Resumen

BELFORD, B.N.; CONRADIE, P.  y  MWANZA, T.. Development, installation, and operation of a full-copper, deep-cooled slag tapblock for a six-in-line copper matte settling electric furnace. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2019, vol.119, n.6, pp.515-525. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/663/2019.

Metix has introduced a three-piece 'deep-cooled' copper slag tapblock into a six in-line copper matte settling electric furnace. The tapblock was designed without any internal refractory; it relies purely on the development and maintenance of a freeze lining on its hot face and within the tapping channel to protect the copper and promote the integrity of the surrounding endwall refractory lining. In addition, the geometry of the tapblock further supports the sidewall refractories, reduces the impact of funnelling and, therefore, the need for premature rebuilding of the furnace endwall, and facilitates easy removal and replacement of the wear components even under 'hot' furnace conditions. Eighteen thermocouples embedded in the copper components ensure full resolution of the copper condition, enabling plant personnel to identify wear rates, estimate freeze lining thickness and stability, and schedule replacement of spares and wear components well in advance. At the time of writing the tapblock had been in operation for 6 months with approximately 350 000 t of slag having been tapped through it. Every indication is that the design will limit the need for premature relining of the furnace endwall due to rapid deterioration of the tapblock and its surrounding refractories.

Palabras clave : hot repair; slag; tap-hole; tapblock; refractory; condition monitoring.

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