A device for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver residue and a method of using the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a device and method for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag, belonging to the field of zinc and copper recovery technology. It includes a recovery box, a drive assembly, a loading mechanism, a washing pipe, a first telescopic component, and a rotating component. The drive assembly is sequentially arranged with a feeding zone, a smelting zone, a washing zone, and a discharging zone along its circumference. The loading mechanism includes a loading pipe. This application achieves continuous and automated processing of floating silver slag from feeding, smelting, washing to discharging, solving the problem of process fragmentation in the prior art, significantly improving operational efficiency and processing consistency, and achieving a compact structure, integrated functions, and smooth operation. Simultaneously, this process allows molten copper to be cast into a dense and regularly shaped copper cake in a short time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of zinc and copper recycling technology, specifically to an apparatus and method for recycling zinc and copper from silver slag. Background Technology

[0002] In the hydrometallurgical zinc smelting process, silver in the raw materials is enriched through leaching, forming silver-rich leaching residue. This residue is then collected by flotation to obtain high-silver-content silver-floating slag. This slag is characterized by a high silver content (3500-8500 g / t), along with certain amounts of zinc (approximately 20%) and copper (2-4%). ​​However, the forms of zinc and copper in this slag are complex. Zinc is primarily in the form of zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄), with other forms including zinc sulfate, zinc sulfide, and small amounts of zinc oxide and zinc silicate. Copper mainly exists as sulfides (such as CuS and Cu₂S). These compounds have stable structures, making it difficult to efficiently extract zinc and copper using ordinary acid leaching or physical separation methods. This results in the loss of significant amounts of valuable metal resources, causing not only economic losses but also increasing the environmental burden of waste disposal.

[0003] In existing technologies, a process of acid leaching, washing, and metal replacement is typically used to treat floating silver slag. For example, the floating silver slag is mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid and then sintered. After washing, a solution containing copper and zinc ions is obtained. Subsequently, a zinc plate is used to replace the copper ions in the solution, thereby generating sponge-like copper powder.

[0004] However, in existing technologies, the subsequent processing of sponge copper often relies on manual collection and sorting, followed by transfer to a separate smelting unit or pelletizing equipment for reprocessing. This approach has the following drawbacks:

[0005] Process fragmentation: The process from the generation of sponge copper to smelting or forming requires multiple equipment and stages, making it impossible to achieve process continuity and resulting in large material transfer losses;

[0006] Poor product consistency: Sponge copper is mostly produced by manual pressing or die casting, resulting in irregular shapes and uneven density of the copper blocks, which affects their subsequent reuse value. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag, thereby solving the problem of fragmented processes in existing technologies.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A device for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag includes a recovery box containing a drive assembly. Multiple loading mechanisms are arranged in a circular array around the drive assembly. The drive assembly has a feeding zone, a smelting zone, a washing zone, and a discharging zone arranged sequentially along its circumference. The drive assembly drives the multiple loading mechanisms to move, allowing them to pass sequentially through the feeding zone, smelting zone, washing zone, and discharging zone. Each loading mechanism includes a bottom-sealed loading pipe with a loading trough for holding raw materials. A feeding port is located above the feeding zone at the top of the recovery box. Discharging ports corresponding to the discharging zones are located on the periphery of the recovery box. A washing port is located at the top of the recovery box, and a top-sealed washing pipe is provided on the recovery box. A first telescopic component is located inside the washing pipe, with a rotating component coaxially mounted at the telescopic end of the first telescopic component. A washing fan blade is located at the rotating end of the rotating component, and a liquid inlet is located at the top of the washing pipe.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the top of the recycling box has a melting port, and the recycling box is equipped with a melting pipe with a top seal. A second telescopic component is installed inside the melting pipe, and a heater is installed on the telescopic end of the second telescopic component. The telescopic end of the second telescopic component can drive the heater to extend into the melting zone through the melting port to heat the raw materials in the charging tank.

[0011] A further technical solution is that the inlet of the loading tube is provided with a coaxial filter ring; a third telescopic member is provided inside the loading tube, and the telescopic end of the third telescopic member is provided with a top plate coaxially arranged with the loading tube. A sealing ring is provided on the periphery of the top plate. The third telescopic member is used to push the top plate to the inlet of the loading tube, and the sealing ring slides in contact with the inner wall of the loading tube; the loading mechanism also includes a flow guiding annular cover and a recovery ring. The flow guiding annular cover is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the loading tube, and the recovery ring is fixed to the outer wall of the loading tube by a connector; the flow guiding annular cover has an inclined annular surface extending from the loading tube to the recovery ring and inclined downward, and a closed recovery groove is formed between the recovery ring, the inclined annular surface and the loading tube; a number of zinc plates are provided in the closed recovery groove, and a number of drainage holes connected to the recovery groove are radially opened on the periphery of the recovery ring. Each drainage hole is connected to an outwardly extending drainage pipe, and a control valve is provided at the end of each drainage pipe away from the drainage hole.

