Microscale Simulation of Settler Processes in Copper Matte Smelting

The literature survey on previous studies of flash smelting revealed there is very little information published concerning matte- and slag-forming processes in the settling part of the reactor. An experimental study of reaction and separation phenomena, molten phase formation, was carried out by smelting mixtures of oxidation products of chalcopyrite concentrate, silica sand, and slag at typical settler temperatures 1300°C to 1350°C. Theoretical aspects and considerations on industrial scale furnaces are discussed, and conclusions are drawn from microscale experiments conducted in this study. A description of the possible reaction and interaction phenomena between molten phases of metal-matte-slag-silica flux is given based on previous knowledge and experiments conducted.