GB408020A - Process of and apparatus for recovering non-volatile metals, from volatilisation furnace residues - Google Patents

Abstract

408,020. Extracting metals. PEARSON, A., Reigate Lodge, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent. Oct. 10, 1932, No. 28137. [Classes 72 and 82 (i).] A process for extracting metals from complex ores or other metallurgical products containing the metals mainly in the form of oxide comprises subjecting the initial material to a reduction at a temperature sufficient to reduce both the volatile and non-volatile metals and to volatilize the volatile metals, but insufficient to fuse any of the non-volatile metals and the gangue, removing the volatilized metal, and thereupon,transferring the gangue to a separate zone, where it is subjected to a further heat treatment at a temperature above the melting point of the non-volatile metals, so as to separate them by liquation. The ore, mixed with excess carbon, may be charged continuously into a rotary drum furnace A, where the volatile metals are eliminated, the residues passing through a zone C, where reducing conditions are maintained by means of burners supplied with oil, powdered fuel &c., into a furnace B for melting the non-volatile metals. The gangue may be discharged as a clinker, from which the metal may be separated magnetically, or by gravity, after crushing. If a hearth or shaft furnace is used for melting, it is necessary to melt the gangue to form a slag. Products of combustion from the furnace B and the zone C may be passed directly into the volatilization furnace A.