[0012] A further technical solution is that a heat-insulating annular cover with the same shape and coaxiality as the flow-guiding annular cover is provided on the periphery of the loading tube. The heat-insulating annular cover is positioned above the flow-guiding annular cover and forms a gap between them. Several plating ports are distributed in a circular array on the heat-insulating annular cover with the axis of the loading tube as the center. A rotating frame coaxial with the loading tube is rotatably arranged in the gap, and the zinc plate is detachably connected to the rotating frame. A rotating assembly is provided at the bottom end of the loading tube. The rotating assembly is used to drive the rotating frame to rotate, so that the chip can enter the corresponding plating port from the gap.

[0013] A further technical solution is that the rotating assembly includes a rotating ring, a gear ring, and a rotating motor; the rotating ring is provided with several stirring strips located within a closed recovery tank; the bottom end of the recovery ring is provided with a limiting ring groove, and the top end of the rotating ring is provided with a limiting ring block, the limiting ring block being slidably installed within the limiting ring groove; the top end of the rotating ring is in rotatable contact with the bottom end of the recovery ring, and the rotating frame is fixedly connected to the rotating ring; the gear ring is located at the lower end of the rotating ring and is coaxial with it, the rotating motor is located at the bottom end of the loading pipe, and the power output end of the rotating motor is provided with a gear that meshes with the gear ring.

[0014] A further technical solution is that the drive assembly includes a drive motor coaxially disposed in the return box; the power end of the drive motor is provided with a drive block; a plurality of horizontally arranged fourth telescopic members are uniformly disposed on the periphery of the drive block; each loading tube is connected to the telescopic end of the corresponding fourth telescopic member.

[0015] A further technical solution is to install a divider inside the recycling bin; the divider divides the recycling bin into a feeding area, a smelting area, a washing area, and a dispensing area.

[0016] A further technical solution is that the bottom of the recycling bin has a liquid outlet that connects to the washing area; the liquid outlet is provided with a liquid outlet pipe located outside the recycling bin; a filter cover is detachably connected to the bottom of the liquid outlet pipe; and the filter cover has several filter holes.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using an apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag, comprising the following steps:

[0018] S1. Mixing and pretreatment and feeding: The silver slag and concentrated sulfuric acid are mixed in a preset ratio to form a mixture; the mixture is added to the feeding mechanism, and the driving component drives the feeding mechanism to run sequentially to each processing area along a preset path;

[0019] S2. Preliminary melting: In the melting zone, the heating device is driven by the second telescopic component to extend into the loading tank to melt the mixture.

[0020] S3. Enter the washing zone for dissolution treatment: In the washing zone, washing liquid is injected through the liquid addition structure, and the mixture is washed by the stirring device driven by the first telescopic component.

[0021] S4: Perform solid-liquid separation and guide the plating reaction: After washing, the top plate is raised and lowered by the third telescopic component, and solid-liquid separation is performed through the filter structure located at the outlet of the loading tank; the filtrate is introduced into the recovery tank, where the zinc-based material undergoes a displacement reaction with the copper ions in the solution; the rotating component is controlled to drive the zinc-based material to rotate from the hidden state into the solution;

[0022] S5: Desorption of sponge copper and remelting of copper powder: The zinc-based material after replacement is taken out, the sponge copper is peeled off and placed into the charging tank; the sponge copper is then melted in the smelting area again.

[0023] S6: Copper powder cooling and casting to form copper cake: It then runs to the washing area, where it is cooled and cast with the help of a stirring and cooling device to form a copper cake;

[0024] S7: Copper ingot removal: Finally, the copper ingot is discharged from the material handling area.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0026] This application realizes continuous and automated processing of silver slag from feeding, smelting, washing to material removal, solving the problem of process fragmentation in the existing technology, significantly improving operation efficiency and processing consistency, and achieving the technical effect of compact structure, integrated functions and smooth operation.

