Modeling Operational Parameters of a Reactive Electro-Dialysis Cell for Electro-Refining Anodic Scrap Copper

Gerardo Cifuentes, José Hernández, Jorge Manríquez, Nicolas Guajardo

Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

DOI: 10.4236/ajac.2014.515107                

Abstract

This work will create an electro-dialysis cell model that has the purpose of refining anodic scrap copper—an element that currently must be returned to the copper conversion process. The cell modeling is based on Ohm’s Law, while the resulting copper deposit morphology is studied through the thickness of the layer deposited on the surface and the electric current lines traced from the anode to the cathode. The use of the model demonstrated that it is possible to effectively predict the specific energy consumption required for the refinement of the anodic scrap copper, and the morphology of the cathode obtained, with a margin of error of 9%.

Keywords

Electro-Refining, Modeling, Copper Scrap, Reactive Electro-Dialysis, Specific Consumption

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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