摘要 |
A metal, especially silver, may be recovered from its alloy with lead by a method comprising injecting, into the molten alloy, an oxygen-containing gas to oxidize the lead to form lead oxide slag and removing the slag from the molten metal. The oxygen-containing gas is injected into the molten metal through an elongate consumable lance which extends lengthwise of itself from the interior to the exterior of the furnace and which is capable of being fed lengthwise from the exterior to the interior of the furnace through the guide tube as the lance is consumed in the furnace. The lance comprises a first elongate tube for the oxygen-containing gas and a second elongate tube located annularly about the first tube, for a coolant gas. A gas is also injected through the guide tube into the furnace to seal the lance. Also disclosed is a furnace suitable for use in the method.
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