Authors: K. Adham, C. Lee
CIM Bulletin, November/December 2004
Abstract
Over the last forty years, a number of specific
fluidized bed applications in nickel extraction
have been developed for commercial use.
Five important processes have gained particular
acceptance, namely, sulphide ore roasting,
nickel sulphide (matte) roasting, nickel oxide
reduction, laterite ore pre-reduction, and nickel
chloride pyrohydrolysis. These applications
involve different feed materials and process
conditions, however, all benefit from fast reaction
kinetics and high heat and mass transfer
rates in the fluidized bed reactors. They have
been studied, tested, and implemented by various
nickel producers, who have published their
results in many papers and patents.
This paper
examines the design issues surrounding the
application of fluidized bed technology to the
above nickel processes. Based on the available
data in the open literature, computerized
process modelling is used to provide generic
flowsheets that illustrate the key features of
each process.
