Pyrometallurgy: Roasting, Smelting, Refining & Electrowinning

Pyrometallurgy: Roasting, Smelting, Refining & Electrowinning

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Caustic optimizing (3 replies)

F
FTM89
7 years ago
FTM89 7 years ago

Hi, I`m working on a gold plant as a consultant. I find out that they are using caustic after the elution. For what purpose will they use caustic after the elution? What was explained to me was that it`s for conductivity. What will be a good number in regards to conductivity? How much siemens per meter? How can we help them optimize the usage? Should they dilute the caustic to 2% as well or keep it at the delivered strength? 

David
7 years ago
David 7 years ago

I haven't heard of this. Is this prior to electrowinning? Check your electrowinning efficiency at different conductivity levels.

Concentration shouldn't matter unless you can't control the volume as it is too low, then you would dilute so you can increase the volume - however increasing the volume would may also decrease the grade of the solution.

Am only guessing here as I haven't heard of this before.

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M
Mike Rockandel
7 years ago
Mike Rockandel 7 years ago
1 like by David

pH is usually very high, >12.5. One reason for this is to protect the stainless steel anodes from corroding. A target of 2% NaOH by weight is pretty normal. Measuring conductivity is not very common.

David
7 years ago
David 7 years ago

My friend says his references indicate that cells are operated with electrolyte conductivity in the order of 2 S/m. This is critical if gold is to be deposited efficiently

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