Abstract
The Mitsubishi process for the continuous smelting and converting of copper holds many advantages over conventional processes, where reactions must be conducted in numerous steps and melts must be tapped frequently from the furnaces. The furnaces operate like steady-state reactors with constant melt volume, composition, and temperature. Therefore, optimal control of the process is straightforward, with one operator controlling smelting and converting simultaneously. Recent improvements in temperature control by using newly developed sensors have extended furnace campaign life, and enhanced control over melt compositions has helped further stabilize operations. Applications of the environmentally clean smelting technology are increasing internationally.
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Moto Goto earned his Dr. Eng. in metallurgical engineering at Tokyo University in 1984. He is currently senior managing director at Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Dr. Goto is also a member of TMS.
Eiki Oshima earned his M.S. in metallurgical engineering at Tohoku University in 1968. He is currently general manager of the Naoshima smelter at Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Mr. Oshima is also a member of TMS.
Mineo Hayashi earned his M.S. in metallurgical engineering at Tohoku University in 1971. He is currently general manager of the process and technology department, International Copper Project Division, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Mr. Hayashi is also a member of TMS.
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Goto, M., Oshima, E. & Hayashi, M. Control aspects of the mitsubishi continuous process. JOM 50, 60–64 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-998-0271-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-998-0271-0