Alternative Technology for Processing Scrap in Refineries

This chapter explores the development and evaluation of a novel reactive electro-dialysis (RED) cell designed to process anodic scrap in refineries. The RED cell, fabricated using 3D printing with ABS thermoplastic polymer, comprises four anodic compartments and a central cathodic compartment separated by anion-exchange membranes. The experimental procedure involved continuous feeding of sulfuric acid and scrap, resulting in an electrolyte with controlled copper and acid concentrations and minimal impurities. Key performance indicators included a dissolution efficiency of 102%, a specific energy consumption of 2.2 GWh/t, and a hydrogen generation rate of 330 m3 per ton of dissolved scrap. The technology's implementation within a smelter-refinery complex or as a stand-alone process offers advantages such as higher impurity levels in anodes and the production of various high-value copper products. The chapter concludes with a projection of the technology's integration into industrial processes, highlighting its potential to revolutionize scrap processing in refineries.