COPPER CATHODES

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

INTERSTATE COUNCIL
FOR STANDARDIZATION, METROLOGY AND CERTIFICATION

Minsk

Foreword

1 APPROVED by the Interstate Technical Committee on Standardization ITC 503 "Copper

APPROVED by the Technical Secretariat of the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification

APPROVED by the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (Minutes No. 19 of May 24, 2001)

Voted for adoption by the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (Minutes No. 19, 24 May 2001)

Name of State	Name of the national standards body
Azerbaijan Republic	Azgosstandart
Republic of Armenia	Armgosstandart
Republic of Belarus	Gosstandart of the Republic of Belarus
Republic of Kazakhstan	Gosstandart of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kyrgyz Republic	Kyrgyzstandart
Republic of Moldova	Moldovastandart
Russian Federation	Gosstandart of Russia
Republic of Tajikistan	Tajikstandart
Turkmenistan	Turkmenstandartlary Main State Service
Republic of Uzbekistan	Uzgosstandart
Ukraine	Gosstandart of Ukraine

By the decision of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Standardization and Metrology of August 28, 2001 Interstate Standard GOST 546-2001 was brought into direct effect as a state standard of the Russian Federation from March 1, 2002.

4 INSTEAD OF GOST 546-88 (ISO 431-81)

GOST 546-2001

INTERSTATE STANDARD

CUTTER CUTS

Technical specifications

Copper cathodes. Specifications

Date of entry 2002-03-01

1 Scope

This standard applies to copper cathodes produced by electrolysis of aqueous solutions and intended for the production of cast and deformed copper and its alloys.

The standard is suitable for certification purposes.

2 Normative references

This standard uses references to the following standards:

GOST 859-2001 Copper. Grades

GOST 7229-76 Cables, wires and cords. Method for determination of electrical resistance of conductive cores and conductors

GOST 9717.1-82 Copper. Spectral analysis method for metallic standard samples with photoelectric registration of spectrum

GOST 9717.2-82 Copper spectral analysis by metallic standard samples with photographic registration of the spectrum

GOST 9717.3-82 Copper. Method of spectral analysis by oxide reference materials

GOST 13938.1-78 Copper. Methods of copper determination

GOST 13938.2-78 Copper. Methods of determination of sulphur

GOST 13938.378 Copper. Determination method of phosphorus

GOST 13938.478 Copper. Methods for determination of iron

GOST 13938.5-78 Copper. Methods for determination of zinc

GOST 13938.6-78 Copper. Methods of nickel determination

GOST 13938.7-78 Copper. Methods for determination of lead

GOST 13938.8-78 Copper. Tin determination methods

GOST 13938.9-78 Copper. Methods of determination of silver

GOST 13938.10-78 Copper. Methods for determination of antimony

GOST 13938.11-78 Copper. Methods of arsenic determination

GOST 13938.12-78 Copper. Methods for determination of bismuth

GOST 13938.13-93 Copper. Methods of determination of oxygen

GOST 13938.15-88 Copper. Methods for determination of chromium and cadmium

GOST 14192-96 Cargo marking

GOST 16504-81 State System of Product Testing. Testing and control of product quality. Basic terms and definitions

GOST 18242-72* Statistical acceptance control by alternative criterion. Control plans

GOST 18321-73 Statistical quality control. Methods of random sampling of unit products

GOST 21399-75 Bundles of transport ingots, cathodes and ingots of non-ferrous metals. General requirements

GOST 22235-76 Freight cars of mainline railroads of 1520 mm gauge. General safety requirements for loading-unloading and shunting operations

GOST 24231-80 Non-ferrous metals and alloys. General requirements for taking and preparation of samples for chemical analysis

GOST 27981.0-88 High purity copper. General requirements for methods of analysis

GOST 27981.1-88 High purity copper. Methods of atomic-spectral analysis

GOST 27981.2-88 High purity copper. Method of chemical-atomic-emission analysis

GOST 27981.3-88 High purity copper. Method for emission spectral analysis with photoelectric registration of spectrum

GOST 27981.4-88 High purity copper. Methods of atomic absorption analysis

GOST 27981.5-88 High purity copper. Photometric methods of analysis

GOST 27981.6-88 High purity copper. Polarographic methods of analysis

GOST 28106-89 Copper cathodes. Sampling and preparing samples for determination of electrical resistivity

GOST 28515-97 Copper. Spiral elongation test method

(Amendment, ISSN 7 of 2002)

* On the territory of the Russian Federation GOST R 50779.71-99 is valid.

3 Definitions

The following terms with their respective definitions are used in this standard:

3.1 representative sample: A defined number of cathodes taken from a lot, which sufficiently represent the properties of the lot as a whole and are intended for point sampling.

3.2 spot sample: A metal sample taken simultaneously from a specified portion of the cathode that is part of the sample.

3.3 pooled sample: A sample consisting of all the point samples, characterizing the average chemical composition of the batch.

3.4 Laboratory Sample: All or part of a pooled sample that has been properly prepared and is sufficient for chemical analysis.

