Institute of Metallurgy of Ural Department of Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg:

E. N. Selivanov, Director,

N. I. Selmenskikh, Researcher, e-mail: selm8@mail.ru

“Uralelektromed” JSC, Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russia:

A. I. Popov, Head of Laboratory of Research Center

A. B. Lebed, Head of Research Center

There is estimated the composition of non-metallic inclusions in blister copper during its air oxidation in the conditions of “Uralelektromed” JSC. Two types of oxide inclusions are defined:
– Cu₂O and PbO – Sb₂O₅ – As₂O₅;
– selenide-tellurides in the form of Cu_xSeTeS particles, suspended in copper.
During the increasing of oxidation level of copper, the content and sizes of inclusions are decreased from 1–5 to 1–3 mm for the PbO – Sb₂O₅ – As₂O₅ oxides, and from 3 to 1 mm for selenides. Lead is a basic component in PbO – Sb₂O₅ – As₂O₅. The content of lead is not changed in oxidation process and makes up 55.3% (limiting values), while the content of Sb is increased from 24.8 to 35.2%. The contents of selenium and tellurium are increased in selenides, while the contents of sulphur are decreased by oxidation. There are calculated the rates of floating of oxide particles of Cu₂O and PbO – Sb₂O₅ – As₂O₅. In connection with low rates of floating of high density oxide particles, it is necessary to assume the additional measures for intensification of refining process (for example, mixing and filtration of melt).

This work was carried out with the support of General Committee of Ural Department of Russian Academy of Sciences (grant No. 12-3-012-UGMK (12-3-012-УГМК)).

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