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Top-blown injection smelting and converting: The Mitsubishi process

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Abstract

The Mitsubishi process is a continuous copper smelting and converting process comprising three steps—smelting of raw materials by injection, separation of slag and matte, and direct converting of high-grade matte. Since commercial operation began in 1974, the hearth productivity has been doubled, and several other improvements have been made, including higher-grade matte smelting and the treatment of various secondary materials. Because the Mitsubishi process is superior to the conventional process, it was decided to construct a larger unit of the Mitsubishi furnaces to replace the two existing smelter lines. This article discusses various technical considerations.

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Shibasaki, T., Hayashi, M. Top-blown injection smelting and converting: The Mitsubishi process. JOM 43, 20–26 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03222230

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