Re-fin′ing-hearth.
The copper-refining hearth has a hemispherical crucible of about 16 inches diameter, and lined with a puddle of 2 parts charcoal, 1 part clay.
It is partly surrounded by a raised border, the open portion of which has a door to prevent the escape of the fuel.
The lining is renewed before each operation, and is burnt on by a fire ignited in the crucible before charging with the fresh charcoal and pieces of black copper.
The blast being let on and the copper fused, metal and fuel are added from time to time, the scoriae being let off by a side-channel.
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Copper-refining hearth. |
Sulphurous acid escapes and other volatile ingredients, if present.
When the operation is complete the workman stops the blast, throws water on the hearth, rakes back the scoriae with his
rabble, and throws water on the metal, which congeals a thick film on the surface; this is of a red color, and is known as a
rosette, the metal being
rose-copper, and obtained by successive
quenching and removal of the
rosettes.
A farther refining, to reduce the suboxide of copper and obtain malleable metal, is conducted in a crucible covered with small charcoal and placed in a hearth similar to the foregoing.
[
1908]