[0027] By setting the discharge action of the loading mechanism in the material handling area, the zinc sheets used for plating replacement and the residual filter residue on the top plate are uniformly removed and processed. During this process, the operator peels off the sponge copper from the surface of the zinc sheets and pours it into the top plate of the loading tank, forming the subsequent refining raw material for copper recovery. The loading mechanism then runs along a preset trajectory to the melting zone under the control of the drive component. The second telescopic component drives the electric heater to extend from the melting port into the loading tank, directionally heating the sponge copper, making it fully melted and evenly spread on the top plate, forming a fluid copper powder molten liquid. The first telescopic component drives the rotating component and the spiral washing fan blades to penetrate deep into the bottom of the loading tank and rotate at high speed, forming a vertically downward vortex flow field. Under the disturbance effect, the high-temperature copper liquid is uniformly cooled and rapidly solidified. This process allows the molten copper liquid to be cast into a dense and regularly shaped copper cake in a short time. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the following figures are provided for illustration:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the device of the present invention from another perspective.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the internal structure of the recycling bin of this invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing tube of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the melting tube of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the loading mechanism of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the structure on the flow-guiding annular cover of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the heat-insulating annular cover of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the connection between the insert and the rotating ring of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the connection state of the recovery ring, the limiting ring block, and the rotating ring of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 For the present invention Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0040] Icons: 1-Recycling bin, 2-Drive assembly, 3-Loading mechanism, 4-Drive motor, 5-Feeding area, 6-Smelting area, 7-Washing area, 8-Removal area, 9-Loading pipe, 10-Feeding port, 11-Removal port, 12-Washing pipe, 13-First telescopic component, 14-Rotating component, 15-Smelting pipe, 16-Second telescopic component, 17-Electric heater, 18-Filter ring, 19-Top plate, 20-Rubber sealing ring, 21-Guide 22-Recovery ring, 23-Closed recovery tank, 24-Zinc plate, 25-Drain hole, 26-Drain pipe, 27-Insulated ring cover, 28-Glazing port, 29-Inner ring groove, 30-Rotating ring, 31-Insertion bar, 32-Rotating ring, 33-Gear ring, 34-Rotating motor, 35-Stirring bar, 36-Restriction ring block, 37-Drive block, 38-Fourth telescopic component, 39-Separator frame, 40-Outlet pipe, 41-Filter cover. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0042] Example:

[0043] like Figures 1-11As shown, the present invention provides a device and method for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag. It includes a recovery box 1 with an overall cylindrical structure. A drive assembly 2 is installed inside the recovery box 1. Four loading mechanisms 3 are arranged in a circular array on the periphery of the drive assembly 2. The drive assembly 2 is a drive motor 4 installed at the bottom center of the recovery box 1. The drive motor 4 is connected to the multiple loading mechanisms 3 arranged in the periphery through a drive shaft. So when the drive motor 4 is running, it drives the four loading mechanisms 3 to run along the circumferential trajectory in sequence through the feeding zone 5, the smelting zone 6, the washing zone 7 and the unloading zone 8.

[0044] Each loading mechanism 3 includes a vertically arranged loading pipe 9 with a closed bottom. The loading pipe 9 is equipped with a loading trough for holding raw materials. The loading trough is used to carry the floating silver slag raw materials and realize the corresponding processing in each zone.

[0045] The top of the recycling bin 1 is equipped with a feeding port 10 corresponding to the feeding area 5, which allows for manual or automatic feeding via a feeding funnel; a dispensing port 11 is provided at the location of the dispensing area 8, through which the recycled products are output; a washing port is provided above the washing area 7, which is connected to a washing pipe 12, and the top of the washing pipe 12 is equipped with a liquid inlet for connecting cleaning liquid (such as clean water, dilute sulfuric acid, electrolytic waste liquid, etc.).

[0046] A first telescopic component 13 is installed inside the washing pipe 12. The first telescopic component 13 is a hydraulic cylinder, and its output end is connected to a coaxial rotating component 14. The rotating component 14 is a rotary motor. The power end of the rotary motor is equipped with a spiral washing fan blade, which forms a downward vortex flow when rotating, enhancing the contact between the washing liquid and the floating silver residue and improving washing efficiency. The stroke of the first telescopic component 13 is sufficient to allow the fan blade to extend to the bottom of the loading tank, ensuring thorough washing of residue.

[0047] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0048] Initially, the loading mechanism 3 is located in the feeding zone 5. A pre-mixed mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and silver slag is added to the loading tank through the feeding port 10. Driven by the drive motor 4, the loading mechanism 3 moves sequentially along a circular path, first entering the smelting zone 6 for high-temperature smelting, and then entering the washing zone 7. At this point, the loading pipe 9 is aligned with the washing port, and clean water is injected into the loading tank through the liquid inlet. The first telescopic component 13 drives the rotating component to extend into the tank. The spiral washing fan blades, under rotation, form a sinking vortex, effectively agitating the mixture, enhancing the contact between the washing liquid and the slag, and improving the washing effect. After washing, the loading mechanism 3 continues to the unloading zone 8, and then removes the slag through the unloading port 11 for subsequent processing.

[0049] This process enables continuous and automated processing of silver slag from feeding, smelting, washing to unloading, solving the problem of fragmented processes in existing technologies, significantly improving operational efficiency and processing consistency, and achieving a technical effect of compact structure, integrated functions, and smooth operation.

[0050] In this embodiment, a smelting port is provided on the top of the recovery box 1 above the smelting zone 6; a smelting pipe 15 is installed at the smelting port, the top of the smelting pipe 15 is closed, and a vertical second telescopic component 16 is provided inside, specifically a hydraulic cylinder, and its telescopic end is connected to an electric heater 17; the electric heater 17 is preferably a resistance heating rod or a medium frequency induction heating element, and the temperature is controlled within the range of 300°C to 600°C. Driven by the second telescopic component 16, it can penetrate into the loading tank through the smelting port to heat the floating silver slag, so that the internal metal is separated and melted, which is beneficial for subsequent recovery.

