METALLURGY OF THE DIRECT SMELTING OF LEAD.

Abstract

Direct lead smelting processes fall into two general categories: those which produce a discardable slag, but at the expense of a high-sulphur lead bullion; and those which produce a low-sulphur bullion and a high-lead slag which is cleaned in a separate operation. This paper examines the chemistry of these routes, and shows that the characteristic features of each process are determined by the oxygen/sulphur ratio. This ratio dictates the lead content of the slag, the sulphur content of the bullion, the distribution of minor elements, the quantity of dust generated and, to some extent, the refractory wear. 26 refs.