Improving Productivity and Energy Efficiency in Copper Electrowinning Plants

This paper presents strategies to improve energy efficiency and productivity in copper electrowinning (EW) plants. Plant modeling is based on updated technical data and specific measurements obtained in a tankhouse during a complete production cycle (four to five continuous days). The industrial EW plant site examined produces 180 000 ton/year with an operating current density of 300 A/m² and a current dispersion of 8.5%. Proposals are based on the use of Optibar intercell bars and the reduction of distance between electrodes. Due to these changes, an improvement of +4.3% in energy efficiency combined with an increase of +3.4% in production can be accomplished. The productivity improvement projected for the plant is U.S.$ 10 million/year.