Chair of Non-Ferrous Metals and Gold, National University of Science and Technology “MISiS”, Moscow, Russia:

M. I. Kotykhov, Post-Graduate Student, e-mail: kotykhov.m@gmail.com
A. N. Fedorov, Professor
S. L. Lukavyy, Assistant
R. P. Khabiev, Senior Lecturer

Using both traditional “agglomeration – mine smelting” technology and modern autogenous processes, processing of low-grade coppercontaining lead concentrates is connected with formation of polymetallic matte, which complicates the technology of smelting of lead bullion and reduces the technical and economic performance. The final stage of processing of lead sulfide raw materials in Vanyukov furnace is a reductive treatment of high-lead slag, which is delivered from oxidation area of furnace with transformation of copper into crude metal. This reductive treatment is carried out with intensive bubbling of bath. Experiments were carried out in order to study the distribution of copper between lead and slag in process of reduction treatment in Vanyukov furnace. Laboratory studies were carried out, using double crucible method in controlled atmosphere with fixed oxygen potential. On the basis of experimental data, there were defined the distribution coefficients between the copper-lead alloy and slag (L_Cu), containing 19–24% of CaO, 30–35% of SiO₂, 40–45% of FeO and up to 2% of PbO in the temperature range of 1200–1300 ^oC. Investigations have determined the distribution coefficients of copper between lead bullion and slag in equilibrium conditions for different compositions of slag and temperature. There were also defined the regularities, which determine the behavior of copper in reduction smelting of lead materials. Identified data of copper distribution is necessary for development of technology of melting of copper-containing low-grade lead concentrates in Vanyukov process and can be useful for bubbling processes of other types.

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