Oxide Production

The ball mill lead oxide production process is based on well-known Shimadzu method. Small metallic lead (Pb) cylinders are charged with air into a ball mill. Frictional head generated by the tumbling lead cylinders initiates and oxidation reaction. Oxygen in the air, assisted by the heat of the tumbling lead, reacts with the lead to produce lead oxide. During milling, the lead oxide that forms on the surface of the cylinders and fine particles of un-oxidized lead are broken off, forming a fine dust that is removed from the mill by a circulating air stream. Centrifugal mills and cyclones are used to collect large particles, while the finer particles are collected in a bag house. The oxidation level of the lead may be adjusted by changing temperature and airflow.