A method and apparatus for condensing and collecting zinc vapor

Abstract

The application discloses a zinc vapor condensation and collection method and device, wherein the device comprises a fan, a graphite pipe, a condensation pipe, a zinc collector, a zinc crystallizer and the like. The air inlet of the graphite pipe is connected with the air outlet of a dezincing reactor and the air outlet of the fan, the graphite pipe is wrapped with refractory insulating bricks outside, a thermocouple is arranged in the graphite pipe, the air outlet of the graphite pipe is connected with the condensation pipe, the condensation pipe is vertically installed, cooling water pipes are arranged in the inside and the outer wall of the condensation pipe, the zinc collector is connected with the condensation pipe below, a partition plate is arranged in the zinc collector, and the zinc collector is connected with the zinc crystallizer through a liquid outlet groove. The application solves the problems of the traditional splash type condenser, such as large volume, complex structure, narrow application range and high energy consumption, and has the advantages of small land occupation, simple structure, low energy consumption, high zinc vapor condensation and recovery efficiency, strong universality, important technical significance and market adaptability for dezincing of zinc ore, zinc slag and zinc-containing dust and sludge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of zinc removal from solid waste and comprehensive utilization of metallurgical solid waste, and in particular to a zinc vapor condensation and collection device. Background Technology

[0002] In the pyrometallurgical extraction of zinc metal from zinc ore, zinc slag, and solid waste, zinc metal is typically separated and recovered through medium-to-high temperature reduction, gas evaporation, and condensation. This is because metallic zinc has a relatively low boiling point, with a melting point of 420℃ and a boiling point of 907℃. The condensation of zinc vapor significantly impacts zinc recovery. Traditional splash condensers are not only bulky, complex in structure, inefficient, and have limited applicability, but also consume substantial amounts of energy during operation. Therefore, developing a zinc vapor condensation and collection device that is compact, simple in structure, highly efficient in condensation collection, and widely applicable is of significant technical importance and market adaptability for zinc ore, zinc slag, and zinc-containing dust and sludge dezincification. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the technical problem of high energy consumption in existing splash condensers, the present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a zinc vapor condensation and collection method and apparatus. This apparatus is small in size, simple in structure, and low in energy consumption, and can achieve efficient condensation of zinc vapor, thereby improving the zinc recovery rate in ore zinc smelting and solid waste. It has wider applicability in the fields of pyrometallurgical zinc smelting and dezincification.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A zinc vapor condensation and collection device comprises a graphite tube, a condenser tube, a fan, a cooling tower, a zinc collector, a zinc crystallizer, a thermocouple, and connecting and control components such as a gas guide pipe, a tee pipe, a sealing device, a flange joint, and valves. It is connected to the outside air through the fan inlet; the graphite tube inlet is connected to the outlet of the zinc removal reactor and the fan outlet via the gas guide pipe; a thermocouple is installed at the graphite tube outlet; the graphite tube outlet is connected to the condenser tube inlet via the gas guide pipe; the condenser tube is connected to a first cooling tower; the condenser tube outlet is connected to the zinc collector and an exhaust pipe via the gas guide pipe and a tee pipe, respectively; the zinc collector is connected to the zinc crystallizer via a liquid outlet tank; and the zinc crystallizer is connected to a second cooling tower.

[0006] Preferably, the graphite tube is made of high-temperature resistant graphite, withstanding temperatures of not less than 2000℃, and the graphite tube is wrapped with a layer of refractory and heat-insulating bricks.

[0007] Preferably, the amount of air blown into the graphite tube by the blower is controlled by a corresponding valve.

[0008] Preferably, the condenser tube is installed vertically above the zinc collector, so that the collected zinc droplets fall vertically into the zinc collector.

[0009] Preferably, the cooling water delivered from the cooling tower passes through the condenser pipes from bottom to top, both inside and outside the pipes, increasing the contact area between the zinc-containing flue gas and the condenser pipe wall, thereby improving the condensation effect.

