METHOD OF PREPARING VOLATILE METALS SUCH AS ZINC, LEAD, AND CADMIUM FROM SULFIDE RAW MATERIAL Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: pyrometallurgical processes. SUBSTANCE: zinc sulfide concentrate is fed into copper smelt at 1450- 1800 C and atmosphere pressure. Under such conditions, zinc, lead, and cadmium are vaporized, whereas iron and copper remain in fusion or in metal sulfide matte formed in furnace. As reducing furnace, electric one is used. Sulfide raw stuff is introduced into copper smelt with gas carrier. Copper smelt is purified by blown in inert gas. Sulfide matte, prior to be loaded into oxidation reactor, is purified by inert gas. As gas carrier, nitrogen is used. Vaporized zinc and other metals are transferred into condensation or distillation reactor. Before introducing vaporized metals into distillation reactor, metal smelt containing zinc and/or lead is injected into gas phase containing metal vapors. From reduction furnace, sulfide matte in amount stoichiometric in respect to sulfide raw stuff is removed and loaded into oxidation reactor. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency of process. 11 cl, 2 dwg