Abstract
This paper analyzes the distribution of Cu, Pb, Au, and Ag between matte and slag during the melting of a multicomponent copper-containing charge onto matte in a Vanyukov furnace in the Balkhash Copper Smelter of Kazakhmys Corporation LLP.Based on the analysis of a large array of production data on the composition of matte and slag, general trends in the distribution of metals between matte and slag have been identified.The results of studying the effect of basicity (j bas. ) and slag composition on the metal distribution coefficient between matte and slag are presented.The main focus is on determining the distribution coefficient of Cu, Pb, As, Au, Ag between matte and slag, depending on the composition of the slag.It is proved that it is more expedient to use models based on the composition of the slag rather than on the basicity coefficient to predict the distribution coefficient of the studied elements.Based on the results obtained, the possibility of improving the existing technology is demonstrated by regulating and establishing the optimal slag composition, which ensures an equilibrium distribution of metals between matte and slag.It is shown that when melting a multicomponent charge onto a matte in a VP furnace, it is necessary to maintain the SiO₂ content in the slag at the level of 23 wt.%, the FeO/SiO₂ ratio = 2.3-2.5 and the calcium oxide content of 8-10 wt.%.At the same time, the best indicators for the distribution of metals between the melting products are achieved, close to towards equilibrium.