METHOD OF GERMANIUM EXTRACTION Russian patent published in 2010 - IPC C22B41/00 C22B5/16 

FIELD: metallurgy.

SUBSTANCE: method consists in mixing initial charge with germanium containing material, sulphidiser and reducer, in agglomerating and moistening and in a successive electro-melting with periodic charge loading over preliminary induced melt. Melt products are withdrawn from the furnace upon conditioning of melt and producing germanium containing sublimates, sulphide-metal alloy and slag. Upon melting initial charge on surface of melt slag and before its tapping initial charge is loaded into the furnace; also this charge additionally contains sulphide-metal alloy crushed and crumbled to dimension 1.0-0.4 mm before being introduced into charge and conditioned to complete melting. Notably, ashes and carry-over of germanium containing coal burning are used as germanium containing material and reducer; while flux of electric melting of these materials is introduced into charge.

EFFECT: increased extraction of germanium into sublimates and increased ratio of sublimates concentration.

2 cl, 3 tbl, 2 ex