Quality control is the key to ensuring the stable operation of lead anode plates in copper refining. The quality control covers the entire manufacturing process, from raw material selection to finished product inspection, with clear standards and strict testing methods.
In terms of raw material control, high-purity lead ingots and qualified alloying elements must be used, and the purity and impurity content of raw materials must be tested to avoid the impact of harmful impurities (such as iron, copper, and arsenic) on the performance of anode plates. In the smelting process, the temperature, stirring speed, and holding time are strictly controlled to ensure uniform alloy composition and no internal defects such as segregation and inclusions. In the casting and rolling processes, the dimensional accuracy, flatness, and surface quality of the anode plate are monitored in real time, with the flatness controlled within ≤1.5 mm/m and the dimensional tolerance within ±1 mm.
Common defects of lead anode plates include pores, cracks, inclusions, uneven thickness, poor conductivity, and unstable passive film. Pores and cracks are mainly caused by improper smelting temperature, impure raw materials, or unreasonable casting speed; inclusions are due to insufficient slag removal during smelting; uneven thickness is caused by inaccurate rolling parameters; poor conductivity is related to alloy composition deviation or poor contact of conductive lugs; unstable passive film is caused by improper surface treatment or unreasonable alloy composition. Once these defects are found, corresponding measures must be taken to repair or scrap them to avoid affecting the electrolytic refining effect.
