Effect of MgO content in sinter on the softening–melting behavior of mixed burden made from chromium-bearing vanadium–titanium magnetite

The effect of sinter with different MgO contents on the softening–melting behavior of mixed burden made from chromium- bearing vanadium–titanium magnetite was investigated. The results show that with increasing MgO content in the sinter, the softening interval and melting interval increased and the location of the cohesive zone shifted downward slightly and became moderately thicker. The softening–melting characteristic value was less pronounced when the MgO content in the sinter was 2.98wt%–3.40wt%. Increasing MgO content in the sinter reduced the content and recovery of V and Cr in the dripped iron. In addition, greater MgO contents in the sinter resulted in the generation of greater amounts of high-melting-point components, which adversely affected the permeability of the mixed burden. When the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden and the recovery of valuable elements were taken into account, proper MgO contents in the sinter and slag ranged from 2.98wt% to 3.40wt% and from 11.46wt% to 12.72wt%, respectively, for the smelting of burden made from chromium-bearing vanadium–titanium magnetite in a blast furnace.     

Softening–melting behavior of mixed burden based on low-magnesium sinter and fluxed pellets

A low MgO content in sinter is conducive to reduce the MgO content in blast furnace slag.This study investigated the effect of MgO content in sinter on the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden based on fluxed pellets.When the MgO content increased from 1.31 wt% to 1.55 wt%, the melting temperature of sinter increased to 1521℃.Such an increase was due to the formation of the high-meltingpoint slag phase.The reduction degradation index of sinter with 1.31 wt% MgO content was better than that of others.The initial softening temperature of the mixed burden increased from 1104 to 1126℃ as MgO content in sinter increased from 1.31 wt% to 1.55 wt%, and the melting temperature decreased from 1494 to 1460℃.The permeability index(S-value) of mixed burden decreased to 594.46 kPa·℃ under a high MgO content with 1.55 wt%, indicating that the permeability was improved.The slag phase composition of burden was mainly akermarite(Ca_2MgSiO_7) when the MgO content in sinter was 1.55 wt%.The melting point of akermarite is 1450℃, which is lower than other phases.     

Optimized use of MgO flux in the agglomeration of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite

The optimized use of Mg O flux in the agglomeration of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite was investigated systematically through sinter and pellet experiments. Mg O was added in the form of magnesite. When the content of Mg O in the sinter was increased from 1.95wt% to 2.63wt%, the low-temperature reduction degradation index increased from 80.57% to 82.71%. When the content of Mg O in the pellet was increased from 1.14wt% to 2.40wt%, the reduction swelling index decreased from 15.2% to 8.6%; however, the compressive strength of the oxidized pellet decreased dramatically and it was 1985 N with an Mg O content of 1.14wt%. This compressive strength does not satisfy the requirements for blast-furnace production. When all of the aforementioned results were taken into account, the sinter with a high Mg O content(2.63wt%) matching the pellet with a low Mg O content(less than 1.14wt%) was the rational burden structure for smelting high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite in blast furnaces.     

Reduction mechanism of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite pellets by H_2–CO–CO_2 gas mixtures

The reduction of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite as a typical titanomagnetite containing 0.95wt% V2O5 and 0.61wt% Cr2O3 by H2–CO–CO2 gas mixtures was investigated from 1223 to 1373 K. Both the reduction degree and reduction rate increase with increasing temperature and increasing hydrogen content. At a temperature of 1373 K, an H2/CO ratio of 5/2 by volume, and a reduction time of 40 min, the degree of reduction reaches 95%. The phase transformation during reduction is hypothesized to proceed as follows: Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → FeO → Fe; Fe9 TiO 15 + Fe2Ti3O9 → Fe2.75Ti0.25O4 → FeT iO 3 → TiO 2;(Cr0.15V0.85)2O3 → Fe2VO4; and Cr1.3Fe0.7O3 → FeC r2O4. The reduction is controlled by the mixed internal diffusion and interfacial reaction at the initial stage; however, the interfacial reaction is dominant. As the reduction proceeds, the internal diffusion becomes the controlling step.     

