Abstract A copper converter in which copper sulfide is burned to sulfur dioxide is operated with a tight air hood. The gaseous products from the converter contain dust, which melts or is sticky at the temperature at which the gases leave the converter. The gaseous products are mixed with a large amount of cool gases of substantially the same sulfur dioxide content to a temperature at which the dust is no longer sticky, and, if desired, a major portion of the dry dust is removed. The mixed gases are passed through a waste heat boiler which cools them down further. A major portion of the cooled mixed gases is used for the recycling with the hot gases from the converter and a small amount corresponding to the air used in the converter is vented to a plant, such as an acid plant, in which the sulfur dioxide is utilized.
A process according to claim 1 in which the volume of recycled cool gases is sufficient to bring the temperature of the mixed gases down to approximately 800*F.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 2 in which dust is removed from the mixed gases before passing through the waste heat boiler.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 1 in which dust is removed from the mixed gases before passing through the waste heat boiler.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
84 words
An apparatus for recovering the waste heat from a copper converter comprising, in combination, a converter capable of being turned to charge position, exhaust position and pour position, a waste heat boiler, a retractable hood capable of forming a tight seal to the converter in the exhaust position, an extendable conduit from the hood to the waste heat boiler and means for recycling a major portion of gases leaving the waste heat boiler to mix with the gases from the converter in the hood.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 in which a dust collector is between the conduit and the waste heat boiler.