INFLUENCE OF THE CaO, Al_2O_3 AND Fe_3O_4 CONTENT IN THE SLAG OF THE ISASMELT? FURNACE AT SOUTHERN PERU ILO SMELTER

摘要

Ilo Copper Smelter operates since 2007 with an ISASMELT? furnace as a single smelting unit (1,200,000 tpy) associated with two Rotary Holding Furnaces for separation of matte and slag, and which directly produces a discard slag. Southern Peru continually has been improving the slag chemistry of its ISASMELT? furnace in order to reduce copper losses, given its big economic impact due to large slag mass generation. The present paper describes the influence of the CaO, Al_2O_3 and magnetite content in the slag of the ISASMELT? furnace correlated with the SiO_2/Fe ratio and its liquidus slag. Also it defines the best slag chemistry and operating practice in order to reduce the copper losses without compromise the bricks life of the furnace.