FERRO-ALLOY TECHNOLOGY TO BENEFIT THE BOTTOM LINE

摘要

Mintek, an international R&D and technology transfer and commercialization organization based in South Africa and servicing the mining, mineral, metallurgical and related industries, has successfully developed a number of technologies which are of direct benefit to the ferro-alloy producer. Mintek has strong expertise in AC submerged-arc and DC plasma-arc furnace technologies. This paper has highlighted applications including ferro-alloy and ilmenite smelting, ferronickel production as well as metal recovery from base metal slags and related residues in respect of DC plasma-arc technology. DC arc technology has been successfully transferred to industry for FeCr smelting (40 and 62 MVA), ilmenite smelting (25 and 35 MW), and the recovery of cobalt from slag 40 (MVA). The next industrial applications are nickel laterite smelting and the fuming of zinc from slag and other residues/by-products. The Minstral furnace control system has proved itself to be a robust solution for the control of AC submerged-arc furnaces. The furnace on which Mintek conducted the initial Minstral control project (no.4 at Ferrometals) increased production from 2 to 5.5 kt/month. At the time (1980), this resulted in an increase in revenue of R8 million per annum from this single furnace. Subsequently, Mintek successfully implemented the know-how and control strategies at other ferro-alloy operations worldwide. To date there are over 70 Minstral installations. The Atoll joint venture utilizing the Apic jig is recovering valuable metal entrained in ferro-alloy slags. The Blobulator is recently developed casting technology that enables ferro-alloy product to be produced directly for sale and distribution to the market eliminating the need for crushing and the concurrent generation of fines. Mintek offers its clients a flexible package of technology, ranging from initial research to commercial products, and the design, construction, and commissioning of plants.