Characterization of a Nickel Flash Smelter Refractory Material—The Effect of Thermal Gradient

J. Lehmusto*, S. Söyrinki, J. Lagerbom, T. Jokiaho, Z. Que, J. Määttä, L. Hupa, E. Huttunen-Saarivirta, M. Lindgren

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

Magnesia-chromite (MgCr2O4) spinel-based refractories are applied in nickel and copper flash smelting furnaces, where the refractories experience high temperatures but also thermal gradients due to the cooling of the walls. In the gas space, the refractories are subjected to an aggressive environment with high SO2 concentrations. Furthermore, the increased use of recycled material streams has introduced new reactive impurities, such as halides, to the process. Therefore, the interactions between the refractories and gaseous species as well as the related reaction mechanisms need to be understood. This study presents a comparison between as-received and spent refractories from a nickel flash smelting furnace to identify the reactive species and shed light on their reaction mechanisms. The thermal gradient over the refractory is expected to affect the microstructure and contribute to the diffusion of elements within the structure. Therefore, special attention was paid to the role of the thermal gradient in the abovementioned interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Pyrometallurgy - Furnace Containment
EditorsGerardo R. Alvear Flores, Camille Fleuriault, Dean Gregurek, Quinn G. Reynolds, Hugo Joubert, Stuart L. Nicol, Phillip J. Mackey, Jesse F. White, Isabelle Nolet
PublisherSpringer
Pages81-88
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9783031501760
ISBN (Print)9783031501753
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
EventAdvances in Pyrometallurgy Symposium, held at the TMS Annual Meeting and Exhibition, 2024 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 3 Mar 20247 Mar 2024

Publication series

NameMinerals, Metals and Materials Series
ISSN (Print)2367-1181
ISSN (Electronic)2367-1696

Conference

ConferenceAdvances in Pyrometallurgy Symposium, held at the TMS Annual Meeting and Exhibition, 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period03/03/2407/03/24

Keywords

  • Flash smelting
  • Gas-phase reactions
  • Refractory wear
  • Thermal gradient

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