Abstract

SAKARAN, R.L.; VAN ROOYEN, Q.; VAN MANEN, P.K.  and  MUKUMBE, P.P.. Analysis and interpretation of fibre optic temperature data at the Polokwane Smelter. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2018, vol.118, n.4, pp.337-344. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2018/v118n4a2.

To help improve the monitoring of the matte tap-holes on the matte endwall to prevent failures, fibre optic temperature systems were installed on the six-in-line electric furnace at the Polokwane Smelter. This was done with the intent to provide more detailed and timely detection regarding the change in condition of the copper coolers, refractory materials, and associated freeze-lining components at the hot face of the matte endwall and copper coolers. Fibre optics were selected to provide a significantly higher number of sensors and greater spatial coverage across the tap-block compared to conventional temperature measuring systems. Two types of fibre optic technology were installed; type A utilizing Bragg gratings and type B utilizing Raman spectroscopy. Each of these technologies were installed in different tap-holes and compared to the conventional thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) already installed. The characterization of the temperature responses was generated from tapping in terms of magnitude, rates of change, and action of specific events such as drilling, lancing, and tap-hole clay closing. The benefits and limitations of the various systems in place, the analyses done, and the way forward are described.

Keywords : tap-hole; temperature monitoring; fibre optics; Bragg grating; Raman spectroscopy.

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