Computerized scaled cells to study the effect of additive ratios and concentrations on nodulation during copper electrorefining

Scaled copper electrorefining cells were designed, built and computerized t o simulate as closely as possible industrial conditions at three Canadian c opper refineries. The industrial dimensions of Falconbridge, Kidd Metallurg ical Division, were considered while designing scaled cells. Anode width to cell width ratio, anode width to cathode width ratio, anodic surface to ca thodic surface ratio, as well as electrolyte volume to cathodic surface rat io, which was about 60 L m(-2), were consistent with Kidd's industrial rati os. However, the cell design also allowed simulation of INCO's Copper Cliff Copper Refinery (CCCR) or Noranda's Canadian Copper Refinery (CCR). Electr orefining cells were 135.0 cm deep by 14.7 cm wide. Electrolyte flow rate w as parallel to the electrodes. Electrolyte was circulated from the lower pa rt of the electrorefining cells to the top where there was an overflow goin g to the electrowinning circuit. The equipment was computer controlled usin g Labview software. Experiments were conducted using this scaled electroref ining set-up to evaluate the effect of various ratios and concentrations of additives on nodulation during copper electrorefining under high current d ensities. Cathodic polarization curves, SEM micrographs, porosity analyses and copper grain analyses were used to characterize the cathodes produced.