[0010] A method for collecting zinc vapor by condensation, utilizing the zinc vapor condensation and collection device described in this invention, comprises the following steps:

[0011] High-temperature zinc-containing flue gas (not lower than 900°C) generated by the zinc removal reactor is introduced into a graphite tube through a gas guide pipe. It mixes with air entering the graphite tube from the blower outlet. The CO in the zinc-containing flue gas contacts and burns with the O2 in the air, resulting in the following reaction:

[0012] 2CO + O2 = 2CO2

[0013] The reaction releases a large amount of heat, raising the temperature of the zinc-containing flue gas inside the graphite tube to no less than 1000℃. The heated zinc-containing flue gas is discharged from the outlet of the graphite tube and enters the inlet of the condenser tube through the gas guide pipe. The temperature inside the condenser tube is no higher than 600℃, and the cooling water in the condenser tube is supplied by the first cooling water tower. The zinc vapor in the zinc-containing flue gas condenses inside the condenser tube, and zinc droplets and dezincification flue gas are discharged from the outlet of the condenser tube. The dezincification flue gas is discharged from the exhaust pipe through a three-way pipe, and the zinc droplets fall into the zinc collector through the three-way pipe. The zinc liquid in the zinc collector enters the zinc crystallizer through the liquid outlet tank. After the zinc liquid solidifies in the zinc crystallizer, zinc ingots are obtained.

[0014] Preferably, a thermocouple is installed at the air outlet of the graphite tube to monitor the temperature inside the graphite tube at any time, so as to select and control the air volume of the blower.

[0015] Preferably, the zinc collector is equipped with a zinc liquid baffle to prevent impurities on the surface of the zinc liquid from entering the zinc crystallizer.

[0016] Preferably, a crystallizer baffle is provided above the zinc crystallizer to prevent molten zinc from splashing.

[0017] Preferably, the zinc crystallizer shell is supplied with cooling water by a second external cooling water tower. The cooling water flows from bottom to top around the zinc crystallizer shell, allowing the zinc liquid to solidify inside the crystallizer.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following obvious and prominent substantive features and significant advantages:

[0019] 1. This invention heats zinc vapor to at least 1100°C before it enters the condenser, reducing condensation losses of zinc vapor in the pipe and improving zinc recovery efficiency;

[0020] 2. This invention causes zinc vapor to condense into zinc droplets and fall vertically into a zinc collector, reducing the amount of zinc droplets accumulated in the pipe;

[0021] 3. This invention significantly reduces energy consumption in the zinc vapor condensation and collection process;

[0022] 4. This invention traps impurities within the zinc collector, significantly reducing the impurity content of zinc ingots in the crystallizer.

[0023] 5. The device of the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, has good versatility, and can be widely used for the collection and treatment of metal vapor. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the zinc collector and zinc crystallizer structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1-Fan; 11-Fan inlet; 12-Fan outlet; 2-Graphite tube; 21-Graphite tube inlet; 22-Graphite tube outlet; 3-Zinc removal reactor outlet; 4-Thermocouple; 5-Condenser; 51-Condenser inlet; 52-Condenser outlet; 6-First cooling tower; 7-Zinc collector; 8-Zinc crystallizer; 9-Second cooling tower. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] The above solution will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below:

[0033] Example 1

[0034] In this embodiment, a zinc vapor condensation and collection device comprises a graphite tube 2, a condenser tube 5, a fan 1, cooling towers 6 and 9, a zinc collector 7, a zinc crystallizer 8, a thermocouple 4, and air guide pipes, tee pipes, sealing devices, flange joints, and valves as connecting components and control components. It is connected to the outside air through the fan inlet 11; the graphite tube inlet 21 is connected to the zinc removal reactor outlet 3 and the fan outlet 12 via the air guide pipe; a thermocouple 4 is installed at the graphite tube outlet 22; the graphite tube outlet 22 is connected to the condenser tube inlet 51 via the air guide pipe; the condenser tube 5 is connected to the first cooling tower 6; the condenser tube outlet 52 is connected to the zinc collector 7 and the exhaust pipe via the air guide pipe and the tee pipe, respectively; the zinc collector 7 is connected to the zinc crystallizer 8 via a liquid outlet tank; and the zinc crystallizer 8 is connected to the second cooling tower 9.