Influence of basicity and temperature on bonding phase strength,microstructure,and mineralogy of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite

To develop a smelting process for the comprehensive utilization of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite(HCVTM),the micro-sinter test was applied to investigate the influence of basicity and temperature on the HCVTM sinters.The bonding phase strength(BS) was tested via an electronic universal testing machine.The phase transformations of the HCVTM sinters were detected via X-ray diffraction(XRD),whereas the structure and mineralogy of the HCVTM sinters under different temperatures and basicities were detected via scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive spectroscopy(SEM–EDS).Our results demonstrate that the BS of the HCVTM sinters exhibits a slightly increasing tendency with an increase in temperature when the basicity is 2.4 and within the range of 2.8–4.0.Many cracks,small size crystals,and dependent phase structures are generated by increasing the sinter basicity.The BS is lower than 4000 N when the basicity is 2.2 and 2.8.When the temperature is in the range of 1280–1300?C,the BS exceeds 4000 N with the basicity of 2.0,2.4,and 3.4–4.0.The pore size of the HCVTM sinters increases with the increase of the temperature.The perovskite decreases,whereas the silicate phase increases with basicity higher than 3.2.This study provides theoretical and technical foundations for the effective production of HCVTM sinters.     

Influence of basicity and temperature on bonding phase strength,microstructure, and mineralogy of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite

To develop a smelting process for the comprehensive utilization of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite (HCVTM), the micro-sinter test was applied to investigate the influence of basicity and temperature on the HCVTM sinters. The bonding phase strength (BS) was tested via an electronic universal testing machine. The phase transformations of the HCVTM sinters were detected via X-ray diffraction (XRD), whereas the structure and mineralogy of the HCVTM sinters under different temperatures and basicities were detected via scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Our results demonstrate that the BS of the HCVTM sinters exhibits a slightly increasing tendency with an increase in temperature when the basicity is 2.4 and within the range of 2.8–4.0. Many cracks, small size crystals, and dependent phase structures are generated by increasing the sinter basicity. The BS is lower than 4000 N when the basicity is 2.2 and 2.8. When the temperature is in the range of 1280–1300℃, the BS exceeds 4000 N with the basicity of 2.0, 2.4, and 3.4–4.0. The pore size of the HCVTM sinters increases with the increase of the temperature. The perovskite decreases, whereas the silicate phase increases with basicity higher than 3.2. This study provides theoretical and technical foundations for the effective production of HCVTM sinters.     

Novel blast furnace operation process involving charging with low-titanium vanadium–titanium magnetite carbon composite hot briquette

An innovative process of blast furnace (BF) operation involving charging with low-titanium vanadium–titanium magnetite carbon composite hot briquette (LVTM-CCB) was proposed for utilizing LVTM and conserving energy. In this study, the effect of LVTM-CCB charging ratio on the softening, melting, and dripping behaviors of the mixed burden was explored systemically, and the migration of valuable elements V and Cr was extensively investigated. The results show that with increasing LVTM-CCB charging ratio, the softening interval T₄₀-T₄ increases from 146.1℃ to 266.1℃, and the melting interval T_D-T_S first decreases from 137.2℃ to 129.5℃ and then increases from 129.5℃ to 133.2℃. Moreover, the cohesive zone becomes narrower and then wider, and its location shifts slightly downward. In addition, the recovery ratios of V and Cr in dripped iron first increase and then decrease, reaching maximum values of 14.552% and 28.163%, respectively, when the charging ratio is 25%. A proper LVTM-CCB charging ratio would improve the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden; however, Ti(C,N) would be generated rapidly in slag when the charging ratio exceeds 25%, which is not favorable for BF operation. When considering the comprehensive softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden and the recovery ratios of V and Cr, the recommended LVTM-CCB charging ratio is 20%.     

Effect of diboron trioxide on the crushing strength and smelting mechanism of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite pellets

The effect of diboron trioxide (B₂O₃) on the crushing strength and smelting mechanism of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite pellets was investigated in this work. The main characterization methods were X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, mercury injection porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, metallographic microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the crushing strength increased greatly with increasing B₂O₃ content and that the increase in crushing strength was strongly correlated with a decrease in porosity, the formation of liquid phases, and the growth and recrystallization consolidation of hematite crystalline grains. The smelting properties were measured under simulated blast furnace conditions; the results showed that the smelting properties within a certain B₂O₃ content range were improved and optimized except in the softening stage. The valuable element B was easily transformed to the slag, and this phenomenon became increasingly evident with increasing B₂O₃ content. The formation of Ti(C,N) was mostly avoided, and the slag and melted iron were separated well during smelting with the addition of B₂O₃. The size increase of the melted iron was consistent with the gradual optimization of the dripping characteristics with increasing B₂O₃ content.     

