Determination of High-content Sulfur in Lead-Zinc Ore by Elemental Analyzer

High-content sulfur in lead-zinc ore is commonly determined by gravimetric and volumetric methods. However, these methods are tedious and not easy to use due to the complex matrices involved. Wet chemical instrument analysis is also not suitable due to the chemical treatment and poor accuracy. The analytical method of high-content sulfur in lead-zinc ore (1.0%-32.0%) was established by Elemental Analyzer. The samples were grinded to particle size less than 0.075 mm, The content of sulfur in lead-zinc was reduced through adding high pure silica when the samples were prepared, and the effect of oxidation sulfur was improved through adding the linear copper oxide when the samples were determined. The standard curve for the method was established with national reference material GBW 07287 (the content of sulfur is 10.76%) which has similar composition to the actual samples, in order to eliminate the matrix effect. The RSD (n=12) is less than 1%, the relative error of the measured values is less than 1% between the proposed method and gravimetric method. This method is simple, quick, and easy to grasp, with minor interference compared with the gravimetric method. Moreover, the sample preparation was simpler than established methods and there was less sulfur loss. The result was reliable compared with wet instrument analysis. The method is also accurate without pollution, and suitable to determine the high-content sulfur in other ores.