Verkhnyaya Pyshma (Sverdlovsk Region)
In the copper-smelting shop of Uralelectromed JSC (an enterprise of the UMMC metallurgical complex), a new reflective furnace was put into operation for the production of copper granules, which are used at the initial stage of obtaining copper sulfate. It processes 25 tons of raw materials per melting, which is 5 tons more than the previous unit. In total, the new furnace will produce about 16 thousand tons of products per year.
“This will allow us to increase the production of copper sulfate used in feed additives,” said Vladimir Ivonin, head of the vitriol shop of Uralelectromed JSC.
The technology for producing copper granules and copper sulfate was developed by the employees of Uralelectromed JSC and patented. The molten copper purified from impurities is broken into several jets and fed into water. Copper granules are obtained in contact with air-water flows. From the copper-smelting shop, they go to the vitriol shop, where they are loaded into column-type apparatus. Copper granules, mixing with electrolyte solution, neutralize sulfuric acid. As a result, after a series of operations, copper sulfate is obtained at the exit. Finished products are delivered to an automatic packaging complex made in Germany.
Copper sulfate has been produced at Uralelectromed in Verkhnyaya Pyshma since 1939. During this time, about 1.5 million tons of products were produced. Copper sulphate is exported to more than 15 countries around the world. Taking into account the great demand, the enterprise has mastered the production of high-purity and finely dispersed vitriol with a fraction of less than 0.63 mm.
The quality of vitriol produced by Uralelectromed, its environmental and hygienic safety comply with the legal norms of the European Union. This is confirmed by the certificate of the European Association for the Management of the Quality of Food Additives and Feed (FAMI-QS). In addition, copper sulfate meets the requirements of the European REACH Regulation.
Copper sulphate is widely used in agriculture, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, chemical and paint and varnish industries, food industry, and during construction and repair work. In particular, vitriol is used for feeding and fertilizing plants, as an additive for the production of animal feed. Copper sulfate prevents diseases of birds and livestock, its deficiency causes severe metabolic disorders in animals.