[0051] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0052] During the smelting stage, the second telescopic component 16 drives the electric heater 17 to extend from top to bottom into the charging tank, achieving precise heating of the silver slag mixture in the charging tank, melting its internal metal components and achieving effective separation. This telescopic directional heating method avoids energy waste caused by overall heating and ensures that heat is concentrated on the slag, improving smelting efficiency and metal recovery rate.

[0053] In this embodiment, the inlet of the loading pipe 9 is provided with a coaxial filter ring 18; a third telescopic component (not shown in the figure) is installed inside the loading pipe 9, specifically a hydraulic cylinder. The output end of the third telescopic component is coaxially connected to a top plate 19. A rubber sealing ring 20 is provided around the top plate 19 to achieve a sealing push operation. During washing, clean water is added into the loading groove formed by the top plate 19 and the inner wall of the loading pipe 9. The rubber sealing ring 20 can prevent clean water and mixture from leaking through the gap between the top plate 19 and the inner wall of the pipe. The third telescopic component is used to push the top plate 19 to the inlet of the loading pipe 9, and the sealing ring slides in contact with the inner wall of the loading pipe 9.

[0054] The loading mechanism 3 also includes a flow guiding annular cover 21 and a recovery ring 22. The flow guiding annular cover 21 is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the loading tube 9, and the recovery ring 22 is fixed to the outer side wall of the loading tube 9 by a connector. The flow guiding annular cover 21 has an inclined annular surface that extends from the loading tube 9 to the recovery ring 22 and is inclined downward. A closed recovery groove 23 is formed between the recovery ring 22, the inclined annular surface and the loading tube 9. A number of zinc plates 24 are provided in the closed recovery groove 23. A number of drain holes 25 connected to the recovery groove are opened radially on the periphery of the recovery ring 22. Each drain hole 25 is connected to an outwardly extending drain pipe 26, and a control valve (not shown in the figure) is provided at the end of each drain pipe 26 away from the drain hole 25. The control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0055] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0056] After the washing operation is completed, the first telescopic component 13 is controlled to cause the rotating component to drive the washing fan blades out of the loading tank, avoiding interference with subsequent filtration. Then, the third telescopic component is controlled to drive the top plate 19 upwards. When the top plate 19 rises to a position flush with the opening of the loading pipe 9, the mixed liquid in the loading tank can be filtered downwards through the filter ring 18 located at the pipe opening, achieving effective separation of solid slag and liquid washing liquid. The filtered mixed liquid flows into the closed recovery tank located below, where zinc plates 24 are pre-placed. Upon contact with the zinc plates 24, the mixed liquid containing copper and zinc ions undergoes a controllable metal displacement reaction (plating reaction), causing copper ions to selectively deposit on the surface of the zinc plates 24, achieving copper recovery. After plating is completed, the treated solution is discharged through a control valve, and the loading mechanism 3 is driven by the drive motor 4 to the unloading area 8, where the zinc plates 24 are then removed.

[0057] By setting up a linkage structure between the liftable top plate 19 and the filter ring 18 at the pipe inlet, automated and precise solid-liquid separation of the washed mixture is achieved. This not only avoids manual transfer and reliance on external filtration equipment but also improves the system's integration and process smoothness. Simultaneously, the integrated zinc plate 24 plating unit within the closed recovery tank 23 allows copper ions to be directly deposited on the surface of the zinc plate 24, simplifying the copper recovery process and improving metal recovery efficiency.

[0058] In this embodiment, a heat-insulating annular cover 27, coaxial with and identical in shape to the flow-guiding annular cover 21, is provided around the periphery of the loading tube 9. The heat-insulating annular cover 27 is positioned above the flow-guiding annular cover 21, forming a gap between them. The heat-insulating annular cover 27 is made of a high-temperature resistant material, such as a cobalt-based alloy. Several plating ports 28 are arranged in a circular array on the heat-insulating annular cover 27 with the axis of the loading tube 9 as the center. A rotating frame, coaxial with the loading tube 9, is rotatably arranged within the gap. An inner annular groove 29 is formed on the inner sidewall of the heat-insulating annular cover 27. The rotating frame includes a rotating ring 30 and several inserts 31 fixed on the rotating ring 30. The rotating ring 30 is coaxially rotatably arranged within the inner annular groove 29. A slot (not shown in the figure) is formed at the lower end of the zinc plate 24 for the corresponding inserts 31 to engage. A rotating assembly is provided at the bottom end of the loading tube 9. The rotating assembly is used to drive the rotating frame to rotate, so that the chip can enter the corresponding plating port 28 from the gap.

