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The application of S−2→S+6 chemistry to the refining of copper

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Abstract

It has been demonstrated that the ancient process of chloridizing roasting functions as a reduction process for copper oxide when carried out in a closed condensed system. Thermodynamic data are tabulated to show that this reduction process is highly selective for copper; thus it is potentially useful as a copper refining process. The results of brief experimental programs are reported for eight different systems in which metal sulfides or sulfur interact with copper (or copper plus impurity) oxides and an alkali chloride to yield either copper metal or a reduced oxide. Experiments directed toward understanding the role of impurities in the reactions indicate that they tend to concentrate in the alkali sulfate oxidation product of the reactions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Copper Range Company, Natick, Mass

    Robert E. Cech (Consultant)

  2. General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y.

    Charles M. McFarland (Liaison Scientist)

Authors
  1. Robert E. Cech
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  2. Charles M. McFarland
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Formerly with the General Electric Company, Research and Development Center

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Cech, R.E., McFarland, C.M. The application of S−2→S+6 chemistry to the refining of copper. Metall Trans 2, 221–227 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02662661

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02662661

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