Removal of calcium and magnesium crystals from electrolysis systems
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Dear sea friends: I work in nickel electrowinning (using sulfuric acid-based systems). Our electrolysis system often experiences blockages in pumps, pipes, and heat exchangers due to high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other similar elements； A layer has formed even on the diaphragm bag, severely affecting permeability. Does anyone know the solution? I am extremely grateful!
The solution can be treated to remove calcium and magnesium before nickel electrowinning. Remove calcium and magnesium using NaF.
Regularly test the calcium and magnesium levels; when they are near saturation, drain part of the solution and add fresh water to reduce these levels.
Personally, I think it’s not practical to add fluoride to remove calcium and magnesium. There should be some open circuit in your anode solution; by controlling the pH appropriately during the precipitation of nickel carbonate in this open circuit condition, it’s possible to prevent calcium and magnesium from precipitating, thus keeping them in the open circuit state
I think this approach is feasible; I’ll look up in the relevant materials methods for removing impurities such as calcium and magnesium in the wet zinc smelting process (Guo Tianli) as a reference
Can a precipitate be formed by adding fluorides at the acidity of the electrolyte?