[0059] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0060] After the mixture completes solid-liquid separation and flows into the closed recovery tank 23 through the filter ring 18, the rotating component drives the rotating frame to rotate. This causes the rotating frame to pull the zinc plate 24, which is clipped onto the insert 31, out of the tank wall gap from its initial hidden state and rotate into the ferry in the recovery tank. This effectively exposes the zinc plate 24 to the copper-containing mixture, initiating the plating reaction. Considering that the smelting zone 6 will generate some heat leakage during operation, to prevent this heat from spreading to the recovery tank area through structural conduction or convection and causing temperature interference to the zinc plate 24 that has not yet participated in the plating reaction, the device is equipped with a heat-insulating annular cover 27 around the smelting zone 6. This cover is used to block and buffer the heat dissipation path of the high-temperature area, forming a thermal isolation zone. This structurally blocks the transmission path of heat interference, ensuring that the zinc plate 24 is in a suitable temperature environment before plating.

[0061] By setting up a zinc plate 24 driving structure that cooperates with the rotating component and the rotating frame, automatic positioning and controllable exposure of the zinc plate 24 are achieved when it needs to be replaced with a new plating layer. This avoids excessive consumption or uneven plating quality caused by long-term immersion of the zinc plate 24, and improves the controllability and reaction efficiency of the copper recovery process. At the same time, by setting up a heat-insulating annular cover 27 outside the smelting zone 6, the disorderly diffusion of heat to the recovery tank area during the smelting process is effectively blocked, preventing high temperature from affecting the state of the zinc plate 24 that is not in use, thereby maintaining the temperature stability of the plating reaction and the accuracy of metal deposition.

[0062] In this embodiment, the rotating assembly includes a rotating ring 32, a gear ring 33, and a rotating motor 34. The rotating ring 32 is provided with a plurality of stirring strips 35 located in the closed recycling tank 23. The bottom end of the recycling ring 22 is provided with a T-shaped limiting ring groove, and the top end of the rotating ring 32 is provided with a T-shaped limiting ring block 36, which is slidably installed in the limiting ring groove. The top end of the rotating ring 32 is in rotatable contact with the bottom end of the recycling ring 22, and the rotating frame is fixedly connected to the rotating ring 32 through the end of the insert 31 away from the zinc plate 24. The gear ring 33 is located at the lower end of the rotating ring 32 and is coaxial with it. The rotating motor 34 is located at the bottom end of the loading pipe 9, and the power output end of the rotating motor 34 is provided with a gear that meshes with the gear ring 33.

[0063] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0064] This device uses a rotary motor 34 to drive a gear to rotate. The gear meshes with a toothed ring 33 located on the outer circumference of the rotating ring 32, thereby causing the rotating ring 32 to rotate circumferentially. The rotating ring 32 further drives the rotating frame to rotate through a linkage structure with the insert bar 31, causing the zinc plate 24 inserted on the rotating frame to detach from its initial position hidden in the gap of the tank wall and rotate to the plating port 28 in the recovery tank, thus achieving precise exposure of the zinc plate 24 and enabling it to participate in the plating reaction.

[0065] Meanwhile, the rotation of the rotating ring 32 also links the stirring bar 35 to intermittently stir the mixture in the recovery tank. The rotating frame is controlled by the rotating motor 34 to rotate slightly back and forth, ensuring that the zinc plate 24 is exposed at the plating port 28, effectively enhancing the diffusion rate of copper ions in the solution and the reaction efficiency of the zinc plate 24 surface, until the mixture changes from the initial light blue to colorless and transparent, indicating that the copper ions have been basically replaced and the plating process is completed.

[0066] To prevent the rotating ring 32 from shifting or leaking during operation, the device incorporates a limiting ring groove and a positioning block at the bottom of the structure to ensure stable contact between the rotating ring 32 and the bottom of the recovery ring 22 during rotation. Simultaneously, a sealing ring can be placed inside the limiting ring groove to seal any gaps that may exist between the rotating ring 32 and the recovery ring 22, structurally preventing leakage of the mixture and ensuring the system's airtightness and the integrity of the recovered mixture.

[0067] In this embodiment, the drive assembly 2 further includes a drive block 37 disposed on the power end of the drive motor 4; a plurality of horizontally arranged fourth telescopic members 38 are uniformly disposed on the periphery of the drive block 37, which are hydraulic cylinders; the loading pipe 9 is connected to the telescopic end of the corresponding fourth telescopic member 38.

[0068] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0069] When the loading mechanism 3 moves to the receiving area 8, the extension end of the fourth telescopic component 38 is controlled to extend, allowing the loading tube 9 to extend from the receiving port 11. This facilitates the operator in removing the zinc sheet to be plated and peeling off the deposited sponge copper from its surface. Simultaneously, the filter residue remaining after solid-liquid separation on the top plate 19 is removed, and the sponge copper is poured into the loading tank onto the top plate 19. Subsequently, the control drive assembly 2 continues to operate, driving the loading mechanism 3 to rotate along a preset trajectory to the melting area 6. During this process, the electric heater 17 is driven by the second telescopic component 16 to penetrate into the loading tank from the melting port, heating and melting the added sponge copper. As the sponge copper gradually melts and spreads evenly on the top plate 19, forming a flowing copper powder molten liquid, a high-temperature resistant coating, such as an alumina (Al2O3) coating, can be applied to the surface of the rubber sealing ring 20 to prevent the molten copper from damaging the rubber sealing ring 20.

