NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Separation of Copper from Scrap by Preferential Melting. Laboratory and Economic Evaluation.

Leak VG; Fine MM; Dolezal H

NTIS: PB 226 090 :48 pages

10009077

A technique for recovering copper and steel from metallic scrap has been developed by the Bureau of Mines based on preferential melting in molten salt baths at 1,150 deg to 1,250 deg c. The molten salt, preferably barium chloride or calcium chloride, both minimizes oxidation of the metals and promotes heat transfer. Cleanest separations (0.01 percent copper remaining in iron) have been achieved by pretreatment (dipping or spraying) with sodium sulfate or sodium silicate, which alters and coats the surface of the iron to inhibit the alloying or brazing with copper. An economic evaluation of the process was carried out on six combinations of sweating media and inhibiting reagents. On the basis of the postulated model, a cost of about $0.20 Per pound of copper recovered has been determined for the sweating treatment operation.

19730101

IH; Report of Investigation;

1973

PB-226090

A04

RI 7809

TCRC;

NTIS: PB 226 090