:: Doe Run Peru gets a Tenova Pyromet First

At the end of May 2008, Tenova Pyromet was commissioned by Doe Run, Peru to design and supply a 15 meter slag launder, comprising water-cooled copper launder sections, which will convey matte and slag from the ISASMELT™ furnace to the settling furnace. The project, part of the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex (Central Andes) copper smelter modernization, is well under way: it marks the first time that the proven Tenova Pyromet slag launder design will be adapted for use with a matte/slag mixture.

One of the challenges is that matte is normally more aggressive to copper elements than slag. This is due to the increased heat load and higher fluidity of the matte. Tenova Pyromet’s launders will be modified to improve their cooling capacity and to provide additional wear resistance in areas of matte impact. The launders are set for delivery by February 2009.

Developed and manufactured in South Africa using advanced Finite Element Modeling and Computer Aided Engineering techniques, Tenova Pyromet’s slag launders are used on Anglo Platinum’s Waterval Smelter in South Africa, BCL nickel smelter in Botswana, STL’s cobalt smelter in the Democratic Republic of Congo and BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam works in Australia.

Tenova Pyromet slag launders have a proven long-life design. The first launders, installed at the Waterval Smelter, are still in service five years later. Launders that have been damaged have been repaired quickly and returned to service. The successful implementation of this first matte launder may well open doors for future projects in the copper industry, which makes constant use of this equipment.

Doe Run Peru has operated the La Oroya metallurgical complex since 1997, producing high-quality refined metals while at the same time working to operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Tenova Pyromet has extensive experience in the design and construction of smelting plants and furnaces, both in South Africa and internationally. Tenova designs and supplies advanced technologies, products and services for the metal and mining industries. Tenova operates close to its customers through a network of 30 companies based in 16 different countries.