Du Toit, J.Cromarty, Robert DouglasGarbers-Craig, Andrie Mariana2016-07-222016-07-222016-04Du Toit, J, Cromarty, RD & Garbers-Craig, AM 2016, 'Matte - tap-hole clay - refractory brick interaction in a PGM smelter', Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 116, pp. 339-342.0038-223X (print)2225-6253 (online)10.17159/2411-9717/2016/v116n4a6http://hdl.handle.net/2263/56023Paper written on project work carried out in partial fulfilment of BEng (Metallurgical Engineering)Penetration of matte into tap-hole bricks causes detrimental refractory wear, which can lead to furnace breakouts. The ability of the tap-hole clay to form a protective layer on the brick, thereby limiting matte penetration was investigated by examining the interaction between platinum group metal (PGM) matte, tap-hole clay, and alumina-chrome refractory bricks on a laboratory scale. Samples containing clay and brick as well as samples containing clay, brick, and matte were heated to different temperatures to establish the clay-brick interaction and the extent of matte penetration. The greatest degree of physical contact between the brick and clay was achieved at curing temperatures of 600°C. Poor clay-brick contact was observed in the sample that was heated to 900°C. Matte displaced the clay in the clay-brick-matte sample that was heated to 1350°C, with significant matte penetration into the brick. Less matte penetration was observed when the clay-brick-matte sample was heated to 1500°C. Less matte penetration was also observed in the claybrick- matte sample in which the clay and brick were pre-baked at 800°C, and the sample then reacted with matte at 1350°C.en© The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2016Tap-hole clayAlumina-chrome refractory bricksPGM matteReaction interfacePenetrationPlatinum group metal (PGM)Engineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-08SDG-08: Decent work and economic growthEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-13SDG-13: Climate actionArticle