Fuel Consumption Dependence on a Share of Reduction Processes in Imperial Smelting Furnace

The paper shows the use of novel modelling techniques adapted from ironmaking in the pyrometallurgical process of zinc production. Firstly, regarding the purpose to determine the boundary conditions of reduction processes taking part in the working volume of an Imperial Smelting Furnace (ISF), a deep thermochemical analysis was conducted. On this basis and using Ramm’s principles of direct and indirect reduction optimal share, the fuel rate minimization model was built. The model’s leading role is minimizing coke consumption in the ISF while maintaining the thermal state of the furnace at the correct level. In addition, the proposed presentation of the ISF thermal state shows in a unified way all the shortcomings in the correct process operation. Verification in real conditions on the ISF in Miasteczko Śląskie shows that model implementation can bring tangible benefits. Coke savings can reach over 30 kg per tonne of raw zinc.