Metal loss to slag: Part I. Sulfidic and oxidic dissolution of copper in fayalite slag from low grade matte
Abstract
An experimental technique to prepare slags free from suspended matte was developed and applied to measure the solubility of copper in Fe- and SiO2-saturated fayalite slag at 1200°C. The copper solubility was found to be considerably greater than that attributed to oxidic loss assessed from the work of Ruddle et al and also greater than that in previously-studied slags containing sulfur together with lime or alumina. The solubility was related to the presence of sulfur in the slag, and the concept of sulfidic dissolution was developed on the basis of thermodynamic properties of matte and slag. The model was applied to commercial slag-matte systems, and the reduction of sulfur solubility by changing the slag composition was concluded to be the key in reducing copper losses to slag, especially for mattes containing less than 50 pct Cu.
- Publication:
-
Metallurgical Transactions
- Pub Date:
- March 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF02644646
- Bibcode:
- 1974MT......5..531N