Thermodynamic Modelling for Process Control at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter

Tran, Ba P; Grimsey, Eric; Messner, Shoena A

Access Status

In process

Authors

Tran, Ba P

Grimsey, Eric

Messner, Shoena A

Date

1996

Type

Conference Paper

Metadata

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Citation

Tran, B.P. and Grimsey, E.J. and Messner, S.A. 1996. Thermodynamic Modelling for Process Control at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter. In: International Symposium on Challenges in Process Intensification, 24th Aug 1996, Montreal, Quebec.

Source Title

Proceedings of the International Symposium on Challenges in Process Intensification

Source Conference

International Symposium on Challenges in Process Intensification

ISBN

0919086683

9780919086685

Faculty

Faculty of Science and Engineering

School

WASM: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/81626

Collection

Curtin Research Publications

Abstract

WMC Ltd operates a flash furnace for the treatment of nickel concentrates at Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. A thermodynamically based model has been developed for the furnace to provide setpoints based on feed forward control with feed back correction. The model employs a non-stoichiometric method to predict the quantities of matte. slag and gas through a minimisation of the free energy of the system. It is designed to predict key process inputs such as total process oxygen, flux addition and process oil, to meet the process targets of matte grade, iron/silica ratio and slag temperature. The feed back is designed to trim the control through adjustment of the oxygen efficiency, heat loss from the reaction shaft and an iron/silica ratio offset. This paper provides an overview of the structure of the model and experience gained during its implementation.