Secondary Zinc Processing

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-025041",
  "term": "Secondary Zinc Processing",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Secondary zinc production uses process scrap from zinc slabs, zinc oxides and zinc dust. Selective melting may also be used to capture zinc if the zinc is mixed with other non-ferrous metals with higher melting points. Zinc is also often recovered from the furnace dust of galvanized steel making plants. Using pyrometallurgical refinement techniques, the zinc can be recovered.Once obtained, secondary zinc first undergoes a separation process. Magnetic separation, sink-float and hand sorting are usually used to remove the zinc from unwanted components. After separation, the zinc is melted with new scrap from brass plants, rolling zinc clippings or die casting. The zinc is melted in a kettle, crucible, reverberatory furnace or electric induction furnace. Flux is used to trap impurities and produces dross that is skimmed from the surface of the molten zinc. The zinc is then either poured into molds or sent to refiners",
  "references": [
    "EPA EV-Commercial Processes-Manufacturing Processes"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/secondary-zinc-processing/"
}