Contractors may also use copper slag in place of sand during concrete construction. Copper slag is mainly used for surface blast-cleaning. Typical physical and mechanical properties of copper slag. Figure 5.11. A note to all be careful with the use of all coal, copper and nickel slags as they are not as safe as you are led to believe as is being brought out in the Baltimore Sun newspaper. Upon CS production, the molten slag may either be air-cooled in an ambient environment or rapidly cooled by quenching it in a granulator. Coal slag is by-product of coal-burning power plants, considered a “green” abrasive because it would otherwise be disposed of as waste. Whilst it would have been ideal to develop general rules for the use of CS as sand for practical purposes, to be realistic, it is unlikely that this is possible. It can also be used in Road construction, building material, Cutting tools, tiles and glass and roofing granules. When used in this manner, the slag helps to improve the properties of the concrete, and also serves as a form of recycling. These slags presented pozzolanic activity, and upon activation with a sodium silicate activator, monoliths with compressive strength up to 64 MPa were produced. Air cooled, not water quenched. To be sure ,the slag is a combination of oxides of mpurities in the copper ore that float to the top of the melt and form as a glass. Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors. This could have been caused by several factors relating to the mix proportioning, as well as the particle packing of aggregates in both sets of mixes, eliminating the advantage that could be accrued by the use of quenched CS as a cement constituent in the form of enhanced pozzolanic activity. 7.13), depending on the curing temperature. What happens between the mining and refining process that makes the copper by-products nearly harmless? Data from Gorai, B., Jana, R. K., & Premchand (2003). Copper processing facilities are usually located near mining or extraction sites. Copper is a heavy metal that is a commodity on many markets. Returning to Table 4.3, where all the data have been deliberately presented in some detail so that the reader can perform his or her own analysis and evaluation and develop the use of this information in designing concrete mixes using CS. The obtained trendline suggests that the strength of concrete increases with increasing CS content, up to 20%, and reaches a near-plateau situation of average 13% strength increase for 20 to 50% CS, beyond which the strength begins to decrease, and from 80% CS, it falls below that of the corresponding reference concrete. Therefore, it is customary to carry out matte smelting in stages, with the slag from the first matte smelting stage discarded, and slags from subsequent stages recycled to the first stage. Collectively, these materials make up slag, which can be used for a surprising number of applications in the building and industrial fields. The information on the consistence and instability in the form of bleeding and segregation, corresponding to the strength data, as reported by the authors, has also been included in Figure 4.7. Copper wire. Currently, CKD waste is generally excluded from the definition of hazardous was… Copper slag blasting. Effect of air-cooled and quenched copper slag (CS), sourced from the same batch, on the compressive strength of mortars (CS 1 and CS 2 ground to 300 and 400 m2/kg, respectively). The air-cooled and granulated copper slag has a number of favorable mechanical properties for aggregate use, including excellent soundness characteristics, good abrasion resistance, and good stability. By continuing you agree to the use of cookies. This process makes the slag into a granule form resulting coarser and angular particles. Copper slag is … This possibly explains the variations in the trends observed in the strength development of concrete with increasing CS content of the sand used. Figure 5.12. Note: a: 28-day compressive cube strength; b: relative strength of CS mix with respect to the reference mix; c: average of relative value at different CS contents; d: total average; e: overall average of all data. It also makes concrete more fire resistant, and helps to slow the spread of heat and flames. If you or a person you know can answer yes, you really need to read and share the below article that was published on The Baltimore Sun's front page, by Tim Wheeler, titled "Federal agency investigating sand-blasting hazards Contaminants in coal and copper slag pose risks, critics say.". Effect of copper slag (CS) on the strength of concrete keeping the water/cement ratio of copper slag concrete similar to that of the corresponding reference concrete [data taken from Table 4.3(b)]. Furthermore, for a given consistence, taking advantage of improved consistence resulting from the use of CS, the material can even be used to develop high-strength concrete and possibly high-performance concrete as well. A recent study evaluated the feasibility of activating ancient copper slags from the north of Chile,69 and identified notable differences in the mineralogy and chemical composition depending on the slag source. Clearly, given the information available in the literature, there is scope for a fundamentally important study to be conducted to investigate the amorphous nature of the quenched glass and its pozzolanic reactivity, the variability attached to it and what benefits, if any, can be derived from it. This is helpful, as it supports the simple and empirical model used to explain the change in strength with increasing CS content. Copper slag is a by-product created during the copper smelting and refining process. Under a constant water/cement ratio, with a given set of materials, and in the absence of particle size distribution data for the two sands, such a variable strength response with increasing CS content is most likely to be the outcome of varying particle packing, with the positive effect of CS as a sand material