Abstract

FORNER, E.L.; SCHEEPERS, J.; DU TOIT, A.J.  and  MILLER, G.M.. Copper electrowinning circuit design: optimized costing as a function of cell arrangement, productivity, rectiformer size, and throughput. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2018, vol.118, n.11, pp.1141-1148. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2018//v118n11a3.

The sizing, designing, and costing of copper electrowinning circuits requires an in-depth understanding of the fundamental relationships between circuit parameters and the practical operation requirements. The aim of this investigation was to optimize total copper electrowinning project cost by mapping the operating limits of key mechanical equipment. The model was compiled by mapping various cellhouse layouts in terms of number of cathodes per cell, crane productivity, stripping machine productivity, and rectifier-transformer (rectiformer) sizing using data tables for sensitivity analysis. These parameters were then collated and evaluated on a cost by size basis. The model provides an optimum band of operation for cellhouse productivity and project capital cost for a typical range of production throughputs, from 10 kt/a to 200 kt/a cathode copper. The information may be used as a high-level selection guide to assist with identifying a cost-effective copper electrowinning circuit design for a specific production rate. The data was validated and compared with existing copper electrowinning cellhouses around the world that typically install no more than 84 cathodes per cell.

Keywords : copper electrowinning; circuit design; production rate; cost optimization.

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