Lead ingots are solid blocks or bars of lead, typically cast into specific shapes and sizes for industrial, commercial, and manufacturing purposes. Lead is a heavy, malleable metal known for its density, corrosion resistance, and shielding properties. Lead ingots are used in various applications where these characteristics are beneficial.
Specifications
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Purity: Lead ingots are often available in different purities, with typical grades including:
- Commercial Grade Lead: Approximately 99% purity.
- High-Purity Lead: Greater than 99.9% purity, often used for specialized applications.
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Dimensions:
- Size: Lead ingots are commonly cast into standard shapes such as rectangular bars, blocks, or slabs. Sizes can vary, with typical dimensions including lengths of 200-400 mm, widths of 100-200 mm, and thicknesses of 50-100 mm.
- Weight: Lead ingots typically weigh between 5 to 25 kg each, but weights can vary based on casting molds and specifications.
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Mechanical Properties:
- Density: Approximately 11.34 g/cm³, making it a dense and heavy metal.
- Melting Point: Approximately 327°C (621°F).
- Hardness: Relatively soft, with a Brinell hardness number of around 6-10.
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Chemical Properties:
- Corrosion Resistance: Lead has good resistance to corrosion from acids and alkalis, though it can be attacked by strong oxidizers.
- Chemical Inertness: Lead is relatively inert in many chemical environments, making it suitable for certain industrial applications.
Usage Applications
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Radiation Shielding:
- X-ray Protection: Lead ingots are used to manufacture lead shields and barriers for protecting against X-rays and other forms of radiation in medical, industrial, and research settings.
- Nuclear Industry: Utilized in nuclear facilities for shielding and radiation protection.
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Batteries:
- Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead ingots are a primary raw material in the production of lead-acid batteries, used in automotive and backup power applications. Lead is used for the plates and grids in these batteries.
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Cable Sheathing:
- Electrical Cables: Lead ingots are used to produce lead sheathing for electrical cables, providing protection against moisture, corrosion, and mechanical damage.
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Ammunition:
- Bullet Production: Lead ingots are used in the manufacturing of ammunition, particularly for bullets and shot. The metal's density and malleability make it ideal for this purpose.
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Construction:
- Roofing and Flashing: Lead ingots are used to produce lead sheets for roofing and flashing materials, offering durability and resistance to weathering.
- Pipes and Fixtures: Lead is used in some historical plumbing systems and fixtures due to its malleability and resistance to corrosion.
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Pigments and Chemicals:
- Paint and Pigments: Lead ingots are used in the production of lead-based pigments and paints, although this usage has been significantly reduced due to health and environmental concerns.
- Chemical Compounds: Lead ingots are used to produce various lead compounds for industrial and chemical applications.
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Solders:
- Lead-Based Solder: Lead ingots are used in the production of lead-based solder, which is used for joining metals in various applications, including electronics and plumbing.
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Ballast:
- Counterweights: Lead ingots are used as ballast or counterweights in various applications, such as in ship stabilizers, weights for machinery, and in other applications where heavy, dense materials are needed.
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Art and Casting:
- Sculpture and Casting: Lead ingots are used in art and casting applications due to the metal’s malleability and ease of shaping.
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Historical and Collectible Uses:
- Historical Artifacts: Lead ingots are sometimes found in historical artifacts, old plumbing systems, and other collectible items.
Safety Considerations:
Lead is toxic and can pose significant health risks if ingested or inhaled as dust or fumes. Proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures are essential to mitigate health risks associated with lead exposure. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following regulatory guidelines for lead use and disposal.
Lead ingots are versatile materials used across various industries due to their density, corrosion resistance, and unique properties. Despite their usefulness, it's essential to handle and use lead products with caution due to their toxic nature.