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Measurement of Minor Element Distributions in Complex Copper Converting Slags Using Quantitative Microanalysis Techniques

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Abstract

The distribution coefficients of minor elements Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Bi, Sn, Sb, As, Te, Se, Ga, Ge, and In between slag, matte, and spinel phases in industrial copper converting slag samples have been determined by the microanalysis method using the combination of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The major factors affecting analysis accuracy, including analysis precision, detection limits, background correction, beam damage, and standard selection, are discussed. The determined minor elements distributions show good consistency with most recently published literature data. The present study demonstrates that minor element distributions with precision close to that of controlled laboratory studies could be obtained by direct measurement of plant samples upon careful sampling, microstructural examination, and the application of customized analytical routines. The advantages and limitations of using microanalysis techniques for industry slag assay are also discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Denis Shishin for valuable discussion and the anonymous reviewers for constructive comments. The authors acknowledge the facilities of Microscopy Australia at the Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Australian National University, a facility that is funded by the university and the Federal Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Advanced Microscopy, The Australian National University, Acton, Australia

    Jiang Chen

  2. Vesuvius, Belgium

    Ata Fallah-Mehrjardi

  3. Research and Development, Aurubis AG, Hamburg, Germany

    Ata Fallah-Mehrjardi & Andreas Specht

  4. School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Clayton, Australia

    Hugh St. C. O’Neill

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  1. Jiang Chen
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  2. Ata Fallah-Mehrjardi
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  4. Hugh St. C. O’Neill
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Correspondence to Jiang Chen.

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Chen, J., Fallah-Mehrjardi, A., Specht, A. et al. Measurement of Minor Element Distributions in Complex Copper Converting Slags Using Quantitative Microanalysis Techniques. JOM 74, 185–194 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-021-04920-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-021-04920-7

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