METHODE ET DISPOSITIF DE CONTROLE DE LA QUALITE D'UN ELECTROLYTE AU SULFATE DE ZINC

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method and apparatus for controlling a process for therecovery of zinc from zinc sulfate electrolyte containing concentrationsof impurities and addition agents. The method and apparatus includea test circuit comprising a test cell, a sample of electrolyte, amoving cathode, an anode and a reference electrode immersed in saidsample, a constant current source and measuring means electricallyconnected to the electrodes. A controlled low current is appliedto the electrodes in the test cell to measure the activation overpotentialbetween the cathode and the reference electrode. The activation overpotentialis measured at the point of inchoate deposition of zinc and is relatedto the concentration of impurities and addition agents in the sample. The processes for the purification of zinc sulfate electrolyte andthe recovery of zinc from zinc sulfate electrolyte are subsequentlyadjusted in relation to the measured value of the activation overpotentialto obtain optimum zinc recovery.