandr. V. Derev'yanko, Oleksandr. I. Raychenko

"This paper is devoted to scrutiny problem of obtaining electro-contacts by electro-discharge sintering technology. A new unconventional method of electro contacts production (on Aggraphite base) can yield essential optimization resource.Review of three electro-technological methods of processing contacts materials is presented:- using graphite powder cladded by Ag;- mixture of graphite powder(which is a non-cladded powder) with Ag powder and addition of Fe powder particles;- method of infiltration of melted Ag into graphite piece without deformation and rupture of object.This technological approach can give the possibility to increase of compression strength of electro-contacts materials up to 340 MPa and more under conditions of additional reinforcing components (for example, by Fe).IntroductionThe electric current can be an active ""participator"" of the powder metallurgy technology [l]. At the passage of electric current through powders or some powder mixtures the phenomena including phase transformations arise. Here such effects, which are observed in the Ag-graphite and Ag-Fe-graphite powder mixtures and in the pair Ag-porous graphite, are described.The Ag-graphite composition materials (CM) are used, for example, as electric contacts [2, 3]. Since a material being produced is destined for the contacts it is necessary to take into account the following aspects: commutating current, its character and voltage, active or reactive character of working load, geometrical dimensions of contacts, quantity and frequency of switching on and switching off, pressure on contacts, distance between contacts, method of arc control, surrounding medium, its content, pressure and temperature. Thus, these and, maybe, choice of some other circumstances influence design, materials and production technology of contacts. The range of problems concerned dictates such steps as alloying of contact materials, optimization of structure, selection of kind of graphite, its connection with metal [4-10]. It is expedient to recall the main procedures of the first stage of the conventional technology: dosage of the initial graphite powder and binder-phenolic resin plastic varnish (for example, Bakelite), mixing, densification, thermal treatment, crushing, grinding, sieving, drying, dosage of grained graphite, dosage of the initial silver powder, obtaining of the silver salt solution, settling of salt, filtration, washing, drying of the cladded graphite powder, thermal treatment, obtaining of the graphite powder of particles cladded by silver. The second stage of the convectional technology starts by obtaining of the cladded graphite powder and finishes by annealing of the pressed blanks (Fig. 1)."

Jan 1, 2004

By Paykan Safe

Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modeling provides a powerful tool to assist with the design of ventilation and fume control systems in smelters and other high temperature metallurgical facilities. For this paper, this tool has been used to analyze the off-gas flow patterns exiting the mouth of a Peirce-Smith converter into a water-cooled hood and drop out box. The effects of various process and physical plant design parameters on process gas and fume capture and potential build up on the converter hoods was examined, and the optimum design and operating parameters were determined.

Jan 1, 2000

By Ovidiu Pasca

Several improvements in converter equipment and operation at BHP Copper have reduced the converter cycle time as necessitated by an increase in flash furnace output. The resulting higher intensity performance of the Peirce-Smith Converters has had a major impact on the dust handling and off-gas cleaning systems. This paper describes work carried out on the design of a new converter hood with particular reference to the thermal analysis and hood performance aspects. Changes in converter cycle time and campaign life as result of the process and equipment improvements are discussed in a separate paper.

Jan 1, 1999

By Albert Wraith, Thomas Price, Wayne Boyd, Skip (I. E. ) Hills, Cameron Harris

Most Peirce-Smith converters inject air through tuyeres, with nitrogen representing the majority of gas passing through the process. The nitrogen controls the temperature of the vessel by carrying away heat from the reactions, both globally and locally at the tuyere tip. However, nitrogen adds energy to the bath and contributes to splashing and limits the blowing rate. High oxygen smelting has made streams of gas containing high concentrations of sulphur dioxide commonplace, which can be used to substitute SO2 for nitrogen and drastically changes Peirce- Smith converting (and all other smelting/converting processes as well). Less SO2 is required to carry away the same quantity of heat, which allows higher concentrations of oxygen and leads to the possibility of increased production. The paper investigates this substitution, its impact on converter productivity, and on the remainder of the plant. 181

