Distribution and Behavior of Arsenic During the Reducing-Matting Smelting Process

Abstract

The distribution and behavior of arsenic during the reducing-matting smelting process were investigated with various values of the carbon addition ratio, arsenic content, CaO/SiO2 ratio, and Fe/SiO2 ratio. The carbon addition ratio significantly affected the arsenic distribution among the phases, and most arsenic could be retained in an iron-rich matte with a carbon addition ratio greater than 20%. An increasing Fe/SiO2 ratio favored the retention and stabilization of arsenic in the iron-rich matte, and an increase in the CaO/SiO2 ratio decreased the arsenic volatilization and improved arsenic stability in the iron-rich matte and slag. It may be concluded from this study that the reducing-matting smelting process could be optimized by increasing the carbon addition ratio, CaO/SiO2 ratio, and Fe/SiO2 ratio and by decreasing the arsenic content.