Some Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Copper Deposition from Leaching Solutions Rich in Iron

Author: Stirton, Robert Ingersoll

Year: 1934

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Lacey, William Noble

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Chemistry

DOI: 10.7907/21ga-g322

Abstract

Experimental work is described serving to identify eleven variable factors influencing the efficiency of operation of electrolytic cells operating with copper cathodes and lead anodes and fed with solutions containing relatively high concentrations of copper, iron, aluminum and sulfuric acid.

Results are given constituting a systematic investigation of the effect on anode and cathode efficiencies of three of these variables, and some work has been done on the effect of a fourth.

It is found that increasing temperature results in decreasing cathode efficiency with very little effect on the net anode efficiency.

It is found that increasing concentration of ferrous iron results in marked increase in net anode efficiencies and relatively small decreases in cathode efficiencies until a concentration of 19 grams per liter is reached. Further increase of ferrous iron results in marked increase in the cathode efficiency but also in pronounced decrease in the net anode efficiency.

It is found that increasing the concentration of ferric iron results in decreasing both cathode and net anode efficiencies. Investigation of this variable was not complete.

It is found that increasing concentration of aluminum results in marked increase in cathode efficiency after a poorly defined lower limit is passed. Small increases in the net anode efficiency with increasing aluminum concentration are found, the maximum gain being recorded at approximately the lower limit of concentration which has appreciable effect on the cathode efficiency.

The use of the glass electrode to determine the pH of the solution has been investigated and further work on the effect of varying aluconcentration involving pH control thru use of the glass electrode is outlined.

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