China Nonferrous Metallurgy

Based on the carbon emission reduction needs of the lead recovery industry in the production process, this article uses the life cycle assessment method to study the carbon footprint of three typical recycled lead processes: sodium method lead paste pre-desulfurization and low-temperature melting, ammonium bicarbonate pre-desulfurization and low-temperature melting, and high-temperature melting. The results indicate that the carbon emissions during the lead paste recovery process mainly come from the use of energy and reducing agents; the carbon footprint of the lead paste high-temperature melting process is 876kg/t of lead; compared with high-temperature melting, low-temperature melting process has lower environmental impact and less pollution; the carbon footprint of lead paste sodium method pre-desulfurization low-temperature melting and ammonium bicarbonate method pre-desulfurization low-temperature melting have been reduced by 38.9% and 25.6%, respectively, with high carbon emission reduction benefits. The research results point out the direction for carbon abatement in the recovery process of waste lead paste, and have important guiding significance for promoting low-carbon development in the recycled lead industry.