Maija-Leena Metsärinta

Title: Maija-Leena Metsärinta: Innovator in Sulfide Processing

Introduction

Maija-Leena Metsärinta is a prominent inventor based in Vanha-Ulvila, Finland. She has made significant contributions to the field of materials processing, particularly in the treatment of complex sulfide concentrates and spodumene. With a total of four patents to her name, her work has had a notable impact on the industry.

Latest Patents

Metsärinta's latest patents include a process for the treatment of complex sulfide concentrate. This innovative method involves roasting wet or slurried complex sulfide concentrate in a furnace at a temperature of at least 720°C to obtain a calcine. The calcine is then smelted under an inert or oxygen-free atmosphere in a smelting furnace to produce a matte, which can optionally be granulated. Another significant patent is her method for processing spodumene, specifically transforming α-spodumene, a lithium aluminum silicate, into β-spodumene. This transformation is achieved by processing concentrate or ore with a grain size of 20-1,000 μm in a fluidized bed reactor at temperatures between 800-1,000°C, using an oxygenous gas as the fluidizing agent.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Maija-Leena Metsärinta has worked with notable companies such as Outokumpu Technology Oy and Outotec (Finland) Oy. Her expertise in materials processing has been instrumental in advancing technologies within these organizations.

Collaborations

Metsärinta has collaborated with several professionals in her field, including Pekka Taskinen and Jens Nyberg. These partnerships have contributed to her innovative approaches and successful patent applications.

Conclusion

Maija-Leena Metsärinta stands out as a leading inventor in the field of sulfide processing and spodumene treatment. Her patents reflect her commitment to innovation and her contributions to the industry will continue to influence future developments.