Integrated Pyrorefining of Lead at Teck's Trail Operations

摘要

The Trail smelter of Teck Metals Ltd. produces about 90,000 tonnes of lead per year through two stages of refining following KTVCET smelting. Bullion from the KTVCET furnace is first treated in a pyro-refining plant in preparation for Betts electrorefining which makes 99.99% pure lead. Pyro-refining consists of number of integrated unit operations to remove primarily copper, arsenic, antimony and tin. The operation of this plant to meet the specifications for electrorefining requires attention to bullion management and selective use of reagents. The processes used for pyro-refining are reviewed in terms of chemistry and control.