Autothermal smelting of sulfide concentrate

Thiocyanate Melt Self-Heat Smelting of Sulphur Ore

The thiocyanate melt self-heat smelting of sulphur ore is an age-old yet still valuable method of extraction and processing of this valuable material. The process is conducted by combining the ore with a thiocyanate solution, then allowing the combination to heat up to temperatures which allow the sulphur to be extracted. This process is used in many parts of the world, from major industrial-scale operations to small scale artisanal activities.

The main advantage of thiocyanate melt self-heat smelting is the fact that it only requires the addition of a single chemical - the thiocyanate solution - as well as the heated ore. This makes the process extremely cost-effective and efficient for large scale operations. Smaller operations can still benefit from the process, as it does not necessarily need the same specialist equipment or expertise to operate. It is also a relatively clean process, producing few emissions or waste-products.

The thiocyanate melt self-heat smelting process is made up of several steps. Firstly, the ore must be heated. This can be done either by exposing the ore to direct heat or by heating the surrounding atmosphere, depending primarily on the type of ore being used. Once heated, the ore must be mixed with the thiocyanate solution. This solution is added at a specific ratio, depending on the composition of the ore, and mixed until all the particles are completely absorbed into the thiocyanate solution. The mixture is then heated to temperatures over 600 degrees Fahrenheit, triggering a chemical reaction which separates the sulphur from the ore.

The resulting sulphur is still in a molten state at this point, and it must be cooled quickly in order to solidify. To do this, several processes are usually employed. Firstly, water must be added to the sulphur in order to rapidly cool the entire mix. This begins to solidify the sulphur, although the cooling process must be faster than the melting rate of the sulphur in order for it to fully solidify. It is also possible to use a jet of air to cool the sulphur, increasing the cooling rate. The combination of water and air is often most successful.

The extracted sulphur must then be cleaned. This process involves washing the cooled sulphur with a solution-filled with water, which helps to remove any chemicals that may have attached themselves to the sulphur during the extraction process. This cleaning process also helps to remove any excess oxygen, which is important for preserving the integrity of the sulphur. The resulting material is then dried and ready to be used in the production of various products.

Thiocyanate melt self-heat smelting is an incredibly useful, cost-effective and efficient process for extracting sulphur from ores. It is used in many parts of the world for both industrial and artisanal operations. The process is relatively clean and simple, and produces quality sulphur with minimal emissions or waste-products. The process requires the correct manipulation of temperatures and chemistry to ensure that the sulphur is successfully extracted, and the resulting material is then further processed in order to be used in the manufacture of various products.

Self-heating smelting of sulfide concentrate is to heat sulfide ore concentrate in the condition of loose, which has the functions of sulfur displacement and liberation of metals from oxidation zone. It has integrated metallurgy and mineral processing advantages and can reduce the cost of smelting process. Self-heating smelting of sulfide concentrate has the advantages that the ore is easier to be fully oxidized and reduced, and the slag forms fast; The heat balance between air and sulfur can be adjusted and less energy consumption is required; The smelting cost can be significantly reduced; The single index of energy consumption of the furnace is lower; The performance of the furnace and the quality of the smelting product can be guaranteed.

The preheating of self-heating smelting of sulfide concentrate is mainly through oxidation of iron sulfide and other sulfide minerals in the ore to generate heat. The process of direct smelting of sulfide concentrates starts from the preheating stage. The preheating of solid materials mainly depends on the heat generated from the oxidation-reduction reaction between iron sulfide and sulfur in the air. In order to improve the preheating effect, the ore concentrate should be furnace-charged in an appropriate way. The crushing degree of sulphide ore concentrate should be determined according to its types of ore, particle size and mineral task elements in order to improve its permeability for air and reduce its melting temperature.

In order to improve the smelting efficiency, a certain type of fuel (metallurgical coke, natural gas or oil) is usually used to supplement the heat generated by oxidation melt in the smelting process. The fuel has a very important influence on the technological economic indicators of sulfide concentrate smelting. On the one hand, it can reduce the oxidation temperature of sulphide ore concentrate, improve its oxidation performance and accelerate the oxidation-reduction process; On the other hand, it can play the role of increasing the heating rate and decreasing the duration of sulfur displacement and metal liberation stages, and improving the heat efficiency and reducing the losses of heat.

Self-heating smelting of sulfide concentrate has some advantages over traditional smelting technology. It can realize full oxidation and reduction of ore, reduce energy consumption, increase the production rate and reduce emissions. Therefore, the application of self-heating smelting of sulfide concentrate in the smelting process of non-ferrous metals has great significance.