US EPA

1707117 

Journal Article 

Validation of the olympic dam flash furnace burner and reaction shaft model - Comparison of model with plant measurements 

Solnordal, C; Jorgensen, F; Campbell, A 

2006 

687-701 

WOS:000241815800057 

A mathematical model was developed to simulate the performance of the reaction shaft at BHP-Billiton's Olympic Dam copper flash smelter. In order to have confidence in the predictions of the mathematical model, validation was performed by comparing and reconciling the predictions from the model with the results from a campaign of sampling and plant measurements. The model was based on the computational code CFX4.4 utilizing a combustion sub-model purpose-built by CSIRO. The combustion sub-model employed the concept of a composite particle which contained the three components of the solid charge: concentrate, flux and returned dust. Plant measurements were made and samples taken immediately below the burner and through a port halfway down the reaction shaft. Parameters measured included temperature, solid loading and SO2 concentration in the gas. Comparison of the measured and predicted values then showed that: predicted far field gas temperatures were within +/- 50 degrees C of measured values; predicted temperatures in the central plume were lower than measured, and, the predicted plume width was slightly smaller than measured. An optimum composite particle size of 19 mu m was identified for use in future modeling work at Olympic Dam. 

CFD; smelting; reaction model