Thermodynamics and phase transformations in the recovery of zinc from willemite

Willemite is a common component of zinc and lead metallurgical slags that, in the absence of effective utilization methods, cause serious environmental problems. To solve this problem and increase zinc recovery, we proposed a novel extraction method of zinc from willemite by calcified roasting followed by leaching in NH_4 Cl–NH_3·H_2 O solution. The thermodynamics and phase conversion of Zn_2 Si O_4 to zinc oxide(ZnO) during calcified roasting with CaO were investigated. The mechanism of mineralogical phase conversion and the effects of the CaO-to-Zn_2 Si O_4 mole ratio(n(Ca O)/n(Zn_2 Si O_4)), roasting temperature, and the roasting time on zinc-bearing phase conversion were experimentally investigated. The results show that Zn_2 Si O_4 was first converted to Ca_2 Zn Si_2 O_7 and then to ZnO. The critical step in extracting zinc from willemite is the conversion of Zn_2 Si O_4 to ZnO. The zinc percent leached in the ammonia leaching system rapidly increased because of the gradual complete phase conversion from willemite to ZnO via the calcified roasting process.

CSO CO(2–1) and Spitzer IRAC observations of a bipolar outflow in high-mass star-forming region IRAS 22506+5944

We present Caltech Submillimeter Observatory CO （2-1） and Spitzer IRAC observations toward IRAS 22506＋5944, which is a 104 Lo massive star-forming region. The CO （2-1） maps show an east-west bipolar molecular outflow originating from the 3 mm dust continuum peak. The Spitzer IRAC color-composite image reveals a pair of bow-shaped tips which are prominent in excess 4.5 p.m emission and are located at the leading fronts of the bipolar outflow, providing compelling evidence for the existence of bow-shocks as the driving agents of the molecular outflow. By comparing our CO （2- 1） observations with previously published CO （1-0） data, we find that the CO （2-1）/（1-0） line ratio increases from low （-5 km s- 1） to moderate （- 8-12 km s- 1） velocities, and then decreases at higher velocities. This is qualitatively consistent with the scenario that the molecular outflow is driven by multiple bow-shocks. We also revisit the position-velocity diagram of the CO （1-0） data, and find two spur structures along the outflow axis, which are further evidence for the presence of multiple jet bow- shocks. Finally, power-law fittings to the mass spectrum of the outflow gives power law indexes more consistent with the jet bow-shock model than the wide-angle wind model.