what is liquation method? explain briefly with proper diagram and also tell where it is used.
This process is used for refining easily fusible metals like lead and tin. The impure metal is heated on the slopy hearth of a electric furnace. The metal melts and flows down leaving the impurities.
Liquation separation is based on differences in the melting temperatures and densities of alloy constituents and on the low level of mutual solubility of the constituents. For example, when molten crude lead is cooled, copper crystals (dross) separate out at established temperatures and, because of their low density, float to the surface and can be removed. This method is used to remove Cu, Ag, Au, and Bi from crude lead, to remove Fe, Cu, and Pb from crude zinc, and to refine tin and other metals.
