Implementation Of A Slide Gate System For Copper Tapping

Abstract:

The anode furnace is the final vessel used for the pyrometallurgical production of copper, whereby anode grade copper is produced by fire refining the metal. Subsequently, high quality anodes are cast in open moulds on large revolving casting wheels. Typically, the copper is poured via a taphole into a launder system by rotating the furnace into an appropriate position. Control of the casting rate is also performed in this manner. However, this procedure has many disadvantages including splashing, oxygen pick-up, and energy losses.This paper introduces an innovative solution to open and close the taphole with a slide gate system. Two plates with defined drilled holes are slid against each other, which enables effective starting and stopping of the copper flow as well as throttling. The complete system is described in detail, including the mechanical components for accurate movement and secure fastening of the plates as well as the refractory parts like the nozzles, well blocks, and plates themselves. Since all these refractory parts are in direct contact with molten copper, they have been especially developed to withstand severe mechanical and thermal stresses, and chemical attack.

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