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

Citation

Stirton, Robert Ingersoll (1934) Some Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Copper Deposition from Leaching Solutions Rich in Iron. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/21ga-g322. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:10282024-222816833

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.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Chemistry)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Lacey, William Noble
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1934
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Inspiration Consolidated Copper CompanyUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:10282024-222816833
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:10282024-222816833
DOI:10.7907/21ga-g322
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:16818
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Benjamin Perez
Deposited On:29 Oct 2024 22:00
Last Modified:29 Oct 2024 22:06

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