Influence of Slag Composition on the Distribution Behavior of Cu between Liquid Sulfide and Cu-Containing Multicomponent Slag via Thermodynamic and Kinetic Assessment

Seung-Hwan Shin,Sun-Joong Kim

doi:10.3390/met11010150

Abstract

At present, copper smelting slag is not effectively recycled and is wasted. Copper smelting slag contains FexO at more than 40 mass%. For the utilization of copper slag as a Fe resource, it is necessary to separate the Cu in the slag. For copper recycling from slag, FeS-based matte can be introduced to use sulfurization to concentrate Cu from the slag into the sulfide and finally recover the copper. In a previous paper, a kinetic model was developed to simulate the coupled reactions between the multicomponent slag and FeS-based matte by using previously reported thermodynamic data. Building on this work, we carried out equilibrium experiments to supplement the thermodynamic data used in the previously developed model. An empirical formula for the Cu2O activity coefficient of Cu2O-FeOX-CaO-MgO-SiO2-Al2O3 system slag was obtained. In addition, the effect of alumina content in the slag on the Cu2O activity coefficient in the slag was investigated. The model was also supplemented to account for MgO solubility. By the developed model and the industrial conditions, we investigated the effect of slag composition on the behavior of Cu between matte and Cu2O-FeOX-CaO-MgO-SiO2-Al2O3 system slag for the copper loss.

Highlights

Copper is one of the most important basic metals and is used mostly for electrical wire, electric motors, roofing, and plumbing due to its superior electrical and physical properties
This study focused on the changes in the Cu concentration in slag as a function of changes in slag composition by combining thermodynamic data with a previously developed model
In order to simulate the behavior of Cu between FeS-CaS-based matte and multicomponent slag, the activity coefficients of Cu2O in Cu2O-FeOX-CaO-MgO-SiO2-Al2O3 slag were investigated by equilibrated with a molten Ag phase at 1573 K

Summary

Introduction

Copper is one of the most important basic metals and is used mostly for electrical wire, electric motors, roofing, and plumbing due to its superior electrical and physical properties. As an important energy source, copper can play an important role in human development and sustainable development [1]. Copper is produced by smelting Cu-based sulfide ores and electrical refining processes. Approximately two tons of copper smelting slag, which includes approximately 2 mass% Cu oxide, is generated for every one ton of copper produced [2,3]. The amount of generated slag increases every year because of the lack of copper ore with high Cu content [4]. No efficient strategy for the extraction of Cu from copper smelting slag has been established yet, and most of the slag is landfilled or used as raw material for cement and sandblasting materials [5]

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Conclusion