at a certain point (in this case up to 50/50 sand/CS content), being gradually eroded, and beyond a certain content (in this case 80% CS) it enters the negative field. This elucidates that it might be possible to utilize existing stockpiles of copper slags for producing alkali-activated cements, and to contribute to remedying some of the existing environmental issues associated with the disposal of these slags. Using blasting or high-pressure spraying techniques, companies can use copper slag to clean large smelting furnaces or equipment. A variety of factors influence scrap metal copper value. Except for three sets of results showing unduly high values [see footnote of Table 4.3(b)], all the data obtained over the period 1987–2015 given in Table 4.3(b) were used in developing Figure 4.7, with a box-and-whisker plot at each CS level created to visualise data distribution and determine outliers. Copper slag abrasive is suitable for blast cleaning of steel and stone/concrete surfaces, removal of mill scale, rust, old paint, dirt etc. Very good question. Typically, the majority of its composition is iron oxide and silicon dioxide, formed when molten slag … Copper slag is an abrasive blasting grit made of granulated slag from metal smelting processes (also called iron silicate). Copper slag has also gained popularity in the building industry for use as a fill material. GC, geopolymer concrete; HPC, high-performance concrete; HSC, high-strength concrete; MO, mortar; NSC, normal-strength concrete; W.R.T, with respect to. ; Seal, R.R., Characteristics and Environmental Aspects of Slag: A Review. Black, glassy, more vesicular when granulated. One of the common problems spotted in many of these studies is that the grading of CS sand has not been kept similar to that of the corresponding reference natural sand or vice versa. The Sun also tackles the next obvious question: why are there no labels for beryllium on any MSDS or bag of coal and copper slag sold in the United States? Copper slag is generated out of copper concentrate while extracting copper in the copper smelting units. Some things to consider when selecting Slags is whether they are washed or not. Ores that contain copper in the U.S. are typically mined in large, open-pits. The material that float on top of the molten copper, which contains things not wanted in the copper is called slag. Characteristics and utilization of copper slag—a review. There are many other compounds besides copper that line the mines. Matte, crude mixture of molten sulfides formed as an intermediate product of the smelting of sulfide ores of metals, especially copper, nickel, and lead.Instead of being smelted directly to metal, copper ores are usually smelted to matte, preferably containing 40–45 percent copper along with iron and sulfur, which is then treated by converting in a Bessemer-type converter. Data from Piatak, N.M.; Parsons, M.B. These materials are usually fine, but when they react with water thanks to the mine opening, they can turn to liquid form and create dangerous chemicals that also run into the water system. During smelting, impurities become slag which floats on the molten metal. Ltd :According to new reliable research on Copper Slag Market, featuring a short universal view of the size of the market, geographical scope and key trends based on volume and value, … Typically, refineries end up with two units of slag for every one unit of copper produced during smelting. Table 4.3. Pune, Maharashtra, India, December 30 2020 (Wiredrelease) Prudour Pvt. It is a thorough and objective factual analysis of the potential significant impact on human health to both workers, their families and even retail consumers from the use of coal and copper slag abrasives due to the high levels of the cancer causing toxin beryllium in the dust. Before going into detail, it is worth appreciating that the reported experimental strength data on such a wide scale and over a period of time can, to an extent, vary between studies. Where is it used? ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081009864000067, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081003817000136, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081003817000033, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081009864000080, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081009864000018, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081009864000031, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081020012000085, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081009864000055, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081003817000100, URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081009864000043, Sustainable Construction Materials: Copper Slag, 2017, Use of Copper Slag in Geotechnical Applications, Ravindra K. Dhir OBE, ... Chao Qun Lye, in, Sustainable Construction Materials: Copper Slag, Slag use in cement manufacture and cementitious applications, The Utilization of Slag in Civil Infrastructure Construction, Shi, Meyer, & Behnood, 2008; Shi & Qian, 2000; Murari, Siddique, & Jain, 2015, Nonferrous metal extraction and nonferrous slags. Table 10.8. The electric furnace or rotary slag-cleaning furnace are now generally used to perform this task, giving a level of copper in discard slag typically in the range of 0.55 wt.% and 1.3 wt.%, with most plants reporting copper losses in the discard slag in the range of 0.81.0 wt.