Inco Limited

Carlos A Landolt

Samuel W Marcuson

David E Hall

Haydn Davies

James H Amson

The invention relates to the smelting or converting of particulate sulfide material, such as nickel or copper sulfide. A molten seed bath of smelted or converted material is provided in a reaction vessel. Particulate sulfide material is injected into a reaction vessel below the surface of the melt. Top blowing with an oxygen-containing gas generates heat and brings about the oxidation of the sulfides with a significant decrease in the amount of dust generated. Optional bottom stirring with a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen may further increase efficiency.

Conversion of non-ferrous sulfides

A non-ferrous matte conversion process is disclosed in which molten non-ferrous matte, essentially nickel and/or copper sulfide and iron sulfide, is provided in a suitable vessel, such as a modified Pierce-Smith converter. The bath is stirred from below with a non-reactive sparging gas, such as nitrogen, and surfaceblown from above with an oxygen-containing gas. A flux is added to the melt to raise a fluid slag. In addition, cold crushed matte is added to the bath. The cold matte acts to maintain the temperature of the bath, so as to prevent overheating which can damage the converter lining. The matte addition also serves as a source for additional converter feed. As the reaction progresses, the slag layer is periodically skimmed, and additions of flux and cold matte are made when necessary. When it is no longer possible to raise a slag, a non-ferrous sulfide matte is obtained having a greatly reduced iron content.

Conversion of non-ferrous matte

The invention provides a converter for purifying molten nonferrous material. A converter body having a refractory lined chamber holds the nonferrous material. A gas injector means pierces a lower portion of the chamber for bottom sparging the nonferrous material. A lance pierces an upper portion of the converter body projecting minimally into the chamber for limited exposure to adverse conditions. While converting with top blowing of gas containing oxygen and bottom stirring solid nonferrous metal may be added to the converter to cool the molten nonferrous material and purified molten nonferrous metal.

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Lively, Canada

Carlos A Landolt