| Industrial electrowinning systems are by nature complex, and it can be challenging to evaluate the effects of parametric variation experimentally in production environments. Finite element simulations provide an alternative to physical experimentation. However, simulation of these systems are resource intensive and require coupled multiphysics interactions to accurately model. Despite these challenges, simulation can provide a cost effective means for improvement and optimization. To make it easier to improve operational efficiency and reducing electrowinning costs a model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics finite element analysis (FEA) software. This work reviews the literature published on the subject providing context to the potential advances in approach. The proposed modeling strategy is presented, beginning with the Nernst--Planck equation describing the migration, convection and diffusion of ionic constituents in an electrolyte. This was coupled with a two-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to accurately describe mass transport in the system. This coupled approach will allow for accurate deposit morphology modeling. Further, roughness, operational cost and various stochastic methods will be incorporated to describe shorting and cost impact. The objective of this work is to provide a validated, more advanced model to determine the effects of operational parameters on electrowinning performance to facilitate optimization. |
