Process for replenishing metals in aqueous electrolyte solutions
US5082538A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25D21/18
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for replenishing metal ions in an electrolyte depleted of the metal ions. A preferred example is replenishing tin in the electrolyte of an electrolytic tinning apparatus having an insoluble anode. The electrolyte thus becomes depleted of tin in the electrotinning process. The replenishment apparatus comprises an electrolytic cell including a tin anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte chamber for the tin anode and the cathode. The cathode is a gas diffusion electrode. An electrical circuit, usually having additional circuit resistance but free of connection to an external power source, connects the anode to the cathode. The electrolyte chamber has an electrolyte inlet, and an electrolyte outlet which is in flow communication with the electrolytic tinning apparatus. The gas diffusion electrode is exposed, on its gas side, to a source of gaseous reactant, e.g., oxygen. When the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell are connected together electrically, a current flows between the anode and the cathode, without an external power source. The current flow is at a current density which is effective to dissolve the tin of said tin anode into the elect…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.