Department of Energy awards $4 million for projects to extract rare earths from coal
October 1, 2017
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The Department of Energy, Washington, has announced nine projects that will receive approximately $4 million in cost-shared federal funding to improve the technical, environmental, and economic performance of new and existing technologies that extract, separate, and recover rare earth elements from domestic U.S. coal and coal byproducts.
The development of an economically competitive supply of REEs will help to maintain the nation's economic growth and national security. Vast domestic coal resources in the United States contain quantities of REEs that offer the potential to reduce dependence on others for these critical materials, and create new industries in regions where coal plays an important economic role.
The new projects will be managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory and are supported through the funding opportunity announcement, Development of Transformational Separation and Extraction Processes for Production of Rare Earth Element (REE) Materials from Domestic U.S. Coal and Coal By-Products.
Selected projects fall under three Areas of Interest.
Area of Interest 1—Advanced, Novel Technology Development for Initial REE Extraction, Concentrating to ≥2 Weight Percent
Area of Interest 2—Optimization of Current State-of-the-Art Separation Technologies for Initial REE Extraction, Concentrating to ≥2‒10 Weight Percent
Area of Interest 3—Technology Advancements for High Purity REE Extractions, Concentrating to 90.0–99.99 Weight Percent
The nine projects:
Concentrating Rare Earth Elements in Acid Mine Drainage using Coal Combustion By-Products— The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)
Low-Cost Rare Earth Element (REE) Recovery from Acid Mine Drainage Sludge— Research Triangle Institute (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina)
Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment for Enhanced Recovery of Highly Valued Critical REEs from Coal— University of Kentucky Research Foundation (Lexington, Kentucky)
Economic Extraction and Recovery of REEs and Production of Clean Value-Added Products from Low-Rank Coal Fly Ash— The University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, North Dakota)
Development of a Cost-Effective Extraction Process for the Recovery of Heavy and Critical Rare Earth Elements from the Clays and Shales Associated with Coal— Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Economic Extraction, Recovery, and Upgrading of Rare Earth Elements from Coal-Based Resources— The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Coupled Hydrothermal Extraction and Ligand-Associated Organosilica Media Recovery of REEs from Coal Fly Ash— Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan)
Recovery of High Purity Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from Coal Ash via a Novel Electrowinning Process— Battelle Memorial Institute (Columbus, Ohio)
At-source Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Coal Mine Drainage— West Virginia University Research Corporation (Morgantown, West Virginia)
www.DOE.gov
The Department of Energy, Washington, has announced nine projects that will receive approximately $4 million in cost-shared federal funding to improve the technical, environmental, and economic performance of new and existing technologies that extract, separate, and recover rare earth elements from domestic U.S. coal and coal byproducts.
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United States Steel, Kobe Steel to invest $400 million to galvanize high strength steels
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United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, and Kobe Steel Ltd., Japan, announce that they will begin construction of a new continuous galvanizing line at their subsidiaries' joint venture, Pro-Tec Coating Company in Leipsic, Ohio.
The new line, an investment of approximately $400 million, will utilize a proprietary process, and will have a yearly capacity of 500,000 tons. It will be capable of coating advanced high-strength steel that will help automakers manufacture economically lightweight vehicles while maintaining exceptionally high safety standards. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2017, and the line is expected to commence startup in 2019.
U.S. Steel is the exclusive manufacturer of its cold-rolled Generation 3 steels, which provide superior formability and high-strength properties because of their low-alloy chemistries, which also enable robust weldability. The new galvanizing line will allow Pro-Tec to produce these Generation 3 steels with a hot-dipped zinc coating. Automakers can utilize these steels with their existing stamping and assembly methods to produce safe, strong, and cost-effective structural components for vehicle bodies.
U. S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt said, "This line will be the first of its kind and utilizes proprietary technology capable of producing the high-quality, cutting-edge advanced high-strength steels that will meet our automotive customers' needs and solve some of their most pressing challenges."
Pro-Tec Coating Company was the 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winner. It is an innovative leader in technologically advanced steel, which it supplies in coil form, primarily to the automotive market. The product helps to improve vehicle crashworthiness as well as fuel economy through weight reduction.
Pro-Tec is a 50/50 joint venture partnership of subsidiaries of United States Steel and Kobe Steel Ltd. The company is privately held.
www.proteccoating.com
www.ussteel.com
United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, and Kobe Steel Ltd., Japan, will begin construction of a new continuous galvanizing line at their subsidiaries’ joint venture, Pro-Tec Coating Company in Leipsic, Ohio.
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One Minute Mentor: Effects of Nitrocarburizing on Stainless Steel
September 29, 2017
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Electrochemical measurements show that transpassivity (which is necessary for the onset of pitting) of expanded austenite occurs at appreciably higher applied voltages than for austenite with the same metallic composition but without nitrogen. A potential disadvantage of the presence of pitting-resistant expanded austenite at the surface of a stainless steel that is not itself pitting-resistant, is that on the introduction of damage to the expanded austenite zone, accelerated corrosion of the underlying stainless steel may occur.
