A copper smelter treats a blend of concentrates whose major gangue is silica. the smelter is very sensitive to the presence of NaO2 and Al2O3 in the concentrate feed stock. Explain the reason for this sensitivity?
Na2O acts as fluxing agent in the melting process of SiO2. So, in presence of Na2O the melting temperature of the SiO2 will decrease. That's why the presence of Na2O will affect the smelting of SiO2.
On the other hand, Al2O3 may form mullite phase (3Al2O3 . 2SiO2 ). The melting temperature of mullite is very high. Besides, the melting of SiO2. Al2O3 phase shows anomalous behaviour through the whole concentration range ( you can see Silica alumina phase diagram ).
A copper smelter treats a blend of concentrates whose major gangue is silica. the smelter is...