The existing solid-phase methods of nickel powder production are described, their critical analysis is carried out and ways of improvement are indicated, allowing to obtain a significant economic effect. The results of tests of low ash solid reducing agent allowing to reduce slag output at anode electro-smelting are given. The method of nickel cinder reduction in tube furnaces is stated, which allows to obtain an active fraction of nickel powder with cementation activity over 80%, which opens up the possibility of its use for purification of nickel electrolyte from copper.
The results of the study of zinc behavior during nickel production from high-grade matte are presented. Zinc is one of the most unfavorable impurities for refining nickel production, as its removal from the scheme is extremely difficult. The distribution of zinc in semi-products of production is studied, the sources of input are found and the natural ways of withdrawal of the impurity are indicated. In addition, additional ways to remove zinc from the Kola Company's technological scheme were proposed.
The data on physical modeling of fluidized bed furnaces for roasting of copper concentrate from matte separation are presented. On the basis of observance of similarity criteria, a physical model of fluidized bed furnace is constructed to study the properties of fluidized bed and the influence of various factors on its properties. The influence of introducing a fluidizing agent into the blowing box on the non-uniformity of fluidization of the material in the furnace has been studied.
