Optimization of powder production and properties to increase the kinetics of cobalt cementation at CEZinc

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During the purification process at CEZ, zinc particles are added to the feed solution to remove impurities such as copper, cadmium and cobalt prior to electrowinning. The removal of impurities is affected by cementation onto zinc particles. Cementation is a heterogeneous reaction favoured by the availability of large surface area of the zinc particles. Hence, the larger surface area of the zinc particles the faster the kinetics of cementation. Similarly, it has been shown that additions of lead to the zinc particles also improves the kinetics of cementation. Thus, work will be carried out to identify the optimum powder characteristics in terms of lead pre-alloying and size distribution to maximize the kinetics of cementation. This work will be performed mostly at the Powder Metallurgy Laboratory of Université Laval that is equipped with a water atomization system. Technology transfer activities are also planned to replicate the best laboratory results in the plant.