Copper

In the smelting process, where non-copper elements are burned off or otherwise separated, the resulting 99% pure copper blister is formed into anodes. These anodes are then placed in an electrolyte of sulfuric acid, copper sulfate and plating reagents for electrolysis. When electrical current is applied, the electrolytic process transfers copper from the "blister" anode to a cathode resulting in 99.9999% pure copper. In the leaching process, ore is sprayed with a weak acid solution which dissolves the copper in the ore. This solution is collected and processed using an "electrowinning" process deposit the copper from the solution onto a cathode resulting in 99.9999% pure copper.

Process Applications

High accuracy measurement of voltage and current is needed to...

• Provide current data to electrowinning and electro-refining process control systems for optimum control performance
• Detect unexpected changes in process efficiency
• Accurately evaluate impact of intended/trial process changes
• Objectively compare multiple process lines

Suitable DynAmp Products

Power Conversion Applications

The copper refining process is most efficient with highly stable and reliable from power conversion equipment. Current instability leads to numerous process efficiency problems thereby increasing the costs. Such instability can cause process cell damage and even endanger staff and facility.

Highly dependable and responsive measurement systems are needed to...

• Provide current data to rectifier control systems for optimum performance and stability
• Provide overall multi-rectifier balance indication
• Provide a backup "totalized"current equipment failure modes quickly to protect process, equipment, and personnel
• Sense power conversion equipment failure modes quickly to protect process, equipment, and personnel
• Analyze rectifiers' condition to determine maintenance requirements as well as acceptance testing of new/replacement rectifiers

Suitable DynAmp Products