The article is devoted to improving the energy efficiency of ventilation in lead production by optimizing the air exchange scheme. The analysis and assessment of the interaction of the supply and exhaust ventilation with the convective stream above the tanks are carried out. The results of numerical calculation of air exchange scheme and its comparing with experimental data are described. An author scheme of air distribution in the refining shop is proposed, which takes into account all the requirements to maintain natural circulation initiated by convective jets from tanks. © 2023 Author(s).