NOUFERROUS METALLURGICAL EQUIPMENT

Driven by the rapid development of high-intensity smelting, flash smelting technology is trending towards higher feed rates, oxygen enrichment, volumetric heat intensity, and matte grades. To meet these demanding process requirements, the study details a structural upgrade of a flash furnace at a nickel smelter. To address severe operational conditions, such as high thermal loads and intense erosion in critical components like the reaction shaft and settling chamber, a variety of advanced water jacket designs were employed. Furthermore, side-blowing submerged combustion technology was introduced into the slag cleaning zone. This technology utilizes submerged lances to inject kinetic and thermal energy into the molten bath, thereby improving metallurgical conditions and enhancing slag reduction. Operational results demonstrate that the new cooling structures have effectively ensured the safe and stable operation of the furnace under high loads. The application of side-blowing technology has significantly improved the metallurgical environment in the slag cleaning zone, laying a solid foundation for increasing the recovery rate of valuable metals. The study provides a valuable practical reference for the technological upgrading of similar furnaces.