Abstract:
The object of this invention was to create starting copper cathodes which prevent a memory effect during copper electrolysis, achieving a high production output of electrolytic copper and which can also be manufactured from directly shaped copper sheeting material in the form of a coil. A suitable method of producing starting cathodes for processing copper sheet produced by conventional methods. The proposed starting cathodes are made of milled copper sheets with a thickness of 0.3 to 1.2 mm, is soft annealed after milling and has a strength of 210 to 240 N/mm2. The copper sheet is cut to the length and width determined by the dimensions of the electrolysis bath and has a flat, fat-free, burless surface. Ear strips of copper sheet with a thickness of 0.3 to 0.6 mm are mounted on the suspension side.
Abstract:
This invention applies to an electrolytic cell busbar construction for the purpose of the electrolytic recovery of metals. The construction is formed so that the gap between the electrodes can be changed easily. All parts of the construction are in the form of an integral profile longitudinally to the cell and the support lugs of the electrodes in the cell are unnotched.
Abstract:
A coated composite electrode for supporting an anodic electrochemical reaction includes a substrate composed of an electrically conductive metal and a mixture composed of lead and manganese oxides of between about 70 and 90 weight percent and of binders and extenders together being of between about 10 and 30 weight percent. The mixture is in the form of a coating on the substrate which constitutes a site of electrochemical oxidation. The coating is pressed above about 1500 psi pressure and at a temperature within the range of about 25 to 230 degrees C. The composite electrode provides corrosion inhibition for the lead alloy and improved current efficiency in systems with iron, such as copper electrowinning.
Abstract:
A nonconductive insert is provided to fill the void resulting from the removal of mother-plate corners wrapped within the abutting ends of side and bottom edge strips. The insert includes at least one anchor, adapted to frictionally engage the end of a strip mounted along the edge of the mother plate. The insert and its anchors are designed to completely fill the void left by the missing mother-plate corner, thereby preventing penetration of electrolyte and accumulation of deposits. According to other embodiments of the invention, the insert may be incorporated into the edge-strip end as an integral component of the strip.
Abstract:
An insoluble anode for sulfate electrolytes composed of, generally, from 1 to 99 wt % titanium or titanium alloy and the remainder lead or lead alloy, comprising a titanium-lead active layer, or a titanium-lead active layer covering and a core being made from titanium or lead. The anode is produced by infiltration of porous titanium with lead, either by consolidation of the mixture of titanium and lead powders. The anode formed of the active layer, or of the active layer covering and a sheet core is fabricated in the shape of a plate. The anode formed of the active layer covering and a rod or tube core is fabricated in the shape of a lattice. Advantageously, the titanium-lead active layer is dispersion-strengthened by zirconium carbide or titanium carbide particles, and it's surface is released of a portion of lead.
Abstract:
An electro-refining system in which the deposited metal is harvested without the need to remove the cathode from the slurry bath. The cathode has a hollow cavity permitting steam or hot water to be introduced to heat the cathode. During the deposition process, the heating of the cathode encourages the deposition process. When the deposited material is to be harvested, the cathode is heated to “melt” the bonds between the cathode and the deposited metal. Using a bracket which was installed before the deposition process and into which the deposited metal has been formed, the now-released sheet of deposited metal is easily removed.
Abstract:
According to the invention, there is provided a protector strip (10) for an edge zone of an electrode plate (40), said protector strip (10) including a first channel shaped member (11) of relatively resilient material adapted, in use, to engage over the edge zone of the electrode plate, and a second channel shaped member (12) of relatively more rigid material separate to said first channel shaped member (11) adapted, in use, to engage over the first channel shaped member (11) to press at least a portion of said first channel shaped member (11) into sealing engagement with the edge zone of the electrode plate (40). There is also provided a protector strip (10) for an edge zone of an electrode plate (40), said protector strip (10) being formed by modular sections (28) adapted to be successively joined by a joint arrangement (29,30), each said modular section (28) having a channel shaped formation defining an inner groove (13) adapted in use to fit over the edge zone of the electrode plate (40), said joint arrangement (29,30) permitting one or more of said modular sections (28) to be removed and replaced without needing to replace all of the protector strip (10).
Abstract:
An electrowinning cell and a cathode for use therein for removal of gold or other precious metals from a solution thereof in a suitable electrolyte. The cathode comprises a perforated steel plate wrapped in layers of woven wire mesh secured thereto. The cathode design is such that the cathode may be cleared of deposited gold sludge by use of an ordinary garden hose spray nozzle without its removal from the cell, making the electrowinning process faster and more economical.
Abstract:
A method for electrochemically purifying solutions with a pH higher than 14 to reduce metal impurities to the level of traces. The method comprises processing the solutions in an electrolytic cell in which the cathode has a fibrous web produced from a mixture of fibres including at least one fraction consisting of electrically conductive fibres and a binder selected from fluoropolymers, said fibrous web being deposited on an electrically conductive porous support. Said cathode may also be combined with a diaphragm or a membrane. A cathode having a fibrous web produced from a mixture of carbon fibres, cellulose compounds, and a cationic polymer such as cationic starch is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode. In cell operation, electrochemical processes which can be carried out include metal ion oxidation or reduction, oxidation of organic substituents, nitrate reduction as well as salt splitting.