The suspension of copper droplets in the slag is considered. The copper/slug suspension is delivered as the product from the direct-toblister
process which is applied in the KGHM – Polska Miedź (Polish Copper) S.A. factory. The droplets / slag suspension was treated by
a special set of reagents (patented by the authors) to improve the coagulation process. On the other hand, the observations are made to
estimate if the melting / reduction process in the furnace is sufficiently effective to avoid a remaining of carbon in the copper droplets.
The coagulation process was carried out in the crucible (laboratory scale). However, conditions imposed to the coagulation / solidification
process in the laboratory scale were to some extent similar to those applied usually in the industry when the suspension is subjected to the
analogous treatment in the electric arc-furnace. Some suggestions are formulated how to improve the industrial direct-to-blister process.
The scope of work included the launch of the process of refining slag suspension in a gas oven using a variety of technological additives.
After the refining process (in the context of copper recovery), an assessment of the effect of selected reagents at the level of the slag
refining suspension (in terms of copper recovery). Method sieve separated from the slag waste fraction of metallic, iron - silicate and
powdery waste. Comparison of these photographs macroscopic allowed us to evaluate the most advantageous method of separating
metallic fraction from the slag. After applying the sample A (with KF2 + NaCl) we note that in some parts of the slag are still large
amounts of metallic fraction. The fraction of slag in a large majority of the elements has the same size of 1 mm, and a larger portion of the
slag, the size of which is from 2 to 6 mm. Definitely the best way is to remove the copper by means of the component B (with NaCl ) and
D (with KF2
). However, as a result of removing the copper by means of component C (with CaO) were also obtained a relatively large
number of tiny droplets of copper, which was problematic during segregation. In both cases we were able to separate the two fractions in a
fast and simple manner.