Figure 3 - uploaded by Vladislav Zhdanov
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Diagram summarizing the M-CVD process: microwave-enhanced methane-hydrogen plasma covers a diamond film, which acts as the initial seed.
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In our research, we analyzed the energy and water consumption in diamond mining and laboratory synthesis operations. We used publicly available reports issued by two market leaders, DeBeers and ALROSA, to estimate water and energy use per carat of a rough diamond. The efficiency of the two most popular synthesis technologies for artificial diamonds...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... typical M-CVD reactor diagram is shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, on average, CVD reactors are more affordable than HPHT presses, making the method more attractive for start-ups and research teams. This process requires a source of plasma (for instance, a 6 kW 2.45 GHz magnetron), a source of hydrogen (a simple hydrogen station will suffice), and a source of carbon, of which methane (CH 4 ) is the most popular (Figures 3 and 4). However, the simplicity of the equipment does not necessarily mean a lower electricity cost, and more water is needed to produce hydrogen (about 2 L per carat or 0.002 m 3 /ct). ...
Citations
... Our previous studies [19,20] focused on the operating costs (OpEx) associated with the mining and production of synthetic diamonds. In this paper, we consider the capital cost per carat of rough diamonds obtained by mining and two production methods: high pressure high temperature (HPHT) and microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition (MP CVD). ...
The diamond industry has long been associated with environmental and social problems, ranging from mining practices to ethical concerns related to diamond sourcing. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in lab-grown diamonds as a sustainable alternative for diamond consumers. However, the production of lab-grown diamonds has own challenges. This article examines the capital expenditures per annualized carat of rough diamonds obtained through mining and two fabrication methods: high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) and microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition (MP CVD). Lab-grown diamonds produced using HPHT and MP CVD methods require significantly higher capital expenditures per annualized carat compare to mined diamonds. HPHT diamonds require on-time CapEx of 500–833 US$ per carat annually, while MP CVD diamonds demand 549–1648 US$ per carat annually. Finding ways to reduce production cost and increase efficiency will be crucial in realizing the potential of lab-grown diamonds as a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds.
... The estimated average energy consumption varies from 96 to 150 kWh/carat of produced diamonds, and the average water consumption is around 0.34-0.77 m 3 /carat of produced diamonds [3]. Moreover, according to a Diamond Producer Association (DPA) report, a diamond mining operation has an average of around 4350 kg of waste rock and about 1.80 kg of industrial waste per polished carat of diamond [4]. ...
... The samples had a rich content of silicates and carbonates with a minor quantity of magnetite, as shown by X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. The density of the kimberlite minerals varied from 2.3 to 2.7 g/cm 3 , except magnetite, whose density is 5.2 g/cm 3 . The density of the diamond is approximately 3.5 g/cm 3 . ...
... The density of the kimberlite minerals varied from 2.3 to 2.7 g/cm 3 , except magnetite, whose density is 5.2 g/cm 3 . The density of the diamond is approximately 3.5 g/cm 3 . This composition matrix of high microwave-absorbent magnetite with non-microwave-absorbent silicates and carbonates makes it suitable for microwave treatment [5,8]. ...
Improvement in energy efficiency, productivity, and recovery of minerals during mineral processing can help in economic savings and meeting the requirements of high-demand elements. Microwave pretreatment of ores has shown some potential benefits in these aspects. This research aims to study the impacts of microwave treatment on kimberlite ore as a major source of diamonds. Kimberlite samples were treated in a single mode microwave cavity with different powers and exposure times and then crushed using a single roll crusher. The crushed product was first separated by densiometric testing and then screened into different size fractions. The results show that microwave treatment leads to a reduction in specific crushing energy as well as a bigger concentrate fraction with respect to better liberation after single crushing attempt. This study emphasizes the potential application of microwave treatment on the kimberlite ore for better separation of dense minerals as well as improving energy efficiency during comminution.
... To evaluate the energy consumptions of various diamond production technologies Zhdanov and co-workers published in 2021 [61] a comparative study comparing (a) natural, (b) HPHT and (c) microwave CVD diamond production. Publicly available reports issued by DeBeers and ALROSA are used to estimate the energy/carat (1 ct = 0.2 g) efforts of natural rough diamonds (including all energy required to mine) which is 150 kWh/ct for DeBeers and 96 kWh/ct for ALROSA. ...
