Recovering of high purity metallic lead from the lead salt byproduct
Based on the experience that Azor Ambiental, SA, has in the treatment of different compounds of lead and other metals, within the framework of the Remadyl project, it studies the transformation of lead from recovered PVC into lead metal for use in battery manufacturing. For this purpose, Azor has sufficient knowledge and technology, e.g. for lead analysis and development at an industrial level.
While this lead salt is obtained from PVC in the form of lead carbonate, Azor Ambiental, SA, is working with commercial lead carbonate in order to compare its behavior in the metallurgical process, at the level of performance, flux consumption and emissions to the atmosphere, compared to lead sulfate, which is the raw material commonly used for the manufacture of pure second-melt lead:
This indicates that the percentage of humidity and the percentage of sulphur (S) determine the performance of the material and the fluxes needed for the lead melting process.
Taking into account the Remadyl Lead Salt – PbCO3 that is expected to be obtained, the following aspects should be considered:
- It should not present inerts, humidity or metallic fraction, so in theory, the performance should be higher.
- This would mean fewer fluxes required and less generation of slag, which would increase the performance of the metallurgical process.
- It is important to characterize the material and analyze all components in order to adjust fluxes and metallurgical process conditions
On the other hand, the calculation of theoretical emissions of contaminants related to lead pyrometallurgy would be:
Once the Remadyl lead salt is obtained, Azor will proceed to:
- Material characterization and composition analysis (internal and external laboratory)
- Identify the impurities.
Next steps will be based on the results obtained:
- Reproduction of pyrometallurgical process on a laboratory scale.
- Determination of inputs and outputs from lead recovery process
- Emission of contaminants into the atmosphere (with a external partner collaboration)
24/05/2021
