The Utah Smelter as Modified for Environmental Compliance

Abstract

The smelting process utilized prior to 1977 at the Kennecott Utah Smelter, namely conventional green-charge reverberatory furnaces and converters, did not lend itself economically to the increased sulfur fixation required to meet ambient air quality standards as imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Numerous smelting processes were carefully studied and evaluated. The final selection was the Noranda Continuous Smelting Process, using oxygen-enriched air and producing high-grade matte. Facilities were designed and installed to smelt one million tons of copper concentrate and precipitate per annum. Transition to the new smelting facility began in October 1977 and was completed in May 1978. The modified plant is the only smelter which achieves its total production through the use of the Noranda Process. This paper outlines the history, design, construction, startup, and first four years of operation of the Utah Smelter, and briefly discusses contemplated facility additions for future years.