Abstract:
The invention provides a scraper for removing deposits from a major surface of an electrode in an electrochemical bath. The scraper consists of a plate which moves across the electrode surface. The scraper is provided with a scraper blade-retaining slot along one of its edges, the slot being angled relative to the plane of the scraper with its opening extending towards the electrode surface. The scraper also has a scraper blade which is removable from inter-engagement with the slot. In use, the scraper removes deposits from a major surface of an electrode in an electro-chemical liquid-containing bath.
Abstract:
A method of removing metal from a feedstock solution containing dissolved metal ions which comprises passing the feedstock through an annular gap, the inner surface of which is cathodic to the metal ion and the outer surface of which is anodic in such a way that the flow is turbulent.Also claimed is an apparatus for removing metal from a feedstock which comprises a reactor afforded by an inner cathode tube, and an outer anode tube spaced therefrom by a narrow annular gap, direct electric current supply means to the anode and cathode, pump means for pumping feedstock into the said annular gap at high flow rates, a holding tank, pipe work connecting the holding tank to the said pump means and the pipe work connecting the end of the annular gap remote from the pump to the holding tank.
Abstract:
An edge protector for an electrolysis electrode onto which a thick-electrodeposited copper product is deposited for producing an electrolytic copper product, has an outer surface shape in the central portion thereof which reduces the thickness in that portion to improve uniformity of cooling, and thereby reduce stress cracking as a result of the reduced buildup of thermal stresses. The outer surfaces may be inclined planes or suitable curved shapes that converge from an outer jaw toward an inner jaw. In one embodiment an edge protector is taught such that its top end is angled downward from its center outward at an angle of less than twenty degrees to prevent creation of sharp edges and difficulty in removal. A spreader bar has a shape which enables clamping of the edge protector onto an electrolysis electrode without excessive expansion of the outer jaw, thereby lengthening service life, and easing installation. Both a hollowed and a tapered spreader bar are taught for end insertion.
Abstract:
A process for separating an electrodeposited metal from a cathode plate in electrolytic refining is disclosed. The cathode plate on which the metal is electrodeposited is first held. Then, heated air is blown toward the cathode plate and the electrodeposited metal thereon. As a result, the electrodeposited metal is separated from the cathode plate. An apparatus for carrying out the same process is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a separating furnace, a holding assembly, and a device for introducing heated air into the separating furnace. The holding assembly is attached to the separating furnace for holding the cathode plate in the furnace. The heated air-introducing device introduces heated air, blowing it against the cathode plate, whereby the electrodeposited metal is separated from the cathode plate.
Abstract:
Electrolytically deposited copper is stripped from a cathode by first flexing the cathode to cause at least part of the copper deposit to separate from the cathode, and then wedge-stripping or gas-blasting the remainder of the copper from the cathode. Perferably the cathode is a stainless steel sheet, and flexing is achieved by means of hydraulic arms which press the center of the sheet first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. The cathode is supported along its bottom edge and held upright during the process.
Abstract:
An apparatus for recovering metals, such as gold and silver, dissolved in a solution, such as plating waste, rapidly and effectively, comprising a collector (electrolyzing device) for depositing metals in a solution on conductive particles, and a plating device (electrolysis recovering device) for recovering the metals in the form of plating.
Abstract:
A system for stripping electrolytically deposited zinc from relatively small size cathode sheets having a submerged or zinc plating area of approximately one square meter. A frame member is provided for supporting the cathode sheet holding arms which are mounted so as to permit the adjacently spaced sheets to move with respect to one another sufficient to facilitate mechanical stripping of the sheets. A water supply is further provided in the frame for washing the sheets prior to stripping. Once stripped, the sheet is lowered onto a conveyor which removes the zinc sheet from the frame area and stacks it adjacent one end of the frame.
Abstract:
An apparatus for recovering electrodeposited metal in the form of a metal layer comprising: (a) means for supporting in a vertical position at least one basis metal cathode plate having adhering to at least part of at least one surface an electrodeposited metal layer wherein a boundary edge of the metal layer and the basis cathode plate metal each define one side wall of a V-shaped groove and the angle between the side walls of the groove is less than 90.degree.; and (b) at least one unitary stripping means comprising a first stripping means integral with a second stripping means wherein the first stripping means comprises a wedge adapted to be inserted into the V-shaped groove to initiate separation of electrodeposited metal from the basis cathode plate and the second stripping means comprises a blade adapted to propagate said separation. A typical use of this apparatus is the separation of electrodeposited zinc from an aluminum basis metal cathode.
Abstract:
An apparatus for transferring cathode plates, which comprises the first and the second conveyers having a sufficient stock capacity for a plurality of cathode plates arranged at regular intervals and a shifting means installed between said first conveyer and second conveyer for the purpose of transferring the cathode plates by a required quantity thereof from the first conveyer to the second conveyer, thereby rendering it possible to perform the supply and the discharge of cathode plates stably at all times without being affected by the fluctuations of the quantity of cathode plates on both conveyers through the control of the operation of the first and the second conveyers as well as the shifting means.
Abstract:
A readily oxidizable metal such as lithium formed along a cathode is collected in an electrolytic tank within a collecting chamber, the level of electrolyte is caused to rise to a predetermined top level at which the lithium leaves the collecting chamber and overflows into a transfer compartment, the level of electrolyte is lowered to a predetermined bottom level at which the poured-off lithium leaves the transfer compartment and passes to the discharge compartment, the level of electrolyte is raised to the top level in order to ensure overflow into a discharge tube. A stream of inert gas is passed into the discharge compartment and the lithium is transferred to a chamber for treatment in an inert atmosphere and conversion to ingots in the pure state.