Abstract
Ferro-Nickel smelting of siliceous nickel ores by the Oheyama Process is carried out in a rotary kiln. Reduced metal in the kiln agglomerates to form particles of 0.5~20 mm in diameter, suspending in a partially fused slag. Although the melting condition of the slag is adjusted by ore blending and addition of limestone, the amount of anthracite in the slag also significantly influences it. The effects of anthracite amount as well as of gas atmosphere on softening temperature of the ores were investigated. The following results were obtained:
(1) The amount of anthracite influences Fe reduction fraction of ore to effect the melting condition of slag.
(2) The shortage of anthracite results in a lower Ni yield due to poorer agglomeration of Ni metals caused by a lack of the reduced Fe metals.
(3) Increasing gas velocity inside the kiln is apt to enhance the solution loss reaction rate by CO2 in the gas.
