Effect of ZnO, Cu_2S and CaO on the viscosity of smelting and cleaning slags in copper pyrometallurgical processes

摘要

Copper losses in slags are of great concern, specially in smelting and slag cleaning processes. It is widely accepted that the suspension of metallic copper and matte droplets is strongly affected by the viscosity of the slag. The Chuquicamata Division of Codelco-Chile produces concentrates high in zinc, an element which reports mainly to the slag phase. The ZnO may affect the viscosity and therefore the copper losses.