ISSN:
1572-8838
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Electrical Engineering, Measurement and Control Technology
Notes:
Abstract The development of fluidized-bed electrowinning for copper and other metals appears to be impeded by the high electrical energy consumption associated with the anodes used in such electrowinning. This paper describes preliminary work aimed at seeking anodes which consume less energy and are suitable for scale-up. Using laboratory-scale cells in which copper was electrowon from strong (25 g dm−3 Cu), acidified (100 g dm−3 H2SO4) sulphate solutions on to fluidized cathodes, the following anodes were tested: fluidized-bed anodes of catalyst-coated titanium particles, packed-bed anodes of lead shot and graphite, single and double layers of catalyst-coated titanium mesh, and cloth-covered anodes placed directly in the fluidized cathode. In addition, the possibility of using alternative anode reactions, namely oxidation of sulphur dioxide, ferrous ions or cuprous ions, as well as fluidized-bed electrowinning from a cuprous-ion catholyte, were examined. Except for the fluidized anode and the lead packed-bed anode, all the above systems yielded energy savings. The investigation was not sufficiently detailed to define which of the above was best, although, at 2.0 kW h kg−1 Cu, electrowinning from cuprous solutions with cuprous oxidation on a graphite packed-bed anode offered an energy consumption better than that of the conventional electrowinning plants.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00616683
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