Process for metal-enrichment of lead bullion
US4427629A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1982 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for metal-enrichment of lead bullion, wherein an alkali metal-desired metal intermetallic, such as sodium-antimony intermetallic, is added as a refining dross to the bullion and the desired metal is stripped from the dross and recovered as an enriched bullion. The process includes the steps of heating the lead bullion, in which the desired metal is to be recovered, to a temperature between 650.degree. F. and 900.degree. F.; agitating the molten bullion; adding said alkali metal-desired metal intermetallic to said bullion; mixing said intermetallic into said bullion; adding a stripping reagent for stripping said desired metal from said intermetallic; forming a desired metal-enriched lead bullion and a residue dross substantially void of said desired metal; and separating said enriched bullion from said residue dross. The process may also require a cleansing step to cleanse said enriched lead bullion of any said alkali metal in solution. Through the control of temperature, additions of stripping and cleansing reagents and agitation, the process provides economies of materials, energy, time and labor over conventional metal recovery processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.