Institute of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Ekaterinburg, Russia:

V. N. Nevidimov, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Assistant Professor, e-mail: vnevidimov@yandex.ru
A. N. Vatolin, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Head of Metallurgical Processes Theory Chair

JSC “Uralelectromed”, Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russia:
A. A. Korolev, Chief Engineer

An experimental study of viscosity and electrical conductivity was carried out on oxide melts, containing silicon oxides and lead. An oscillating viscometer and alternating current method were applied for measurement of viscosity and electrical conductivity respectively. Viscosity and conductivity depend on composition and temperature. Evidence of the dependence of physical and chemical properties on temperature in silicate melts was described. Viscosity is decreased with increasing of basicity and iron content in slag. Viscosity decreasing can be reached both by increasing of slag basicity and by increasing of iron content in slag. However, concentration of iron and calcium oxide in slag should be varied within a definite range. There was obtained the value of the ratio (CaO + FeO)/SiO₂, corresponding to minimal losses of gold and silver with slag. The ratio (CaO + FeO)/SiO₂ is recommended to be hold in the range of 0.25–0.30. The ratio (CaO + FeO)/SiO₂ needs the determined value in order to sustain minimal losses of gold and silver with the slag. Increase in electrical conductivity is caused by additions of aluminum and calcium oxides. Recommendations on composition of reflective copper smelting slag are given for reduction of gold and silver losses.

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