Thermodynamic Simulation and Laboratory-Scale Experiments of Tin Smelting at Al2O3 Saturation
Afif Nur Iksan1, Kopdi Saragih2, Imam Santoso1
1Metallurgical Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung 40132, Indonesia.
ACS Omega
|December 16, 2024
Summary
Alumina-based refractories show promise in tin smelting, but slag interactions degrade them. This study investigated alumina solubility in tin slag, finding it depends on slag composition and temperature, crucial for improving refractory performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Metallurgy
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Refractory corrosion is a major challenge in smelting operations.
- Alumina-based refractories are potential alternatives to magnesia refractories in nonferrous smelting.
- Limited research exists on alumina refractories in tin smelting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate slag-refractory interactions in tin smelting at Al2O3 saturation.
- To understand the solubility of Al2O3 in synthetic tin slag.
- To evaluate the influence of slag composition on refractory degradation.
Main Methods:
- Thermodynamic simulations using FactSage 8.2.
- Laboratory-scale experiments with synthetic SnO-FeO-CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 slag at 1300 °C.
- Varied Fe/SiO2 and CaO/SiO2 ratios, and Sn content in slag.
Main Results:
- Al2O3 solubility is influenced by temperature, Fe/SiO2, and CaO/SiO2 ratios.
- Sn content in slag/metal ratio is mainly affected by oxidation conditions.
- Al2O3 solubility initially increased then decreased with Fe/SiO2 and CaO/SiO2 ratios, forming new phases like hercynite spinel and melilite.
- Lowering Sn content in slag increased Al2O3 solubility.
Conclusions:
- Slag composition significantly impacts alumina-based refractory performance in tin smelting.
- Optimizing Fe/SiO2, CaO/SiO2, and Sn content can mitigate refractory degradation.
- Further research can lead to more durable refractories for tin smelting applications.
