Abstract

A green method of super-gravity separation, which can enhance the filtration process of bismuth and copper phases, was investigated and discussed for the rapid removal of copper impurity from bismuth-copper alloy melts.

After separation by the super-gravity field, the bismuth-rich liquid phases were mainly filtered from the alloy melt along the super-gravity direction, whereas most of the fine copper phases were retained in the opposite direction. With optimized conditions of separation temperature at 280°C, gravity coefficient at 450, and separation time at 200 s, the mass proportion of the separated bismuth from the Bi-2wt%Cu and Bi-10wt%Cu alloys respectively reached 96% and 85%, which indicated the minimal loss of bismuth in the residual.

Simultaneously, the removal ratio of impurity copper from the Bi-2wt%Cu and Bi-10wt%Cu alloys reached 88% and 98%, respectively. Furthermore, the separation process could be completed rapidly and is environmentally friendly and efficient.