Estudio de criterios de la metodología de balance metalúrgico arsénico-azufre en Fundición Chuquicamata.
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Date
2026
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Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
El presente trabajo analiza la metodología de balance de masa de arsénico y azufre aplicada en la Fundición Chuquicamata, en el contexto de los desafíos operacionales y ambientales impuestos por el Decreto Supremo N°28, que exige una eficiencia mínima de captura de 95%, aumentando al 96% en enero de 2028. El cumplimiento de esta normativa se evalúa mediante la cuantificación de las entradas y salidas de estas especies, considerando los sistemas de captación y tratamiento de gases existentes en la fundición, a partir de los cuales se determina la eficiencia global de captura.
Se estudió la distribución de estas impurezas en las principales corrientes de salida entre 2021 y 2024, destacando que la fijación de arsénico ocurre principalmente en escorias del Horno Flash, polvos captados y efluente de limpieza de gases, mientras que más del 92% del azufre es captado como ácido sulfúrico.
El análisis incluyó un estudio detallado del comportamiento del arsénico en el Horno Flash, identificando un aumento en la carga acumulada en la campaña actual debido al incremento de la ley de alimentación, pero un mejor control de la acumulación en el piso del horno respecto a la campaña anterior. Se observó además un uso desigual de las placas de sangrado de eje, lo que podría limitar la remoción eficiente de speiss.
Como resultado, se proponen medidas de mejora como la habilitación de campanas secundarias en Convertidores Peirce-Smith, implementación de un plan metrológico para flujómetros críticos, optimización de puntos de muestreo, y prácticas operativas orientadas a la hermeticidad y captura eficiente de gases. Estas acciones permitirán avanzar hacia el cumplimiento de la normativa vigente, mejorando el control de emisiones sin requerir grandes modificaciones de infraestructura.
This study analyzes the arsenic and sulfur mass balance methodology applied at Chuquicamata Smelter, in the context of operational and environmental challenges imposed by Supreme Decree No. 28, which requires a minimum capture efficiency of 95%, increasing to 96% by January 2028. Compliance with this regulation is assessed by quantifying the inputs and outputs of these species, taking into account the existing gas capture and treatment systems in the smelter, from which the overall capture efficiency is determined. The distribution of these impurities in the main output streams between 2021 and 2024 was examined, highlighting that arsenic fixation occurs mainly in Flash Furnace slags, captured dust and gas cleaning effluents, while over 92% of sulfur is captured as sulfuric acid. The analysis included a detailed study of arsenic behavior in the Flash Furnace, identifying an increasing accumulated arsenic load in the current campaign due to higher feed grade, but better control of bottom accumulation compared to the previous campaign. An uneven use of tap-out matte plates was also observed, potentially limiting efficient removal of arsenic-rich speiss. As a result, improvement measures are proposed, such as enabling secondary hoods at Peirce-Smith Converters, implementing a metrological plan for critical Flow meters, optimizing sampling points, and operational practices focused on improving tightness and gas capture efficiency. These actions will help meet regulatory requirements, improving emisión control without the need for major infrastructure modifications.
This study analyzes the arsenic and sulfur mass balance methodology applied at Chuquicamata Smelter, in the context of operational and environmental challenges imposed by Supreme Decree No. 28, which requires a minimum capture efficiency of 95%, increasing to 96% by January 2028. Compliance with this regulation is assessed by quantifying the inputs and outputs of these species, taking into account the existing gas capture and treatment systems in the smelter, from which the overall capture efficiency is determined. The distribution of these impurities in the main output streams between 2021 and 2024 was examined, highlighting that arsenic fixation occurs mainly in Flash Furnace slags, captured dust and gas cleaning effluents, while over 92% of sulfur is captured as sulfuric acid. The analysis included a detailed study of arsenic behavior in the Flash Furnace, identifying an increasing accumulated arsenic load in the current campaign due to higher feed grade, but better control of bottom accumulation compared to the previous campaign. An uneven use of tap-out matte plates was also observed, potentially limiting efficient removal of arsenic-rich speiss. As a result, improvement measures are proposed, such as enabling secondary hoods at Peirce-Smith Converters, implementing a metrological plan for critical Flow meters, optimizing sampling points, and operational practices focused on improving tightness and gas capture efficiency. These actions will help meet regulatory requirements, improving emisión control without the need for major infrastructure modifications.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero/a Civil Metalúrgico/a.
Keywords
Arsénico, Azufre, Convertidores metalúrgicos