Thermodynamics of copper matte converting: Part IV. A priori predictions of the behavior of Au, Ag, Pb, Zn, Ni, Se, Te, Bi, Sb, and As in the noranda process reactor

Abstract

The general formulae are derived which allow calculation of the weight of each molten phase (copper, matte, slag) in the Noranda Process reactor as a function of matte grade and suspension indices. These expressions and the volatilization constants are then inserted in the steady-state volatilization equation (derived in the Part III) to calculate the overall distribution of minor elements and their concentrations in all the reactor productsi.e., copper, matte, slag, and offgas) in the Noranda Process. The overall distribution of ten minor elements can be predicted for any set of controllable process parameters such as feed composition, temperature, degree of oxygen enrichment, slag composition (or magnetite activity), and matte grade. The computer predictions are in good agreement with the commercially observed values with the exception of selenium.