3.5 Contact Hanger: A loop of copper plate up to 1 mm thick and up to 100 mm wide which is welded or riveted to the cathode base and serves to bring current to the cathode and to suspend it from the cathode rod (lug).

3.6 knobs: Protrusions of different sizes, shapes and structures. They can have a pronounced dendritic character with a sharp angle at the base and be rounded in the deposition of copper on the copper powder particles and cathode edges due to redistribution of current (edge effect).

3.7 tarnish colors: Oxidized areas in the form of spots and stripes of different colors due to thermal conditions of cooling of cathodes after washing.

(Amendment, ISS No. 7 2002)

3.8 oxidized copper plaque: Dark colored patches of copper oxide formed when cathodes are stored in a humid atmosphere.

3.9 sulfate scaling: Localized green or green-blue color formations resulting from the release of sulfuric acid from the micropores when it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.

3.10 traces of hardness salts: Gray color deposits insoluble in hot water (salts of calcium, magnesium and other light metals).

3.11 salt deposits at the attachment points of hangers to the cathode web: A mixture of complex composition of sulfate, carbonate and copper hydroxide, formed along the perimeter of the hanger from the interaction of the air atmosphere with traces of acid, protruding from the gap between the hanger and the web during transportation and storage of cathodes. During transportation by sea the plaque also contains chlorides.

4 Technical requirements

4.1 Copper cathodes must correspond to copper grades M00k, M0k, M1k and M2k according to GOST 859.

Allocation marks codes are given in the Appendix А.

An example of identification number of copper cathodes of grade M00k:

M00k GOST 546-2001.

4.2 There must not be dendritic overgrowths on the surface and edges of cathodes. Rounded growths, grown into the cathode body, as well as rounded protrusions on the edges of cathodes and spots (depressions) from the removed growths are allowed.

Dendritic growths of any shape on the surface of M2k copper cathodes that do not detach during transportation and reloading are allowed.

4.3 The surface of cathodes shall be clean, well washed from electrolyte and sludge and shall be free from copper and nickel sulfate deposits and mechanical impurities (except for wood residues after transportation).

The color of discoloration and patina of oxidized copper on the surface of cathodes are allowed.

The presence of hardness salts and salt deposits on the contact pendants and in places where they are attached to the cathode blade is not a rejection sign.

Traces (film) of oil are allowed on the surface of M2k copper cathodes.

Determination of surface defects - according to Section 3.

4.4 Cathodes are delivered as whole cathodes with or without contact pendants or as cut cathodes.

The shape, dimensions and mass of the cathode shall be specified in the contract if necessary.

4.5 By agreement (contract) of the parties, requirements for the physical properties (specific electrical resistance, spiral elongation, density, ductility, deposit structure, etc.) of cathodes other than those specified in this standard shall be established.

4.6 Packaging

Cathodes should be bundled into packages not exceeding 1500 kg in weight and not exceeding 500 mm in height.

The requirements to the package must comply with GOST 21399.

By agreement with the customer it is allowed to deliver packages strapped with copper wire, rod or ribbon for melting without unbundling, as well as delivery of increased weight packages. The order of formation of such packages with an indication of its size and weight, type and section of strapping material and the number of belts is established by regulatory documents agreed with transport organizations and approved in the prescribed manner.

Packages of copper cathodes intended for transportation involving several modes of transport and for long-term storage must be formed with a pressing force of at least 98 kN (10,000 kgf).

4.7 Marking

Cathodes, formed in packages, should be marked in accordance with GOST 21399. Each cathode is not subject to marking.

Marking for transportation shall be made in accordance with GOST 14192.

5 Acceptance rules

5.1 Cathodes are accepted in lots consisting of cathodes of the same copper grade. The weight of the batch is not limited.

5.2 The quality document shall be issued for each batch of cathodes that must contain

- the name and (or) the trademark of the manufacturer;

- the name of the product;

- the number of places in the batch;

- lot number;

- copper grade;

- lot weight - net and gross;

- test results or confirmation of product compliance with the requirements of this standard;

- date of manufacture;

- designation of this standard.

5.3 Each batch shall be inspected.

To check the chemical composition of cathodes with the content of impurities, guaranteed by the technology and the composition of raw materials, it is allowed to use statistical acceptance control in accordance with the requirements of GOST 18242.

5.4 Copper cathodes shall be subjected to total and random quality control. The type of control - according to GOST 16504, the minimum volume of a representative sampling at the selective control, depending on the controlled characteristics must comply with Table 1.

Table 1

Controlled attribute	Technical requirements according to the paragraphs of this standard	Sample preparation and test methods	Type of control Sampling volume
1 Chemical composition	4.1	6.1, 6.3	0.1% of the number of cathodes in the batch, but not less than two cathodes
2 Surface quality	4.2, 4.3	6.2	Continuous Each cathode
3 Packaging	4.6	6.5	Solid Each package
4 Labelling	4.7	Visually	Continuous Each package

Regulations for cathodes sampling - GOST 18321.

