Study of the temperature distribution in the linings of horizontal converters used in nonferrous metallurgy

Abstract

A study is made of the temperature distribution in lined horizontal converters used to make nickel and copper. The temperature distribution is studied for different regimes of converter operation in order to investigate the thermal conductivity of refractory linings composed of different refractory products. Thermal conductivity is determined for linings in their initial state and after their impregnation with copper-nickel mattes. The study results can be used to estimate the temperature of a lining through its cross section and thus calculate the value of lining thickness at which different mortars used with the lining will begin to sinter. To prevent fracture of the lining by thermal stresses, it must be heated by burners to keep its temperature from descending below 700 - 800 °C (the beginning of solidification of the matte). Otherwise, 40 - 80 mm of the lining material will spall. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.