Performance comparison of anthracite filter media of different origin in the removal of organic traces from copper electrolyte

Eight anthracite granule species used as filter media were tested for organic phase separation from copper electrolyte in a filter bed. The effects of filter bed depth and fluid velocity were studied. The macro porosity, density, surface area, bed expansion, pressure loss during backwash, mechanical strength, surface micro porosity and morphology of the anthracite species were analyzed. The organic droplet average diameter and zeta potential of the electrolyte suspension were also measured. In addition, SEM analysis was used to investigate aging and separation performance of filter media. For the different anthracite species, the aging and a similar separation performance were found. However, some variation in performance was detected during backwash experiments. Pilot scale runs with inversed flow indicated that testing of the anthracite species before selection is advantageous.