A method for improving the quality of the machine wash water in electrolytic refining

Abstract

The application discloses a method for improving the quality of washing water in an electrolytic refining unit, and specifically comprises the following steps: on-line monitoring the copper sulfate concentration of washing water in a washing water tank of a cathode copper stripping unit; when the real-time copper sulfate concentration is monitored to exceed a preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, sending the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit into a washing water tank of a residual electrode washing unit; adding new water into the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to supplement the washing water amount and reduce the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the cathode copper stripping unit; and discharging part of the anode mud and water settled at the bottom of the washing water tank of the residual electrode washing unit to reduce the anode mud content in the washing water of the residual electrode washing unit, and simultaneously leaving space to receive the washing water without anode mud from the cathode copper stripping unit. The application can effectively and quickly improve the quality of washing water without affecting production.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of copper electrolytic refining, in particular to a method for improving the washing water quality of a cathode copper stripping unit and a residual electrode washing unit in copper electrolytic refining. BACKGROUND

[0002] One of the operation steps in the current copper electrolytic refining is to clean the produced high-purity cathode copper, which is carried out at the washing station of the cathode copper stripping unit. The main purpose is to clean the residual copper sulfate solution on the surface of the high-purity cathode copper, reduce the sulfur content of the cathode copper, and improve the quality of the cathode copper. At the same time, another operation step in the electrolytic refining process is to clean the residual electrode plate, which is carried out on the residual electrode washing unit. The main purpose is to clean the anode mud and copper sulfate solution on the residual electrode plate, maximize the recovery of the anode mud, and reduce the crystallization on the residual electrode plate and the loss of precious metals.

[0003] However, in the production process, the washing water of the cathode copper stripping unit will have a higher copper sulfate content after being washed for several times. After a long period of cleaning, the washing water with a high copper sulfate content will leave copper sulfate solution on the cathode plate during the washing operation, and the copper sulfate crystals will be precipitated after the water evaporates, affecting the quality of the cathode copper and thus affecting the sales. The current solution is to increase the water change frequency to reduce the copper sulfate content in the washing water to solve this problem. However, increasing the water change frequency will increase the volume of the electrolyte in the entire electrolytic system, and the electrolyte has no place to store, which will disrupt a series of production operation steps. At the same time, the increase in the volume of the electrolyte will change the parameters of each system, affecting the control of the overall additives and thus affecting the quality of the cathode copper. In addition, the washing water of the residual electrode washing unit will also increase the anode mud content in the washing water due to long use frequency, resulting in poor washing effect of the residual electrode plate, more precious metals carried by the residual electrode plate, and low anode mud recovery rate. Increasing the water change frequency will also cause the problem of excessive volume of the electrolyte. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present application aims to provide a method for improving the washing water quality of a unit in electrolytic refining.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A method for improving the washing water quality of a unit in electrolytic refining, the specific process is as follows:

[0007] The copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is monitored online. When the real-time copper sulfate concentration exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is sent to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit, and new water is added to the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to supplement the washing water and reduce the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the cathode copper stripping unit. The washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit discharges part of the water and the anode mud settled at the bottom to reduce the content of the anode mud in the washing water of the anode residue washing unit, and at the same time, space is left to receive the washing water without anode mud from the cathode copper stripping unit.

[0008] Further, the central control PLC collects the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit in real time and judges whether it exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold. If yes, the liquid level signal of the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is collected. If the current liquid level of the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit does not reach the highest liquid level, the central control PLC directly controls to execute the replenishment of new water until it stops when the highest liquid level is reached. At this time, the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is collected again. If it does not exceed the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the production continues. If it still exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the central control PLC collects the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit. If the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is lower than the preset low liquid level threshold, the central control PLC directly controls to execute the transportation of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit and executes the replenishment of new water to the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit. If the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is higher than the preset high liquid level threshold, the central control PLC controls to open the blowdown port at the bottom of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit to discharge the water with more anode mud settled at the bottom. When the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is reduced to the preset half liquid level threshold, the blowdown port is closed, and the central control PLC controls to execute the transportation of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit until the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit reaches the highest liquid level.

