Simulation of slime particles in the electrorefining cell of Sarcheshmeh copper complex under electric Field

While prior CFD studies on copper electrorefining have often simplified or neglected the behavior of slime particles, this work presents a ۳D CFD simulation focused explicitly on their dispersion, suspension, and settling. The model was validated with operational data from the Sarcheshmeh copper complex (Iran), using the SST k-w turbulence model with buoyancy and drag forces. Results indicate that suspended slime particles move between electrodes, whereas anodic slime settles at the cell bottom. Applying an electric field raises anodic slime by ۲۵% and suspended slime by ۲۰% relative to the no-field case. These findings highlight the significant influence of electric fields and electrode geometry on slime dynamics, providing insights for better slime control in industrial electrorefining.

کلیدواژه ها:

CFD simulation ، Slime particles ، Electric field