Vd. Stankovic et Aa. Wragg, MODELING OF TIME-DEPENDENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA IN A 3-DIMENSIONAL CELL SYSTEM DURING BATCH RECIRCULATION COPPER RECOVERY, Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 25(6), 1995, pp. 565-573
A three-dimensional electrode cell with cross-flow of current and elec
trolyte is modelled for galvanostatic and pseudopotentiostatic operati
on. The model is based on the electrodeposition of copper from acidifi
ed copper sulphate solution onto copper particles, with an initial con
centration ensuring a diffusion-controlled process and operating in a
batch recycle mode. Plug flow through the cell and perfect mixing of t
he electrolyte in the reservoir are assumed. Based on the model, the b
ehaviour of reacting ion concentration, current efficiency, cell volta
ge, specific energy consumption and process time on selected independe
nt variables is analysed for both galvanostatic and pseudopotentiostat
ic modes of operation. From the results presented it is possible to id
entify the optimal values of parameters for copper electrowinning.