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The operation of a metallurgical furnace requires the safe opening and closing of the furnace taphole. In this operation, the molten phase in the furnace is allowed to flow through the tap-hole for transfer to a ladle or another vessel before the tap-hole needs to be safely closed. Until now, non-ferrous tapping operations have largely been performed by an operator. Safe operations around the tap-hole require good process control of the smelting furnace, the proper tap-hole design for the required duty, and high-quality, robust tapping equipment. This paper briefly describes a new robotic tapping and plugging machine for the slag tapping operation on a large copper flash smelting furnace. The operating features and performance aspects are also summarized. Studies that indicate the applicability of this technology in operations other than slag tapping at a flash furnace are described.

This viewpoint explores the concept of “resilience” and the divergent uses of this term by those experiencing adversity, and by those observing and responding to the adversity of others.

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