METHOD FOR PROCESSING COPPER-NICKEL SULFIDE MATERIALS IN SUSPENDED STATE Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: nonferrous metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: invention may be used in autogenous smelting of copper-nickel sulfide materials in suspended state. Charge containing these materials and fluxes is blown in by oxygen-containing blast into reaction zone of furnace, after which nonferrous metal-containing cooling agents are charged. Oxidized and molten products are separated in furnace sump zone into slag and matte. Thickness of bottom is diminished by 25-80% as compared to design thickness. Gas phase produced is removed from the furnace. Cooling agents are fed in amount (0.07 ± 0.2)M ((H-H_c)/H^0.5 where H is required thickness of bottom crust, H_c current thickness of bottom crust, M specific charge loading into furnace (t/sq.m a day). Ratio of smelt height in furnace from lower matte-discharge point to fusion width is maintained within the range 0.12 to 0.18. Temperature on fire surface of bottom or bottom crust is maintained not higher than 800 C. Matte discharge point is located at the level not less than distance H from zero point of bottom. EFFECT: increased service time of furnace. 2 cl, 2 dwg, 1 tbl