Thermodynamic Aspects of the Refining of Pb, Sn and Ni in Contaminated Secondary Copper Scrap

The goal of this doctoralproject is the optimization of the pyrometallurgical copper production process that is currently used in Aurubis, Olen. Currently, an increasing amount of copper scrap is implemented in the proces that contains a variety of impurities. However, the production process is optimized to refine blister copper and not copper scrap. This work focuses on the behavior of Ni, Pb and Sn relevant to copper fire refining conditions, which are essential for anode refineries. The phase equilibria for several slag systems in equilibrium with copper alloy have been determined using the equilibration-quenching-electron probe X-ray microanalysis technique. The distribution coefficients of Ni, Pb and Sn between slag and copper metal for these systems have been determined as well. The influence of oxygen partial pressure, temperature and slag composition on the distribution between slag and metal is discussed. From these distribution coefficients, the activity coefficients of NiO, PbO and SnO/SnO2 in the slag systems were calculated to understand the behavior of the oxides in slag.

Publication year:2021

Accessibility:Open