Improvements Made to Increase the Recycled Raw Material Processing Rateat Tamano Refinery

The chapter delves into the significant improvements made at Tamano Refinery to enhance the processing rate of recycled raw materials, with a particular focus on increasing the collection rates of nickel, antimony, and bismuth. The text begins by outlining the historical context and the initial challenges faced, including the issues with calcium scale formation in the vacuum evaporator and the need to reduce calcium contamination from city water. The implementation of water softening units and the subsequent reduction in calcium content of the electrolyte are detailed, leading to a notable increase in the nickel production rate. The chapter also explores the advancements in the chelating process, including the introduction of a new chelating resin and the optimization of the washing flow to minimize collection losses. The results of these improvements are highlighted, showing a significant increase in the collection rates of antimony and bismuth, as well as the acceptable upper limits for these elements in blister copper. The conclusion summarizes the overall impact of these improvements, emphasizing the enhanced efficiency and environmental benefits achieved at Tamano Refinery.