2
such as skin irritations, respiratory disorders, and even car-
cinogenic illnesses[3].
During the copper electrowinning process, water
decomposes into oxygen and hydrogen ions. As a result,
sulfate in the solution reacts with hydrogen to form sul-
furic acid, while oxygen is emitted as a secondary product
at the anode. This accumulates and generates oxygen gas
bubbles at the anode, and it starts to merge. As the bubbles
merge, the force keeping the bubbles on the anode becomes
weaker, causing them to detach themselves from the anode.
These bubbles travel through and approach the surface of
the electrolyte. As the bubble approaches the surface, the
liquid left on the electrolyte’s surface thins out progressively
to form a film that traps the bubble as it reaches the surface.
The film continues to thin out until weak spots are created.
The weak spots then topple and form holes, and surface
tension forces then act on liquid film to minimize the sur-
face area, causing a rapid rupture. Due to the fast nature
of the rupture, the film forms a finger that breaks into tiny
streams of liquids, which then break into small film and jet
droplets.[3].
Many methods have been introduced in the indus-
trial setting to control acid mist. These methods have been
categorized into two: physical and chemical. The physical
methods include increased plant ventilation and covering
the acidic solution’s surfaces with beads/small balls. Adding
foam and perfluoro-surfactants to the acidic solution is
classified as a chemical method. Other methods other than
the physical and chemical methods are mechanical elimina-
tion, using a fog or water curtain to absorb the acid mist,
and so on [4]. In several publications, surfactants like BASF
Pluronic F67, quillaja saponins, and other related surfac-
tants have been tested to suppress acid mist successfully [6].
The complete removal of acid mist from the electrowinning
process remains a puzzle.
Previous research is yet to look deeply into the pos-
sible effects of the materials used in the solvent extraction
technique on acid mist suppression, which is a crucial part
of the copper electrowinning process. This research aims
to evaluate the interactive impact of organic solution (a
mixture of extractants and diluents) and surfactants on
acid mist suppression and examine whether electrolyte-
surfactant and organic phase interaction frequency influ-
ences mist suppression. Since heap solution goes through
the solvent extraction stage before electrowinning, concerns
have been raised about the organic solvent used in the sol-
vent extraction stage, which can affect the amount of acid
mist generated at electrowinning. Laboratory experiments
will be conducted where these organics are mixed with the
electrolyte and vigorously shaken before performing mist
generation experiments to determine how much acid mist
has been generated.
Figure 1. Image illustration of the solvent extraction process
such as skin irritations, respiratory disorders, and even car-
cinogenic illnesses[3].
During the copper electrowinning process, water
decomposes into oxygen and hydrogen ions. As a result,
sulfate in the solution reacts with hydrogen to form sul-
furic acid, while oxygen is emitted as a secondary product
at the anode. This accumulates and generates oxygen gas
bubbles at the anode, and it starts to merge. As the bubbles
merge, the force keeping the bubbles on the anode becomes
weaker, causing them to detach themselves from the anode.
These bubbles travel through and approach the surface of
the electrolyte. As the bubble approaches the surface, the
liquid left on the electrolyte’s surface thins out progressively
to form a film that traps the bubble as it reaches the surface.
The film continues to thin out until weak spots are created.
The weak spots then topple and form holes, and surface
tension forces then act on liquid film to minimize the sur-
face area, causing a rapid rupture. Due to the fast nature
of the rupture, the film forms a finger that breaks into tiny
streams of liquids, which then break into small film and jet
droplets.[3].
Many methods have been introduced in the indus-
trial setting to control acid mist. These methods have been
categorized into two: physical and chemical. The physical
methods include increased plant ventilation and covering
the acidic solution’s surfaces with beads/small balls. Adding
foam and perfluoro-surfactants to the acidic solution is
classified as a chemical method. Other methods other than
the physical and chemical methods are mechanical elimina-
tion, using a fog or water curtain to absorb the acid mist,
and so on [4]. In several publications, surfactants like BASF
Pluronic F67, quillaja saponins, and other related surfac-
tants have been tested to suppress acid mist successfully [6].
The complete removal of acid mist from the electrowinning
process remains a puzzle.
Previous research is yet to look deeply into the pos-
sible effects of the materials used in the solvent extraction
technique on acid mist suppression, which is a crucial part
of the copper electrowinning process. This research aims
to evaluate the interactive impact of organic solution (a
mixture of extractants and diluents) and surfactants on
acid mist suppression and examine whether electrolyte-
surfactant and organic phase interaction frequency influ-
ences mist suppression. Since heap solution goes through
the solvent extraction stage before electrowinning, concerns
have been raised about the organic solvent used in the sol-
vent extraction stage, which can affect the amount of acid
mist generated at electrowinning. Laboratory experiments
will be conducted where these organics are mixed with the
electrolyte and vigorously shaken before performing mist
generation experiments to determine how much acid mist
has been generated.
Figure 1. Image illustration of the solvent extraction process