GB976155A - Improvements in and relating to the electrothermal reduction of oxidised zinc ores or other zinc oxide compounds - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0976155/C6-C7/1> <PICT:0976155/C6-C7/2> In a process for reducing oxidized zinc ores or mixed oxidized ores of zinc and lead in which the charge is heated, at least in part, by the passage of an electric current therethrough, the temperature is sufficient to liquefy the non-gaseous products which are removed as the reduction proceeds. The current is preferably passed horizontally through the charge. In Fig. 1 the current is passed between electrodes 3, preferably of carbon in the form of graphite, through layer 17 of graphite, coke or other conductive material which serves to protect the electrodes from oxidizing and corrosive action of the charge, and then through the charge 1. The liquid products fall, under the action of gravity, through layer 5 of grains or fragments, through slits 6 and into sloping channel 8 from whence they are collected. Heat shields 10, Fig. 2, to prevent heat from auxiliary heating means 7 (e.g. a resistor of petroleum coke) from affecting the gaseous products (Zn and CO) which are escaping via opening 11, may extend the whole length of the furnace or may cover part only of channel 7.