Nickel Oxide Ore Smelting With Segmented Reducing Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smelting methods for nickel oxide ore face challenges in achieving uniform reduction reactions, leading to non-uniform metal distribution, low recovery ratios, and high production costs, with a focus on external reaction control rather than internal reaction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A smelting method involving a mixture of nickel oxide ore with a first reducing agent, followed by a reduction treatment using a second reducing agent containing coal and at least one of charcoal and starch, allowing for controlled internal reactions to enhance uniformity and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single reducing agent is used for reduction treatment, then the process is simple, but the reduction reaction is not uniform and metal distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The reducing agent is segmented into multiple components (coal, charcoal, and starch) that perform different functions. Coal provides sustained reduction, charcoal enhances internal reaction uniformity, and starch acts as a binder and additional reducing agent, collectively achieving uniform reduction without requiring complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
A composite reducing agent system is created by combining coal, charcoal, and starch in specific proportions. This composite material leverages the complementary properties of each component to achieve superior reduction uniformity and metal distribution compared to single reducing agents
2Ease of operation
If external reaction control is focused, then the process is easier to control, but internal reaction efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reducing agent composition is optimized for local conditions within the agglomerate. The starch and charcoal components specifically address internal reaction needs by penetrating and reacting within the agglomerate structure, while coal provides external reduction, creating localized quality improvements throughout the material
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-component reducing agent system is self-regulating, with each component contributing to different aspects of the reduction process. The system automatically balances internal and external reactions through the complementary actions of coal, charcoal, and starch, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If strict diameter control of agglomerates is implemented, then reaction uniformity improves, but yield during agglomerate production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the reducing agent system to compensate for variations in agglomerate size. By optimizing the coal-charcoal-starch ratio, the system maintains effective reduction across a broader range of agglomerate diameters, reducing the need for strict size control
4Productivity
If base density of agglomerate is optimized for external reaction, then productivity improves, but internal reaction control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reducing agent composition is tailored to address local conditions at different densities. The starch and charcoal components ensure adequate penetration and reaction even in densely packed agglomerates, while coal provides sufficient external reduction, maintaining productivity without sacrificing internal reaction uniformity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method efficiently produces high-quality ferronickel by ensuring uniform reduction and preventing oxidation, thereby improving metal grade and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the mixture to a reduction treatment by charging the mixture into a reducing furnace and charging a second reducing agent into the reducing furnace
Implementation Method 2
heating the mixture to reduce and melt the metal oxide
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for smelting an oxide ore, with which it is possible to enhance the quality of a metal obtained thereby and to efficiently produce a high-quality metal. The present invention specifically provides a method for smelting a nickel oxide ore, the method comprising: a mixing step in which a nickel oxide ore and a first reducing agent are mixed so as to obtain a mixture; and a reduction step in which the mixture is charged into a reduction furnace and a second reducing agent is put into the reduction furnace so as to reduce the mixture.