Project leader Trevor Lebel (right) and technologist Ashley Lamey (left) adjust the gas flow and monitor the pressure sensors on the drop tower during a test. Courtesy of Kingston Process Metallurgy

An optical probe for non-ferrous process metallurgy is being developed by a team of Canadian, German, and Chilean scientists and engineers to monitor the flame during flash smelting of copper concentrate. The probe is designed to withstand the hot, dusty conditions in a flash furnace to provide instantaneous feedback and alert operators when intervention is required to maintain steady combustion. This enables the efficient use of energy and material inputs, environmental compliance and desired composition of end products.