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 angle less than or equal to 90° with the transducer and the airflow entrance to the interior of the converter, forming a figure with an &agr; angle shape; and the transducer is placed in the direction of the cross axis of the converter pointing towards the &agr; angle of the air blowing tuyere, for applying mechanical waves that travel in a longitudinal direction with the airflow into the converter. 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.