A kinetic model for the vacuum refining of inductively stirred copper melts

Abstract

An experimental investigation into the removal of impurities (bismuth, lead, arsenic, and antimony) from baths of molten copper (blister, anode and cathode type copper) under vacuum was carried out. A pilot scale vacuum induction melting facility was used for these tests. The effects of (1) vacuum levels of 8.0 to 40.0 Pascals, (2) melt temperatures of 1150 to 1350 °C, (3) melt surface area to volume ratios of 6 to 10 m−1, (4) a water cooled condenser placed within a distance of two centimeters above the melt surface, and finally, (5) different levels of dissolved oxygen and/or sulfur contained in the melt, were studied. Kinetic data were obtained for evaluating the potential of a full scale vacuum melting facility. A mathematical model was also developed for the proper interpretation of the experimental results and for making projections for lower pressure and higher temperature levels. The rate of removal of bismuth and lead increased as the chamber pressure was lowered and the melt temperature increased, while removal of arsenic and antimony was negligible. Neither the melt surface area to volume ratio nor the distance of the condenser to melt surface had any significant effects on the rate constants governing the rate of removal of impurities. The rate of elimination of bismuth and lead over the range of 1150 to 1350 °C and 40.0 to 8.0 Pa followed first order kinetics. Removal rates were largely controlled by mass transport in the gas phase.