Production of metals

The course combines all unit operations of extractive metallurgy and recycling. In order to gain comprehensive insight in extractive metallurgy and recycling, the basic prinicples of pyro-, hydro- and electrometallurgy are applied to the production/recycling of the main metals. In order to acquire the ability to select an adequate processing cheme, a number of metals is studied that can, depending on the conditions, be produced/recycled following different routes. The students will do this in small teams, in the format of guided self study. The students are also familiarized with the industrial aspects (compulsory company visits with guided tours along the industrial installations).

The aim of the course is that students gain insight into extractive metallurgy and recycling. It is a continuation and extension of the bachelor courses. The scope in broadened towards all extractive / recycling processes an their technological characteristics, with special attention for the comparison of different processes. Based on the knowledge of (1) transport phenomena and (2) the relevant unit operations, the student is expected to understand (1) the set up of the global process and (2) the selection of the reactors. Also the process determining parameters need to be known.b Finally the student should demonstrate the ability to select a processing route, based on incomplete data on the metal in question.

Self guided study.
visits of industrial sites.

Contribution au profil d'enseignement

This teaching unit contributes to the following competences:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering

• The flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context

• An integrated insight in chemical process and materials' technology

• Insight in chemistry as a link between process and materials technology

Support(s) de cours

• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Annick Hubin, VUB, Annick.Hubin@vub.be
Marie-Paule Delplancke, ULB, marie-paule.delplancke@ulb.be

Campus

Plaine, Solbosch

Méthode(s) d'évaluation

• Autre

Autre

1st session
The evaluation is based on permanent evaluation during the sessions. At the en d of the course, the student teams present their work through a presentation containing two parts (1) report of one of the compny visits, completed with additional information regarding the processes used, (2) discussion of 3 aspects of the processing of a metal (choice subject to approval) : primary production from ores, recycling and new processes under development. The presentation is followed by a Q&A session and discussion. By preference, the final mark is a mark for the team. Only if during the quadrimester the team members contrinutions are very unequal will individual marks will be given. 20% of the mark is on permanent evaluation, 80% on the presentation and Q&A

2d session
the candidate will receive an individual assignment : discussion of two aspects of the processing of a metal  (one not treated by one of the teams in first session). 100% of the mark is based on the presentation and Q&A.

Construction de la note (en ce compris, la pondération des notes partielles)

1st session
20% of the mark is on permanent evaluation, 80% on the presentation and Q&A?

2d session
100% of the mark is based on the presentation and Q&A.

Langue(s) d'évaluation

• anglais