[0035] The zinc vapor condensation and collection device in this embodiment is small in size, simple in structure, and low in energy consumption. It can achieve efficient condensation of zinc vapor, improve the recovery rate of zinc in ore zinc smelting and solid waste, and has wider applicability in the fields of pyrometallurgical zinc smelting and dezincification.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that:

[0038] In this embodiment, the graphite tube 2 is made of high-temperature resistant graphite and can withstand temperatures of not less than 2000°C. The graphite tube 2 is wrapped with a layer of refractory and heat-insulating brick.

[0039] In this embodiment, the air volume from the blower 1 into the graphite tube 2 is controlled by a corresponding valve.

[0040] In this embodiment, the condenser tube 5 is installed vertically above the zinc collector 7, so that the collected zinc droplets fall vertically into the zinc collector 7.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cooling water delivered from the first cooling tower 6 passes through the condenser pipe 5 from bottom to top, both inside and outside the pipe, thereby increasing the contact area between the zinc-containing flue gas and the wall of the condenser pipe 5 and improving the condensation effect.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gas duct, tee pipe, and related equipment are sealed together via flange joints. The gas duct, tee pipe, and related gas and liquid flow pipes are wrapped with thermal insulation material.

[0043] In this embodiment, the condenser tube is supplied with cooling water from an external cooling tower. The cooling water flows from bottom to top through both the inside and outside of the condenser tube, achieving non-contact condensation of zinc vapor inside the tube. Similarly, the zinc crystallizer shell is supplied with cooling water from another external cooling tower. The cooling water flows from bottom to top around the zinc crystallizer shell, achieving solidification of the molten zinc inside the crystallizer.

[0044] This embodiment condenses zinc vapor into zinc droplets, which then fall vertically into the zinc collector, reducing the amount of zinc droplets accumulated in the pipe. This embodiment also significantly reduces energy consumption during the zinc vapor condensation and collection process. Furthermore, this embodiment traps impurities within the zinc collector, significantly reducing the impurity content of the zinc ingots in the crystallizer.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] This embodiment is basically the same as the above embodiments, except that:

[0047] In this embodiment, a zinc vapor condensation and collection method is provided, utilizing the zinc vapor condensation and collection device described in the above embodiment. The steps of the zinc vapor condensation and collection method are as follows:

[0048] The high-temperature zinc-containing flue gas (not less than 700°C) generated by the zinc removal reactor enters the graphite tube 2 through the gas guide pipe, where it mixes with the air entering the graphite tube 2 from the blower outlet 12. The CO in the zinc-containing flue gas comes into contact with and burns the O2 in the air, resulting in the following reaction:

[0049] 2CO + O2 = 2CO2

[0050] The reaction releases a large amount of heat, causing the temperature of the zinc-containing flue gas inside the graphite tube 2 to rise to no less than 1000℃. The heated zinc-containing flue gas is discharged from the outlet 22 of the graphite tube and enters the inlet 51 of the condenser tube through the gas guide pipe. The temperature inside the condenser tube 5 is no less than 600℃, and the cooling water in the condenser tube 5 is supplied by the first cooling water tower 6. The zinc vapor in the zinc-containing flue gas is condensed in the condenser tube 5, and zinc droplets and dezincification flue gas are discharged from the outlet 52 of the condenser tube. The dezincification flue gas is discharged from the tail gas pipe through the three-way pipe, and the zinc droplets fall into the zinc collector 7 through the three-way pipe. The zinc liquid in the zinc collector 7 enters the zinc crystallizer 8 through the liquid outlet tank. After the zinc liquid solidifies in the zinc crystallizer 8, zinc ingots are obtained.

