Yu. A. Korol, Metallurgical Engineer, Ekaterinburg, Russia, e-mail: tsvetmet@rudmet.ru

The shaft surface of Mednogorsky copper-sulphuric plant was reconstructed in order to increase productivity and decrease dust entrainment. The upgrading followed the research and theoretical generalizations on blast smelting process of copper raw materials. The results of research work and new technology indicators were published in relevant articles. Technical and economic parameters of copper-smelting furnace thermal performance were improved. Its productivity was increased by 23.1%, fuel rat was decreased by 17.16% and dust entrainment was lowered by 51.35%. We show the analysis of the executed works at the plant in comparison with the established practice, experience and blast smelting theory. The results of the analysis and calculations of material and thermal balances showed the inaccuracy of theoretical generalizations where the shaft surface upgrading were based. The calculations proved that the proposed activities for shaft surface reconstruction are not able to decrease its productivity, lower fuel rat and improve technical and economic parameters. The work, carried out for shaft surface reconstruction, has no technological feasibility and theoretical foundation because all other conditions being equal the shaft surface productivity are decreased by 28.6%, fuel rat is increased by 22%. Moreover, at the blasting of 60–70% of possible nominal amount of air pumped in the furnace, all actions directed to increase its performance by upgrading of air headers connection points are extremely doubtful.

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