GB1344076A - Production of metal sulphides - Google Patents

Abstract

1344076 Producing sulphides LAPORTE INDUSTRIES Ltd 20 April 1971 [23 April 1970] 19668/70 Headings C1A and C1N An oxidic metal-containing material is sulphided by reaction with a gaseous mixture formed by reduction of S02 with a carbonaceous reducing agent. Reduction may be effected at 700-1200‹ C. using crushed coke, charcoal or coal, which give a mixture of CS 2 , CO 2 , CO, and S- or with hydrocarbon gases, which give H 2 S, H 2 and H 2 O. The SO 2 may be diluted with N 2 . Sulphiding may be effected at 400-1200‹ C., and a little air may be added to prevent overreduction of the metal. The reactions may be carried out in two adjacent fluidized bed reactors, continuously rabbled multiple hearth furnaces, or tubular reactors. The waste gases may be burnt to provide heat for either of the reactions. In examples the following reactions were performed: (1) selective sulphidization of Fe in ilmenite to form FeS which was leached out with acid; (2) NiO to NiS; (3) garnierite (Ni silicate) to #-NiS; (4) SnO 2 to SnS + Sn 2 S 3 , some sulphide being volatilized and condensed as SnS 2 ; (5) CuO to Cu 2 S; (6) oxidized Cu silicate ore to Cu 2 S which was leached with alkali metal cyanide solution; (7) calamine ore (ZnCO 3 ) to ZnS; and (8) oxidized Pb ore (PbCO 3 ) to PbS.