[0009] Still further, the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is connected to a steam-water mixing heater through a control valve. The steam-water mixing heater is used to heat the new water entering the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to a set temperature, and the control valve is used to control the amount of the replenished new water. The steam-water mixing heater and the control valve are both communicatively connected to the central control PLC, and the central control PLC controls the temperature of the new water by controlling the amount of steam and water entering the steam-water mixing heater.

[0010] Further, the cathode copper stripping machine group is provided with a copper sulfate concentration on-line monitoring instrument and a liquid level gauge on the washing water tank, which are respectively used for on-line monitoring of the copper sulfate concentration and the liquid level of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping machine group; the copper sulfate concentration on-line monitoring instrument and the liquid level gauge are both in communication connection with the central control PLC.

[0011] Further, the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping machine group is communicated with the washing water tank of the anode residue washing machine group through a water pump and a corresponding pipeline; the blow-off port at the bottom of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing machine group is provided with an automatic valve; the water pump and the automatic valve are both in communication connection with the central control PLC, and the central control PLC controls the water pump to work to pour the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping machine group into the washing water tank of the anode residue washing machine group, and controls the opening and closing of the automatic valve to control the opening and closing of the blow-off port.

[0012] Further, the washing water tank of the anode residue washing machine group is provided with a liquid level gauge for monitoring the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing machine group, and the liquid level gauge is in communication connection with the central control PLC.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows:

[0014] In the method of the present application, by monitoring the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water of the cathode copper in real time, the water quality can be detected in time after the water quality changes, and the water quality can be improved in time by supplementing new water.

[0015] Moreover, in the present application, the anode mud liquid settled at the bottom of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing machine group is first discharged, and the washing water of the cathode copper with an excessive copper sulfate concentration is supplemented into the anode residue washing machine group as the anode residue washing water, which not only enables the washing water to be used twice, i.e., first used for washing the cathode copper and then used for washing the anode residue, but also enables the washing water quality of the anode residue to be improved quickly.

[0016] In addition, the method of the present application does not increase the electrolyte volume of the electrolysis system, and the whole process does not need to stop the machine group, and does not affect the production.

[0017] The method of the present application adopts the overall linkage control of the central control PLC to realize the overall control across the machine groups, thereby realizing the automatic control of the water level and water quality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present application will be further described below, and it should be noted that the present embodiment is based on the technical solution, and a detailed implementation manner and a specific operation process are given, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0019] The present embodiment provides a method for improving the washing water quality of the machine group in electrolytic refining, and the specific process is as follows:

[0020] The copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is monitored online. When the real-time copper sulfate concentration exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is sent to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit, and new water is added to the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to supplement the washing water and reduce the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the cathode copper stripping unit. The washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit discharges part of the water and the anode mud settled at the bottom to reduce the content of the anode mud in the washing water of the anode residue washing unit, and at the same time, space is left to receive the washing water without the anode mud from the cathode copper stripping unit, so that the washing water quality in the cathode copper stripping unit and the anode residue washing unit is improved, and the electrolyte volume in the system is not increased, and the washing water is maximized.

[0021] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the central control PLC collects the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit in real time and judges whether it exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold in real time. If yes, the liquid level signal of the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is collected. If the current liquid level of the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit does not reach the highest liquid level, the central control PLC directly controls to execute the replenishment of new water until it stops when the highest liquid level is reached. At this time, the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is collected again. If it does not exceed the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the production continues. If it still exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the central control PLC collects the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit. If the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is lower than the preset low liquid level threshold, the central control PLC directly controls to execute the delivery of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit and to execute the replenishment of new water to the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit. If the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is higher than the preset high liquid level threshold, the central control PLC controls to open the blowdown port at the bottom of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit to discharge the water with more anode mud settled at the bottom. When the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is reduced to the preset half liquid level threshold, the blowdown port is closed, and the central control PLC controls to execute the delivery of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit until the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit reaches the highest liquid level.

[0022] Such a repeated cycle makes the washing water reusable, improves the water quality of the washing water, improves the washing quality, maximizes the use of water, and reduces the pressure of the system. In the process of improving the water quality, the liquid levels are automatically controlled, and the replenished new water meets the preset washing temperature, so that the whole process does not need to be stopped and does not affect the production.

