PGM converting process with staged slagging
US10513750B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The process includes melting an initial collector alloy charge to start a converter cycle, introducing feed and injecting oxygen into the alloy pool, allowing ferrous slag to collect, terminating feed introduction and oxygen injection to tap the slag, repeating the feed introduction/oxygen injection/slag tapping sequence a plurality of times, and then tapping the alloy to end the cycle. A delay before non-final slag tappings allows any entrained alloy to settle back into the alloy pool, but the final slag tapping is commenced promptly and alloy is optionally entrained. Slag from the final tapping that may contain entrained alloy can be recycled to the converter, e.g., in a subsequent cycle. The process can also include low- or no-flux converting; refractory protectant addition; slag separation; partial feed pre-oxidation; smelting the slag in a secondary furnace with primary furnace slag; and/or jacketing the converter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.