converter
Quick Summary
In metallurgy, a converter is a vessel used to refine metals, most notably in the production of steel. The basic oxygen process (BOP) is a common method where pure oxygen is blown through molten iron and scrap metal. This process rapidly oxidizes impurities, transforming the charge into steel in about 20 minutes.1
Converters are also used in copper processing. After smelting, molten matte (a mixture of copper, iron, and sulfur sulfides) is poured into a converter. Air or oxygen is blown through the molten bath to oxidize the iron and sulfur, removing them as slag and gas, respectively. This leaves behind "blister" copper, which is about 98.5-99.5% pure.2
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