Chlorination of Chalcopyrite Concentrates

The chlorination behaviors of two chalcopyrite concentrates and their pure constituents in Cl2 + N2 were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in nonisothermal conditions up to 1000 °C. The effect of temperature on the reaction of chlorine with both concentrates was studied between 170 °C and 300 °C under isothermal conditions. The effects of gas flow rate, chlorine content of the gas mixture, and reaction time on the reaction rate were also investigated. The reaction products were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that the kinetics of chlorination of chalcopyrite concentrates generating chlorides of Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, and S was rapid at about 300 °C. The iron and sulfur chlorides were volatilized, leading to a residue containing valuable metal chlorides.