Mechanism and thermodynamics of floating slimes formation

J. Brent Hiskey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

The global copper industry faces a technological challenge to develop processing schemes for more complex and impure ores and concentrates. Group 15 elements (As, Sb, and Bi) represent impurities that are troublesome both in terms of environmental impact and metallurgical processing. The so-call "dirty" copper concentrates are either unacceptable for smelting and refining or incur high penalties. The behavior of the Group 15 elements is of critical importance in maintaining product quality and process performance. During copper electrorefining, these impurities are released to the electrolyte by electrochemical dissolution of the anode. Depending mainly on temperature, concentration, and oxidation state these elements can spontaneously coprecipitate from the electrolyte. Some of these precipitates are referred to as floating slimes and their formation can have extremely detrimental effects on cathode purity. In this paper, the mechanism of floating slimes formation will be discussed and the fundamental thermochemistry will be reviewed and analyzed in relation to solubility properties.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationT.T. Chen Honorary Symposium on Hydrometallurgy, Electrometallurgy and Materials Characterization - Held During the TMS 2012 Annual Meeting and Exhibition
PublisherMinerals, Metals and Materials Society
Pages101-112
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9781118291238
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventT.T. Chen Honorary Symposium on Hydrometallurgy, Electrometallurgy and Materials Characterization - TMS 2012 Annual Meeting and Exhibition - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: Mar 11 2012Mar 15 2012

Publication series

NameTMS Annual Meeting

Other

OtherT.T. Chen Honorary Symposium on Hydrometallurgy, Electrometallurgy and Materials Characterization - TMS 2012 Annual Meeting and Exhibition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period3/11/123/15/12

Keywords

  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Bismuth
  • Copper refining
  • Floating slimes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Metals and Alloys

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