Britannica Sources used in this answer

How does a lead-splash condenser collect zinc vapor from blast-furnace gas?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

sphalerite — zinc processing Sphalerite from Baxter Springs, Kansas.

A lead-splash condenser collects zinc vapor from blast-furnace gas through a process of shock-cooling and absorption. Within the condenser chamber, rotors revolving in a pool of molten lead create an intense shower of lead droplets.1

As the gas stream—containing zinc vapor, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide—passes through this shower, the zinc vapor is absorbed into the molten lead. This method effectively overcomes the challenge of condensing zinc in the presence of carbon dioxide, which had previously hindered the development of zinc blast furnaces.12

Once the zinc is absorbed, the lead is continuously withdrawn and cooled. As the temperature drops, the saturation point of zinc in lead is reached, causing the molten zinc to separate as a distinct layer on the surface. This zinc is then removed as an overflow, and the partially cooled lead is returned to the condenser to continue the shock-chilling process.1