ELECTROKINETIC MEASUREMENTS ON COPPER ELE CTROREFINING ANODE SLIMES

This paper shows first results of surface charges measurements on Ag- and PbSO4-colloidal dispersions in sulfuric acid copper-sulfate electr olyte and on anode slimes from copper electrorefining. The investigati ons were carried out using an electrosonic measuring device (Matec) an alyzing the Electrokinetic Sonic Amplitude (ESA). It was found that th e anode slime particles in electrolyte suspension mainly have a positi ve charge. Certain elements and phases show a strong effect on the ESA signal. In the case of particle movement to the cathode area, a disch arge seems possible and hence an inclusion into the copper precipitate can take place. This mechanism negatively affects the cathode quality , Organic additives like thiourea and glue also have an influence on t he measurement of suspended anode slime particles.