The graph shows polarization curves for AISI 316 in as-delivered and in the low-temperature nitrocarburized state. Measurement was carried out in an aqueous 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature. For the nitrocarburized sample repassivation occurs in the transpassive region, an indication that the material is pitting resistant.
Volume 4D, Heat Treating of Irons and Steels ⇒ Heat Treated High-Alloy Steels ⇒ Low-Temperature Surface Hardening of Stainless Steel ⇒ Low-Temperature Nitriding and Nitrocarburizing of Other Stainless Steels
Electrochemical measurements show that transpassivity (which is necessary for the onset of pitting) of expanded austenite occurs at appreciably higher applied voltages than for austenite with the same metallic composition but without nitrogen.
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United Process Controls acquires Atmosphere Engineering to grow product portfolio
September 27, 2017
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United Process Controls, West Chester, Ohio, announces the acquisition of Atmosphere Engineering Company, Milwaukee, Wis., for its industrial flow control products, furnace control products, and data acquisition software, as well as its strong presence in North America, South America, and Europe.
Atmosphere Engineering will bolster UPC's product offering and technical competencies, adding brands such as the FurnaceMeter and VersaMeter flow meters; the Endoinjector, Exoinjector and EndoFlex gas generators; and the dissociated ammonia generator DAGen. While the acquisition expands the company's customer base, it also provides a platform to expand into new markets, extend market penetration in the flow controls market, and capitalize on cross-sell opportunities.
Additionally, UPC has enhanced its organizational structure to align with the future direction of the company and its foundation for continued growth. As part of the new structure, Atmosphere Engineering's Jason Jossart will serve as the company's Vice President of Operations and report directly to UPC's President, Paul Oleszkiewicz. Atmosphere Engineering's Eric Jossart will join as Director of Heat Treat Sales, and will report directly to UPC's Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Patrick Torok.
www.atmoseng.com
www.group-upc.com
United Process Controls, West Chester, Ohio, announces the acquisition of Atmosphere Engineering Company, Milwaukee, Wis., for its industrial flow control products, furnace control products, and data acquisition software, as well as its strong presence in North America, South America, and Europe.
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Ipsen to present four papers at ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo in Columbus
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Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., is to present four papers at the ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo 2017, Oct. 24-26, in Columbus. Whether you are interested in vacuum furnace maintenance and the newest developments with augmented reality, or the key considerations for upgrading existing equipment, you should not miss the following educational sessions:
Key Considerations When Planning to Upgrade Existing Vacuum Furnaces
Maintenance Tips for Maximizing Your Furnace's Life Span
The Predictive Maintenance Experience: PdMetrics® with Augmented Reality
Achieving Production Flexibility with Automated Multicell Systems
In addition to presenting the sessions listed above, Ipsen experts will be available to discuss any questions you have at Booth #1801.
The heat-treating industry is advancing at an accelerated pace. Make the most of ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo 2017 by taking the time to visit the many booths, attend technical sessions, and learn from your peers.
www.ipsenusa.com
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., is to present four papers at the ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo 2017, Oct. 24-26, in Columbus.
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Linde to present new atmosphere mixing technology at Heat Treat 2017
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Linde LLC, Bridgewater, N.J., will detail field results on a new atmosphere mixing technology that can boost unit productivity and improve convection in heat treatment furnaces without the use of fans at Heat Treat 2017 in Columbus, October 24-27. The presentation is scheduled as follows:
"Heat Treatment with a Turbulent Twist" on Thursday, October 26, 11:30 a.m. in room A213-215. In this presentation, Akin Malas, head of metals and glass applications technology, will present three case studies of a new high-speed gas injection technology designed to improve uniformity of furnace atmospheres, which improves product quality. Heat treatment furnaces traditionally utilize circulation fans to improve convection. However, these fans are susceptible to downtime for maintenance. Linde's technology eliminates the need for fans.
At booth #2236, Linde will showcase three gas-process technologies for responding to treatment challenges:
Carbojet gas-injection atmosphere mixing technology for most types of heat treatment furnaces.
ADDvance O2 precision atmosphere monitoring of powder bed fusion processes for high-quality additive manufacturing.
Cryoflex cryogenic treatment for case hardening and other sub-zero temperature treatments.
Visitors to the booth can also take a Virtual Reality Tour through one of Linde's Air Separation Units.
Linde LLC offers a portfolio of solutions for the ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy industries, ranging from gases and equipment to services and process consulting for additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, combustion, heat treatment and cooling.
http://bit.ly/2xAd0o0HeatTreat2017
www.lindeus.com
Linde LLC, Bridgewater, N.J., will detail field results on a new atmosphere mixing technology that can boost unit productivity and improve convection in heat treatment furnaces without the use of fans at Heat Treat 2017 in Columbus, October 24-27.
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Wallwork Heat Treating awarded Innovate UK funding to harden titanium for implants
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Wallwork Cambridge, England, has been awarded funding from Innovate UK, the government-backed sponsor of breakthrough technologies, to research the medical applications of its aircraft titanium bearing hardening technology for human implants. The technology combines its expertise in making landing gear bearings lighter and stronger, with the Agilliant process to contain tissue-damaging ion leakage and provide active protection against post-operative infection.
