Abstract: A method and system for the copper anode refining is provided in which coherent jet technology is employed to heat the molten blister copper and/or melt scrap copper charges using a melting flame, oxidize the sulfur in the molten blister copper, and reduce the oxygen in the molten blister copper using top-blown coherent jet gas streams from one or more multi-functional, coherent jet lance assemblies. The present system and method employs a microprocessor-based controller operatively controlling the flow of an oxygen-containing gas, an inert gas, a reducing agent and a fuel to the coherent jet lance. The disclosed copper anode refining system and method greatly improves copper production while lowering oxidation /reduction cycle times and minimizing NOx emissions.

Abstract: A method and system for the copper anode refining is provided in which coherent jet technology is employed to heat the molten blister copper and/or melt scrap copper charges using a melting flame, oxidize the sulfur in the molten blister copper, and reduce the oxygen in the molten blister copper using top-blown coherent jet gas streams from one or more multi-functional, coherent jet lance assemblies. The present system and method employs a microprocessor-based controller operatively controlling the flow of an oxygen-containing gas, an inert gas, a reducing agent and a fuel to the coherent jet lance. The disclosed copper anode refining system and method greatly improves copper production while lowering oxidation/reduction cycle times and minimizing NOx emissions.

Abstract: A method and system for the copper anode refining is provided in which coherent jet technology is employed to heat the molten blister copper and/or melt scrap copper charges using a melting flame, oxidize the sulfur in the molten blister copper, and reduce the oxygen in the molten blister copper using top-blown coherent jet gas streams from one or more multi-functional, coherent jet lance assemblies. The present system and method employs a microprocessor-based controller operatively controlling the flow of an oxygen-containing gas, an inert gas, a reducing agent and a fuel to the coherent jet lance. The disclosed copper anode refining system and method greatly improves copper production while lowering oxidation/reduction cycle times and minimizing NOx emissions.

Abstract: A method for obtaining pure copper is provided wherein oxygen is blown onto a copper melt, in a melting furnace lined with refractory material, having a waste heat boiler set onto it, in order to oxidize contaminants contained in the melt and thereby remove them from the melt, and wherein a splash protection device through which water flows is provided above the copper melt, on the inside wall of the melting furnace, which prevents copper that splashes out of the copper melt from penetrating into the waste heat boiler. Boiling water is used for cooling the splash protection device, which water is under a pressure of more than 5 bar and is evaporated, at least in part, as it flows through the splash protection device.

Abstract: A system for producing a metal foam comprises a bath containing a molten metal, a rotating shaft or impeller extending through the base of the bath into, and submerged in the molten metal, and a gas discharge nozzle provided on the submerged end of the shaft. The opposite end of the shaft is connected to a gas supply line and the shaft is rotated with a motor. A seal is provided at the opening in the base of the bath for preventing leakage of the molten metal there-through.

Abstract: A method for refining copper wherein a stream of oxygen containing gas is provided from a lance into the headspace of a refining vessel for passage to the molten copper bath within the refining vessel, and a flame envelope is provided around and along the oxygen containing gas stream for a portion of its length, wherein the flame envelope simultaneously serves to keep accretions from forming on the lance face and serves to maintain the oxygen-containing gas stream coherent.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a low-oxygen copper wire is provided, in which a dehydrogenating treatment can be performed without requiring a long moving distance of molten copper, and the generation of holes in solidification is suppressed, whereby high quality low-oxygen copper wire can be obtained having superior surface quality.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improved process for the desulphurization of blister copper during anode refining, wherein a mixture of an inert gas and an oxygen containing gas is blown into liquid blister copper. The improvement resides in varying the amount of oxygen containing gas in the mixture of nitrogen and oxygen during the desulphurization of blister copper. The process of the invention enables one to increase the recovery of copper, decrease the recycling of highly oxidized slag, decrease the time of desulphurization, decrease refractory wear, decrease subsequent time of reduction and decrease the amounts of reactants used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for blowing oxidizing gases into molten metal located in a reaction vessel having tuyeres below the metal bath surface, whereby the oxidizing gases are blown into the molten metal from these tuyeres and fed to the tuyeres at an inlet pressure between 85 bars and 170 bars.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to present an apparatus consisting of a graphite rod, a vibration signal sensor, a signal processing unit, a data processing unit, and a data display unit to indicate the oxygen content of a copper melt. As such graphite rod is immersed into the molten metal it vibrates and the level of vibration is statistically correlated to the level of dissolved oxygen in the copper melt.

Abstract: A method of pyroprocessing mineral ores. The method includes forming the mineral ore fines into small balls or pellets, drying and preheating the pellets and then subjecting the pellets to further heat with an oxidizing gas to substantially oxidize and indurate the pellets prior to discharging the pellets into a cooler. The essential equipment used in the process are machines such as a balling pan or drum for agglomerating the ore, a grate traveling through a furnace and a rotary kiln for transporting the pellets from the grate to a cooler. Also, means are provided to supply hot oxidizing gas to both the furnace and the kiln to heat the pellets. In addition, means are provided to supply an oxidizing gas beneath the tumbling bed of pellets in the kiln.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of melting and refining copper in the combustion chamber of a vertical shaft furnace which includes a step of superheating the melt so that slag formed by oxidized impurities can flow freely from the furnace.