Jan 1, 2009

By S. K. Kawatra

"A typical steelmaking facility produced 50,000 tons per year of slag in their hot-metal desulfurization process. This slag had a sufficiently high iron content that it could be beneficiated and recycled in a blast furnace, provided that the slag could be agglomerated into pellets suitable for use as blast furnace feed. In this work, beneficiated slag was agglomerated using both a conventional bentonite binder, and a fly-ash-based binder (FBB) that was formulated by the investigators. The FBB consisted of a combination of highcarbon fly ash with calcium hydroxide activator, allowing the FBB to exhibit binding properties when moistened. It was determined that beneficiated slag agglomerated with FBB had superior compressive strengths compared to slag agglomerated with conventional bentonite binder. The FBB is therefore a satisfactory method of binding the agglomerated slag. Since the fly-ash component of the FBB is commonly discarded as waste, this approach also provides a means for utilizing high-carbon fly-ashes that currently have very little commercial value.IntroductionIn 2006 approximately 72.4 million short tons of fly-ash were produce in the United States [1]. The majority of fly-ash which was used that year was consumed concrete, structural fills, and cement. It is also used in road base, aggregate, and other applications. However, 55.2% of the fly-ash produced in 2006 was not utilized and ended up being sent to a landfill. Essentially all of the land filled fly-ash could be a suitable binder for pelletizing desulfurization slag and other steel plant waste oxide materials. Fly-ash based binders (FBB) have been shown in laboratory studies to be suitable for producing iron ore concentrate pellets of equivalent strengths as those bonded with bentonite [2,3,4]. The utilization of highcarbon fly-ash within the market is important for reducing the volume of currently unmarketable and land filled fly-ashes. FBB would be a much cheaper alternative to the current bentonite binder or organic binders used for iron ore concentrate and would help to reduce pellet costs. Currently, transportation more than doubles the final cost of bentonite since it is produced hundreds of miles from the pelletizing plants, while fly-ash is produced from power plants located nearby pellet plants and steel mills. FBB’s also show promise for use in other high volume applications such as foundry sand mold binders."

Jan 1, 2008

By D. H. H. Quon

Results of a study conducted to determine the properties of iron ore pellets made from Mount Wright and Carol Lake ore concentrate fines with partial and full substitution of bentonite by several organic binders are presented. Carboxy methyl celluloses 7H and 6TL, hydroxy ethyl cellulose (natrosol) and modified guar gum all produce pellets of acceptable wet, green and dry strength. However, when fully substituted, an inorganic binder such as calcium carbonate is required for satisfactory strength development after induration. Mixing the Carol Lake ore with Mount Wright ore in a 50-50 ratio also achieves the same result. The failure of the Carol Lake ore in the pelletization process is attributed to the low hematite content of the ore. The results are very similar to those from the extrusion studies reported earlier (8).

Jan 1, 1989

By Atul Kurnar

In the present research a two-cell polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack (PEMFCS) with SS-316 bipolar plates has been tested. Different flow field designs were studied and a modified multi-parallel channel design is proposed. The stack is stable within ±3 mV even after 1000 hours of continuous operation, indicating efficient water management and effective removal of any metal ions from the stack. Also no iron is detected in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) by EDAX analysis after 1000 hours of cell operation. Results indicate that high operating pressures beyond 138 kPa didn't significantly increase the performance of cell, however added much to the pressurization cost of the system. Tests at different temperatures showed that at temperatures below 80°C, external humidification could be completely removed. The prototype stack is also tested under variable load conditions simulating highway-driving schedule. The experimental efficiency of PEMFCS is 48%, which is in good agreement with the model predicted efficiency of 53.8 %. Results show that 59% of the total losses are due to ohmic polarization in the cell. Further analysis on applications of the stack in automotive transportation system is in progress.

Jan 1, 2002

By Hongmin Zhu, Guihua Wang, Xiangsheng Wang

"The anode process of carbon electrode in fluoride melt was studied by voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Anode gases were analyzed by gas chromatography on-line during controlled-potential electrolysis. Two peaks were observed on the cyclic voltammograms. According to the results of gas chromatography, the first peak was corresponded to the discharge of residual oxide ions, with the formation of CO and CO2. Discharge of fluoride ions occurred at 4.1 V vs. Li+/Li, and leading to the anode effect. With the occurrence of anode effect, small amount of CF4 was detected. As the potential reached 4.5 V, CF4 and C2F6 gas evolution occurred, and the current increased to form the second peak.1.IntroductionIn the primary production of Aluminum and some rare earth metals like neodymium, a departure from normal cell operation known as anode effect results in the generation of perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which have high global warming potentials [1]. Owing to the pressure of environmental protection, considerable research has been carried out to clarify the mechanism of anode effect and PFC generation of industry and laboratory cells in the aluminum electrolysis system [2-9]. The common result on PFC generation is that the PFCs are emitted from Hall-Heroult cells only when they are on anode effect. In this article, we selected LiF, the main electrolyte for the neodymium electrolysis [10-11], to perform further investigation on the underlying kinetics of PFC generation and the nature of the reactions at the electrode.2. ExperimentalAll experiments were carried out in an alumina tube reactor, which was filled with high purity helium atmosphere. Spectrographic graphite crucibles were used, which played the dual role of molten fluoride container and the counter electrode. Lithium fluoride was analytical grade. The experiments were carried out at 900 °C."

