DIRECT ELECTROREFINING OF COPPER SCRAP USING AN ANODE-SUPPORT SYSTEM IN A BIPOLAR CELL

This paper describes the application of an anode-support system (AS) t o the direct electrorefining of chopped copper scrap using the bipolar connection (series system). The authors have determined that it is po ssible to utilize a specially designed basket made with sheet (cathodi c face) and mesh (anodic side) titanium, under the same operating cond itions used for the industrial electrorefining of copper with conventi onal cast anodes. Titanium material remains passive and acts only as e lectrical contact between the anodic copper pieces and the external cu rrent source. Electrolysis of 72 h duration could be carried out using the AS system loaded with scrap copper pieces, with a current efficie ncy in the range 91-92% and a power requirement of 0. 14 kWh (kg Cu)-1 . The AS system involves less copper inventory in the cell room in the order of 45-55% compared with the traditional bipolar electrorefining process. In addition, no pyrometallurgical operations are necessary.