5.5 When the results of tests according to p. 4.1 are unsatisfactory, repeat the tests on a double sample taken from the same batch. The results of repeated tests are considered final and apply to the entire batch.

5.6 By agreement (contract) with the consumer is allowed to deliver copper cathodes of all grades without checking the chemical composition with the manufacturer's confirmation of compliance with the requirements of this standard or with the quality assessment of the consumer.

6 Control methods

6.1 Sampling and sample preparation

6.1.1 Spot samples shall be taken from each cathode in the sample to monitor the chemical composition.

6.1.2 Sampling shall be carried out using methods and instruments which avoid sample contamination and oxidation. The surface of cathodes before sampling shall be cleaned of dust and other mechanical contamination with a stiff brush (non-metallic).

Discarding the surface layer of metal during sampling is not allowed.

6.1.3 Point samples from whole cathodes shall be taken by cutting (extruding) discs with a diameter of 10 to 40 mm or by drilling through at four points on the corners at a distance of 50 to 100 mm from the edges of the cathode and at one point in the center of the cathode.

It is allowed to take samples of chips by planing or milling edges, obtained from cathode cutting according to GOST 24231.

6.1.4 Spot samples from cut cathodes shall be taken at three points along the diagonal of the cut cathode from the corner to the center at an equal distance from each other or by milling (planing) the faces obtained from cutting the cathode into pieces.

6.1.5 Spot samples - discs or a combined chip sample, pre-magnetized, weighing at least 500 g - are melted in a graphite crucible (mold) with a tight-fitting lid in an induction furnace or resistance furnace at 1180 to 1200 °C. The molten metal is kept in the crucible under the lid for 5 - 10 min and cast in the graphite moulds two test ingots with the diameter not less than 35 mm and height 20 - 30 mm. The ingot is kept in the mold in the air for not more than 1 minute, then the mold with the ingot is cooled in cold water.

The graphite crucible is preliminarily washed by remelting the copper of the same batch before use.

6.1.6 The test ingots shall be machined to remove the oxidized layer and casting defects and, if necessary, cut vertically into equal parts.

The sample ingot or its part is completely milled, milled, planed or drilled with a carbide cutter tool or used directly in compact form to determine the chemical composition by spectral methods.

6.1.7 The chip sample, if necessary, is crushed, treated with a magnet and reduced by quarting method to a mass of not less than 150 g.

It is acceptable to use a combined sample of chips obtained from cathodes for chemical analysis without remelting.

6.1.8 To determine the mass fraction of oxygen from two cathodes, two samples are cut or sawed from each cathode from the batch at the point sampling points (one of the corners and the center) for the full thickness of the cathode.

It is allowed to use point samples - disks before they are remelted, and a combined sample of chips from cathodes. In this case, degreasing or etching of chips is not carried out.

Weight and preparation of samples for the analysis - according to GOST 13938.13.

6.1.9 By agreement (contract) of the manufacturer with the consumer it is allowed to set other sample volumes, schemes and methods of sampling and sample preparation, not reducing their representativeness.

6.2 The quality control of cathode surfaces according to 4.2, 4.3 shall be performed visually without the use of magnifying devices.

6.3 Chemical composition of cathodes is defined according to GOST 13938.1 - GOST 13938.12; GOST 27981.0 - GOST 27981.6; GOST 9717.1 - GOST 9717.3, GOST 13938.13 depending on copper grade. Mass fraction of copper in cathodes of copper grades M0k, M1k, M2k is determined by the difference of 100% and the sum of impurities specified in GOST 859.

It is allowed to determine the chemical composition by other methods, the accuracy of which is not inferior to the specified methods.

In case of disagreement in evaluation of chemical composition its definition is performed for copper of M00k grade according to GOST 27981.0 - GOST 27981.6; GOST 13938.13; for copper of M0k, M1k and M2k grade - according to GOST 13938.1 - GOST 13938.13 and GOST 13938.15.

6.4 Physical properties shall be controlled in accordance with the methods agreed with the customer. Recommended methods for determination of coil elongation are according to GOST 28515, electrical resistivity - according to GOST 28106 and GOST 7229.

6.5 Quality of bundling of packages formed without pressing by force not less than 98 kN (10 000 kgf) is controlled by static load, equal to the weight of two packages. There should be no evident loosening of the packing tape or wire.

7 Transport and storage

7.1 Transportation of copper cathode packages is according to GOST 21399, in compliance with goods transportation rules, operating for each type of transportation.

Copper cathodes can be shipped by railroad in boxcars or containers. Arrangement and fastening of cathodes in vehicles - according to the technical conditions of loading and fastening of goods and GOST 22235.

7.2 Cathodes must be stored in stacks in a clean, covered room free of vapors of active chemicals. Copper cathodes can be stored on sites with a hard surface under a canopy or without a canopy in stacks, protected from contamination and moisture, for a period not exceeding one year. Arrangement of stacks in a warehouse and packages in a stack - according to GOST 21399.