How to remove impurities during copper electrolysis

1. Regularly discharge electrolytic lean solution in measured amounts； 2. Choose a better extractant.

Thank you upstairs. We use anode plate electrolysis here, and the electrolyte has a high iron content; I was wondering if there is any way to see quick results

A targeted extractant should be selected

The most fundamental solution to the impurity problem in copper electrolysis is to find ways through pyrometallurgical processing. Since there are few such processes in copper electrolysis, it isn’t necessary to seek solutions for this issue. At most, precision filtration equipment similar to that used by companies like Laroche can be employed to reduce the formation of impurities. Impurities caused by these defects are relatively common and lead to violations of quality standards.

Think of a way to purify the electrolyte; could using pH-induced hydrolysis and precipitation work? Iron is really a hassle when it comes to non-ferrous metal smelting!

Please note that the original poster is referring to copper electrolysis, not copper electrowinning. Later, electrolysis using the anode plate was emphasized, so it is not a problem of extraction.

The electrolyte used in copper electrolysis contains about 120 g/l of H2SO4, so it is not possible to use pH adjustment for the hydrolytic precipitation method. Extraction is also not suitable at this acidity level. Moreover, iron removal is very uneconomical in mass production. The most fundamental solution is to optimize pyrometallurgical processing, as it is the most economical and feasible way to address the problems at the earliest stage!

Indeed, the acidity is too high! I’ve learned it! It’s of course best to solve the issue at the front end, but what if the ore contains too much iron and it’s impossible to address the problem at that stage?

The high iron content in the electrowinning solution is primarily caused by entrainment along the extraction line; by properly controlling the washing stage and reducing iron entrainment to a minimum, this problem can be resolved at its root. If high iron levels already exist, the only option is to periodically drain the liquid obtained after electrowinning

Indeed, I also remember that it seems possible to reduce iron content through electrodeposition during electrolyte purification! :lol

The previous processing steps have already ensured strict control over the levels of various impurities; generally, the copper content in our anode plates is above 98.5%. At the beginning of production, the impurity levels are low, but as production continues, various impurities gradually accumulate in the electrolyte along with each batch of anode plates processed. As you know, the water used in the electrolysis workshop is recycled – in other words, it enters but does not exit. Prolonged accumulation of such impurities inevitably leads to an increase in their levels. While other impurities can be removed through purification of the electrolyte, iron cannot be effectively removed during this process. Once the iron content exceeds the allowable limit, the electrolyte must be reprepared (using traditional treatment methods), and this approach has a significant impact, requiring shutdown of production. Therefore, we kindly ask for some useful suggestions from those with expertise in this field. Thank you for this

These days, copper electrolysis facilities all have a liquid purification workshop; after copper removal, if the Ni concentration is still acceptable, it is concentrated to produce anhydrous nickel sulfate, at which point iron is carried away along with the nickel sulfate.

In the liquid purification workshop, iron will be carried away along with nickel sulfate in the off-gases, but this amount is relatively small; most of the iron ends up in pyrophoric acid. Most manufacturers practice the recycling of pyrophoric acid, which means that the iron returns to the recycling system