Thermodynamic process modelling of black copper addition to a Peirce-Smith converter: effect on the distribution of antimony and bismuth

Abstract

The effect of adding black copper, originating from treating waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), to a Peirce-Smith converter has been investigated by using a thermodynamic process model. The model was formulated, by the authors, in an earlier publication and expanded, in the present work, to include the minor elements antimony and bismuth. The results show that the model describes the distribution of Bi well, whereas the distribution of Sb is not described as well and should only be used for trends. Addition of black copper lowers the removal of Bi and Sb compared to a converter cycle without addition. To maintain a good removal of Bi and Sb, black copper should be added as early as possible during a converter cycle.

Keywords:

• Peirce-Smith Converter
• Thermodynamic simulation
• Minor elements
• Process modelling
• Black copper
• WEEE

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Vinnova (the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems) and Boliden Rönnskär for the financial support. The project was conducted within CAMM – Centre of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden.