Properties and Copper Reduction Kinetics of Three Types of Converting Slags

This chapter delves into the properties and copper reduction kinetics of three types of converting slags: calcium ferrite, iron silicate, and ferrous calcium silicate (FCS). The study reviews commercial continuous copper converting processes, highlighting the operating conditions and slag systems used. It compares the thermodynamic and physical properties of the slags, including viscosity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and surface tension, and their impact on the converting process. The chapter also presents experimental data on the reduction kinetics of copper from these slags, revealing that calcium ferrite and iron silicate slags have similar reduction rates, while FCS slag exhibits a slower reduction rate. The findings suggest that the reduction kinetics are likely controlled by mass transfer in the liquid slag phase, influenced by slag viscosity. The study concludes that understanding these properties and kinetics is crucial for optimizing the continuous converting process in copper production.