Mechanical waves generator system in a converter or pyrometallurgical furnace

Abstract

A system for generating mechanical waves for use in smelting and conversion processes that occur in furnaces and converters for a higher production of refined metals, consisting in an electrical signal generator, transducers that convert said electrical signals in mechanical waves placed on the outer end of air blowing tuyeres and a coupling means between said system and the shell of the converter. The air blowing tuyeres are placed forming an 180° angle in the direction of the airflow entrance, while the transducers are placed transversally to the air blowing tuyeres so as to apply mechanical waves that travel in a transversal direction with the air flow into the converter or pyrometallurgical furnace. The field of mechanical waves allows a higher efficiency in the oxygen reactions within the metal bath and slag, increasing the kinetics of chemical reactions, allowing a quicker homogenization of the metal bath and reducing notoriously the copper trapped mechanically by the slag, all this leading to a higher production of metal.