Effect of Zr and Ti on isothermal oxidation behavior of Nb–Si based alloys

The isothermal oxidation behavior of 56Nb-16Si-(20-x)Ti–3Cr–3Al-2Hf-xZr (x ?= ?0, 2, 5, 10 ?at. %) alloys was investigated at 800 ?°C and 1250 ?°C, respectively. The results show that increasing the Zr content evidently increased the oxidation rates at 800 ?°C, accompanied by the obvious occurrence of pesting oxidation. The alloys showed alike linear oxidation kinetics at 1250 ?°C. With the increase of Zr content, the adherence and integrity of oxide scales were improved, but the overall oxidation resistance was slightly deteriorated. The observed oxidation behavior may be attributed to the composition variation of Zr and Ti in the alloys. The oxidation mechanism associated with the composition variation is discussed in this study.     

Dependence of mechanical behavior on grain size of metastable Ti–Nb–O titanium alloy

Cold-rolled metastable β-type Ti–38Nb-0.2O alloy was subjected to annealing treatment to obtain different precipitates and grain sizes. The influence of annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. The alloy annealed at 673 ?K or 773 ?K exhibited a single-stage yielding with high strength and low uniform elongation, due to the residual work hardening and the precipitation of ω or α phases. The alloy annealed at above 873 ?K exhibited an obvious double yielding behavior resulting from the stress-induced martensitic transformation. The grain growth kinetics of single β phase alloy is sensitive to temperature, and it is suggested that the existence of oxygen decreases the grain growth exponent and increases the required activation energy for grain growth. The critical stress for slip decreased monotonously with the increase of grain size, following the classic Hall-Petch relationship. However, the critical stress for martensitic transformation decreased to a minimum and then increased again, as the grain size increased. The results are worth for design of the heat-treatment parameters of the Ti–38Nb-0.2O alloy for engineering applications.     

The comparative analysis based on maize integrated QTL map and meta-analysis of plant height QTLs

Since the first publication of quantitative trait locus (QTL) localization using molecular markers[1], a large number of QTLs have been identified in different ge- netic backgrounds and environments. Affected by many factors, such as marker sets, experime…     

Positioning accuracy and reliability of GALILEO, integrated GPS-GALILEO system based on single positioning model

A kind of uniform reliability index suitable for the code and phase observations is presented and used in reliability evaluation of satellite systems. Then, based on 25 stations of Crustal Movement Observation Network of China, satellite visibility, positioning availability and observation reliability of GPS, GALILEO and integrated GPSGALILEO are calculated and analyzed in detail. Simulation results reveal that the satellite visibility of GALILEO is superior to that of GPS. Given positioning accuracy, horizontal positioning availability of GALILEO is consistent with that of GPS, but its vertical positioning availability is superior to that of GPS. However, the integrated GPS-GALILEO is shown to be superior to each of the single systems in the aspects of positioning accuracy and availability. The reliability of code and phase observations based on GALILEO and integrated GPS-GALILEO system is superior to that of GPS both in spatial and temporal domains on the whole. The new reliability index presented is simple to calculate and reflects reliability differences of different satellite systems.     

Effect of Sr on microstructure and aging behavior of Mg–14Li alloys

The as-cast and as-extruded Mg–14 wt%Li–x Sr ( x=0.14, 0.19, 0.39 wt%) alloys were,respectively, prepared through a simple alloying process and hot extrusion. The effects of Sr addition on microstructure and aging behavior of the Mg–14 wt%Li–xSr alloys were studied. The results indicated that β(Li) and Mg2Sr were the two primary phases in the microstructures of both as-cast and as-extruded Mg–14 wt%Li–xSr alloys. Interestingly, with the increase of Sr content from 0.14 wt% to 0.39 wt%, the grain sizes of the as-cast and as-extruded Mg–14 wt%Li–xSr alloys markedly decreased from 5000mm and 38mm to 330 mm and 22mm respectively, while no obvious changes of the micro-hardness and microstructure of the as-extruded alloys were observed during the aging treatment.     

A novel process for the recovery of iron,titanium,and vanadium from vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite:sodium modification–direct reduction coupled process

A sodium modification–direct reduction coupled process was proposed for the simultaneous extraction of V and Fe from vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite.The sodium oxidation of vanadium oxides to water-soluble sodium vanadate and the transformation of iron oxides to metallic iron were accomplished in a single-step high-temperature process.The increase in roasting temperature favors the reduction of iron oxides but disfavors the oxidation of vanadium oxides.The recoveries of vanadium,iron,and titanium reached 84.52%,89.37%,and 95.59%,respectively.Moreover,the acid decomposition efficiency of titanium slag reached 96.45%.Compared with traditional processes,the novel process provides several advantages,including a shorter flow,a lower energy consumption,and a higher utilization efficiency of vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite resources.     

