DEBISMUTHISING LEAD

摘要

The invention relates to a continuous process for debismuthising lead containing one or more alkaline earth metals on alloys thereof. The process comprises the steps of continuously adding thereto a reagent selected from the group consisting of antimony, arsenic and alloys containing antimony and/or arsenic, so as to form a crust/bullion mixture. and continuously treating the crust/bullion mixture in a separation vessel having an upper liquation zone and a lower separation zone. The crust particles are caused to move upwardly in the vessel and the bullion to move downwardly in the vessel and the crust particles are separated from the bullion in the lower separation zone and entrained lead is separated from the crust particles in the upper liquation zone. Enriched crusts may be removed continuously or intermittently from the upper surface of the material in the vessel and debismuthised product lead may be withdrawn continuously from at or near the lower end of the lower separation zone.