Recent University Research, Implementation and Education in Support of Pyrometallurgical Lead Processing

Abstract

The increasing chemical complexity of lead process streams encountered in industrial high temperature processing operations, as the result of declining primary resources, increased metal recycling and increased overall range of metals in modern devices has highlighted the urgent need for new predictive tools, fundamental phase equilibria and thermodynamic information and thermodynamic models to characterise the chemical behaviour of these systems. The paper examines recent progress in experimental and thermodynamic modelling research on process fundamentals, the availability of advanced, predictive computer-based tools and the implementation of the research outcomes into industrial practice. A wide range of chemical systems and phase assemblages have been studied. Some examples are taken from the current research program at PYROSEARCH, which involves the characterisation of multi-component, multi-phase gas-slag-matte-speiss-metal-solids systems with the PbO-ZnO-“Cu2O”-FeO-Fe2O3-CaO-Al2O3-MgO-SiO2-S as major and As-Sn-Sb-Bi-Ag-Au-Ni-Co-Cr-Na as minor elements with focus on systems directly relevant to lead primary and recycling pyrometallurgical processes. Examples of the application of advanced analytical techniques to fundamental and applied industrial research are also given. The implementation of new research outcomes into industrial practice depends critically on commitments by research staff as well as industry management and the availability of well-trained metallurgical engineers. We examine the current status of research implementation, university research, metallurgical engineering education and the availability of suitable educational pathways and initiatives that can be taken to increase undergraduate enrolments. Active engagement and support by industry is critical in ensuring the continuation of academic programs and advanced technical skills required by the industry.