Thermodynamic modelling of copper-containing slags

Copper smelting and converting takes place over a wide range of chemistries and process conditions. Of particular interest in describing these systems are the phase equilibria of silicate-based slags as a function of bulk composition, temperature and gas conditions. The existing chemical thermodynamic databases for these systems still, however, require improvement to be able to accurately predict the phase assemblages present and their compositions. The aim of the present study is to optimize the slag solution database ('Cu2O'-SiO2- CaO-FeO-Fe2O3-Al2O3-MgO). This is to be undertaken through: (a) a critical review of existing thermodynamic data; and (b) optimization of FactSage oxide databases with particular focus on Cu-containing systems. The methodology for the optimization involves assessment of thermodynamic properties of pure copper oxide and stoichiometric compounds, and then optimising the parameters in the solution models