Study on the Optimal Control of High Lead Anode Copper Electrolysis Based on Parallel Flow Technology

Abstract

With the continuous expansion of copper smelting scale, copper concentrate resources are increasingly scarce, leading to the utilization of low-grade and complex copper concentrates. This results in anode passivation during the copper electrolytic refining process due to high impurity contents. To address this issue and to stabilize cell voltage while improving the overall efficiency of electrolytic refining of high-impurity anode copper, the effects of additives, electrolyte free sulfuric acid concentration, and technological operation parameters on cell voltage variation were investigated based on the unique electrolyte feeding mode of parallel flow technology. The results indicate that, to stabilize the cell voltage of high-lead anode copper electrolysis at high current density, the recommended operating conditions include a bone glue dosage of 40–90 g/t, a thiourea dosage of less than 100 g/t, and a free sulfuric acid concentration in the electrolyte of 160–180 g/L.