Home

Products

Smelting equipment

Tuyere punchers

Optimised tuyere clearance solutions

On copper and nickel smelting Pierce-Smith converters, air is injected into the molten bath via submerged tuyères. The cooling effect of the air causes an accretion to form on the exit where the tuyere meets the bath. This results in less airflow leading to lower production rates. The Gaspé Tuyère Puncher effectively clears these blockages keeping the tuyeres open ensuring blowing rates are optimized.

Originating from Noranda’s Gaspé Smelter in the 1960s, the Heath & Sherwood Gaspé Tuyère Puncher mechanised a previously laborious and hazardous task, improving safety, boosting production rates, and extending refractory life leading to less downtime.  Heath & Sherwood has installed over 280 Gaspe Tuyere Punchers in almost all copper & nickel smelters operated today using the Pierce-Smith style of converting.

  • Enhances smelting efficiency by clearing tuyère blockages.
  • Originated from Noranda’s Gaspé Smelter, mechanising a hazardous task.
  • Global standard in smelters, manually operated or fully automated tuyere punching solutions.
d14672ee075fc927a71e02c0c89e344b
A few companies we’ve provided solutions for:
client_fortescue
client_billbergia
client_bhp
A solid black square with no visible details or features.
A black silhouette of a man running with a dog on a leash. The runner's left arm is bent at the elbow, and the right arm is extended forward, holding the leash. The dog appears to be in mid-stride, with its front legs stretched out and hind legs bent under its body.

Which tuyre puncher is right for you?

Answer a few simple questions and we’ll guide you to the ideal solution.
Go to questionnaire
A person in an orange and blue work uniform operates machinery to handle a large, rusty metal container in an industrial workshop with high ceilings and red curtains. Various equipment is visible in the background.
An industrial factory floor with workers operating and assembling heavy machinery. Various large equipment, tools, and materials are organized around the space. Overhead cranes and shelving units are visible. The area is well lit with high ceilings and metal beams.
A tall, modern building under construction with cranes visible on its top. The structure features a mix of exposed and completed areas with glass windows and red accents. In the background, there is a body of water, other buildings, and a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a large wastewater treatment plant surrounded by greenery. The facility consists of several circular clarifiers and rectangular sedimentation tanks. Buildings and infrastructure are spread throughout the site, with access roads running through it.
products

Our solutions

Automatic model

The Automatic Model of the Gaspé Tuyère Puncher offers advanced automation for smelting operations, streamlining the process of clearing tuyère blockages with minimal manual intervention. Designed for efficiency and safety, it ensures consistent operation, reducing downtime and increasing production rates, making it an indispensable tool in modern smelting facilities.
A blue and yellow industrial machine in a factory setting. The machine features rollers, motors, and various components, positioned on a concrete floor with industrial equipment visible in the background.

Automatic model

Semi-automatic model

The Semi-Automatic model gives flexibility of operator control, featuring both manual and automatic capabilities. The operator controls puncher movement using a remote joystick and as a tuyère is approached, the operator simply releases the joystick and the puncher automatically positions itself in front of the nearest tuyère. This blend of control allows operators to quickly and efficiently respond to changes in smelter behavior.

Semi-automatic model

Manual model

The Manual Puncher offers complete local control from the operator station integrated into the puncher itself. It is available in both electric and pneumatic models, catering to smelting operations’ varied needs. Electric models provide precise control, while pneumatic options offer durability in hazardous environments. Both enhance smelting efficiency and safety by effectively clearing tuyère blockages.
A blue industrial machine with a complex framework and yellow accents positioned inside a metal fabrication workshop. The surrounding environment includes shelves with tools and equipment, and metal beams in the background.

Manual model

What could you achieve with Consep?

Contact us to discuss how you could benefit from 30+ years of manufacturing and engineering expertise.

View capability statement
Contact us
A simple black and white pixel art image featuring various geometric shapes, including plus signs, rectangles, and square blocks, arranged in an abstract pattern on a white background.
A pixelated digital image consisting of a series of black rectangular shapes on a white background, arranged in a manner that forms a simple, stepped pattern, reminiscent of the classic video game "Space Invaders.
A simplified, pixelated representation of a smiling face with a square head, two rectangular eyes, and a rectangular mouth. The image uses a black and white color scheme, with the face outlined in black.
© 2025 Consep Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

Terms of Services

Download our Capability Statement