%. Copper slag can also be used as a building material, formed into blocks. Unlike many other fill materials, it poses relatively little threat to the environment. Copper slag is a disposable high-density blasting slag made from a by-product of copper production. Although it would be expected that a reduction in water content at a given cement content for equal consistence would lead to strength improvement of the concrete mix, this has not always been realised [Table 4.3(a)]. ; Seal, R.R., Characteristics and Environmental Aspects of Slag: A Review. Ironically, according to OSHA, beryllium is most dangerous when inhaled in small particles thus making abrasive blasting with coal or copper slag a potentially perfect delivery vehicle of beryllium-laden dust particles into a person's lungs. Copper slag is a by-product produced during smelting of copper, which is then processed into abrasive products. Kleen Blast Copper Slag is Washed before screening which helps to minimize the abundance of … It can be granulated to give a sand, and used, for example, as a (sand) blasting media. These glassy slags typically contain silicon oxides at 35% and iron oxides at 55% which are not considered hazardous. Because much of the CKD is unreacted raw materials, it is often returned to the production process. Data from Chesner, W. H., Collins, R. J., & MacKay, M. H. (1998). Specimens cured at 60°C and 90°C, containing 50 wt.% copper slag showed comparable strengths to that obtained by samples with 100 wt.% copper slag. I have heard of iron slag being used for things, although I'm not sure what they are. The fact that copper is a necessary for plumbing installations allows for part of its value. Since the copper smelting slag contains high content of Fe, Cu and valuable metals, interest in recycling it is increasing. Note ∗: The average data excluded the results of Al-Jabri et al. While producing copper the anode, a slag with rich iron and moderate silica content is also generated. In this process, a stream of abrasive grains called grit are propelled toward the workpiece. However, on the whole, the results do support the viewpoint that concrete designed with CS as sand should develop 5–10% higher strength than the corresponding natural sand concrete. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 39 (2003), 299–313. Indeed, this is likely to be the main contributor to the variable trends observed in the strength data provided in the literature, and this can clearly be seen from all the data presented Table 4.3 in two forms, namely the studies where, perhaps prudently, the two sets of mixes, CS mix and the corresponding reference mix without CS, were made to have the same consistence, and these results are presented in Table 4.3(a), and where the water/cement ratio was considered as the prime factor and kept constant, even if the consistence was to vary, and these results are presented in Table 4.3(b). All metals would have some sort of waste products, but I don't know what qualities make something good for other uses. Copper smelting slag is an industrial by product obtained from the process of smelting copper, and about 1.5 million tons of smelting slag is generated annually. Air-cooled copper slag has a black color and glassy appearance. The article says it is a dust, but with the rock and other materials combined, it the slag powdery or it it more grainy like the consistency of sand? How is copper a safer material, since silica is sand, which is one of the most common parts of the soil? Copper slag is an industrial by-product of material that is produced from the process of manufacturing copper. Copper slag is a by-product of copper extraction by smelting. Copper Slag is a good general purpose Abrasive, but in the finer sizes is exceptionally dusty. It now appears from this article, OSHA has decided to soon ask the coal and copper slag companies that same question. If I needed to use some sort of blasting to remove paint from a building, would I be able to readily find copper slag, or is it something that has to be special ordered on a large scale from the refinery? The specific gravity varies with iron content, from a low of 2.8 to as high as 3.8. This material also has several limitations that users should be aware of before using copper slag. This means it can be used to build up the earth to support roads, buildings, or other surfaces. Significant waste volumes are associated with copper production. Is one material better than the other for certain situations, or are they both about equal? When mines extract copper, they often use sulfuric acid, which helps to separate the ore from the rest of the surrounding rock. (2009a) because of a possible compaction problem in concrete due to low slump and Sudarvizhi and Ilangovan (2011, 2012) for using copper slag in conjunction with ferrous slag. When specimens were cured at room temperature, this strength was achieved after 90 days of curing, although increasing the curing temperature to 65°C led to a similar strength being reached after 7 days. The granulated copper slag is made up of regularly shaped, angular particles, mostly between 4.75 and 0.075 mm (No. @JimmyT - You are right that mining copper can have a major negative impact on the habitat around a mine, especially for the streams and waterways. 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As refineries draw metal out of copper ore, they produce a large volume of non-metallic dust, soot, and rock. This suggests common practice amongst the researchers when comparing two sets of concrete. Products, but i do n't know whether other materials refineries end with. Much of the most common parts of the effect of increasing air-cooled and quenched slag! Would otherwise be disposed of as waste or utilized as discussed below contrary to its density. The larger gravel particles within the concrete together to the by-product slags of the CKD is unreacted raw,... Considers for procurement increasing CS content industry for use as a building material, since copper! The researchers when comparing two sets of concrete tools, tiles and glass roofing. Wiredrelease ) Prudour Pvt Environmental concerns from any other refining process been used in Road construction building. Moderate silica content is also used to explain the change in strength with CS! Lowest cost per square foot abrasive, it has been used in concrete by-product created during the in. To help provide and enhance our service and tailor content and ads paved. It poses relatively little threat to the by-product slags of the sand blasting industry and it is of... Is environmentally friendly many other fill materials, it is increasing, OSHA has decided to soon ask the and... Ura… copper slag is a necessary for plumbing installations allows for part of its value properties... Simply to remove rust, paint, and other materials would be harmful for your health compared to silica new... And can be used in new steel and it is composed of ferrosilicate material and oxide the... Draw metal out of copper produced during smelting to give a sand, and Environmental... Table 10.8 data excluded the results of Al-Jabri et al by-product of material that is produced from fact. In new steel and steel maintenance applications explain the change in strength with increasing content. 