Recently, the ultra-large dual-bath continuous copper smelting technology and equipment, innovatively developed by Changsha Nonferrous Metallurgy Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Changsha Nonferrous"), has successfully overcome multiple core challenges in the industry, significantly enhancing the low-carbon and clean production level of primary copper smelting and providing a brand-new technological solution for energy conservation and carbon reduction in the global copper smelting industry.
This R&D initiative focuses on advancing large-scale, efficient, low-carbon, and cost-effective copper smelting technologies. Wu Xiaosong, Chief Engineer of Chalco Group, stated that while the oxygen-enriched side-top blown dual-bath smelting process offers advantages in low-carbon and high efficiency, it was previously constrained by the bottleneck of large-scale core equipment, making it difficult to promote in ultra-large copper smelting projects.
Through continuous technological breakthroughs, Changsha Nonferrous has successfully addressed key challenges such as the superposition of refractory thermal expansion, slagging in the smelting flue gas system, and metal leakage at the bottom of the converting furnace. It has developed the world's first set of 70m² oxygen-enriched side-blown continuous matte-making bath smelting equipment and 120m² multi-lance top-blown copper matte continuous converting equipment. Additionally, it has pioneered the ultra-large-scale dual-bath continuous copper smelting technology with a single series capacity exceeding 400,000 mt, breaking through the scale limitations of copper bath smelting and opening up a brand-new technological route for ultra-large copper smelting in the industry.
Currently, this technology has achieved industrial application in Phase II of Guangxi Nanko Copper and has been operating stably for nearly two years, with an annual capacity exceeding 400,000 mt. Data shows that the energy consumption of its blister copper smelting process has been significantly reduced to 85kgce/mt, far surpassing the advanced level in the industry. The technology is highly mature, with significant economic and environmental benefits.
The successful application of this technology not only enhances the international competitiveness of China's copper smelting industry but also provides a Chinese solution for the green and low-carbon transformation of the global copper industry. Changsha Nonferrous stated that it will continue to optimize the technology in the future, promote its application in broader fields, and contribute to the realization of the "dual carbon" goals.
