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Sulfidation Kinetics of Natural Chromite Ore Using H2S Gas

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Abstract

The kinetics and mechanism of natural chromite (FeCr2O4) sulfidation using 5 pct H2S (balance Ar) gas were studied in the temperature range 1173 K to 1473 K (900 °C to 1200 °C). Reaction products were examined using combined X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results indicated the formation of an outer sulfide-rich layer comprising mixed (Fe,Cr)1−x S and (Cr,Fe)1−x S phases, underlain by a cation-depleted diffusion zone. The kinetics investigation indicated that the reaction rate increased with increasing temperature and that the sulfidation of chromite followed a shrinking unreacted core model. It is proposed that Cr3+ cation diffusion through the reaction product was the rate controlling step with an apparent activation energy of 166 ± 4 kJ mol−1. The calculated activation energy lies between the activation energy for Fe2+ and Cr3+ diffusion through pure chromite spinel and Fe-Cr alloy. Possible reasons for the discrepancy from pure chromite are expected to be the presence of minor Al and Mg in the natural chromite sample, and the partial pressure of oxygen under the reaction conditions used.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge financial support from Swinburne University of Technology and CSIRO Minerals Resources Flagship for this research project. We also acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by Cameron Davidson (CSIRO) in sample preparation and Matt Glenn (CSIRO) for guidance in operation of the SEM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia

    Sazzad Ahmad (Ph.D. Candidate) & M. Akbar Rhamdhani (Associate Professor)

  2. CSIRO Minerals Resources Flagship, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

    Sazzad Ahmad (Ph.D. Candidate), Mark I. Pownceby (Principal Research Scientist) & Warren J. Bruckard (Research Operations Manager)

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  1. Sazzad Ahmad
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  2. M. Akbar Rhamdhani
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  3. Mark I. Pownceby
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  4. Warren J. Bruckard
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Correspondence to Sazzad Ahmad.

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Manuscript submitted August 15, 2014.

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Ahmad, S., Rhamdhani, M.A., Pownceby, M.I. et al. Sulfidation Kinetics of Natural Chromite Ore Using H2S Gas. Metall Mater Trans B 46, 557–567 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-014-0278-6

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