Investigation report on Electrolytic refining of Ordnance Lead ingot

Abstract

For electrolytic refining of lead, “The Betts” process is widely adopted in industrial practice. A solution of lead fluo-silicate and free hydrofluosilicic acid is used as the electrolyte which is easy to prepare, inexpensive and chemically stable. Various workers have developed other types of electrolyte which are however, not employed on a commercial practice, except the sulphamatic bath, commercially used in Italy. Generally, the total impurities in the lead to be refined by the “Betts” process should not be more then 2% for economic and smooth operations of the electrolytic cell. Major portion of impurities are removed by mechanical drossing before the bullion is cast as anodes. The impurities present in the anode decide the exact composition of the electrolyte, anode life and current density.