Copper Demand to Double By 2035?

With global copper demand set to double by 2035 according to Standard & Poors, is your facility equipped to handle this demand? According to S&P this demand will outpace supply as developing countries industrialize, and as developed countries move towards electrifying their vehicle fleets. This trend will be further compounded by factors such as disrupted supply chains still currently facing the global economy.

Applied Analytics can help copper solvent extraction and electrowinning facilities meet these demands by helping you identify conditions that negatively impact your bottom line. With just a single analyzer we can monitor the following:

• Manganese Ions: These compounds attack lead anodes – shorting the lifespan of the electrode. They also create passivation layers on non-lead anodes which create the need for higher current densities.
• Iron Ions: Iron, particularly the Fe³⁺ ion, has been shown to play a role in crud formation during solvent extraction. Crud forms between the organic and aqueous layers during solvent extraction. Its presence decreases the overall efficiency of solvent extraction.
• Cobalt Ions: Cobalt is commonly added to solution to prevent the breakdown of electrodes.
• Copper Ions: If the flow of fresh copper electrolyte is blocked and copper levels decrease in solution, it becomes favorable for hydrogen gas to form at the electrodes. This presents a serious safety risk for the plant.

Don’t let process control issues be the bane of your existence and take money off the table. Reach out to one of our engineers today to learn how we can provide a window into your process.

Application Note: Copper: Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning