Utilization of gold-bearing and iron-rich pyrite cinder via a chlorination–volatilization process

The chlorination-volatilization process has been adopted to make full use of gold-bearing and iron-rich pyrite cinder. However, problems of low recovery rate, pulverization of pellets, and ring formation have been encountered during the industrialization of this process. The effects of various parameters on the volatilization rates of valuable metals and on the compressive strength of roasted pellets were investigated in this paper. The parameters include the CaCl_2 dosage, heating temperature, and holding time. The results show that heating temperature is the most important parameter for the recovery of target metals. More CaCl_2 was needed for the recovery of zinc than for the recovery of gold, silver, and lead. CaCl_2 started to react with sulfides/SO_2/SiO_2 at temperatures below the melting point of CaCl_2 to generate Cl_2/HCl. Gaseous CaCl_2 was formed at higher temperatures and could react with any of the components. The compressive strength of roasted CaCl_2-bearing pellets first decreased slowly with increasing temperature at temperatures lower than 873 K, which could result in the pulverization of pellets during heating. Their compressive strength increased dramatically with increasing temperature at temperatures greater than 1273 K. Certain quantities of CaCl_2 and Fe(Ⅱ) could improve the compressive strength of the roasted pellets; however, the addition of excessive CaCl_2 decreased the compressive strength of pellets.

Silver dissolution in a novel leaching system: Reaction kinetics study

Effective silver recovery is usually restricted by either environmental pollution or high recovery costs. To tackle the issues, this study introduces a novel method for the effective recovery of silver by utilizing the alkaline sodium thiosulfate-potassium ferricyanide leaching system. The reaction kinetics of silver dissolution in this system was investigated via the rotating disk electrode technology. The influences of important parameters, including the rotation speed, sodium thiosulfate concentration, potassium ferricyanide concentration, and temperature, on the silver dissolution rate were systematically investigated. The activation energy was measured to be 17.96 kJ·mol^(-1) when the silver dissolution was controlled by a diffusion process. When the silver dissolution was in the region of mixed control, the reaction orders of ferricyanide and thiosulfate were found to be 0.57 and 0.19, respectively, and the reaction orders of ferricyanide and thiosulfate were 0.55 and 0.22, respectively, when the silver dissolution was controlled by surface reaction. This study has great potential for the development of an environmentally friendly silver recovery process from end-of-life products.

Influence of Protective Coating at High Temperature on Surface Quality of Stainless Steel

A ceramic matrix coating for minimizing steel loss of stainless steel at high temperatures was prepared by handled air-spraying technique, and the influence of coating on surface quality of stainless steel was mainly investiga ted in laboratory. Experimental results showed that the protective coating reduced the oxidation of stainless steel by more than 91% and minimized high temperature scaling and also enhanced steel surface quality. The scales of coated specimen were removed completely and the scales of uncoated specimen were partly residual on the surface after cool ing process. Mn-rich and Fe-rich zones were found in the oxides. The Cr2 O3 found in scales came from the underlying stainless steel and formed a Cr rich layer along the spalled surface.