Metal loss comprehension - metal emulsions in ferromanganese slags

Abstract

Literature review was done on metal in slag emulsions, using the surface phenomena literature in metallurgy as well as the oil and water emulsion broader literature. Several phenomena were found that could extend to the subject of metal in slag emulsions in metallurgical processes. The accepted effects of surface tension gradients, the emulsifier s importance, the Pickering emulsions and the effects of reactions may extend to metallurgical emulsions. Sedimentation speed calculations and assessment of the other destabilization mechanisms of emulsions were done for metal and slag emulsions. A mechanism of the production of metal droplets during a taping in ferromanganese process is presented. Samples were taken in Eramet s ferromanganese plant in Sauda and analysis (XRD, EPMA and SEM, ICP-MS, Optical microscope) was conducted on the emulsions samples with a close interest on the surface of the metal droplets. No emulsifiers were spotted, but reactions at the surface between slag and metal droplets were highlighted, yet with a very small magnitude. It is believed they do not play a major role in the emulsion s stability.