Abstract
A network analysis computer program, developed by Kennecott, has been applied to the operation of an electrolytic refinery tank house. Using this program, heretofore unde-fined quantitative relationships between electrolytic refining cell, section and tank house can each be studied in detail. Relationships between such variables as contact resistance, electrolyte composition, current density, and percentage of short circuits can be examined individually or collectively by a simple change of input parameters.
The paper describes some of the steps taken in the development of a generalized program for electrical network analysis, and its adaptation to the specific electrical network(s) found in electrolytic refineries. The procedures used to determine the values of the various network elements in an electrolytic refinery are described in particular detail, using values obtained at Kennecott Refining Corporation's Tank House as examples. The effect of short circuits on current flow within a small electrorefining section is covered briefly. Other potential areas of application, some of which have already been implemented, are also mentioned.
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Burdett, B.W., Kim, Y.C. Electrical network analysis in an electrolytic copper refinery. Metall Trans B 6, 19–29 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02825674
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02825674