Jan 1, 2011

By Masatsugu Morimitsu

"The novel smart anode, MSA ™, for electrowinning of non-ferrous metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, and cobalt has been developed by thermal decomposition. The smart anode consists of a titanium substrate coated with a catalytic oxide layer which comprises amorphous or less crystalline oxide coatings. The catalytic layer contains an iridium oxide-based mixture or a ruthenium oxide-based mixture. The smart anode provides a remarkable reduction in cell voltage compared to other anodes, e.g., commercially available coated titanium electrodes and lead alloy electrodes. The test data has demonstrated that a maximum voltage reduction by ca. 30% is possible compared to lead alloy anodes. The smart anode also gives some additional merits in suppressing unwanted deposits on the anode; i.e., deposition of MnOOH, Pb02, or CoOOH. The electrowinning with the smart anode is possible to be an environmentally friendly process with less energy consumption and less anode deposits.IntroductionA coated titanium electrode iridium oxide-based or ruthenium oxide-based catalytic layers is well known as an insoluble anode for oxygen or chlorine evolution in industrial electrolysis such as chloro-alkali electrolysis, electrogalvanizing or electrotinning of a steel, a thin film production by electrodeposition such as copper foil production (CFP), water electrolysis, and electrowinning of nonferrous metals. The anode is commercially produced by thermal decomposition of a precursor solution painted on a titanium substrate, and the decomposition is usually performed at 450 °C or more. The obtained catalytic oxide coating formed on the substrate contains crystalline oxide as an active component to oxygen or chlorine evolution. The author of this paper had met a problem of such a crystalline oxide coating in the application of copper foil production; the anode was unable to use for a long period because of a large amount of lead oxide (Pb02) deposited on the anode, and the cell voltage was seen to continuously increase and drastically rise by the accumulated Pb02. In this case, the voltage reduction by replacing a lead alloy anode with the dimensionally stable anode was initially observed, but was gradually lost and disappeared. Therefore, the author of this paper aimed and investigated to suppress the unwanted side reaction on the anode, and finally invented a new class of coating based on an amorphous iridium oxide mixture in 2003 [!]. The invented coating was obtained at a low temperature thermal decomposition, e.g., 360 °C, and the coating consisted of amorphous iridium oxide and amorphous tantalum oxide. This invention achieved that oxygen evolution potential shifted more negative so that the cell voltage was reduced, and no Pb02 was deposited in the electrolyte of CFP [2,3]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Kunwar Pal, S. K. Tyagi, A. K. Pandey

"This study deals with the performance evaluation, technical and environmental aspects of different cookstove models (NIRE-02, NIRE-03 & NIRE-04). These cookstove models were designed, fabricated and evaluated following Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and their performance was compared from technical and environmental points of views. The theoretical efficiencies of all the cookstove models are found to be in good agreement with the experimental one. Also, the overall performance of these models is found to be in the order of (NIRE-04 > NIRE-03 > NIRE-02) which is also observed to be much better than that of the traditional cookstoves being used by the people in most of the developing countries around the world. The CO2 emission reduction from these models is found to be between 2.0-3.0 tons per household annually which is ultimately in good agreement with the experimental values.IntroductionMore than 2.5 billion people around the world depends on the biomass based resources for cooking and heating applications which includes wood, cattle dung, charcoal and agriculture residue [1,2]. Generally, people of rural area cook their food on unvented open fire, which burn biomass fuel inefficiently besides it creates many thermal and environment pollution hazardous causing health problems in the women and girl children due to more exposure of emissions. Also the consumption of biomass is very high as compared to the fossil fuels due to the fact that the large population of the developing countries lives in the rural area than that of in the urban area. It is estimated that about 3% of the diseases are caused due to incomplete combustion of biomass, which results in the around 1.8 million premature death every year including around 0.9 million death under five year of their age [3,4].Ramanathan and Carmichael [5] recently found that the black carbon of unburned smoke is playing a major role in global warming. The emission factors for different combinations of fuel and stove tested in China for direct and indirect GHGs as well as other airborne pollutants such as, CO2, CO, CH4, TNMHC, N2O, SOx, NOx, TSP etc. for a typical set of operating parameters [6]. The improved biomass cookstove technology came into assistance which is technically feasible, socially reliable and economically viable [7, 8]. The improved biomass cookstove not only reduces pressure on the biomass resource, but also reduces the environmental pollution and also minimize the time required for collection of fuel wood [9, 10]. Sharma et al. [11] emphasized on the adoption and large-scale propagation of efficient stoves to improve the health of rural women and to reduce the consumption of firewood and environmental pollution."

