Separation of PbS and Sb2S3 from Jamesonite by Vacuum Distillation

The formula for Jamesonite is Pb4FeSb6S14 which can be written as 4PbS.FeS.3Sb(2)S(3). This paper proposed a novel technology which extrated PbS and Sb2S3 from Jamesonite separately by vacuum distillation. The investigation was carried out in our laboratory at the temperature 1273K similar to 1673K and the pressure less than 50 Pa. The saturated vapor pressure of PbS, Sb2S3 and FeS were calculated in this paper. The contents of Sb, Pb and Fe in the volatiles and residues were detected by chemical titration analysis and the enrichment ratios of Sb, Pb and Fe were calculated. We discussed the influence of the distillation temperature and holding time on the enrichment ratios of each element. The results of the XRD indicated that FeS left in the residues as the major compound, Sb existed in the form of Sb2S3 and Pb existed in the form of PbS in different graphite condensers.