Fundamental studies for high temperature processing of tungsten leaching residues for alloy formation

The first step in the production of tungsten is to enrich tungsten from two minerals wolframite((Fe,Mn)WO_(4))and scheelite(CaWO_(4))through the leaching process.The leaching residue usually contains a certain amount(2-5 wt%)of WO_(3) which is higher than that in the tungsten ore(generally less than 1 wt%).In addition,the leaching residue may also consist of other valuable elements such as Cu,Ta,Nb,Sn,Sc,Mn and Fe.Understanding the phases and their compositions present in the residue is one of the key steps for the efficient utilization.The typical residue sample is carefully analysed by electron probe X-ray microanalysis and X-ray fluorescence.A high-temperature process,which includes pre-reduction at 1000-1100℃and smelting reduction at 1450-1500℃,is proposed to efficiently recover the valuable elements.Experimental work and thermo-dynamic calculations confirmed that most of the valuable elements can be economically recovered with optimum conditions.

Leaching of lead from zinc leach residue in acidic calcium chloride aqueous solution

A process with potentially reduced environmental impacts and occupational hazards of lead-bearing zinc plant residue was studied to achieve a higher recovery of lead via a cost-effective and environmentally friendly process. This paper describes an optimization study on the leaching of lead from zinc leach residue using acidic calcium chloride aqueous solution. Six main process conditions, i.e., the solution pH value, stirring rate, concentration of CaC12 aqueous solution, liquid-to-solid （L/S） ratio, leaching temperature, and leaching time, were inves- tigated. The microstructure and components of the residue and tailing were characterized using scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. On the basis of experimental results, the optimum reaction conditions were determined to be a solution pH value of 1, a stirring rate of 500 r·min-1, a CaC12 aqueous solution concentration of 400 g·L-1, a liquid-to-solid mass ratio of 7：1, a leaching tempera- ture of 80℃, and a leaching time of 45 min. The leaching rate of lead under these conditions reached 93.79%, with an iron dissolution rate of 19.28%. Silica did not take part in the chemical reaction during the leaching process and was accumulated in the residue.

Reaction behaviors of Pb and Zn sulfates during reduction roasting of Zn leaching residue and flotation of artificial sulfide minerals

To evaluate the feasibility of recovering Pb and Zn sulfides and Ag-containing minerals from Zn leaching residue by the process of reduction roasting followed by flotation,the reaction behaviors of Pb and Zn sulfates during this process were investigated.Chemical analysis showed that the transformation ratios of PbSO4 and ZnSO4 could reach 65.51%and 52.12%,respectively,after reduction roasting,and the introduction of a sulfidation agent could improve the transformation ratios of these sulfates.scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS)revealed that temperature obviously affects the particle size,crystal growth,and morphology of the artificial Pb and Zn sulfide minerals.Particle size analysis demonstrated that the particle size of the materials increases after roasting.Flotation tests revealed that a flotation concentrate composed of 12.01wt%Pb,27.78wt%Zn,and 6.975×10^(−2)wt%Ag with recoveries of 60.54%,29.24%,and 57.64%,respectively,could be obtained after roasting.

Dissolution of Nickel in Copper Residue Generated from Nickel Matte Refining

The dissolution behavior of nickel during the oxygen chloride leaching of the copper residue was investigated.Technological variables of the leaching,including oxygen flow rate,concentrations of chloride and sulfuric acid,and temperature,were discussed.

Distribution and leaching characteristics of trace elements in ashes as a function of different waste fuels and incineration technologies

Impact of waste fuels（virgin/waste wood, mixed biofuel（peat, bark, wood chips） industrial,household, mixed waste fuel） and incineration technologies on partitioning and leaching behavior of trace elements has been investigated. Study included 4 grate fired and 9 fluidized boilers. Results showed that mixed waste incineration mostly caused increased transfer of trace elements to fly ash; particularly Pb/Zn. Waste wood incineration showed higher transfer of Cr,As and Zn to fly ash as compared to virgin wood. The possible reasons could be high input of trace element in waste fuel/change in volatilization behavior due to addition of certain waste fractions. The concentration of Cd and Zn increased in fly ash with incineration temperature.Total concentration in ashes decreased in order of Zn 〉 Cu 〉 Pb 〉 Cr 〉 Sb 〉 As 〉 Mo. The concentration levels of trace elements were mostly higher in fluidized boilers fly ashes as compared to grate boilers（especially for biofuel incineration）. It might be attributed to high combustion efficiency due to pre-treatment of waste in fluidized boilers. Leaching results indicated that water soluble forms of elements in ashes were low with few exceptions.Concentration levels in ash and ash matrix properties（association of elements on ash particles）are crucial parameters affecting leaching. Leached amounts of Pb, Zn and Cr in 〉50% of fly ashes exceeded regulatory limit for disposal. 87% of chlorine in fly ashes washed out with water at the liquid to solid ratio 10 indicating excessive presence of alkali metal chlorides/alkaline earths.

Developing laterite nickel ore leaching residue as sustainable blast furnace charge

A kind of leaching residue generated during high pressure acid leaching of laterite nickel ore is creatively prepared as blast furnace charge for ironmaking.Results show that the briquettes with uniform shape,compressive strength higher than 72.3 N/pellet,and cracking temperature over 400℃can be obtained by the non-binder briquetting with water content of 12.2 wt.%and pressure of 30 MPa.After preheating at 975℃for 12 min and roasting at 1225℃for 15 min,the strength of the roasted briquettes can reach 2815 N/pellet,and the iron grade is 59.27 wt.%.And the sulfur content can be simultaneously reduced to 0.067 wt.%.The obtained briquettes achieve adequate reducibility index,reduction degradation index,reduction swelling index,softening and melting temperatures,which are suitable for blast furnace ironmaking.The results show that this method cannot only effectively treat the leaching residue to reduce the risk of environmental pollution,but also realize the utilization of leaching residue.