Extraction of copper from the waste of the Karagayly concentrator under the action of an electric hydro-pulse discharge depending on the pH of the medium in the cell

Abstract

In the work, the waste of the Karagayly concentrator was processed at the experimental hydro pulse discharge (HPD) laboratory set-up in order to transfer the copper contained in them (0.11–0.14 %) into the solution and then partially precipitate it in the process of pulsed electrolysis. Pulp from waste (waste + water 1:1) was poured into the cell, then an acidic medium was adjusted to the value pH = 1.0–3.0 using a mixture of reagents. Under the action of electro-hydro pulse the process of pulsed electrolysis occurs simultaneously. Then the lid was tightly closed and a hydro-pulse discharge (HPD) was performed for 5–20 minutes. Under the action of the discharge, all the metals contained in the pulp went into solution and simultaneously precipitated, except for copper ions, which remained in the solution and partially deposited on the cathode. As a result, after processing the pulp with HPD, 20 solutions with a precipitate were obtained. All solutions and precipitates were studied on a copper content by an atomic absorption spectrometer. The optimal conditions for the extraction of copper into solution, namely, the duration of discharge HPD for 20 minutes at pH = 1 and presence of silicate and phosphate ions, were established. All interfering ions of other metals remain in the sediment, since copper is to the right of other metals in the galvanic series.