Electrochemical Processing of Metal Wastes of Rhenium-Containing Heat-Resistant Nickel Alloys

The paper presents the results of studies of electrochemical processing of large pieces of metal wastes of rhenium-containing heat-resistant nickel alloys (HRNA) with subsequent processing of the products of electrolysis. It shows the possibility of electrochemical processing of large (up to 2 kg) scrap pieces, without preliminary grinding, in sulfuric acid solution with nitric acid addition, under the current density of 500-1000 A/m2, with a temperature of 30-40о С. Up to 80-90% of rhenium and over 90% of nickel, cobalt, chrome and aluminum can be converted into the solution. Tungsten, tantalum and hafnium remain in the anode slime almost completely. Rhenium, nickel and cobalt remaining in the anode slime can be transferred to the solution, when the slime is chemically processed in sulfuric acid solution with nitric acid addition. The cake remaining after chemical decomposition of anode slimes represents a concentrate of refractory rare metals, containing up to 42% W; 18% Ta; 4% Hf. Rhenium is extracted from the combined solutions from anodic decomposition of HRNA wastes, and chemical dissolution of anode slimes, by the known extraction method in the form of the crude ammonium perrhenate (68,9 mас. % Re). After rhenium extraction the raffinate contains considerable quantities of nickel and cobalt, which can be precipitated by the alkali solution in the form of hydroxides to the nickel-cobalt concentrate, containing 31.5% Ni and 4.8% Co.