Patent · US Active

Copper anode refining system and method

US8623114B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
19References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 15, 2011
Grant dateJan 7, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 21, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P10/32
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method and system for the copper anode refining is provided in which coherent jet technology is employed to heat the molten blister copper and/or melt scrap copper charges using a melting flame, oxidize the sulfur in the molten blister copper, and reduce the oxygen in the molten blister copper using top-blown coherent jet gas streams from one or more multi-functional, coherent jet lance assemblies. The present system and method employs a microprocessor-based controller operatively controlling the flow of an oxygen-containing gas, an inert gas, a reducing agent and a fuel to the coherent jet lance. The disclosed copper anode refining system and method greatly improves copper production while lowering oxidation/reduction cycle times and minimizing NOx emissions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.