Research of gas flow movement in flash smelting furnace of Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant by mathematical modeling methods

• Published in: Tsvetnye Metally
• Main Authors: Talalov, V. A., Krupnov, L. V., Rumyantsev, D. V., Starykh, R. V.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Russian
• Published: Ore and Metals Publishers 2015
• Subjects: Flash smelting furnace; Gas thermal-physical properties; Mathematical modelling; Mathematical simulation; 1606 Physical and Theoretical Chemistry; 2503 Ceramics and Composites; 2505 Materials Chemistry; 2506 Metals and Alloys; 2508 Surfaces; Coatings and Films; 3104 Condensed Matter Physics; Nadezhda; Norilsk; norilsk
• Online Access: https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:84019fc

In the recent years, Polar Division of JSC "Norilsk Nikel" have defined the tendency to ore base impoverishment, which makes a significant influence on composition and volume of metal-bearing feed, treated in the flash smelting furnaces of Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant. The flash smelting furnaces' stable performance (or workability) depends on the feed composition and characteristics. In particular, changes in composition and characteristics of ore fed to the flash smelting furnaces led to serious build-up formation in uptakes and settlers of flash smelting furnace-1 and flash smelting furnace-2. The build-up became rather sizeable, blocking the uptake and settler joint cross-section, disrupting regular gas removal from the furnace. For the purpose of analysis of build-up formation causes (using mathematical simulation), the gas stream flow behaviour in the flash smelting furnaces' uptake and settler was investigated together with the factors, influencing the gas stream at various furnace operating conditions. The results of the studies of the gas phase flow in the flash smelting furnaces' uptake and settler obtained via mathematical simulation are presented. The mathematical model was developed on the basis of Navier-Stokes equations, using classic turbulence model. Gas composition changes within acceptable industrial limits did not exert any marked effect on the flash smelting furnace gases flow. The furnace design and off-gases volume are the principal factors influencing the gas phase flow.