High thermal efficiency matte indentation plate with axial flow

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for the evacuation of matte in furnaces for smelting copper concentrates or other metals, which overcomes the thermal and mechanical limitations of existing discharge plates. The device comprises a main body (1) manufactured from copper using additive manufacturing (3D printing), a stainless steel support plate (2), and a refractory piece (3). Its distinctive feature is a cooling system with axial flow countercurrent to the matte, which circulates through extended surfaces (7) uniformly distributed by means of flow distributors (6) and a separator (5).This design increases the heat transfer area by 62% and, according to numerical calculations, reduces the average plate temperature by 89% and mechanical deformations by 97% compared to conventional plates, also allowing its operation with ionic liquids as a coolant, eliminating the risk of explosions from contact with molten metal.