Copper producers obtain copper 80% by pyrometallurgy and 20% by hydrometallurgy method. Sulfur minerals constitute 80% of copper. It is very difficult to dissolve these minerals in aqueous solution. For this reason, the copper producer applies pyrometallurgy, ie heat treatment, to copper. The steps of this process are enrichment, transformation and purification, respectively. Copper enrichment is commonly done by foam flotation. With this process, the sulphide surface in copper is transformed into hydrophobia. Then, the copper is separated from its oxidized structure by the transformation method. A temperature of 1250 degrees is required for the conversion method. In the purification method, fire is applied to reduce the oxygen and sulfur contained in copper. Hot oxygen gas is used to completely remove sulfur.
The hydrometallurgical method used by copper producers in copper production is divided into 3 steps. These are Liching (bringing the metal into the aqueous environment), purification and finally electrolyte recovery. Liching, the method of bringing the metal into the aqueous environment, starts with taking copper into solution. It continues with the purification method and ends with the production of 99.9% pure copper with electrolyte recovery.
Copper is known as one of the first mines in human history. People buy copper household items, jewelry and so on. It uses in many areas. It is the second metal preferred to use copper. The presence of copper element in many surfaces around the world has increased the use of copper in daily life. The appearance of copper is red and brown.
Physical Properties of Copper
Copper, which has a red and brown appearance, has a conductor feature that conducts electricity very well. It has high resistance to atmospheric conditions.
Chemical Properties of Copper
Copper is indicated by CU on the periodic table and its atomic number is 19. Its atomic weight is 63.54 and its density is 8.93 gr. It begins to melt at 1083 degrees and boil at 2300 degrees.
It is used in many ways directly or indirectly in daily life. It is frequently used in the energy sector because it is one of the metals that transmit electricity best. Due to the stainless feature of copper, it is very common to use it in outdoor coatings. Heat boilers, ventilation systems, jewelery, plumbing and paint production are also among the areas where copper is widely used. It does not burn pocket because of its low cost.
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