Authors: D. Tisdale, D. Briand, R. Sriram, R. McMeekin
Abstract
The Falconbridge nickel smelter operated two 9 by 30 m electric furnaces from 1978 to 1994 without a major rebuild. In July 1994, No. 2 furnace was upgraded and rebricked to accommodate double the previous calcine treatment rate. No. 1 furnace was subsequently shut down. Rebricking included replacement of all side wall and end wall brick, with the roof and hearth remaining in place. Details of refractory cooling design are presented in this paper. Milestones of the rebuild schedule are outlined, including cool-down, excavation, evaluation of the hearth, and reheat schedule. Results during the first year of 0peration at higher capacity are discussed.
