Nikel dan Jenis Smelter Pengolahannya

Summary

This video explores the fascinating world of nickel, a transition metal known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and high melting point. It delves into nickel's two main types—sulfide and laterite—and the methods used for processing them, including pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy. The video highlights nickel's vital role in industries like stainless steel production and electric vehicle batteries. Additionally, it covers global nickel reserves, with a focus on Indonesia, Australia, and other key countries. The video offers a comprehensive view of nickel's importance in modern technology and industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nickel is a transition metal located in group 8B and period 4 of the periodic table, with the chemical symbol Ni and atomic number 28.
• 😀 Nickel melts at 1455°C and boils at 2730°C.
• 😀 Nickel has been known since around 3500 BCE, initially used in copper alloys for coinage and as an important metal alloy for various industries.
• 😀 Key characteristics of nickel include resistance to corrosion, strength, ease of shaping, recyclability, catalytic properties, good conductivity, magnetic properties, and a high boiling point.
• 😀 There are two main types of nickel: sulfide nickel (30% of global nickel resources) and laterite nickel (70% of global nickel resources).
• 😀 Sulfide nickel forms from low-silica, high-magnesium magma, accumulating in sulfur-rich environments in the Earth's crust.
• 😀 Laterite nickel is formed in warm, humid, tropical or subtropical environments where chemical weathering of low-silica, high-magnesium rocks occurs, particularly in Indonesia.
• 😀 High-grade nickel or saprolite is processed using pyrometallurgical technology to produce veronical, which is used in stainless steel production.
• 😀 Low-grade nickel or limonite is processed using hydrometallurgical technology to produce nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate for electric vehicle batteries.
• 😀 Indonesia has the largest nickel reserves in the world, with total reserves of 21 million tons and a 2021 production of 760,000 tons, followed by countries like Australia, Brazil, Russia, and others.

Q & A

What is nickel classified as on the periodic table?

Nickel is classified as a transition metal, located in Group 8B and Period 4 of the periodic table.

What are the melting and boiling points of nickel?

Nickel has a melting point of 1455°C and a boiling point of 2730°C.

How has nickel been used historically?

Nickel has been used since around 3500 BCE, initially as an alloy with copper in the creation of coins and later in various metal alloys across industries.

What are the key characteristics of nickel?

Nickel is resistant to corrosion, strong and malleable, forms excellent alloys, is recyclable, acts as a catalyst, has good electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, and a high boiling point.

What are the two main types of nickel and their differences?

The two main types of nickel are nickel sulfide and nickel laterite. Nickel sulfide accounts for 30% of global reserves and is formed from magma, while nickel laterite makes up 70% of global reserves and forms in tropical and subtropical climates due to chemical weathering.

Where are the major deposits of nickel laterite found?

Major deposits of nickel laterite are found in Indonesia, specifically in areas like Southeast Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Northern Maluku, and parts of Papua.

What is the difference between high-grade saprolite and low-grade limonite?

High-grade saprolite contains 1.5% or more nickel and is processed using pyrometallurgical methods to produce veronical for stainless steel. Low-grade limonite contains 0.9% to 1.5% nickel and is processed using hydrometallurgical methods to produce nickel and cobalt sulfates for electric vehicle batteries.

What is the pyrometallurgical method for processing nickel?

The pyrometallurgical method involves heating high-grade saprolite in various stages: first drying the material to reduce moisture, then heating it in a reduction kiln, and finally processing it in an electric furnace to separate nickel from other elements, producing veronical with 10-12% nickel.

How does the hydrometallurgical method (HPAL) work for nickel extraction?

In the HPAL process, low-grade limonite is mixed with sulfuric acid and processed in an autoclave under high pressure and temperature. This separates the material into tailings and a nickel-rich product called mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), which is then refined into nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate.

Which countries have the largest nickel reserves and production capacities?

The countries with the largest nickel reserves are Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Russia, Cuba, the Philippines, Canada, and China, with Indonesia being the leading producer, followed by Australia and Brazil.