| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2021 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Ni-Co 2021: The 5th International Symposium on Nickel and Cobalt
|
| Presentation Title |
PGM Furnace Design, Construction, Improvement and Performance Optimisation |
| Author(s) |
Isobel McDougall, Gerrit de Villiers, Hugo Joubert, Burger van Beek, John Davis, Trevor Goff |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Hugo Joubert |
| Abstract Scope |
Tenova Pyromet designed, supplied and commissioned a 12 MVA circular electric furnace for Sibanye-Stillwater (previously Lonmin) in South Africa. The furnace has been operating successfully since its commissioning in 2012. The paper provides an overview of the furnace performance and campaign life history, and explores the innovative design concepts and improvements implemented. Of particular interest is the use of a novel sidewall lining design that utilizes indirect cooling to remove excess heat from the matte/slag tidal zone without the need to use water-cooled copper. Furthermore, the performance of Tenova’s Söderberg electrode column designed for base metal applications, limiting water use above the furnace, is discussed. In addition, the joint development and performance of an uncooled cast iron matte taphole faceplate is presented. Potential future design innovations to further improve smelter operating safety are discussed. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |