Volatilization Kinetics of Zinc from the Flotation Products of Low-Grade Lead–Zinc Oxide Ore during Carbothermic Reduction

Peng Zeng, Chengyan Wang (), Minting Li, Chang Wei, Baozhong Ma, Xingbin Li, Zhigan Deng and Xuchang Wei
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Peng Zeng: School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Chengyan Wang: School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Minting Li: Faculty of Metallurgy and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Chang Wei: Faculty of Metallurgy and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Baozhong Ma: School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Xingbin Li: Faculty of Metallurgy and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Zhigan Deng: Faculty of Metallurgy and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Xuchang Wei: Faculty of Metallurgy and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: Zinc extraction from oxide ore has been paid more and more attention to due to the exhaustion of zinc sulfide ore resources. In this work, the volatilization kinetics of Zn from the flotation products of low-grade lead–zinc oxide ore during carbothermal reduction in the temperature range of 900–1300 °C were investigated. The phase transformation in briquettes during the reduction process was investigated by XRD and EPMA. The results showed that the transformation of ZnS by CaO may begin within the temperature range of 900–1050 °C, with the main occurrence observed in the range of 1050–1250 °C. The kinetics behavior of Zn volatilization was associated with the phase transformation. The volatilization of Zn was controlled by the interfacial chemical reaction within 900–1150 °C. As the reaction proceeded, the generation of the product layers (CaS, FeS and new slag phase) impeded the internal diffusion of Zn, CO and CO 2 . At this time, internal diffusion served as the rate-controlling step for Zn volatilization in the range of 1150–1300 °C. Hence, a staged kinetics model of Zn volatilization during carbothermal reduction in the form of carbon-bearing briquettes was established, and the apparent rate constants ( k ( T )) and activation energies ( E a ) were obtained. This work provides a scientific basis for the flotation products treatment by carbothermal reduction and is of great significance in improving the sustainability of resources in the zinc smelting industry.

Keywords: carbothermic reduction; Zn volatilization; phase transformation; kinetics behavior; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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