Modern Copper Smelting / being lectures delivered at Birmingham University, greatly extended and adapted and with and introduction on the history, uses and properties of copper.

by Donald M. Levy

Fig. 25.—Skimming Reverberatory Furnace, Anaconda.

Fig. 26.—Transverse Section of Modern Reverberatory Furnace,
Anaconda, indicating Foundations, Hearth, and Bracing.

(a) Because the hearth must be kept as hot as possible, so as to ensure rapid melting of the charge and maintain the products in a perfectly fluid condition. Any circumstance tending to cool the hearth is rigorously avoided, this being the contrary of the older practice. The protective influence of the heated matte-pool in modern work preserves the bed from the corroding effects of fresh oxidised charges, and in consequence, the maximum degree of heat can with safety be maintained on the furnace hearth.

(b) The enormous weight of charge and the heavy arch and walls demand the strongest possible foundations and support.

Fig. 27.—Reverberatory Furnace under Construction.