FE317 Finnish expert report on best available techniques in nickel production
Marja Riekkola-Vanhanen, 1999.
The Finnish Environment 317, p. 63. URN:ISBN 9521105070. The publication is available also in printed form (ISBN 952-11-0507-0).
Abstract
The aim of this BAT report is to identify available techniques for the reduction of emissions and energy use in the primary nickel production in Finland.
In Finland, nickel is produced by the pyrometallurgical Direct Outokumpu Nickel (DON) Flash Smelting process from sulphidic concentrates. Flash smelting takes place without any external fuel addition, i.e. the chemical energy of the concentrate is utilised for smelting. The key feature in the process is the fact that high grade nickel matte is produced without converting and two different types of matte are produced. The mattes are then leached by hydrometallurgical processes.
The main remaining waste from the process is the slag which has to be stored on site. Liquid effluents from the process result from the cooling water system, the sulphuric acid plant and from the wet gas cleaning system. In the nickel refining plant, wet scrubbers are used to wash the gases. The major environmental challenge results from the release of SO2 and particulate emissions.
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