Kinetic Studies of Copper Flash Smelting Furnace and Improvements of its Operation in the Smelters in Japan

Research activities on the smelting reaction in the Outokumpu flash furnace and its operation have been reviewed. First, the oxidation kinetics of copper concentrate particles and the ignition phenomena were discussed. Second, the mathematical modeling and experimental investigation on the progress of smelting reactions in the shaft of the furnace were summarized. Dust generation and behavior of minor elements in the shaft were also important. Third, it was found from the oxygen potential in matte and slag in the settler that most of the smelting reactions are completed in the reaction shaft or in the settler just beneath the shaft. The use of powder coke results in the formation of reduction atmosphere on the slag surface in the settler, and its effect on the operation was discussed. The residence time distribution of slag in the settler is also an important factor of the operation of the flash smelting furnace.