LLC “Institute “Gipronikel”, Saint Petersburg, Russia:

V. A. Popov, Senior Researcher
L. Sh. Tsemekhman, Head of Pyrometallurgy Laboratory, e-mail: LST@nikel.spb.ru

There was carried out the thermodynamic modeling of microimpurities distribution (such as Zn, Pb, As, Sb) among the products of pyrometallurgical processes of “Norilsk Nickel” MMC. Dependencies of impurities distribution from their total content in system are calculated separately for each element. There is shown the type of elements, essentially kept in condensed phase (matte, slag or alloy). Increasing of content of this element in concentrate leads to increasing of transition degree of this element in exhausted gases. Under the low content in concentrate, Zn is vaporized in the higher degree, than As. At the same time, dependency of Zn distribution from its total content in the system is weak. Pb more tends to vaporization, than other elements. Increasing of Pb content in concentrate leads to growth of its recovering in slag. Sb is mostly recovered in matte or slag, and its transition degree in exhausted gases is low. Received thermodynamic modeling results are used for creation of balance models of microimpurities distribution among main processing products of “Kola” MMC and Polar Division of “Norilsk Nickel” MMC. Industrial data of microimpurities distribution are used in the constant type for nonpyrometallurgical processes modeling. Excel format models allow to carry out the following operations:
– efficient estimation of influence of new ores with impurities on the compositions of products and wastes of manufacturing;
– finding of optimal process for inserting of new feed into production scheme;
– determination of methods of harmful effect decreasing of additional volumes of impurities on the product composition.
Results of calculation with usage of created models are in high conformity with the industrial data for majority processing (relative deflection doesn’t exceed 20%).

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