Home Production process Electrolysis bales SEARCH Nyrstar Balen / Overpelt is part of the Nyrstar Group, a multi-metals company with a leading position in the zinc and lead market. Nyrstar has mines and smelters in Europe, the Americas and Australia and employs approximately 4,300 people. Nyrstar is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels and is headquartered in Switzerland. Our company Production process Our focus Info contractors and suppliers Working at Nyrstar News Contact Electrolysis (Bales) In the electrolysis, zinc metal is recovered from the purified zinc sulphate solution under the influence of electric direct current. 2 ZnSO 4 + 2 H 2 O → 2 Zn + 2 H 2 SO 4 + O 2 The process takes place in electrolysis cells, each containing 97 lead anodes and 96 aluminum cathodes. The electrolysis consists of 4 halls of 35 cells each, which are interconnected to form 1 large circuit that is connected to the rectifier. The purified solution is continuously added to the circuit. Electric current is conducted through the solution from the anode to the cathode. The zinc is deposited on the cathode. The acidic zinc-deficient electrolyte solution is called cell acid and is returned to the leaching solution. At a current density of up to 700 A / m2, a zinc layer of approx. 4 mm has deposited on both sides of the cathodes after 32 to 40 hours. The cathodes are then lifted out of the cells using computer-controlled taps, after which the zinc is automatically stripped in stripping machines and reinserted in the cells to build up a new deposit. The stripped zinc is taken to the smelter and foundry department. The zinc produced by the electrolysis process is of very pure quality and contains 99.995% zinc. The electrolysis uses large amounts of electricity and is therefore responsible for a large part of the energy costs in the entire production process. Therefore, the productivity and energy efficiency of the electrolysis process is a crucial factor in the overall efficiency of the plant. Zinc for life www.nyrstar.com 2017 Nyrstar Disclaimer Routebeschrijving Sitemap