CFD modelling of molten matte and slag flows in a circular three-phase smelting furnace

Abstract

A full-scale three-dimensional CFD model, coupled with electrical modelling, was created for a circular, three-electrode furnace. This model included a transient analysis of both the slag and matte as fluid layers through multi-phase modelling. User-defined AC current is applied along with energy sinks to resemble smelting and boundary conditions found on the actual unit. This model investigated stirring effects by natural convection within the bath and it was found that it distributes heat evenly through the slag and matte. The modelled current flow showed a large portion of the current to pass through the matte layer between electrodes. Copyright © 2009, Inderscience Publishers.