Exergy in Copper Converting and Its Relation to SO2 Emissions

Abstract

Extractive metallurgy of copper is characterized by being energy intensive and also for producing large amounts of fugitive emissions. Particularly, traditional copper converting generates toxic off-gases with up to 7 vol% of SO2. The mass and energy balances show that the amount of SO2 in the process gases may be decreased by improving the energy usage. Furthermore, an exergy analysis reveals the amount of wasted energy susceptible to improve the off-gas capture and cleaning. The copper content in the matte along with the usage of oxygen-enriched air substantially improves the operating conditions in a copper converter. The latter is confirmed in new copper-refining practices.