Question

What is metallurgy?

Answer 1

Hint- In order to deal with this problem, first we will understand the basic definition of the term metallurgy. Further we will understand about this domain in a bit deep with the types of things that come under this branch. We will also see the major developments made and undergoing metallurgy.

Complete answer:
> Metallurgy is defined as a process which is used in its purest form to extract metals.
> Minerals are known for the compounds of metals mixed with soil, calcareous, sand, and rocks. Metals are mined commercially at low cost and with minimal effort. These minerals are termed ores. A material that is applied to the furnace charge to eliminate the gangue (impurities) is called flux. Metallurgy is concerned with the method of metal purification and the creation of alloys.
> There are special methods for extraction of each metal from its ore due to some special or specific properties of each of the metal. But there is a set of sequential processes that must be followed in the process of metallurgy.
> The processes involved in the metallurgy are:
(1) Grinding and crushing: The first method of metallurgy is the grinding of ores in a crusher or ball mill into a fine powder. This method is called pulverization.
(2) Concentration of ores: The process of removing impurities from the ore is known as mineral concentration of ore dressing. In metallurgy, we focus the ores primarily through the following methods.
(3) Magnetic separation: The crushed ore is loaded onto a conveyor belt in this scenario. This belt rotates around two wheels where one of the wheels is magnetic, thus attracting the magnetic particles to the magnetic wheel and falling apart from the non-magnetic particles.
(4) Roasting and calcination: To metallurgy the method of heating a concentrated ore is known as roasting to the presence of oxygen. In the case of sulphide ores this method is applied. For ores containing carbonate or hydrated oxides, heating is accomplished to melt the ores in the absence of air, and this process is called calcination.
(5) Froth floatation: We take the crushed ore in a large tank that contains oil and water during this process. This is transmitted into a current of compressed air. The ore gets washed by oil and is in the form of froth isolated from the impurities. Ore is lighter, and so it gets on the surface, leaving impurities behind
(6) Hydraulic method: In this process, we pour out the ore with grooves over a sloping, vibrating corrugated surface. It allows a stream of water to flow over the surface. Particles of the denser ore settle in the grooves, and water washes away the impurities.

Note- Metallurgy comprises three general steps: (1) extraction of the ore, (2) extracting and refining the metal or alloy forming the metal, and (3) reducing the metal ore. Often additional processes are required to improve the metal's mechanical properties or to enhance its purity.