[0070] Next, the loading mechanism 3 continues to rotate into the washing zone 7. Through the first telescopic component 13, the rotating component 14 descends, and the spiral washing fan blades rotate at high speed within the tank, forming a strong downward vortex flow field. This achieves rapid cooling and agitated casting of the molten copper. This vortex cooling not only accelerates the solidification of the copper liquid but also promotes its uniform formation on the top plate 19, ultimately forming a dense and regularly shaped copper ingot. After cooling and casting is completed, the loading mechanism 3 continues to the unloading zone 8, where it extends again from the unloading port 11 via the fourth telescopic component 38, allowing the operator to easily remove the cast copper ingot.

[0071] In this embodiment, the recycling bin 1 is provided with a partition frame 39, which includes a partition ring installed at the center of the recycling bin 1 and four partition strips connected to the periphery of the partition ring; the end of the partition strip away from the partition ring is connected to the inner wall of the ring of the recycling bin 1; the partition frame 39 divides the recycling bin 1 into a feeding area 5, a smelting area 6, a washing area 7 and a dispensing area 8.

[0072] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0073] The separator 39 is distributed at equal or preset angles according to the circumferential direction of the cylindrical structure of the recycling box 1, so that each processing area is arranged in sequence according to the process flow and corresponds to the trajectory movement path of the loading mechanism 3. This ensures that the loading mechanism 3 can enter each processing functional area in sequence and complete the steps of feeding, melting, washing and picking of raw materials when it is running in a cycle according to the set trajectory driven by the drive motor 4.

[0074] In this embodiment, the bottom of the recycling box 1 has an outlet that connects to the washing area 7; an outlet pipe 40 located outside the recycling box 1 is provided at the outlet; a filter cover 41 is detachably connected to the bottom of the outlet pipe 40; the filter cover 41 has several filter holes; and the bottom of the recycling box 1 is provided with three support feet.

[0075] The principles and beneficial effects of the above technical solution:

[0076] After washing and plating in washing zone 7 are completed, the control valve is opened, and the mixed solution is discharged through drain pipe 26 and enters outlet pipe 40 through the outlet of washing zone 7. Combined with the bottom filter cover 41 structure, this achieves automatic discharge of the treated solution and solid-liquid separation. The filter holes on filter cover 41 effectively trap particulate matter such as sponge copper, causing it to deposit inside filter cover 41 for centralized recycling, thereby improving the metal resource recovery rate and reducing the risk of copper loss.

[0077] The support feet ensure the structural stability and safety of the equipment during operation, preventing problems such as displacement and tipping caused by uneven ground or equipment vibration.

[0078] A method for using an apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag includes the following steps:

[0079] S1: Mixing and stirring pretreatment

[0080] Using silver slag as the base material, concentrated sulfuric acid is slowly added to an external mixing container at an acid-to-slag ratio of 0.5 to 1:1 while continuously stirring to ensure the silver slag and concentrated sulfuric acid react fully and form a gray mixture. The mixing method can be mechanical or manual stirring, and the mixing container can be open or closed; the mixing order is not limited.

[0081] S2: Add materials and proceed to preliminary smelting.

[0082] The mixture obtained in S1 is added into the loading trough of the loading mechanism 3 through the feeding port 10, and the drive motor 4 is controlled to make the loading mechanism 3 enter the melting zone 6. At this time, the electric heater 17 is driven by the second telescopic member 16 to extend into the loading trough from top to bottom to melt the mixture at high temperature. The melting temperature is controlled at 300℃~600℃, and the melting time depends on the actual material reaction. This promotes the initial separation and melting of metal elements in the silver slag to obtain the molten mixture.

[0083] S3: Washing and dissolving treatment

[0084] After smelting, the charging mechanism 3 moves to the washing zone 7. At this time, the charging tank aligns with the washing port, and cleaning fluid (which can be clean water, dilute sulfuric acid, or electrolytic waste liquid) is injected through the liquid inlet. The first telescopic component 13 drives the rotating component and the spiral washing fan blades to descend and rotate at high speed, forming a sinking vortex field. This enhances the contact and disturbance between the cleaning fluid and the sintered slag, promoting the dissolution reaction. Under conditions of a washing fluid-to-solid ratio of 2-10:1, a washing temperature of 25℃-95℃, and a washing time of 0.5-3 hours, a zinc and copper ion solution is formed in the solution.

[0085] S4: Perform solid-liquid separation and guide the plating reaction.