In the future, electronic parts will penetrate everything, generating a new and fast-growing pollution problem. Future devices therefore need to be environmentally friendly with strong recycling options. A paradigm change in semiconductor technology is predicted based on applications of better suited materials which can fulfil these criteria. Carbon based materials and here especially diamond are promising candidates. Bulk and surface properties of diamond are introduced in combination with applications in power electronics, quantum technology, bio-and electrochemistry and MEMS. Large amounts of diamond seeds and wafers will be required to approach commercial markets. Their availability in combination with quality and size as well as required energies for production are introduced. The production of CVD diamond is currently about 100–250 times more intense with respect to energy than Silicon. A problem which is addressed by use of new solid-sates microwave sources. The definition of “green diamond” is given taking into account requirements with respect to energy and methane/hydrogen production. A brief discussion and comparison of diamond global markets and related potentials in comparison to SiC and GaN is given.
... In our previous article, we already examined the expenditure of resources, such as water and energy, in mining and producing diamonds by various methods (Zhdanov et al., 2021). We have now decided to look at labor input as one of the major contributors to the operational expenses of synthetic diamond production and diamond mining. ...
Diamond is a form of carbon that has been attracting attention for hundreds of years, owing to its physical and chemical properties of hardness, thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, and transparency. Labor and the long-term impact of a diverse workforce, is one of the most important factors in diamond mining and production and must be considered when assessing economic benefits. In the present study, we examined the labor input required to obtain one carat of diamond, via three methods: open-cast mining, high-pressure high-temperature synthesis and 2.45-GHz microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. We discovered that to produce a carat of (near-) colorless diamond, the labor inputs are approximately 1.83 h and 3.43 h of work using the HPHT and 2.45-GHz MP CVD methods, respectively. We noted a lower labor input of work per carat for the mining of diamonds of assorted sizes and colors from the two main DeBeers diamond fields in Botswana (Orapa and Jwaneng). This paper is based on our observations and public reports, and we think that our findings will be helpful in understanding the labor input per carat for the analyzed methods, understanding the main technological challenges facing the diamond industry that could potentially affect future labor productivity.
... In our previous article, we already examined the expenditure of resources, such as water and energy, in mining and producing diamonds by various methods (Zhdanov et al., 2021). We have now decided to look at labor input as one of the major contributors to the operational expenses of synthetic diamond production and diamond mining. ...
Diamond is a form of carbon that has been attracting attention for hundreds of years, owing toits physical and chemical properties of hardness, thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, andtransparency. Labor and the long-term impact of a diverse workforce, is one of the most important factorsin diamond mining and production and must be considered when assessing economic benefits. In thepresent study, we examined the labor input required to obtain one carat of diamond, via three methods:open-cast mining, high-pressure high-temperature synthesis and 2.45-GHz microwave plasma chemicalvapor deposition. We discovered that to produce a carat of (near-) colorless diamond, the labor inputs areapproximately 1.83 h and 3.43 h of work using the HPHT and 2.45-GHz MP CVD methods, respectively.We noted a lower labor input of work per carat for the mining of diamonds of assorted sizes and colorsfrom the two main DeBeers diamond fields in Botswana (Orapa and Jwaneng). This paper is based on ourobservations and public reports, and we think that our findings will be helpful in understanding the laborinput per carat for the analyzed methods, understanding the main technological challenges facing thediamond industry that could potentially affect future labor productivity.
O diamante é um mineral imprescindível na sociedade contemporânea, seja por seu uso prático na indústria ou simbólico na joalheria. Dentro disso, há uma constante demanda, suprida parcialmente pelos diamantes sintéticos. Com a necessidade de ponderar acerca de atributos de sustentabilidade comentados pela mídia, neste estudo busca-se discutir se o diamante sintético pode ser considerado ambientalmente amigável. O estudo foi realizado por meio de revisão de literatura com objetivo de analisar os insumos utilizados na síntese do material, bem como, na padronização dos recursos utilizados no processo em diferentes localidades do mundo. Conforme estes critérios o diamante sintético não pode ainda ser caracterizado como um produto verde, devido à carência de transparência do seu processo produtivo.
