Thermodynamic analysis and process optimization of zinc and lead recovery from copper smelting slag with chlorination roasting

An efficient chlorination roasting process for recovering zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) from copper smelting slag was proposed. Thermodynamic models were established, illustrating that Zn and Pb in copper smelting slag can be efficiently recycled during the chlorination roasting process. By decreasing the partial pressure of the gaseous products, chlorination was promoted. The Box−Behnken design was applied to assessing the interactive effects of the process variables and optimizing the chlorination roasting process. CaCl₂ dosage and roasting temperature and time were used as variables, and metal recovery efficiencies were used as responses. When the roasting temperature was 1172 °C with a CaCl₂ addition amount of 30 wt.% and a roasting time of 100 min, the predicted optimal recovery efficiencies of Zn and Pb were 87.85% and 99.26%, respectively, and the results were validated by experiments under the same conditions. The residual Zn- and Pb-containing phases in the roasting slags were ZnFe₂O₄, Zn₂SiO₄, and PbS.