Nickel Metals

About Nickel Metals

Nickel is typically extracted from nickel sulphides such as pentlandite, pyrrhotite and millerite, which contain approximately 1% nickel, as well as from iron‐rich laterite ores such as limonite and garnierite that contain approximately 4% nickel. Nickel ores are mined in 23 countries, while nickel is smelted in 25 specific countries.

The method for nickel separation is highly dependent on the ore type. Nickel sulphides, as found in the Canadian Protect and in Siberia, are generally located deep underground; consequently, their extraction requires significant effort. The separation process for these ores is several times less costly than that for lateritic ores, as found in New Caledonia. In addition, nickel sulphides often contain impurities of other valuable elements that can be separated economically.

Froth flotation and hydrometallurgical or magnetic techniques are applied to separate sulphide ores into nickel matte and nickel oxide.

These intermediate products, which typically contain between 40% and 70% nickel, are subsequently processed further, frequently via the Sherritt-Gordon process.

The Mond (or carbonyl) process is the most commonly employed and environmentally benign method for treating nickel sulphide. In this process the sulphide is treated with hydrogen and then conveyed to an evaporation furnace. At approximately 60°C (140°F) it contacts carbon monoxide and forms nickel carbonyl vapour. The nickel carbonyl vapour decomposes on the surface of preheated nickel pellets that move through a heated chamber until the required particle size is reached. At higher temperatures this method can also be utilised to produce nickel powder.

Lateritic ores are generally smelted using pyrometallurgical techniques owing to their high iron content. These ores also possess a moisture content of approximately 35–40%, thereby requiring drying in a rotary kiln.

In the process, nickel oxide is produced and then reduced and volatilised with the aid of electrically powered furnaces at temperatures between 2480–2930°F (1360–1610°C) to yield Class I nickel metal and nickel sulphate.

Owing to the inherent iron content in lateritic ores, the output from most smelters processing these ores is ferronickel, which is used by steel manufacturers after silicon, carbon and phosphorus impurities are removed.

Nano-nickel powder, nickel crucibles, nickel fibre, nickel discs, nickel squares, nickel pellets, nickel foam, nickel sintered mesh, nickel rolls, nickel strip

Purity:≥99.9%

Nickel Metals Main Characteristics:

Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance: Nickel metals exhibit resistance to both corrosion and oxidation. Their performance is maintained when exposed to chemicals, salt water and high temperatures.

Mechanical Properties: Nickel metals possess strength and toughness that support their use in components, machinery and devices. These properties ensure a long service life under mechanical stress.

Temperature Tolerance: Nickel metals exhibit thermal stability at high temperatures. This property is vital for applications operating under extreme heat, such as gas turbines and exhaust systems.

Chemical Compatibility: Nickel metals are compatible with a wide range of substances. Their non-reactive nature permits use in chemical processing environments, thereby ensuring product purity and consistent performance.

Electrical Conductivity: Nickel metals display high electrical conductivity and magnetic properties. These characteristics facilitate their application in electronic components, telecommunications equipment and magnet-based systems.

Applications of Nickel Metals:

Manufacturing and Construction: Nickel metals are utilised in the production of long-lasting components, machinery and infrastructure. Their properties support performance under varied operational conditions.

Aerospace and Aviation: Nickel metals are employed in the aerospace and aviation sectors. Their temperature tolerance and mechanical properties support the use of these materials in aircraft components, engines and structural elements.

Energy Production: Nickel-based alloys are used in gas turbines, power plant components and energy systems. Their thermal stability is critical in these applications.

Chemical Processing: Nickel metals are implemented in chemical processing facilities. They maintain performance when exposed to corrosive substances.

Electronics and Telecommunications: The electrical conductivity of nickel is utilised in electronic components, telecommunications equipment and electrical connections.

Quality Assurance for Nickel Metals:

Nickel metals are subjected to strict quality control measures to verify compliance with industry standards. This process ensures that the products deliver consistent durability and performance.