[0086] After washing, the first telescopic component 13 retracts from the rotating component, while simultaneously controlling the third telescopic component to move the top plate 19 upward. When the top plate 19 is flush with the opening of the loading pipe 9, the mixture undergoes solid-liquid separation through the pipe filter ring 18. The liquid portion (i.e., the solution containing copper and zinc ions) flows into the closed recovery tank, while the solid residue remains in the loading tank.

[0087] Inside the recycling tank, a control rotating assembly drives a rotating ring 32 to rotate, causing the zinc plate 24 connected to the insert strip 31 on the rotating frame to rotate out of the gap and expose itself in the plating port 28, immersing it in the mixed solution. Copper ions undergo a displacement reaction with the zinc plate 24, forming sponge copper that deposits on the surface of the zinc plate 24. To increase the reaction rate, the rotating ring 32 is also linked to a stirring strip 35 to intermittently stir the liquid, promoting ion diffusion and deposition until the liquid becomes colorless and transparent. After the plating is completed, the control valve opens, draining the displaced solution and sending it to the hydrometallurgical zinc smelting system for recycling.

[0088] S5: Copper Desorption and Copper Powder Remelting Process

[0089] When the charging mechanism 3 re-enters the receiving area 8, the fourth telescopic component 38 controls the charging mechanism 3 to extend from the receiving port 11, facilitating the operator to disassemble the zinc plate 24 and peel off the sponge copper deposited on its surface. At the same time, the filter residue remaining after solid-liquid separation on the top plate 19 is removed, and then the sponge copper is poured onto the top plate 19. Subsequently, the drive assembly 2 drives the charging mechanism 3 to the melting area 6, where the second telescopic component 16 drives the electric heater 17 to re-enter the charging tank to perform localized melting of the sponge copper, forming a flowing copper powder molten liquid.

[0090] S6: Copper powder is cooled and cast to form a copper ingot.

[0091] The molten copper powder moves to the washing zone 7 via the loading mechanism 3. The first telescopic component 13 drives the washing fan blades to rotate, forming a sinking vortex that disturbs and cools the molten copper, causing it to cool rapidly and spread and solidify on the top plate 19. In this way, the copper powder is cooled and cast into copper cakes in situ, resulting in a dense structure and regular shape.

[0092] S7: Remove the finished copper ingot.

[0093] After casting is completed, the loading mechanism 3 moves to the material collection area 8 again, and the fourth telescopic component 38 controls the loading trough to extend out from the material collection port 11 again. The operator can easily take out the cooled and formed copper ingot on the top plate 19 to complete the recycling process.

[0094] The process provided by this invention integrates the entire process of pretreatment, smelting, washing, copper ion replacement, copper powder melting and recasting into copper cakes into an automated, closed-loop device, which is significantly better than the existing technology where each step requires multiple independent devices, manual transfer and multiple interruptions.

[0095] Compared to traditional methods, sponge copper typically requires manual collection and transfer to an independent smelting furnace for melting, followed by cooling and casting. This process is not only cumbersome and labor-intensive, but also involves high energy consumption, high metal loss, and a significant risk of secondary pollution. This invention, through a multi-zone linkage movement mechanism in the loading mechanism 3, achieves in-situ melting of copper powder and automatic vortex cooling and molding. The copper powder can be continuously melted, cooled, and cast into copper cakes without leaving the device, avoiding multiple handling and material exposure processes, greatly improving operational efficiency, metal recovery rate, and product yield.

[0096] Furthermore, copper ingots cast using vortex cooling casting exhibit better density and shape consistency, with a controlled forming process, making them suitable for mass production. In contrast, traditional methods often require pouring molten copper powder into molds or relying on static cooling, resulting in inconsistent casting quality and incomplete forming.

[0097] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to several illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many other modifications and implementations can be devised by those skilled in the art, which will fall within the scope and spirit of the principles disclosed herein. More specifically, various variations and modifications can be made to the components and / or layout of the subject matter arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, drawings, and claims. Besides variations and modifications to the components and / or layout, other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A device for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag, characterized in that, include: The recycling bin contains a drive assembly. Multiple loading mechanisms are arranged in a circular array around the drive assembly. The drive assembly has a feeding zone, a melting zone, a washing zone, and a dispensing zone arranged sequentially along its circumference. The drive assembly drives the multiple loading mechanisms to move, allowing them to pass sequentially through the feeding zone, melting zone, washing zone, and dispensing zone. Each loading mechanism includes a bottom-sealed loading pipe with a loading trough for holding raw materials. A feeding port is located on the top of the recycling bin above the feeding zone. Dispensing ports corresponding to the dispensing zones are located on the periphery of the recycling bin. A washing port is located on the top of the recycling bin, and a top-sealed washing pipe is installed. A first telescopic component is installed inside the washing pipe, with a rotating component coaxially mounted on the telescopic end of the first telescopic component. A washing fan blade is mounted on the rotating end of the rotating component. A liquid inlet is located on the top of the washing pipe. A coaxial filter ring is installed at the opening of the loading pipe. The loading pipe contains... The third telescopic component has a top plate coaxially arranged with the loading tube at its telescopic end. A sealing ring is provided on the periphery of the top plate. The third telescopic component is used to push the top plate to the opening of the loading tube, and the sealing ring slides in contact with the inner wall of the loading tube. The loading mechanism also includes a flow guiding annular cover and a recovery ring. The flow guiding annular cover is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the loading tube, and the recovery ring is fixed to the outer wall of the loading tube by a connector. The flow guiding annular cover has an inclined annular surface extending from the loading tube to the recovery ring and inclined downward. A closed recovery groove is formed between the recovery ring, the inclined annular surface, and the loading tube. A number of zinc plates are provided in the closed recovery groove. A number of drainage holes communicating with the recovery groove are opened radially on the periphery of the recovery ring. Each drainage hole is connected to an outwardly extending drainage pipe, and a control valve is provided at the end of each drainage pipe away from the drainage hole.

