Electrorefining of copper from a cuprous ion complexing electrolyte. II. Experimental comparison of possible alternative electrolytes and preliminary cost engineering analysis

Abstract

The energy saving potential and refining capability of three copper(I)/electrolyte systems for the electrorefining of copper were compared experimentally. The alternative electrolyte systems studied were copper(I)/acid chloride, copper(I)/acetonitrile and sulfuric acid, and copper(I)/ammonia solutions. These were compared to the conventional copper(II)/sulfuric acid electrolyte. All of the alternative electrolyte systems demonstrated at least some potential for saving energy when run at an equal deposition rate to the conventional process; the chloride electrolyte showed the greatest energy saving potential, about 70%, and the ammonia electrolyte showed the least, about 25%. All of the alternative electrolyte systems, however, exhibited performance problems, primarily with regard to inadequate separation of impurities. A preliminary capital cost estimate was made for the copper(I)/chloride system. This estimate showed that, for the alternative electrolyte system to be cost competitive (that is, a reduction of capital cost of about 15 to 20%) with the conventional electrorefining process, the refining cells would have to be operated at a current density of about 25 to 30 mA-cm/sup -2/. At this current density, the estimated energy saving potential for the copper(I)/chloride system was still about 50%.