[0051] In particular, this embodiment can quickly and effectively process the high-temperature zinc-containing flue gas of 700-900℃ generated by the zinc removal reactor, control the temperature inside the condenser tube at 450-600℃, and is not limited by the source of the zinc-containing flue gas or the zinc content of the flue gas. After the zinc liquid solidifies in the crystallizer, the zinc ingot obtained has a zinc content of not less than 95%.

[0052] Example 4

[0053] This embodiment is basically the same as the above embodiments, except that:

[0054] In this embodiment, a thermocouple 4 is installed at the air outlet 22 of the graphite tube to monitor the temperature inside the graphite tube 2 at any time, so as to select and regulate the blowing volume of the fan 1.

[0055] The zinc collector 7 is equipped with a zinc liquid baffle to prevent impurities on the surface of the zinc liquid from entering the zinc crystallizer 8.

[0056] A crystallizer baffle is installed above the zinc crystallizer 8 to prevent molten zinc from splashing.

[0057] The outer shell of the zinc crystallizer 8 is supplied with cooling water by a second external cooling water tower 9. The cooling water flows from bottom to top around the outer shell of the zinc crystallizer 8, and the zinc liquid solidifies inside the crystallizer.

[0058] A suitable amount of air is mixed with zinc-containing flue gas in a graphite tube, resulting in a CO combustion reaction that raises the temperature of the zinc-containing flue gas, ensuring that the zinc element in the flue gas remains in a gaseous state before entering the condenser. This embodiment features a rationally designed condenser structure and zinc collector position, ensuring that the zinc vapor entering the condenser is fully condensed and falls vertically into the zinc collector. Thermal insulation material is used to wrap the gas flow pipes and interfaces to ensure that the zinc-containing flue gas temperature is not lower than 900℃. A baffle is installed inside the zinc collector to prevent impurities on the surface of the zinc liquid from entering the zinc crystallizer through the outlet tank. This embodiment can even heat the zinc vapor to at least 1100℃ before it enters the condenser, reducing condensation losses in the pipes and improving zinc recovery efficiency. This method significantly reduces energy consumption during zinc vapor condensation and collection, improves the quality of the collected product, and significantly reduces the impurity content of zinc ingots in the crystallizer. This method is simple, has good versatility, and can be widely used for the collection and treatment of metal vapors.

[0059] In the description of the above embodiments, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0060] In summary, this invention proposes a method and apparatus for zinc vapor condensation and collection. The apparatus includes the following technical features: It mainly consists of a fan, graphite tube, condenser tube, zinc collector, and zinc crystallizer. By analyzing the condensation conditions of zinc vapor, the zinc vapor discharged from the zinc removal reactor is heated inside the graphite tube, reducing the condensation of zinc vapor in the gas delivery pipe and improving the zinc vapor recovery rate. A rationally designed condenser tube structure increases the contact area between zinc vapor and the condenser tube, improving the condensation efficiency of zinc droplets. Vertically installing the condenser tube above the zinc collector reduces the accumulation of zinc droplets in the pipe and its erosion, thus improving the collection efficiency of zinc droplets. A rationally designed zinc collector and zinc crystallizer structure traps impurities in the zinc liquid within the zinc collector, reducing the impurity content in the zinc ingot and improving the grade of the zinc ingot. This invention solves the problems of traditional splash condensers being bulky, complex in structure, limited in application, and energy-intensive, achieving efficient zinc recovery at a lower cost and offering better versatility.

