Computer model of copper smelting process and distribution behaviors of accessory elements

A computer model has been developed to simulate the distribution behaviors of Ni, Co, Sn, Pb, Zn, As, Sb, Bi, Au and Ag in copper smelting process. The model assumes that the copper smelting furnace is in thermodynamic equilibrium. As many as 21 elements (Cu, S, Fe, Ni, Co, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Zn, Au, Ag, O, N, C, H, Ca, Mg, Al, and Si) and 73 compounds are considered. This model accounts for physical entrainment in the melts. The predictions by the present computer model are compared with the known commercial data from Guixi Smelter in China. Horne Smelter in Canada and Naoshima Smelter in Japan. The agreements between the computer predictions and the commercial data are excellent, so that the present computer model can be used to monitor and optimize the actual industrial operations of copper smelting. It is applicable to simulation of almost all copper pyrometallurgical processes.