MHD stirring of copper slags

摘要

A mathematical model for stirring liquid copper slag by means of electromagnetic fields (Magnetohydrodynamics - MHD) is presented. This novel technique in pyrometallurgy of copper is not intrusive and it is an attractive alternative to the techniques currently in use. A numerical model was developed to investigate the effects of the electromagnetic forces on slag movement within a reactor, thus compensating for the lack of industrial experience on this matter. A successful validation of such a model was achieved by comparing its predictions with measurements carried out in a physical scale model consisting of a conductive aqueous solution within an acrylic reactor. By means of dimensional analysis, a general model for MHD stirring of copper slags was generated. As a result of this, scaling similarity criteria were defined.