Abstract: A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.

Abstract: A method for reducing tin in lead bullion has the steps of adding an Arrhenius base to a kettle containing lead bullion and tin, adding a byproduct of conventional detinning to the kettle, agitating contents of the kettle, and removing a layer of slag from the kettle. The disclosed method removes tin via chemical oxidation, adds lead via chemical reduction of an oxide from the byproduct of conventional detinning, and preserves most of the antimony content of the lead bullion.

Abstract: A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.

Abstract: A method for reducing tin in lead bullion has the steps of adding an Arrhenius base to a kettle containing lead bullion and tin, adding a byproduct of conventional detinning to the kettle, agitating contents of the kettle, and removing a layer of slag from the kettle. The disclosed method removes tin via chemical oxidation, adds lead via chemical reduction of an oxide from the byproduct of conventional detinning, and preserves most of the antimony content of the lead bullion.

Abstract: A method for eliminating bismuth from molten lead with calcium and magnesium, in which the addition of calcium and magnesium is made in the form of lumps two Mg—Ca alloys, one containing predominantly Mg, the other containing predominantly Ca, each having a liquidus temperature lower than 650° C., and preferably lower than 600° C. A preferred treatment utilizes a first alloy containing 12-25% Ca, close to the eutectic alloy at 16.2% by weight Ca, and a second alloy containing 60-80% Ca. The method enables rapid elimination of bismuth, and adjustment of the Ca/Mg ratio during the treatment.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for adding calcium and aluminum to molten lead to produce a lead-calcium alloy suitable for battery grids. Particles of calcium and aluminum metal or alloys thereof are fed into the interior of a tubular housing having a wall extending down into the molten lead and having a bottom opening at a relatively large depth below the lead surface and having openings in its wall at a relatively small depth below the lead surface. A rotary impeller which acts at least partially as a centrifugal impeller is positioned in the housing to cause swirling of lead carrying the particles within the housing, the shape of the housing and the nature and position of the impeller being such as to ensure that lead carrying the particles is swirled against the housing wall and recirculated within the housing before the lead leaves the housing.

Abstract: A process for using iron metal or an iron-containing sulfide reagent as a co-additive to extend the usefulness of sodium in refining crude lead bullion.

Abstract: Previously formed copper speiss in an amount of about 6.5% by weight is a co-additive which extends the usefulness of sodium in refining crude lead bullion, which has a sulfur content generally less than about 1.3% by weight.

Abstract: A process for using an iron-containing sulfide reagent and a previously formed copper speiss as joint co-additives to extend the usefulness of the sodium in refining crude bullion which has less than about 1.3 wt. % sulfur.

Abstract: A method for processing crude lead bullion using a reactive metal mixture intermediate by-product having sodium and calcium includes the steps of pouring molten crude lead bullion from a blast furnace into a casting vessel, cooling the crude lead bullion so that a crust forms on top thereof, punching a hole in the crust, injecting a reactive metal mixture intermediate by-product comprising sodium and calcium below the crust and into the crude lead bullion, and allowing the contents of the casting vessel to cool to form three equilibrium phases, including a bottom phase of refined lead bulletin, a speiss phase formed on top of the lead bullion phase and including Cu.sub.3 As and Fe.sub.2 As, and a matte phase formed on top of the speiss phase and including copper, sodium, calcium and sulfur.

Abstract: A novel alloy for use in lead refining is disclosed comprised substantially of magnesium and calcium. The preferred ratio on a weight basis of magnesium to calcium is between about 1.2:1 to about 5.2:1. A method of refining a lead bath with the novel alloy is disclosed which provides a high recovery ratio of impurities present therein.