Comparative analysis of slag systems Cu–Fe–O–SiO2 and Cu–Fe–O–CaO between 1100 and 1300°C

Abstract

The present work reviews the state of the art of the quaternary systems Cu–Fe–O–SiO2 and Cu–Fe–O–CaO during copper pyrometallurgy processes, mainly, matte converting and blister copper fire refining. Both systems are particularly important to be considered in physicochemical understanding and modelling of pyrometallurgical processes today, then their knowledge become of particular interest for fundamental research and its applications to the copper industry. This analysis includes Cu losses, behaviour of impurities, and the interaction of MgO/Cr2O3 refractories with Cu2O both in fayalite and calcium ferrite slags.