Flash smelter operating variables

Summary

An experimental flash reactor was developed in order to simulate the operation of the reaction shaft at the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter.

A programme of testing was carried out to investigate the effects of (1) mineralogy of the feed material, (2) particle size of the solids, (3) addition of coal fuel to the feed, (4) oxygen enrichment of the combustion air and (5) residence time in the reaction jet.

Keywords: flash smelter, coal, metal, sulphide, particle, ignition