Extractive Metallurgy of Nickel, Cobalt and Platinum Group Metals

Describes and explores the modern industrial methods, processes and technologies through which the related nickel, cobalt and platinum group ores and recyclables are transformed into high purity metals

Frank Crundwell (Author), Michael Moats (Author), Venkoba Ramachandran (Author), Timothy Robinson (Author), W. G. Davenport (Author)

9780080974781

Paperback / softback, published 5 August 2011

622 pages, 50 illustrations
22.9 x 15.1 x 3.8 cm, 0.82 kg

"The strength of the book lies in the number of Tables comparing production details in different smelters and refineries around the world and the list of references at the end of each chapter. The book also includes many operating details for furnaces and other equipment as well as analyses of materials handled. This information must be considered as authoritative since the authors mention that they visited many plants and collected data on site... The book is a welcome addition to the metallurgical library and any one involved in the nickel industry must be aware of this book."
-- MEIBlog

"A team of specialists from various companies and universities trace the extraction and processing of the three metals from ore in the ground to high-purity metals and chemicals. Nickel, cobalt, and platinum-group metals often occur together, are extracted together, and have similar properties. The topics discussed include smelting laterite concentrates to sulfide matte, extracting nickel and cobalt from sulfide ores, the slow cooling and solidification of converter matte, extracting cobalt from nickel laterite and sulfide ores, and smelting and converting sulfide concentrates containing platinum-group metals."
-- Reference and Research News, October 2012

This book describes and explains the methods by which three related ores and recyclables are made into high purity metals and chemicals, for materials processing. It focuses on present day processes and future developments rather than historical processes. Nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals are key elements for materials processing. They occur together in one book because they (i) map together on the periodic table (ii) occur together in many ores and (iii) are natural partners for further materials processing and materials manufacturing. They all are, for example, important catalysts – with platinum group metals being especially important for reducing car and truck emissions. Stainless steels and CoNiFe airplane engine super alloys are examples of practical usage. The product emphasises a sequential, building-block approach to the subject gained through the author’s previous writings (particularly Extractive Metallurgy of Copper in four editions) and extensive experience. Due to the multiple metals involved and because each metal originates in several types of ore – e.g. tropical ores and arctic ores this necessitates a multi-contributor work drawing from multiple networks and both engineering and science.

Overview
Nickel Occurrence, Production, Use and Price
Production of Ferronickel and Nickel from Laterite Ore – Ore Upgrading
Smelting Laterite Concentrates to Ferronickel – Dewatering and Calcination/Reduction
Smelting Laterite Concentrates to Ferronickel – Electric Furnace Reduction/Melting
Refining Ferronickel
Smelting Laterite Concentrates to Sulfide Matte
Roasting Ni Matte to Oxide and Metal
Capture of SO2 as Sulfuric Acid
Hydrometallurgy of Laterite ores – Overview and High Temperature Sulfuric Acid Leaching
Solid/Liquid Separation
Solution Purification and Sulfide Precipitation
Extraction of Nickel from Sulfide ores – Introduction and Concentrate Production
Smelting Sulfide Concentrates – Introduction and Electric Furnace Smelting
Flash Smelting Ni Sulfide Concentrates
Oxidizing Molten Smelting Furnace Matte (Converting)
Separation of Matte into Three Phases
Carbonyl Refining of Impure Ni Metal
Hydrometallurgical Production of High Purity Nickel from Ni Sulfide Intermediates
Co/Ni Separation and Solution Purification
Electrowinning and H2 Reduction of Nickel and Cobalt
Cobalt Occurrence, Production, Use and Price
Extraction of Cobalt from Sulfide Ores
Extraction of Cobalt from Laterite Ores
Extraction of Cobalt from Central African Co-Cu Ores
Platinum Group Metal Occurrence, Production, Use and Price
Production of Pt Sulfide Concentrates
Smelting Pt Concentrates to Matte
Preparing Pt Refinery Feed from Matte
Pt Group Metal Refining
Recycling of Nickel, Cobalt and Platinum Group Metals. Appendices A Metal Properties
B Stoichiometric Data
C Thermodynamic Data
D Minor processes – e.g. Moroccan Arsenic Ore Processing

Subject Areas: Metals technology / metallurgy [TDM]