| Abstract Scope |
The tapping and plugging operations of a metal, matte or slag taphole of a non-ferrous smelting furnace has a number of common aspects from one facility to another. In simple terms, the taphole initially requires the safe opening, allowing the molten phase to flow through the taphole, and then the taphole needs to be safely closed. Until now, tapping and plugging in non-ferrous smelting operations is largely performed by an operator. Safe operations around the taphole requires proper process control of the smelting furnaces, the correct taphole design for the required duty, and high quality, robust tapping and plugging equipment. This paper describes the successful adaptation of existing MIRS robotic technology to automating the slag tapping and plugging operations at a full commercial scale on a large copper flash furnace. The development of this robotic tapping machine is described and the operating features and performance are discussed. The extension of this design to other non-ferrous tapping applications such as those for copper matte, blister copper, and other non-ferrous operations such as metal and slag in ferronickel smelting are also discussed. |