Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing lead oxide in a pure state from a spent paste resulting from exhausted acid batteries. The spent paste is first calcined and desulfurized, then leached by a concentrated solution comprising an alkali hydroxide at a temperature above 100.degree. C. The separated solution is contacted with a ketone resulting in a suspension from which the .alpha.-lead oxide constituent is recovered. The solutions of alkali and ketone are recycled in the process. The preferred alkali constituents are selected from sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, preferably containing also a small amount of sulfate of the respective alkali metal of the hydroxide used.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of lead from spent battery paste and lead containing materials. The process includes the steps of calcination of a spent paste treated with an alkali carbonate or hydroxide or any mixture thereof, and elemental sulphur at a temperature of up to 600.degree. C., followed by washing with water. The calcined and washed paste is dissolved in an alkali molten electrolyte, and lead is electrowinned from the alkali molten electrolyte. The spent electrolyte is reused in the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of metallic lead from exhausted lead-acid batteries. According to the invention, the metallic scrap obtained thereof is treated by a smelting operation which is carried out under a layer of a molten flux. The flux comprises alkali hydroxide and optionally also carbonate(s) and sulfate(s) of said alkali. The temperature which is maintained during the smelting is between 350.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. and most preferably in the range of between 450.degree. C. to 550.degree. C. The preferred weight ratio between the metallic scrap and the flux is between 15 to 45. Generally, the alkali flux is selected from sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and mixtures thereof. The process is characterized by a very extent of lead recovery compared with the known processes and absence of exhausted gases.