Abstract
Experimental measurements and mathematical model predictions for the flash combustion of copper sulfide particles in a turbulent gas jet are described. A mathematical model has been developed to describe the process taking place in an axisymmetric flash-furnace shaft. The model incorporates turbulent fluid dynamics, chemical reaction kinetics, and heat and mass transfer. The key features include the use of the k-e turbulence model, incorporating the effect of particles on turbulence, and the four-flux model for radiative heat transfer. The experiments were carried out in a laboratory flash furnace. Gas temperature, sulfur content in the particles, so2 concentration in the gas phase, and particle dispersion during flash smelting at different locations were measured for various matte grades. Reasonable agreement was obtained between the measured and predicted values.
