Characterization of copper smelter dusts

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 94, No. 1051, 2001

C. Samuelsson, LuleŒ University of Technology, LuleŒ, Sweden G. Carlsson, SSAB TunnplŒt AB, LuleŒ, Sweden

Characterization of dust from Boliden Mineral ABÕs copper-plant in Sweden was carried out using chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive analysis and wave length analysis using electron microprobe equipment. Dust from four different locations was characterized: the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) after the roasting furnace; the ESP after the copper smelting furnace; from the copper converter ventilation bag house filter; and from the bag house filter collecting dust from the settling furnace and tap gas ventilation. The results showed that the dust is composed of small solid and/or liquid particles from the furnace reactor which have been transported with the process gas to the dust collecting devices. This portion of the dust is mechanically formed. It also contains compounds that have been vaporized in the process and then condensed from the process gas at lower temperature, chemically formed dust. The proportion of mechanical and chemical dust varies with the process generating the dust.

Keywords: Characterization, Dust, Electrostatic precipitator (ESP), Smelter, Copper, Vaporization, Condensation.