Characteristics of electrolytic cells

Abstract

THE electrolysis section of zinc smelter, at Debari, is designed for a low current density process taking into consideration the ambient temperature of the region. The cells are made of reinforced concrete with lead lining and contain 2 5 anodes of lead (alloyed with 0.5--I'0°o silver) and 27 cathodes of high purity aluminium sheet. Current density is maintained around 300 ampslm2 and the cells are oper- ated between 9 000 and 10 000 amperes per hour per cell. There are 240 cells distributed in 20 cascades of 12 cells each. Each cascade has two rows of six cells. The temperature in cells is maintained by removing excess heat with the help of lead cooling coils. The normal working temperature varies between 38 and 45 C. Purified zinc sulphate solution, termed neutral solution, is fed to individual cells through a small feeder pipe With provision for regulating the flow. The rated capacity of the plant is 555 tons of zinc cathodes per day.