Abstract: A process for the production of litharge in which molten lead is reacted with oxygen at a temperature above the melting point of litharge. According to the invention, oxygen is injected into a bath containing molten lead such that the velocity of the injected gas as it expands into the bath is at least Mach 1. In order to minimize corrosion of the reaction vessel, the walls of the vessel are preferably composed of a heat conductive material and externally cooled, whereby heat is withdrawn from the internal surface to keep the surface temperature below the melting point of litharge, and more preferably below the melting point of lead.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for absorbing zinc vapour in a molten lead is characterized in that a gas containing zinc vapour is contacted with and then separated form a flowing stream of molten lead in a cyclone.