Jan 1, 2014

By Xiao-hui Fan, Xu-ling Chen, Xiao-xian Huang, Gui-ming Yang

Grate-kiln-cooler is a predominant process of producing iron ore pellets in China. Since this process is of multi-variant, strong coupling and large hysteresis characteristics, a reliable performance monitoring is thus essential to ensure product quality and economic benefits. Aiming to efficiently monitor the pellet induration within this process, this study proposed an approach that combines statistical analysis and quality soft-measurement. Soft-measurement of pellet quality was accomplished based on the predicted time-temperature profile, and the soft-measured indices were on-line monitored using statistical control charts. Based on the proposed approach, a monitoring system for grate-kiln-cooler thermal process was developed for a domestic pelletizing plant. Running results demonstrate that our system can assist in the detection or diagnosis of abnormal thermal state and finally helps to stabilize the pellet production.

Jan 1, 2016

By C. Allen

A series of zinc chloride electrowinning tests was carried out in a laboratory scale cell to evaluate the effect of temperature, current density, electrolyte composition, gas sparging and additives on the performance of the cell with respect to current efficiency, voltage, specific energy consumption and deposit morphology. The anode material was DSA for chlorine evolution and the cathode was made of aluminum. At 400 A/m2 current density, a current efficiency of 90.9%, a voltage of 3.4 V and an energy consumption of 2.78 kWh/kg were observed. Air sparging was found beneficial but was not pursued for health and safety reasons. Various additives in the same chemical family as tetrabutyl ammonium chloride (TBAC1) were tested. Both TBAC1 and tetrabutyl ammonium bromide were found to be equally effective. Attempts to carry out the electrolysis at 1200 A/m2 were not as successful.

Jan 1, 2000

By T. S. Montgomery

The performance of carbon-magnesia brick in electric arc furnaces (EAF) is interpreted in light of their observed optical microstructures. Features at the bricks' hot faces were protruding periclase grains, metal globules, graphite-metal contacts and linear void patterns. These features were com-pared to similar features previously seen from microstructures of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) refractories. Modes of formation were sought; an attempt was made to interpret their influence related to wear mechanisms.

Jan 1, 1982

By Guillermo A. Vidal

With the introduction of monitoring technologies, process computers and Web services on Industrial Facilities the need for electrolytic processes automation has been set. Recently designed facilities have substantially improved plant layouts, automated cathode processing and copper harvesting. Despite these advancements only limited progress has been accomplished on the electric current distribution of the process. Lately a number of proposals focused on preventing short circuits and balancing cathode currents have emerged. Among these are the AZSA intercell, the Outokumpu double contact, and the Optibar InterCell Plus. Although these intercell bars are clearly superior to the conventional bar, little or conflicting data is available about their merits relative to each other. Consequently, selection of the best intercell bar for most applications is accompanied by uncertainty, which can lead to less than optimum results. A critical evaluation of the performance of the aforementioned bars on the basis of the application is provided, thereby giving the framework and guidelines for the selection of the best bar for each application.

Jan 1, 2003

By F. J. J. van Loo, A. A. Kodentsov, J. A. van Beek, M. R. Rijnders

"A periodic layered morphology of the reaction zone has been observed in several annealed solid/solid diffusion couples, including metal/metal and metal/ceramic couples. This morphology is characterized by a regular array of alternating layers, which are either single-phase layers or bands of particles embedded in an intermetallic matrix phase. A description of several systems showing periodic layer formation is given. It is shown that the periodic layered structure with the single phase layers and the one with the bands of particles have a different mechanism of formation.IntroductionSolid state reactions in ternary systems can produce a variety of reaction zone morphologies if there are two or more reaction products. Three types of morphology have been described in detail: 1) simple layered; 2) isolated precipitates in a singlephase layer; 3) interpenetrating columnar (lamellar) or interwoven structure. Understanding the factors that govern the formation of different morphologies is of importance in many fields of engineering. For solid state displacement reactions the conditions governing the formation of these morphologies are well understood [1-4]. For example, the development of a layered or aggregate reaction zone depends on the relative diffusivities of the components through the reaction products.This paper is concerned with the periodic layered morphology which has been observed in various solid state systems. We consider this to be a fourth type of reaction layer morphology. Two manifestations of periodic layered morphology may be distinguished. One form consists of regularly spaced layers of particles of one reaction product embedded in a matrix phase (another reaction product). The other form consists of single-phase layers embedded in a matrix phase. It will be shown that each manifestation has its own mechanism of formation. In section A we consider a system (Ag/Ti-foil/Si) in which periodic layer formation will be explained as a special case of the Liesegang phenomenon. In section B we consider systems where the periodic layered structure has a different origin."

Jan 1, 1996