Improving the Productivity of the Peirce-Smith Converter Aisle at Ilo’s Copper Smelter Plant

This chapter delves into the enhancements made to the Peirce-Smith converter aisle at Ilo's copper smelter plant, focusing on increasing productivity and extending the operational lifespan of the converters. Key topics include the optimization of matte treatment capacity, the impact of operational modifications on refractory wear, and the use of computational fluid dynamics modeling to understand and mitigate wear mechanisms. The study reveals that increasing air flow rates and adjusting slag composition can significantly enhance matte treatment capacity while reducing blowing times per batch. Additionally, the chapter discusses the importance of maintaining optimal bath levels and performing regular maintenance to prolong the lifespan of the converters. The successful implementation of these modifications resulted in a 30% increase in conversion capacity, allowing for greater concentrate processing in the smelting furnace.