THE DISTRIBUTION OF SILVER AND OTHER ELEMENTS IN Pb-Ag ANODES USED FOR ZINC ELECTROWINNING

摘要

The content and distribution of silver in laminated lead alloy anodes have a significant impact on the cost and performance of zinc electrowinning processes. Typical Ag contents in anodes used by zinc producers are known to vary between 0.25 to 1.0% wt Ag. Although lowering Ag content can represent significant operational cost savings, it increases the requirement for uniformity of micro-scale Ag distribution. Quantitative metallographic methods have been developed to improve the replicability and reproducibility of micro-scale Ag distribution measurements. The results are being used to assess and optimize laminated anode manufacturing procedures.