Application of Microwave Radiation to Extractive Metallurgy

In applying the microwave radiation to extractive me- tallurgy,it is essential first of all to find the extent of microwave energy absorbed by various minerals experi- mentally.In this paper,more than 25 kinds of common useful minerals have been individually irradiated by a 500 W,2450 MHz microwave source in an enclosed quartz crucible to ascertain their heating temperature in a definite time.In addition,the reduction and cbloridization tests were also carried out on the titanomagnetite concentrate and pentlandite with microwave heating,respectively. These experiments indicate potential applications of util- izing microwave energy in extractive metallurgy.

Energy Consumption in Tungsten Extractive Metallurgy

The energy consumption figures of tungsten extractive metallurgy are discussed. The tungsten powderis produced from wolframite and / or scheelite. The energy consumption in mining, beneficiation, digestion,blue oxide production and reduction is calculated respectively. The accuracy of calculation is within a rangeof ±15%.

HEATING RATE OF MINERALS AND COMPOUNDS IN MICROWAVE FIELD

More than 40 kinds of selected minerals and compounds were individually irradiated by microwaves under an inert atmosphere,and the temperatures of samples were measured with a metal-sheathed thermocouple inserted into the samples directiy.The results indicated that most sulphide and some oxide minerals and compounds could be heated to high temperatures in a short timet whereas the common gangue minerals,some oxide and oxy-salt minerals or compounds could not.The sulphide minerals had faster heating rate than the oxide minerals containing the same cations.The impurities of minerals had significant effect on the heating rate.The selective heating characteristics of microwaves on different minerals and compounds could be attributed to the differences between their conductivities or dielectric loss factors and bonding properties.

Reaction condition optimization and kinetic investigation of roasting zinc oxide ore using (NH_4)_2SO_4

An orthogonal test was used to optimize the reaction conditions of roasting zinc oxide ore using（NH_4）_2SO_4. The optimized reaction conditions are defined as an（NH_4）_2SO_4/zinc molar ratio of 1.4：1, a roasting temperature of 440°C, and a thermostatic time of 60 min. The molar ratio of（NH_4）_2SO_4/zinc is the most predominant factor and the roasting temperature is the second significant factor that governs the zinc extraction. Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis was used for（NH_4）_2SO_4 and zinc mixed in a molar ratio of 1.4：1 at the heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 K·min-1. Two strong endothermic peaks indicate that the complex chemical reactions occur at approximately 290°C and 400°C. XRD analysis was employed to examine the transformations of mineral phases during roasting process. Kinetic parameters, including reaction apparent activation energy, reaction order, and frequency factor, were calculated by the Doyle-Ozawa and Kissinger methods. Corresponding to the two endothermic peaks, the kinetic equations were obtained.

Niobium Extraction from Baotou Iron Ore Containing Niobium

The experimental results of niobium enrichment in laboratory and in blast furnace in Baotou Iron and Steel Corporation were reported.The effects of temperature,constituents of slag and silicon content in hot metal on niobium recovery were studied and the results have been verified by blast furnace operation.Optical and electronic microscopy and EPMA was observed that at the metal-slag interface there is NbC deposit layer obstructed Nb entering into the metal,By raising the temperature of hearth and agitating the bath,the reduc- tion of niobium oxide in slag could be speeded up,the solubility of Nb in hot metal could increase and the deposited NbC layer became thinner and even disappeared,in result,Nb recovery was increased.A compre- hensive extraction process combining ore dressing with pyro-hydro-metallurgy was suggested for Baotou niobium resource which was difficult to be concentrated formerly.The methods of increasing niobium recovery were also suggested.

Non-Metallic Inclusions in HSLA Steel-Origin,Detection and Refractory Systems to Improve Cleanness

HSLA steels need extremely low levels of tramp elements like P,S,H and O t.During tapping the steel is deoxidized with aluminum and in the secondary metallurgy sulphur (【 10 ppm) and hydrogen (【 1 ppm) are extracted.After tank degassing the steel is strongly Ca-treated by wire feeding to form CaS instead of MnS.Non-metallic inclusions in the steel and centre segregation with MnS are sinks for hydrogen which result in HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking).Therefore these steels ask for excellent oxide cleanness and S-contents of 【 10 ppm.Macro inclusions of 】 50 μm are harmful for the product.These large inclusions are seldom and difficult to be detected.Small inclusions of 【 15 μm do no harm to the product.The origin of non-metallic inclusions is,roughly spoken,one third each of de-oxidation-/reoxidation products,refractory and casting powder.Slag carry-over is mainly avoided by sensitive electronic devices.Slag covers and shrouding systems of the steel stream during the transfer of metal between ladle,tundish and mold are effective to avoid reoxidation.Systems to control the flow of steel in tundish and mold favor the floatation of inclusions and their even distribution in the strand.