Estudio exploratorio para la optimización de la eficiencia de corriente en nave de electroobtención de la planta óxidos, CODELCO – División Chuquicamata.
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Date
2025
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Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo el estudio y optimización de la eficiencia de corriente en la planta de electroobtención de la División Chuquicamata, mediante el análisis de variables operacionales claves seleccionadas a partir de información bibliográfica y datos operacionales. Se evaluó la correlación entre la eficiencia de corriente y factores como la composición del electrolito, temperatura, flujo de alimentación, densidad de corriente, cortocircuitos y conductividad de las busbars. Para ello, se recopiló y estandarizó información proveniente de distintas fuentes dentro del período de estudio, permitiendo una evaluación global del proceso.
Los resultados evidenciaron que la eficiencia de corriente de la planta se encontraba por debajo de los valores óptimos reportados en la literatura, con un promedio de 88,94%. Además, se identificó una alta variabilidad entre secciones, con valores que oscilaban entre un máximo de 93,94% en la sección F1 y un mínimo de 83,04% en la sección E2.
El análisis de correlación permitió determinar que las variables con mayor impacto en la eficiencia de corriente fueron la densidad de corriente, la temperatura del electrolito de avance y la conductividad de las busbars. En particular, la conductividad de las busbars explicó en gran medida la variabilidad entre secciones, atribuyéndose a diferencias estructurales y condiciones de mantenimiento.
Como parte del estudio, se propusieron medidas de optimización, entre ellas el aumento progresivo de la densidad de corriente, la regulación de la temperatura del electrolito dentro de rangos óptimos y la implementación de un plan de mantenimiento preventivo de las busbars. Además, se desarrolló un dashboard en Power BI para el monitoreo continuo de la eficiencia de corriente y sus variables asociadas, facilitando la toma de decisiones operativas.
En conclusión, los hallazgos de este trabajo proporcionan información clave para la mejora del desempeño de la planta, destacando la importancia del mantenimiento estructural para mejorar la eficiencia del proceso, lo que conlleva un menor gasto de recursos con un mayor impacto, dadas las condiciones operacionales de la nave de electroobtención.
The present study aimed to analyze and optimize current efficiency in the electrowinning plant of the Chuquicamata Division by examining key operational variables selected based on bibliographic information and operational data. The correlation between current efficiency and factors such as electrolyte composition, temperature, feed flow, current density, short circuits, and busbar conductivity was evaluated. To achieve this, data from various sources within the study period were collected and standardized, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the process. The results showed that the plant's current efficiency was below the optimal values reported in the literature, averaging 88,94%. Additionally, a high variability between sections was identified, with values ranging from a maximum of 93,94% in section F1 to a minimum of 83,04% in section E2. The correlation analysis determined that the variables with the greatest impact on current efficiency were current density, electrolyte feed temperature, and busbar conductivity. In particular, busbar conductivity largely explained the variability between sections, which was attributed to structural differences and maintenance conditions. As part of the study, optimization measures were proposed, including the progressive increase of current density, regulation of electrolyte temperature within optimal ranges, and the implementation of a preventive maintenance plan for busbars. Additionally, a Power BI dashboard was developed for continuous monitoring of current efficiency and its associated variables, facilitating operational decision-making. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide key insights for improving the plant's performance, highlighting the importance of structural maintenance to enhance process efficiency. This leads to lower resource consumption with a greater impact, given the operational conditions of the electrowinning facility.
The present study aimed to analyze and optimize current efficiency in the electrowinning plant of the Chuquicamata Division by examining key operational variables selected based on bibliographic information and operational data. The correlation between current efficiency and factors such as electrolyte composition, temperature, feed flow, current density, short circuits, and busbar conductivity was evaluated. To achieve this, data from various sources within the study period were collected and standardized, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the process. The results showed that the plant's current efficiency was below the optimal values reported in the literature, averaging 88,94%. Additionally, a high variability between sections was identified, with values ranging from a maximum of 93,94% in section F1 to a minimum of 83,04% in section E2. The correlation analysis determined that the variables with the greatest impact on current efficiency were current density, electrolyte feed temperature, and busbar conductivity. In particular, busbar conductivity largely explained the variability between sections, which was attributed to structural differences and maintenance conditions. As part of the study, optimization measures were proposed, including the progressive increase of current density, regulation of electrolyte temperature within optimal ranges, and the implementation of a preventive maintenance plan for busbars. Additionally, a Power BI dashboard was developed for continuous monitoring of current efficiency and its associated variables, facilitating operational decision-making. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide key insights for improving the plant's performance, highlighting the importance of structural maintenance to enhance process efficiency. This leads to lower resource consumption with a greater impact, given the operational conditions of the electrowinning facility.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero/a Civil Metalúrgico/a.
Keywords
Industria minera, Electricidad en la minería, Mediciones eléctricas