Dr. Rodolfo Marin Rivera

The objective of this project is the recycling of phosphorous aviary litter ash as a substituting mineral of phosphate rocks. A combination of analytical techniques was used to characterise the poultry manure ashes and phosphorous content before and after processing. These results are crucial to optimise production of phosphate concentrates. The outcome of this project strives to eliminate aviary litter ash landfilling and increase in short-time its economic value.

During this postdoctoral position, the precipitation of high-quality calcium carbonate (PCC) from synthetic Ca-rich solutions was investigated. The produced PCC products were analysed in terms of elemental composition, mineralogy, morphology and particle size distribution.

Doctor candidate at KU Leuven, Belgium Fellow of Marie Sklodowska - Curie Actions - European Training Network for Zero-waste Valorisation of Bauxite Residue. The extraction of rare-earth elements (REEs) was studied by considering innovative process technologies, which were evaluated in terms of extraction yields and selectivity.

Prediction of liquidus temperature of carbon steels as a function of their chemical composition. Characterization of steel samples in terms of their alloying elements and composition. Simulation by Thermo-Calc Software and Statistical Multivariable Regression. Experimental determination of cooling curves for different grades of steel (Differential Thermal Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Tamman furnace). Evaluation of liquidus transition as function of time and temperature.

Wettability of liquids on iron ores was studied experimentally by Washburn technique. A model based on Young's principle and Cassie's Law was established as first approach for predicting the wettability properties of fine ores powders. The results were published by International Journal of Mineral Processing under the title: "Wettability in water/iron ore powder systems: To the universality of the Cassie model"

Research activities in different R&D projects where developed at Codelco - Chile. 1. “Scrap electro-refining at Ventanas Division”. 2. “Fine and ultrafine particle flotation – industrial application at Andina Division”. 3. “Transformation of rod mill to ball mill in El Salvador Division”. 4. “Thickening, Transporting and Depositing of tailings with high solid concentration in El Teniente Division and Andina Division”.

An optimization of the acidic electrolyte filtration system was carried out. A thermodynamic analysis about solid particles formation during the electrochemical precipitation of copper anodes was developed. The optimal operational condition were established through modelling and simulation in Matlab.

English and German languages Science applied to: process technology of metals, recycling, process control engineering, material science, transport phenomena, industrial furnace, melt treatment, continuous casting, metal forming, unit operations of metallurgy.