Flow zone distribution and mixing time in a Peirce–Smith copper converter

Hongliang Zhao; Jingqi Wang; Fengqin Liu; Hong Yong Sohn

doi:10.1007/s12613-020-2196-8

Volume 29 Issue 1

Jan. 2022

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Article Navigation > International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials > 2022 > 29(1): 70-77

Hongliang Zhao, Jingqi Wang, Fengqin Liu, and Hong Yong Sohn, Flow zone distribution and mixing time in a Peirce–Smith copper converter, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 29(2022), No. 1, pp. 70-77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-020-2196-8

Cite this article as:

Hongliang Zhao, Jingqi Wang, Fengqin Liu, and Hong Yong Sohn, Flow zone distribution and mixing time in a Peirce–Smith copper converter, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 29(2022), No. 1, pp. 70-77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-020-2196-8

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Research Article

Flow zone distribution and mixing time in a Peirce–Smith copper converter

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Corresponding author:
Hong Yong Sohn E-mail: h.y.sohn@utah.edu
Received: 29 June 2020; Revised: 17 September 2020; Accepted: 18 September 2020; Available online: 19 September 2020

Abstract

Abstract

Peirce–Smith copper converting involves complex multiphase flow and mixing. In this work, the flow zone distribution and mixing time in a Peirce–Smith copper converter were investigated in a 1:5 scaled cold model. Flow field distribution, including dead, splashing, and strong-loop zones, were measured, and a dimensionless equation was established to determine the correlation of the effects of stirring and mixing energy with an error of <5%. Four positions in the bath, namely, injection, splashing, strong-loop, and dead zones, were selected to add a hollow salt powder tracer and measure the mixing time. Injecting a quartz flux through tuyeres or into the backflow point of the splashing wave through a chute was recommended instead of adding it through a crane hopper from the top of the furnace to improve the slag-making reaction.
- Peirce–Smith converter;
- copper smelting;
- flow fields;
- mixing time;
- cold model experiments

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References

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