2. The apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the recycling box has a smelting port, and the recycling box is equipped with a smelting pipe with a top seal. A second telescopic component is installed inside the smelting pipe. A heater is installed on the telescopic end of the second telescopic component. The telescopic end of the second telescopic component can drive the heater to extend into the smelting zone through the smelting port to heat the raw materials in the charging tank.

3. The apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading tube is surrounded by a heat-insulating annular cover that is coaxial with and has the same shape as the flow-guiding annular cover. The heat-insulating annular cover is positioned above the flow-guiding annular cover and forms a gap between them. Several plating ports are arranged in a circular array on the heat-insulating annular cover with the axis of the loading tube as the center. A rotating frame coaxial with the loading tube is rotatably mounted in the gap, and the zinc plate is detachably connected to the rotating frame. A rotating assembly is provided at the bottom end of the loading tube. The rotating assembly is used to drive the rotating frame to rotate, so that the chip can enter the corresponding plating port from the gap.

4. The apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotating assembly includes a rotating ring, a gear ring, and a rotating motor; the rotating ring is provided with several stirring strips located within a closed recovery tank; the bottom end of the recovery ring is provided with a limiting ring groove, and the top end of the rotating ring is provided with a limiting ring block, the limiting ring block being slidably installed within the limiting ring groove; the top end of the rotating ring is in rotatable contact with the bottom end of the recovery ring, and the rotating frame is fixedly connected to the rotating ring; the gear ring is located at the lower end of the rotating ring and is coaxial with it, the rotating motor is located at the bottom end of the loading pipe, and the power output end of the rotating motor is provided with a gear that meshes with the gear ring.

5. The apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a drive motor coaxially mounted in the return box; the power end of the drive motor is provided with a drive block; a plurality of horizontally arranged fourth telescopic members are evenly arranged on the periphery of the drive block; each loading tube is connected to the telescopic end of the corresponding fourth telescopic member.

6. The apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag according to claim 5, characterized in that: The recycling bin is equipped with a divider; the divider divides the recycling bin into a feeding area, a smelting area, a washing area, and a dispensing area.

7. The apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the recycling bin has a liquid outlet that connects to the washing area; the liquid outlet is equipped with a liquid outlet pipe located outside the recycling bin; a filter cover is detachably connected to the bottom of the liquid outlet pipe; the filter cover has several filter holes.

8. A method of using an apparatus for recovering zinc and copper from floating silver slag according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Mixing and pretreatment and feeding: The silver slag and concentrated sulfuric acid are mixed in a preset ratio to form a mixture; the mixture is added to the feeding mechanism, and the driving component drives the feeding mechanism to run sequentially to each processing area along a preset path; S2, Preliminary melting: In the melting zone, the heating device is driven by the second telescopic component to extend into the loading tank to melt the mixture; S3. Enter the washing zone for dissolution treatment: In the washing zone, washing liquid is injected through the liquid addition structure, and the mixture is washed by the stirring device driven by the first telescopic component. S4: Perform solid-liquid separation and guide the plating reaction: After washing, the top plate is raised and lowered by the third telescopic component, and solid-liquid separation is performed through the filter structure located at the outlet of the loading tank; the filtrate is introduced into the recovery tank, where the zinc-based material undergoes a displacement reaction with the copper ions in the solution; the rotating component is controlled to drive the zinc-based material to rotate from the hidden state into the solution; S5: Desorption of sponge copper and remelting of copper powder: The zinc-based material after replacement is taken out, the sponge copper is peeled off and placed into the charging tank; the sponge copper is then melted in the smelting area again. S6: Copper powder cooling and casting to form copper cake: It then runs to the washing area, where it is cooled and cast with the help of a stirring and cooling device to form a copper cake; S7: Copper ingot removal: Finally, the copper ingot is discharged from the material handling area.

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