In most instances, both phases are molten (such as the matte and slag in a conventional copper smelting operation). The gas phase may also be used to advantage, either as a means of separating valuable volatile constituents or for removing unwanted volatile impurities. These separation techniques form the basis of thermal smelting and refining operations.

There are no universally applicable pyrometallurgical technologies. Most industrial processes are commodity-specific, because they were developed to deal with the unique physical and chemical properties associated with a particular metal and its naturally occurring impurities. Thus, pyrometallurgical process development demands a keen understanding of thermochemistry, kinetics, reactor design, and materials and refractory selection. Hazen has these capabilities and can utilize them to our clients’ advantage.

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