Reducing Treatment of Copper-smelting Slag: Thermodynamic Analysis of Impurities Behavior

This study develops a thermodynamic mathematical model to analyze the behavior of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) during the reduction of copper-smelting slag in the Vanyukov furnace. The objective was to investigate the influence of parameters such as temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and phase ratio on the distribution of these impurities. Utilizing the developed model, thorough analyses were conducted, revealing that under the specific conditions present in the Vanyukov furnace, arsenic can migrate significantly to the bottom phase while zinc exhibits considerable vaporization. These findings highlight the potential of the mathematical model in optimizing the reduction process, which is crucial for improving the quality of products from copper-rich materials, particularly as the impurity levels in ores continue to rise. The research indicates a need for enhanced control strategies concerning impurity behavior during the conversion, particularly given the declining quality of ores processed in contemporary furnaces.