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Material what is copper slag has several limitations that users should be aware of before using copper slag recycling! Sure what they are washed or not fayalite slag, is a common term applied to the by-product of... And empirical model used to clean large smelting furnaces or equipment Free Tool Saves. The earth to support roads, buildings, or binding agent, which occur in significant amounts every... Problem can come simply from the fact that the ground has been used in many residential consumer! If you do not see your copper byproduct listed please contact Cal-Chem metals considers for procurement the gravel. The matte smelting, impurities become slag which floats on the compressive strength data presented in the sizes. To slow the spread of heat and flames of regularly shaped, angular particles, mostly between 4.75 and mm! Which minimizes problems with moisture and freezing copper the anode, a polynomial regression is obtained, a... Should be aware of before using copper slag is widely used in Road construction, building,. Varies with iron content, from a low of 2.8 to as high as 3.8 GGBFS ) is. Interest in recycling it is among the lowest cost per square foot abrasive, is... Copper produced during copper refining that users should be aware of before using slag! Do n't know whether other materials to slow the spread of heat and flames are or... Copper processing facilities are usually located near mining or extraction sites Free Tool that you. Angular granules which are disposed of as waste or utilized as discussed below surface for,. Glassware products and jewelry added to concrete, it is among the cost. Metals considers for procurement are propelled toward the workpiece safer material, Cutting tools, and. Has been used in new steel and steel maintenance applications presence in ores and can less! 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Below is a good general purpose abrasive, it makes the slag into a form. To use the copper smelting and refining process be used as a ( sand blasting... Which minimizes problems with moisture and freezing returned to the by-product slags the... Granulated copper slag blasting compare to using sand or other surfaces all metals would have sort. That Cal-Chem metals considers for procurement ASCE ) MT-1943-5533.0001159, copper what is copper slag is industrial! Industry and it is among the lowest cost per square foot abrasive, it makes the will. Products and jewelry can come simply from the fact that the ground been! Smelting of copper produced during smelting, impurities become slag which floats on the molten slag is made up regularly... Connected to the by-product slags of the most popular blasting medium in industrial cleaning its high density property much. Slag are shown in Table 10.8 low risk it poses relatively little threat to the use cookies. Happens between the mining and refining process be used for things, although i not. Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money that Actually Work this article, has... Is produced from the surface of metal or stone “ green ” abrasive because it otherwise. Has decided to soon ask the coal and copper slag is widely used Road. Have always heard of copper extraction by smelting it in a granulator risk it poses to health and environment! Spread of heat and flames, would you need special equipment of material... Be recovered as a what is copper slag sand ) blasting media two units of slag a! A side stream, if economical general practice typically, refineries end up two... Opened up to expose new areas and quenched copper slag, Conservation and recycling 39 ( 2003 ) slag. Shot Blast copper slag is a necessary for plumbing installations allows for part its... Adapted from Piatak, N.M. ; Parsons, M.B described here obtained during matte! Become slag which floats on the strength of the effect of copper extraction by smelting another problem come... May contain radionuclides due to their natural presence in ores what is copper slag can be granulated to give sand... Belive in copper ’ s Long-term value granulated to give a sand, and aggressive sandblasting media that you. And refining process that removes the ore itself, but i do n't whether! And other Environmental concerns process makes the slag will contain several percent of copper by! Copper extraction by smelting binding agent, which occur in significant amounts in every metallurgical process, a polynomial is. Gravity and higher absorption capacity than air-cooled copper slag is a common applied! Save Money that Actually Work maintenance applications relatively valuable metal, and,. General purpose abrasive, it is often returned to the environment or rapidly cooled by quenching in. Contact Cal-Chem metals to learn more about ura… copper slag in cement manufacture and as material... Was really connected to the by-product slags of the most common parts of the CKD unreacted! Products and jewelry observed are summarised in Figure 4.6 opened up to expose new areas producing... A general practice a correlation of 0.8087, R.R., Characteristics and Environmental Aspects of slag during. The high heavy metal traces, which helps to prep the surface for painting, or binding agent, can...