Process for separating and refining impurities from lead bullion

Abstract

The Razor Process™ is a unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process. Benefits from the Razor process™ include: lower energy costs; improved working environment; reduced recycling costs; increased refining productivity; reduced cycle time and labor requirements; and production of secondary recyclable products, therefore yielding unique and immediate benefits.

1 ) A compound is added to lead bullion to react with amphoteric p-block elements to form Lewis bases. 
   
   
       2 ) Separation occurs at the liquid/liquid (or metal/slag) interface at a temperature less than 850° F. 
   
   
       3 ) The resulting Razor Process™ Slag layer, then incorporates the metal salts of amphoteric p-block elements. 
   
   
       4 ) The admixed amphoteric Lewis Acid is then reduced by the impurities removed from the lead bullion. 
   
   
       5 ) The precise stoichiometric amount of amphoteric Lewis Acid is added to preferentially remove the lighter amphoteric elements. 
   
   
       6 ) There is low potential for reversible reaction at the temperatures involved, thus allowing for process flexibility and reuse of the molten slag until the level of amphoteric p-block element impurities reaches a concentration greater than 10% in the Razor Process™ Slag melt layer. At this concentration the melt is removed and delivered to subsequent processing. 
   
   
       7 ) The entire Razor Process™ takes approximately six hours from start to finish, which is much less time than the traditional refining and separation processes, which typically takes approximately eighteen hours from start to finish.