Electrolytic cell for electrowinning of metals
US4129494A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1977 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25C7/00
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Outlet weir of tank is lower than inlet and electrolyte is forced to flow in alternately downward and upward paths between anodes and cathodes at velocities in excess of 10 feet per minute and preferably 20 to 100 feet per minute. Cathodes (or anodes) are spaced from bottom of tank for flow underneath and anodes (or cathodes) have an upper edge of active area over which electrolyte flows, to produce upward and downward paths. Difference of electrolyte level between downward and upward flow cycles is at least 1/4 inch and not more than 6 inches, while spacing between adjacent electrodes is at least 1/4 inch and not more than 3 inches. Levels of upper edges of active areas may be consecutively lower and bottom of tank may slope downwardly to correspond. Electrolyte velocity eliminates or reduces ion-deficient film tending to form on electrode faces, with advantages including formation of more coherent, smooth and dense deposits, good quality deposits at higher current densities, reduction in voltage drop, improvement in cathode current efficiency, reduction in impurities in the cathode deposits, efficient electrowinning from very dilute solutions of metal and maintenance of slurry su…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.