Finnish industrial machinery company Metso has launched the compact fourth generation, heavy-duty Outotec Kaldo L Furnace, which is ideally suited for the melting, reducing and converting of various primary and secondary raw materials, such as concentrates, copper scrap, anode slimes and e-waste.

The top blown rotary converter (TBRC) Kaldo L furnace features smooth movement with improved process control for flexible processing and the optimal recovery of metals.

It is also equipped with advanced charging and off-gas systems, enabling a compact plant layout and high operational flexibility.

The technology is part of Metso’s Planet Positive offering, which highlights offerings that contribute to a more sustainable environment.

“. . . the upgraded Kaldo L Furnace . . . will benefit our customers through an increased recovery of metals and longer equipment lifetime with efficient materials handling in a compact process,” explains Metso non-ferrous and smelting recycling director Jonny Eliasson.

The Kaldo L Furnace system is fully encapsulated by a furnace casing, facilitating ventilation of the entire section, including the ladle car, below the furnace, preventing stray emissions for a safer work environment.

The processes of smelting, reducing and converting can be performed in a single vessel.

The furnace is also equipped with an advanced hydraulic system, enabling smooth and safe control of any movement.

The processes of heating and converting are performed with the introduction of water-cooled lances mounted in lance wagons with an hydraulic drive, and the furnace can also be fitted with multipurpose utility lances for temperature control and refractory wear measurement.

The cooling system of the Kaldo L Furnace is equipped with a safety system to prevent any water leakages into the vessels.

Should there be a system malfunction, an internal energy accumulator will automatically move lances out from the vessel and allow a tilting of the vessel to empty the melt into ladles.

Material is introduced to the vessel by one of several systems, depending on the process.

Process control from an operator panel and control room with an adviser system is possible to assist the operator.