Outokumpu Research Oy

Heikki J Eerola

Timo T Talonen

Antti Roine

The invention relates to a method to be used in producing easily volatile metals from their sulfides. The method employs two closely connected furnaces, a reduction furnace and a converter, which are operated at normal pressure, so that the material transfer therebetween is arranged to be carried out continuously at normal pressure through the channels provided in between the furnaces. As a result of chemical reactions taking place in the furnaces, the hydrostatic pressure in the furnaces changes, and the circulations caused by these changes through the channels at the same time bring about recycling of the sulfide matte needed in the process from the reduction furnace to the converter and the recycling of the molten metal from the converter to the reduction furnace.

Method for producing easily volatile materials

The invention relates to a method for producing zinc, cadmium, lead and other easily volatile metals from sulfidic raw materials in a pyrometallurgical process. In the method, zinc sulfide concentrate is fed into molten copper in atmospheric conditions, at a temperature of 1,450.degree.-1,800.degree. C., so that the zinc, lead and cadmium are volatilized, and the iron and copper remain in the molten metal or in the metal sulfide matte created in the furnace.

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Ulvila, Finland

Heikki J Eerola