[0023] In the embodiment, the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is connected to a steam-water mixed heater through a control valve, the steam-water mixed heater is used to heat the new water entering the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to a set temperature, and the control valve is used to control the amount of new water supplement; the steam-water mixed heater and the control valve are both communicatively connected to the central control PLC, and the central control PLC controls the temperature of the new water by controlling the amount of steam and water entering the steam-water mixed heater.

[0024] In the embodiment, a copper sulfate concentration on-line monitoring instrument and a liquid level meter are arranged on the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit, and are respectively used to on-line monitor the copper sulfate concentration and the liquid level of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit; the copper sulfate concentration on-line monitoring instrument and the liquid level meter are both communicatively connected to the central control PLC.

[0025] In the embodiment, the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is connected to the washing water tank of the anode washing unit through a water pump and corresponding pipelines; an automatic valve is arranged at the blow-off port at the bottom of the washing water tank of the anode washing unit; the water pump and the automatic valve are both communicatively connected to the central control PLC, the central control PLC controls the water pump to work to pour the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit into the washing water tank of the anode washing unit, and controls the opening and closing of the blow-off port by controlling the opening and closing of the automatic valve.

[0026] In the embodiment, a liquid level meter is arranged on the washing water tank of the anode washing unit, and is used to monitor the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode washing unit; the liquid level meter is communicatively connected to the central control PLC.

[0027] For those skilled in the art, various corresponding changes and modifications can be given according to the above technical solutions and concepts, and all of these changes and modifications should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A method of improving the quality of the unit wash water in electrolytic refining, characterized in that, The specific process is as follows: The copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is monitored online, and when the real-time copper sulfate concentration is monitored to exceed the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is sent to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit, and new water is added to the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to supplement the washing water amount to reduce the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the cathode copper stripping unit; the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit discharges part of the anode mud and water settled at the bottom to reduce the anode mud content in the washing water of the anode residue washing unit, and at the same time, space is emptied to receive the washing water without anode mud from the cathode copper stripping unit; The central control PLC collects the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit in real time and judges whether it exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold in real time. If so, the liquid level signal of the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is collected. If the current liquid level of the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit does not reach the highest liquid level, the central control PLC directly controls the execution of supplementing new water until it stops after reaching the highest liquid level. At this time, the copper sulfate concentration of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is collected again. If it does not exceed the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the production continues. If it still exceeds the preset copper sulfate concentration threshold, the central control PLC collects the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit. If the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is lower than the preset low liquid level threshold, the central control PLC directly controls the execution of transporting the washing water of the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit and supplementing new water to the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit. If the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is higher than the preset high liquid level threshold, the central control PLC controls to open the blowdown port at the bottom of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit to discharge the water with more anode mud settled at the bottom. When the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is reduced to the preset half liquid level threshold, the blowdown port is closed, and the execution of transporting the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit is controlled until the liquid level of the washing water tank of the anode residue washing unit reaches the highest liquid level.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is connected to a steam-water mixing heater through a control valve. The steam-water mixing heater is used to heat the new water entering the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit to a set temperature, and the control valve is used to control the amount of new water. The steam-water mixing heater and the control valve are both communicatively connected to the central control PLC, and the central control PLC controls the temperature of the new water by controlling the amount of steam and water entering the steam-water mixing heater.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit is provided with a copper sulfate concentration online monitoring instrument and a liquid level meter for online monitoring the copper sulfate concentration and the liquid level of the washing water in the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping unit, respectively. The copper sulfate concentration online monitoring instrument and the liquid level meter are both communicatively connected to the central control PLC.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping machine group is connected with the washing water tank of the residual electrode washing machine group through a water pump and corresponding pipelines; an automatic valve is arranged at the blowdown port at the bottom of the washing water tank of the residual electrode washing machine group; the water pump and the automatic valve are both in communication connection with the central control PLC, and the central control PLC controls the water pump to work to pour the washing water tank of the cathode copper stripping machine group into the washing water tank of the residual electrode washing machine group, and controls the opening and closing of the blowdown port by controlling the opening and closing of the automatic valve.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, A liquid level meter is arranged on the washing water tank of the residual electrode washing machine group to monitor the liquid level of the washing water tank of the residual electrode washing machine group, and the liquid level meter is in communication connection with the central control PLC.