[0061] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made according to the purpose of the invention. As long as the heating of zinc vapor and the structural design of the condenser and zinc collector are involved, any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations or simplifications made in accordance with the spirit and principle of the technical solution of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions. As long as they meet the purpose of the invention and do not deviate from the technical principle and inventive concept of the invention, they shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A zinc vapor condensation and collection device, characterized in that: It consists of a graphite tube (2), a condenser tube (5), a fan (1), a first cooling tower (6), a second cooling tower (9), a zinc collector (7), a zinc crystallizer (8), a thermocouple (4), and air guide pipes, tees, sealing devices, flange joints, and valves as connecting components and control components; it is connected to the outside air through the fan inlet (11); the graphite tube inlet (21) is connected to the zinc removal reactor outlet (3) and the fan outlet through the air guide pipe. (12); A thermocouple (4) is installed at the outlet (22) of the graphite tube; the outlet (22) of the graphite tube is connected to the inlet (51) of the condenser tube through the gas guide pipe; the condenser tube (5) is connected to the first cooling tower (6); the outlet (52) of the condenser tube is connected to the zinc collector (7) and the exhaust pipe through the gas guide pipe and the three-way pipe respectively; the zinc collector (7) is connected to the zinc crystallizer (8) through the liquid outlet tank; the zinc crystallizer (8) is connected to the second cooling tower (9).

2. The zinc vapor condensation and collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The graphite tube (2) is made of high-temperature resistant graphite and can withstand temperatures of not less than 2000℃. The graphite tube (2) is wrapped with a layer of fire-resistant and heat-insulating bricks.

3. The zinc vapor condensation and collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amount of air blower (1) into graphite tube (2) is controlled by the corresponding valve.

4. The zinc vapor condensation and collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condenser tube (5) is installed vertically above the zinc collector (7) so that the collected zinc droplets fall vertically into the zinc collector (7).

5. The zinc vapor condensation and collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling water delivered by the first cooling tower (6) passes through the condenser pipe (5) from the inside and outside of the pipe from bottom to top, increasing the contact area between the zinc-containing flue gas and the wall of the condenser pipe (5) and improving the condensation effect.

6. A method for collecting zinc vapor by condensation, utilizing the zinc vapor condensation and collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps of the zinc vapor condensation and collection method are as follows: The high-temperature zinc-containing flue gas (not less than 700°C) generated by the zinc removal reactor is introduced into the graphite tube (2) through the gas guide pipe. It is mixed with the air entering the graphite tube (2) from the blower outlet (12). The CO in the zinc-containing flue gas comes into contact with the O2 in the air and burns, and the following reaction occurs: 2CO + O2 = 2CO2; The reaction releases a large amount of heat, causing the temperature of the zinc-containing flue gas in the graphite tube (2) to rise to no less than 1000°C. The heated zinc-containing flue gas is discharged from the outlet (22) of the graphite tube and enters the inlet (51) of the condenser tube through the gas guide pipe. The temperature inside the condenser tube (5) is no higher than 600°C. The cooling water in the condenser tube (5) is supplied by the first cooling water tower (6). The zinc vapor in the zinc-containing flue gas is condensed in the condenser tube (5). Zinc droplets and dezincification flue gas are discharged from the outlet (52) of the condenser tube. The dezincification flue gas is discharged from the tail gas pipe through the three-way pipe. The zinc droplets fall into the zinc collector (7) through the three-way pipe. The zinc liquid in the zinc collector (7) enters the zinc crystallizer (8) through the liquid outlet tank. The zinc liquid solidifies in the zinc crystallizer (8) to obtain zinc ingots.

7. The zinc vapor condensation and collection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: A thermocouple (4) is installed at the air outlet (22) of the graphite tube to monitor the temperature inside the graphite tube (2) at any time, so as to select and regulate the air volume of the blower (1).

8. The zinc vapor condensation and collection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The zinc collector (7) is equipped with a zinc liquid baffle to prevent impurities on the surface of the zinc liquid from entering the zinc crystallizer (8).

9. The zinc vapor condensation and collection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: A crystallizer baffle is installed above the zinc crystallizer (8) to prevent zinc liquid from splashing.

10. The zinc vapor condensation and collection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer shell of the zinc crystallizer (8) is supplied with cooling water by another external second cooling water tower (9). The cooling water flows around the outer shell of the zinc crystallizer (8) from bottom to top, and the zinc liquid solidifies inside the crystallizer.

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