The Electrolytic Zinc Plant Of Ruhr-Zinc GMBH., Datteln, West Germany

The Metallgesellschaft AG decided in late 1965 to build an Electrolytic Zinc Plant at Datteln (W. Germany). Lurgi-Chemie was entrusted with the engineering and erection of the entire plant. Ground was broken in February 1967 and the operation was started on August 1st, 1968. The new Electrolytic Zinc Plant was designed to produce a minimum of 100,000 metric tons of special high grade zinc and 200,000 metric tons of sulphuric acid. Concentrates from Meggen (W. Germany) and mainly Timmins (Canada) are roasted in two turbulent layer roasters. The sulfur dioxide containing gases are converted in a "Bayer double catalysis unit" to sulfuric acid. The calcine is leached batch wise, the leach residue separated from the pregnant solution by counter-current thickeners and drum filters. For maintaining the sulfate balance a modified jarosite leach is being used. After a two step purification the neutral solution is mixed with spent electrolyte and cooled in unpacked atmospheric cooling towers. Three electrical circuits are supplying the power to the tankhouse, each rated at 30,000 amperes. With a maximum current density of 750 amperes per square meter and a stripping cycle of 24 hours, an average current efficiency of 90 percent is obtained. Cathodes are melted in one induction furnace and cast into shapes, or alloyed with aluminum and copper for die-cast metal.