• Jak, Evgueni
• Prostakova, Viktoria

Abstract

Increasing content of As (arsenic) in Cu concentrates remains problematic for the pyrometallurgy of copper. Many approaches are used to eliminate it from the process streams: partial roasting of concentrates before smelting; eliminating to the gas phase during the smelting followed by the processing of dust; chemical fixation of arsenic in the slag phase; additional refining steps for blister copper in the anode furnace. Prediction of chemical behavior of As in complex multi-component industrial systems is essential for improvement of existing and development of new processes. Thermodynamic database developed in the Pyrometallurgy Innovation Centre (PYROSEARCH) contains the models of the phases for the pyrometallurgical processing of copper: gas, liquid matte, metal, slag, speiss, as well as solid sulfides and arsenides. The database is continuously improved using the integrated experimental and thermodynamic modeling approach and can be used for process optimization through computer simulation of individual units and complete flowsheets. Present study provides a critical review of available literature data and recent experimental results for the thermodynamic properties, phase equilibria and distribution of arsenic among these phases. A set of diagrams is used to explain the effect of process conditions, i.e. slag composition, on the distribution of arsenic. Also highlighted, are areas where the lack of experimental information still exists. Kinetic factors affecting the achievement of thermodynamic equilibrium for arsenic distribution are discussed.

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• simulation
• copper
• gas phase
• Arsenic