Copper electrowinning extracts the metal from copper oxide ores using electrolysis. That’s a process of using an electrical current to stimulate an acid solution in a tank, which will move copper from a crushed ore slurry to a collection sheet.
The process creates bubbles in the solution that, when they pop, releases a sulfuric acid mist, which is a health risk to mine workers. An economical and efficient suppressant reduces the amount of acid mist, but itself is dangerous to workers who experience long term exposure. It also is volatile and unhealthy for the environment. The anti-mist agent already is banned in Europe and will likely be prohibited in the United States in a couple of years.
Researchers want to develop an environmentally friendly anti-mist agent, but are stymied by the lack of understanding on how the mist is formed. Project funding will pay for a high-speed video camera that can capture the bubbles’ formation, motion and rupture in the acid solution.
Investigation of acid solution samples will describe its properties, including surface tension, viscosity, temperature and pH, as well as characterize it under various conditions.
The team will work closely with Freeport McMoRan to obtain the acid solution from the company’s electrowinning plant.
For more information on this project, please contact: Jinhong Zhang