“Norilsk Nickel” MMC, Moscow, Russia

S. L. Kozlov, Head of Department of Administration of Operational Production Control, phone: +7 (495) 797-82-17

Polar Division of “Norilsk Nickel” MMC, Norilsk, Russia

E. V. Yudin, Chief Engineer of Control and Analytical Department
A. I. Yurev, Executive Officer (Center of Engineering Maintenance of Production)
E. V. Salimzhanova, Deputy Executive Officer (Center of Engineering Maintenance of Production)
E. V. Shulga, Chief Specialist (Center of Engineering Maintenance of Production)

Researches of dependence of spiral elongation from the samples manufacturing technology were carried out within the definition of reasons of high value of SEN index of cathode copper of Polar Division of “Norilsk Nickel” MMC. Estimation of interconnection of sampling point with the SEN size was carried out for the purpose of improvement of sampling methodology, which provides the presentability of analytical sample. There was substantiated, that sulphur is rather uniformly distributed on cathode part. At the same time, nickel and silver are concentrated in side and bottom part, which is explained by starting of electrolyte and particles of slag into the surface defects. Experiment for searching of dendrite crystallization centers showed the inclusions of cuprites and elemental-organic compounds in the places of their formation. This issue requires the additional consideration. It was substantiated that, to a variable degree, separate impurities increase the temperature of copper recrystallization. According to this, these impurities decrease the values of SEN. Recrystallization temperature is increased by phosphorous, selenium, tellurium and tin, which have the most significant influence. Iron, cobalt, nickel and silver have the less influence. Carrying out of measures for decreasing of the content of impurities in copper cathodes and continuing of works for optimization of colloid regime of copper electrolyte, is required for the purpose of further maintenance of reached indices SEN > 400 mm and their stabilization.

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