The company currently applies a duplex process on titanium landing gear bearings for the Airbus 350 and 380 passenger jets.
"The duplex coating process opens the way for a new generation of light, strong, safer, and more durable titanium implants," says Dr. Jonathan Housden. "The program has promise as an enabling technology that may lead to customized implants made by additive manufacturing. These will be more comfortable for the patient with fewer complications caused by post-operative infection and mechanical wear."
Early accelerated life testing to simulate years of use suggest that the joints will, in many cases, outlive the patient. It is hoped that this will lead to a $400 million annual saving for the NHS by allowing more efficient use of orthopedic resources, because rework of failed or compromised treatments will be avoided. The first human trials may be in four years with full clinical adoption in seven to ten years.
www.Wallworkht.co.uk
Wallwork Cambridge, England, has been awarded funding from Innovate UK, the government-backed sponsor of breakthrough technologies, to research the medical applications of its aircraft titanium bearing hardening technology for human implants.
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Ipsen to present four papers at ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo in Pittsburgh
September 26, 2017
Source:
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., is to present four papers at the ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo 2017, Oct. 24-26, in Pittsburgh. Whether you are interested in vacuum furnace maintenance and the newest developments with augmented reality, or the key considerations for upgrading existing equipment, you do not want to miss the following educational sessions:
Key Considerations When Planning to Upgrade Existing Vacuum Furnaces
Maintenance Tips for Maximizing Your Furnace's Life Span
The Predictive Maintenance Experience: PdMetrics® with Augmented Reality
Achieving Production Flexibility with Automated Multicell Systems
In addition to presenting the sessions listed above, Ipsen experts will be available to discuss any questions you have at Booth #1801.
The heat-treating industry is advancing at an accelerated pace. Make the most of ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo 2017 by taking the time to visit the many booths, attend technical sessions, and learn from your peers.
www.ipsenusa.com
Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., is to present four papers at the ASM Heat Treat/Gear Expo 2017, Oct. 24-26, in Pittsburgh.
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Thyssenkrupp and Tata Steel to combine European steel activities in 50/50 joint venture
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Thyssenkrupp, Germany, and Tata Steel, India, have signed a memorandum of understanding to combine their European steel activities in a 50/50 joint venture. Their aim is to create a leading European flat steel producer to be positioned as quality and technology leader. The new entity is set to have pro-forma sales of about $17 billion and a workforce of about 48,000, currently at 34 locations. Shipments are envisioned to be about 21 million tons a year.
To be named Thyssenkrupp Tata Steel, the planned joint venture will be managed through a lean holding company based in the Netherlands. It is to have a two-tier management structure comprising a management board and a supervisory board. Both boards are to have equal representation from Thyssenkrupp and Tata. The codetermination structures in Germany, the Netherlands, and Great Britain will be retained.
Thyssenkrupp intends to contribute its Steel Europe business to the planned joint venture. There are also plans for the joint venture to include Thyssenkrupp MillServices & Systems GmbH, a steel mill services provider that is part of the Materials Services business. Tata would add all of its flat steel activities in Europe.
Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG, says, "Under the planned joint venture, we are giving the European steel activities of Thyssenkrupp and Tata a lasting future. We are tackling the structural challenges of the European steel industry and creating a strong No. 2. In Tata, we have found a partner with a very good strategic and cultural fit. Not only do we share a clear performance orientation, but also we have the same understanding of entrepreneurial responsibility toward workforce and society."
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Steel says, "The Tata Group and Thyssenkrupp have a strong heritage in the global steel industry and share similar culture and values. This partnership is a momentous occasion for both partners, who will focus on building a strong European steel enterprise. The strategic logic of the proposed joint venture in Europe is based on very strong fundamentals and I am confident that Thyssenkrupp Tata Steel will have a great future."
www.thyssenkrupp.com
Thyssenkrupp, Germany, and Tata Steel, India, have signed a memorandum of understanding to combine their European steel activities in a 50/50 joint venture.
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Seco Vacuum Technologies receives orders for eight furnaces in North America
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Seco Vacuum Technologies, Meadville, Pa., the newest company in the Seco Warwick Group of companies, reports a strong initial entry into the North American vacuum heat treating market. To-date, the new company, which officially launched in early 2017, has received orders for eight new vacuum furnace systems in its first two months of existence.
According to Bill Warwick, VP of Sales for the company, orders for new, high technology vacuum furnaces "have come from the aviation industry, the U.S. military, and the commercial heat treating industry."
Mr. Warwick also announced that the company will host an open house in the second quarter of 2018. The open house will mark the opening of the company's Vacuum Technology Showroom, which will house production-scale demonstration equipment with the capability of running sample loads from customers.
www.secovacusa.com
Seco Vacuum Technologies, Meadville, Pa., the newest company in the Seco Warwick Group of companies, reports a strong initial entry into the North American vacuum heat treating market.
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