A MONITORING SYSTEM FOR THE COPPER SOLVENT EXTRACTION - ELECTROWINNING PROCESS

In this paper the current status of the modeling, simulation and control of the copper-leaching, solvent-extraction and electrowinning process (LXlSXlEW) is investigated. The objective is to address the lack of advanced process control implementations within the copper LXlSXlEW process. The methodology involves designing and implementing a prototype of a process monitoring application that is based on the steady-state mass balances of the copper SXlEW process. Additionally, the structure of the system is described alongside the testing results. The results indicate that while no advanced process controls have been previously reported in the LXlSXlEW field, the successful application of model-based control in other processes highlights a potential for improvement in copper production. Through the implementation of effective monitoring and control mechanisms, it is anticipated that process variables can be maintained near their optimal values, thereby enhancing copper recovery, minimizing chemical and energy consumption, and improving the overall quality of the produced cathode copper. The findings suggest a path forward for greater automation in the copper extraction process.