Effect of Particle Size of Zinc Powder on the Efficiency of Ni-Cd Cementation in Cold Purification Reactor

The cementation reaction of Ni-Cd occurs on the surface of zinc powder, and the Ni-Cd ions in the zinc sulfate solution (make-up) change into a solid metal deposit during the process. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the particle size of zinc powder on the operational parameters of cementation, such as the quantity of the zinc powder used, the reaction temperature, and the contact time. These parameters are influential on cost reduction as well as the manufacturing rate of zinc ingot. Results indicated that providing that the zinc powder, -325 mesh, is used, the consumption of zinc powder used in the industry can be reduced by an average of 40%. It was also confirmed that the best times for the cementation of Ni-Cd for all studied sizes were 75 and 60 minutes respectively. The Ni and Ca were removed in -325 mesh to the optimal values at 85℃ and 65℃ respectively. By optimizing the evaluated parameters, the concentrations of Ni and Cd impurities were obtained at the lowest possible and acceptable levels for transferring the make-up solution to the electrolysis stage.