Abstract:
This invention provides a process to thermally upgrade metal-containing ores comprising the following steps: (1) mixing: (i) ore, (ii) from 4 and up to 15% by weight relative to the ore of reducing agent, (hi) sulphur bearing agent, (iv) metallic-bearing seeding agent, and optionally (v) low temperature binder agent to produce a blend; (2) agglomeration and dry, if required, of the blend formed in step 1 to produce agglomerates; (3) calcination the agglomerates formed in step 2 at reducing atmosphere from a partial pressure of oxygen of Log 10 (pO 2 )= - 12 to Log 10 (p0 2 ) = -15) and at temperature between 950-1150°C to produce a liquid metallic phase that growth and concentrate into metallic particles within the agglomerates; (4) cooling the agglomerates after step 3 to ambient temperature in reducing or inert atmosphere; (5) crushing and grinding the calcine produced in step 4 to a size amenable for magnetic separation of metallic particles, typically represented by a p80 equal or below 25μm; and (6) magnetic concentration of metallic particles by known techniques of magnetic separation including but not limited to magnetic separation by wet or dry means, dewatering and drying. The invention also refers to the magnetic concentrate produced by the process and to the use of the magnetic concentrate to produce a ferronickel or highly metalized nickel containing matte for the production of stainless steel.
Abstract:
Eco-friendly systems, methods and processes/processing (EFSMP) or an integrated Matrix encompasses stand-alone and/or interconnected modules for completely self-sustained, closed-loop, emission-free processing of mutiple source feedstock that can include pretreatment, with poisoning materials isolated during pretreatment being further recycled to provide useful materials such as, for example, separated metals, carbon and fullerenes for production of nano materials, sulfur, water, sulfuric acid, gas, heat and carbon dioxide for energy production, and production of refined petroleum, at a highly-reduced cost over the best state-of-the-art refining methods/systems that meets new emissions standards as well as optimizes production output with new ultra-speed cycle times. By-products from the petroleum refining process which were previously discarded also now are recycled as renewable sources of energy (water, waste oil and rubber/coal derived pyrolyic (pyro lysis) oil, carbon gases and process gases), or recyclable resources, such as metals and precious metals, oxides, minerals, etc., can be obtained.
Abstract:
Methods and devices for degassing and for removing impurities from molten metals are disclosed. These methods can include operating an ultrasonic device in a molten metal bath, and adding a purging gas into the molten metal bath in close proximity to the ultrasonic device. In a preferred embodiment the purging gas outlet is at the tip of an elongated probe attached to an ultrasonic transducer.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for harvesting waste thermal energy from a pyrometallurgical vessel (1) and converting that energy to direct electrical current, the method including deriving and controlling a primary fluid flow (103) from a primary heat exchanger (10) associated with the pyrometallurgical vessel (1), providing a secondary heat exchanger (12) physically displaced from the pyrometallurgical vessel (1) which exchanges heat between the primary fluid flow (103) from the primary heat exchanger (10) and a secondary fluid flow (104). The secondary heat exchanger (12) has at least one thermoelectric or magneto-thermoelectric device having two operationally-opposed sides, the operationally-opposed sides being in thermal communication with the primary and secondary fluid flows (103,104) respectively. A temperature difference is maintained between the two operationally-opposed sides of the thermoelectric or magneto-thermoelectric device and electrical energy is generated from the temperature differential. The pyrometallurgical vessel preferably generates a magnetic field (14) in the region surrounding the pyrometallurgical vessel (1) and the secondary heat exchanger (12) having at least one magneto-thermoelectric device is positioned physically displaced from but within the magnetic field (14) surrounding the pyrometallurgical vessel such that the direction of temperature gradient across the secondary heat exchanger is oriented normally to the maximum principal direction of the magnetic field (14) and electrical energy is generated from the temperature differential and magnetic field via the Nernst effect or magneto-thermoelectric effects.
Abstract:
This invention aims to provide a recycled magnesium alloy having a good corrosion resistance and a process for producing the same. The process of the present invention comprises an adjusting step of adjusting composition of molten metal of a magnesium alloy so as to comprise, by mass: Al: 5 to 10 %, Zn: not less than 1 % and not less than three times of Cu content (%), Mn: 0.1 to 1.5 % and the remainder: Mg and impurities with or without one or more reforming elements. While the upper limit of the Al content is restricted to a low level, the Zn content is increased in accordance with the Cu content. Therefore, the recycled magnesium alloy produced by this process can effectively suppress corrosion caused by Cu, which is one of corrosion-causing elements.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to tailored materials, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such materials. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.
Abstract:
A method of and system for processing red mud, the method comprising the step of heating red mud to form at least molten slag, and preferably at least molten iron and molten slag.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.
Abstract:
In a process for the melting of an aluminum charge in a melting furnace, the A1 charge contains organic materials or an organic charge is provided into the furnace. The combustion of the organic charge is carried out with an oxyfuel burner wherein the oxygen/fuel ratio in the burner is such that there is an excess of oxygen which provides an oxidizing atmosphere in the melting furnace. The heat content of the organic loading is used for melting A1 and the furnace yield is increased.