Regular Article

Mathematical model of whole-process calculation for bottom-blowing copper smelting

¹ School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, PR China
² School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China
³ School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, PR China

^* e-mail: jxustlmz@163.com

Received: 1 April 2017
Accepted: 19 September 2017

Abstract

The distribution law of materials in smelting products is key to cost accounting and contaminant control. Regardless, the distribution law is difficult to determine quickly and accurately by mere sampling and analysis. Mathematical models for material and heat balance in bottom-blowing smelting, converting, anode furnace refining, and electrolytic refining were established based on the principles of material (element) conservation, energy conservation, and control index constraint in copper bottom-blowing smelting. Simulation of the entire process of bottom-blowing copper smelting was established using a self-developed MetCal software platform. A whole-process simulation for an enterprise in China was then conducted. Results indicated that the quantity and composition information of unknown materials, as well as heat balance information, can be quickly calculated using the model. Comparison of production data revealed that the model can basically reflect the distribution law of the materials in bottom-blowing copper smelting. This finding provides theoretical guidance for mastering the performance of the entire process.