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All
copper and nickel smelting vessels require airflow to maintain the
oxidation process. Air
is blown into the liquid metal bath using
submerged pipes or tuyeres. The
air injected through the pipes produces a chilling effect that
causes the molten bath to freeze inside the tuyere pipes, decreasing the
airflow rate and also lowering the rate of production. To date, the best
method for clearing the tuyere pipes has
been through the use of the Gasp Machine. This machine is mounted
on rails beside the vessel and is used to clear the tuyere from
blockages or accretions. The name Gasp is derived from Noranda's
Gasp Smelter where this technology was developed. This development
was done in an effort to automate a hard task where the operators were
forced to work in a noisy, dirty and dangerous environment.
Heath
& Sherwood obtained the license to commercialize the product and
today -the Gasp Machine- has been accepted as standard equipment in more
than 150 copper and nickel smelters around the world. The Gasp has
continuously evolved, and the following footage will show the latest
model of the gasp machine at work. To
be considered...
These
benefits include extended campaign life, increased blowing capacity,
enhanced process uniformity and improved working conditions. | 
