Novel electrolytic method for treating zinc bottom dross

A novel recycling technique is proposed for treating the high zinc content bottom dross by-product obtained in the galvanizing industry. This electro-hydrometallurgical process developed in our laboratory is suitable for reclaiming zinc from this by-product in high purity, while attempting to achieve relatively low energy consumption and making allowances for all environmental restrictions. This aqueous processing technique consists of two determining steps, i.e. after casting the anode ingots, the second step is electrorefining in an anion-exchange membrane cell The major by-product of this operation is the anode slime, which consists of intermetallic compounds of Fe-Zn and Fe-Al-Zn and can be utilized, for instance, in a leaching plant for zinc recovery. The pure cathode zinc product can be used after remelting in almost any hot dip galvanizing plant.