Advances in lead and zinc processing

Abstract

The successful zinc electrowinning process really came into its own once reliable purification of zinc sulfate was developed. Why? All it takes is only a few (mu)g/L of (certain) impurities in the zinc-sulfate electrolyte for hydrogen evolution to occur, thereby redissolving the zinc cathode. Therefore, effective filtration is paramount if upsets must be avoided while producing zinc. On the other hand, flow restriction can result from plugging of the filtration units.