Control and Removal of Tellurium in Copper Electrolysis Process
Received:August 23, 2024   Revised:September 09, 2024   Accepted:September 12, 2024      Published Online:February 21, 2025
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DOI:doi:10.20237/j.issn.1007-7545.2025.03.005
KeyWord:copper electrolysis; copper electrodeposition; anode copper; cathode copper; electrolyte; tellurium;
                 
AuthorInstitution
Mu Yaling 1.云南铜业股份有限公司西南铜业分公司
Zeng Wenbin 1.云南铜业股份有限公司西南铜业分公司
Wang Shijiang 1.云南铜业股份有限公司西南铜业分公司
Xu Gangfang 1.云南铜业股份有限公司西南铜业分公司
Qin shuchen 1.云南铜业股份有限公司西南铜业分公司
Niu Li 1.云南铜业股份有限公司西南铜业分公司
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Abstract:
      The behavioral analysis and industrial experimental research on the influence of tellurium element on the quality of cathode copper during copper electrolysis process were conducted. The impurity tellurium content in cathode copper is greatly affected by the electrolyte impurity content. When the tellurium content in the electrolyte is high, the tellurium content in cathode copper increases accordingly. The roughness, number of lumps, and degree of cracks on the surface of cathode copper will increase the adhesion of electrolyte on the cathode copper, leading to an increase in the total amount of Sb, S, Ni, and Ag impurities. Production experience shows that when the tellurium content in the electrolyte reaches 26 mg/L, the impurity content of cathode copper significantly increases, the surface roughness of cathode copper increases, and other elements exceed the standard; The tellurium content in the electrolyte is controlled within 20 mg/L, the tellurium content in the cathode copper is basically normal, and the surface of the cathode copper is relatively flat. In order to control the tellurium content in the electrolyte not exceed 20 mg/L, copper powder tellurium removal technology was used in production to continuously remove tellurium from the electrolyte. Spraying copper powder in mist at a temperature range of 90—95 ℃ can effectively reduce the tellurium content in the electrolyte. When the addition amount reaches 10 kg/h, the maximum removal rate of tellurium is 51.20%, and the tellurium content in the solution is reduced from 35 mg/L to a lowest value of 17.08 mg/L, which basically meets the requirements of copper electrolysis.
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