Sumitomo Refining Reduction Method
Sumitomo Refining Reduction (SRR), also known as Conversion Smelting Reduction (CSR), is a method for recovering metals from scrap materials. The method was developed in Japan to reduce the amount of energy required to smelt and refine metals from scrap. It involves combining two or more different scrap sources into a single feedstock and smelting them together in a single pot. This process provides a unique method for recovering metals with greater efficiency than traditional smelting and refining processes.
The process begins by melting scrap in a single pot. The molten mix is kept molten through the addition of additional materials, such as fluxes, to help keep the mix at a constant temperature. As the mix is kept molten, the various elements in the mix react with each other, resulting in the reduction of one or more of the elements. This reaction is controlled by the addition of an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen or air, to ensure the process is efficient. The reduced metals are then separated from the slag and refined into the required product.
The main advantages of the Sumitomo Refining Reduction process are its high efficiency and low energy consumption. As the process occurs in a single pot, the amount of energy required to melt and refine the materials is greatly reduced. Additionally, the process is well suited to high volume production and is relatively easy to automate.
The process has been used to recover metals from a range of sources, including zinc, lead and copper. It is also possible to use the method to recover precious metals, such as gold and silver. The process has also been used to produce alloyed metals, such as stainless steel. The process is typically used to produce high-purity metals, which can then be used in automotive and electronic applications.
The Sumitomo Refining Reduction process has been used in Japan for over 80 years and is still used today in a range of industrial applications. The process is highly efficient and cost effective, making it ideal for large scale production. Additionally, the process can often be adjusted to accommodate various types of scrap materials, making it a versatile method for recovering metals from a range of sources. The process is also relatively easy to automate, making it well suited for use in large scale industrial processes.
