Electrochemical recovery of zinc from an aqueous solution of ZnSO4 in continuous process with bulk carbon cathodes

Zinc was recovered from aq. soln. of ZnSO4 (1,0 g Zn2+/L) by electrochem. redn. in, conducted in cell equipped with 6 bulk cathodes. Coke chunks 3-5 mm in size as were used cathode filling. The flow intensity and dimensional current d. had an effect on final Zn concn., current efficiency and unit electricity consumption. To decrease the Zn concn. down to below 2,0 mg/L), use of a cascade system (at least 3 cells) was necessary. Basic operating parameters for the cascade and each its step were set.