Work

Oxidation of nickel concentrates in simulated reaction shaft conditions of the flash smelter

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The suspension oxidation of nickel sulfide concentrates in flash smelting conditions was studied using a laboratory-scale laminar flow furnace. The effects of temperature (800–1100 °C) and oxygen concentration (40–85 vol%) in the process gas were investigated. The surface morphology and mineralogical compositions of samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The sulfur removal from concentrates was determined using chemical analysis assuming iron as a non-volatile component. It was found that ignition of the nickel concentrates started at a temperature below 800 °C. The sulfur removal from the sieved concentrates increased with increasing temperature. The oxidation was initiated with preferential oxidation of iron in sulfides forming an iron oxide-rich scale on sulfidic core.

Source: Minerals Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2024.108921

Authors: Min Chen, Dmitry Sukhomlinov, Pekka Taskinen, David Grimsey, Anthony Rich, Ari Jokilaakso

Institutions: Aalto University, BHP (Australia)

Language: English

Topic: Metallurgical Processes and Thermodynamics

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,080

Funders: Irish Research Council, Aalto-Yliopisto