Analysis of Thermal Interactions in the Slag Pots for Transporting Copper Slags

Abstract

During the processes of copper production, post-reaction slags are formed and must be transported to storage sites as waste. The working conditions of the slag ladles are extreme, incl. due to the high reactivity of copper slag and the cyclicality of the operation of the slag ladles. The material of the vat walls is exposed to intense factors: chemical in the form of a liquid phase and temperature in the form of high gradients (thermal shocks). Which leads to a reduction in the campaign length of a single vat. The paper discusses the issues related to the operation of smelting slag pots depending on the insulating material. The aim of the work is to analyze the thermal interactions during the filling of the pots. The conclusions from the presented research are a proposal of actions aimed at extending the working time of the slag pots between repairs related to operation, as well as in terms of the total working time. The analyzes of thermal decomposition on the external and internal surfaces of slag pots with "artificially compressed" calcium milk Ca(OH)2 on the entire surface of the slag pots, which were carried out in the presented work, gave very similar results as during the modeling of steel slag pot. The use of a heat-resistant concrete layer at the bottom of the pots significantly reduces the damage zone and extends the working time.