RF THERMAL PLASMA TREATMENT OF A FLUE DUST FROM THE SIEMENS-MARTIN PROCESS

Abstract

Recovery of iron, zinc and lead from a flue dust of 31.1% Fe, 17.4% Zn and 7.7% Pb content has been studied in an RF thermal plasma reactor under reducing conditions. Thermodynamic calculations based on the minimisation of Gibbs free enthalpy were made to estimate the product composition. Effects of the plate power of the RF generator and feed rate of powder on the chemical, surface, phase compositions and morphology of products have been investigated in details. It has been proved that the RF thermal plasma treatment makes it possible to recover a considerable part of zinc and lead from the particular dust on the one hand, and a product of increased iron content can be produced on the other hand.