Flash smelting
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Flash smelting (Finnish: Liekkisulatus) is a smelting process for sulfur-containing ores [1] including chalcopyrite. The process was developed by Outokumpu in Finland and first applied at the Harjavalta plant in 1949 for smelting copper ore.[2][3] It has also been adapted for nickel and lead production.[2]
The proces uses the autogenic principle by using the energy contained in the sulfur and iron for melting the ore.[4] In the process dried and powdered ore is discharged from a nozzle into a fluidized bed reactor fed with oxygen. The reduced metal melts, and drops to the bottom of a settling chamber. The flotation produces a large effective surface area of fine-grained concentrate particles.[4] The process makes smelting more energy efficient and enviromentally friendly.[4] Sulfur is released mainly in its solid form, thus reducing atmospheric pollution.[1] The process is today used for 50% of the world’s primary copper production.[2] The other 50% is mainly produced from oxide ores, where the process cannot be applied.
Outotec, formerly the technology division on Outokumpu now holds Outokumpu's patents to the technology and licenses it worldwide.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b "flash smelting". English Collins Dictionary - English Definition & Thesaurus. http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-definitions/flash%20smelting. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- ^ a b c "Outokumpu Flash Smelting" (PDF). Outokumpu. p. 2. http://www.outokumpu.com/files/Technology/Documents/Newlogobrochures/FlashSmelting.pdf. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- ^ Ilkka V. Kojo, Ari Jokilaakso and Pekka Hanniala (February, 2000). "Flash smelting and converting furnaces: A 50 year retrospect". JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (Springer Boston) 52 (2): 57–61. doi:. ISSN 1047-4838. http://www.springerlink.com/content/y404k115753gn019/.
- ^ a b c Tuomo Särkikoski. "Bryk, Petri (1913 - 1977)" (in Finnish). Kansallisbiografia. http://www.kansallisbiografia.fi/english/?id=1532. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
