Chapter 7: Problem 9

What is pyrometallurgical process? Discuss in detail.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Pyrometallurgy is a branch of extractive metallurgy involving high-temperature processes where chemical reactions take place to extract metals from their ores. It's divided into three main stages: roasting, where the ore is heated in open air to remove impurities; smelting, in which the ore is reacted with a reducing agent to convert it into its pure form; and refining, where further treatment is applied to purify the metal.

Step by step solution

Definition of Pyrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy is a branch of extractive metallurgy. It involves high-temperature processes where chemical reactions take place among gases, solids, and molten materials to extract metals from their ores.

Explanation of Roasting

Roasting is the first stage in pyrometallurgy. In this step, the ore is heated in the open air to cause the sulfur, arsenic, and antimony to vaporize, separating them from the metallic ore. This process oxidizes the ore, and the resulted oxide is then reduced in the next stage.

Explanation of Smelting

Smelting is the second stage. It involves the reaction of the material at high temperature with a reducing agent like carbon to be converted into its pure form. The resulted pure form of the material is known as a 'matte'.

Explanation of Refining

Refining is the final stage of pyrometallurgy. The 'matte' is further treated to purify the metal. This may include more oxidation and reduction processes, electrorefining or treatment with other chemicals.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What is pyrometallurgical process? Discuss in detail.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Pyrometallurgy

Explanation of Roasting

Explanation of Smelting

Explanation of Refining

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Physical Chemistry

Chemistry Branches

Chemical Reactions

Making Measurements

The Earths Atmosphere

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.