Computer simulation on reliability of retention index with FDG–PET and optimization of dual-time-point imaging protocol

The inherent noise in positron emission tomography (PET) leads to the instability of quantitative indicators, which may affct the diagnostic accuracy for diffrentiating malignant and benign lesions in the management of lung cancer. In this paper, the reliability of retention index (RI) is systematically investigated by using computer simulation for the dual-time-point imaging protocol. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is used to evaluate the optimal protocol. Results demonstrate that the reliability of RI is a?ected by several factors including noise level, lesion type, and imaging schedule. The RIs with small absolute values su?er from worse reliability than those larger ones. The results of ROC curves show that over delayed second scan cannot help to improve the diagnostic performance further, while an early ?rst scan is expected. The method of optimization based on ROC analysis can be easily extended to comprise as many lesions as possible.     

A novel investigation on the influence of Cu–P modifier on the microstructure,mechanical performance,and melting process of Al–50Si alloys treated by overheating

As an efficient modifier, phosphorus(P) can significantly reduce the size of primary silicon(Si) crystals. However,modifier can aggregate when the P content exceeds a certain proportion, which decreases refining efficiency. In this study, the evolution of microstructures and mechanical properties of Al–50 Si alloy have been studied by combining superheating and modification treatments. After modification, the mean size of the primary Si phase increased with superheating temperature, while the ha...     

Effects of alloying and high-temperature heat treatment on the microstructure of Nb–Ti–Si based ultrahigh temperatur e alloys

The phase co mpositions, microstructure and especi ally phase i nterfaces in the as-cast and heat-treated Nb– Ti–Si based ultrahigh temperature alloys have been investigated. It is shown that β(Nb,X)5Si3 and γ(Nb,X)5Si3 are the primary p hase s in the Nb–22Ti–16Si–5Cr–5Al (S1) (at%) and Nb–20Ti–16Si–6C r–4Al–5Hf–2B–0.06Y (S2) (at% ) alloys, respectively. The Nb solid solution (Nbss) is the primary phase in Nb–22Ti–14Si–5Hf–3Al–1. 5B –0.0 6Y (S3) (at%) alloy . An orientation relationship between Nbss and γ(Nb,X)5Si3 was determine d to be (1-10)Nb//(101-0)γ and [111]Nb//[0001]γ in the as-cast S2 and S3 alloys. Some original β(Nb,X)5Si3 transfor med into α(Nb,X)5Si3 because Al and Cr diffused from the β(Nb,X)5Si3 to Nbss during heattreatment at 1500 °C for 50 h in the S1 alloy. Mean while, Ti diffused from Nbss to β(Nb,X)5Si3, which induced a Ti to generate near the interface between Nbss and Ti-rich β(Nb,X)5Si3. The orientation relationship between the newl y-formed a Ti and previous Nbss was (110 )Nb//(1-10-1) αTi and [001]Nb//(12-3-1)αTi. Among the ( Nb,X)5Si3 phases , the contents o f Cr and Al in β(Nb,X)5Si3 are n earl y the same as those in γ(Nb,X)5Si3 but obviously hi gher than those in the α(Nb,X)5Si3, where as the content of Si in α(Nb,X)5Si3 is nearly the same a s that in γ(Nb,X)5Si3 but higher than that in the β(Nb,X)5Si3     

Effect of boehmite sol on the crystallization behavior and densification of mullite formed from a sol–gel precursor

Hybrid mullite sol was synthesized from an aqueous solution of aluminum nitrate (AN), aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), doped with boehmite sol with different ratios. Pressureless sintering of the xerogel was carried out at different temperatures in the presence of boehmite doping. The xerogel and sintered powder were characterized by FTIR, TG-DSC, XRD, SEM and bulk density. The addition of boehmite caused the formation of metaphase spinel (6Al2O3·SiO2) crystal before the appearance of mullite phase, which could lead to the formation of amorphous phase and suppress the premature formation of mullite. Both of these effects improve the densification of mullite. A maximum density about 98% of the theoretical density (TD, 3.01 g/cm3 ) of mullite could be obtained for 5 wt% boehmite addition at 1200 1C pressureless sintering.