CA1181035A - Electrode container for electrolytic cells - Google Patents

Electrode container for electrolytic cells

Info

Publication number
CA1181035A
CA1181035A CA000395540A CA395540A CA1181035A CA 1181035 A CA1181035 A CA 1181035A CA 000395540 A CA000395540 A CA 000395540A CA 395540 A CA395540 A CA 395540A CA 1181035 A CA1181035 A CA 1181035A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
bag
container according
members
container
electrolyte
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA000395540A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Albert J. Alakas
John E. Davies
Daniel Dobrin
Eugene F. Winter
William E. Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vale Canada Ltd
Original Assignee
Vale Canada Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vale Canada Ltd filed Critical Vale Canada Ltd
Priority to CA000395540A priority Critical patent/CA1181035A/en
Priority to ZA83452A priority patent/ZA83452B/en
Priority to BR8300430A priority patent/BR8300430A/en
Priority to FI830364A priority patent/FI74744C/en
Priority to FR8301617A priority patent/FR2520760B1/en
Priority to AU10979/83A priority patent/AU570913B2/en
Priority to NO830374A priority patent/NO161689C/en
Priority to JP58016337A priority patent/JPS58204192A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1181035A publication Critical patent/CA1181035A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25CPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25C7/00Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
  • Insulating Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

ELECTRODE CONTAINER FOR ELECTROLYTIC CELLS

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

An electrode container for recovering metal from an electrolyte. The container Includes two polymeric hinged members separated by spreader bar. A permeable bag is tautly stretched across the container.

Description

ElO3~

~L~T~OD~ CONTAIN~R F~R ~L~CTR~LYTIC C~LLS

TECENIC~L FI~D

This invention relates to electrolytic depo~ition of metals ~rom aqueous solutions, in general and, more particularly, to an improved electrode con~ainer or box.

The recovery of met21s such as nickel, copperl lead~ zinc and silver by an aqueous electrolytic process has been successfully practiced on $he commercial scale for many years.
Reducing the process down to its barest essentials, a cathode and anode are inserted into a suitable aqueous electrolyte and an electrical current is pas0ed between the two. The metal to be recovered is plated out at the cathode, while a variety of proces~es may take place at the anode. Anode processes could be dissolution of the anode or liberation of a gas such as oxygen or chlorine.
In some cases, it i8 necessary to separate the cathode and anode by a membrane or diaphragm permeable to the electric current.
For example, in recovery of nickel from impure nickel anodes, a diaphragm permeable to the electrolyte is necessary to prevent impure electrolyte from reaching the cathode where the impurities, such as copper, lead or ~inc could plate out and contaminate the pure nickel plated at the cathode. The interposition of a diaphragm between anode and cathode has co~monly been accomplished by enclosing each cathode ~ith a "cathode box" which consists of a rigid wooded frame supporting a cloth membrane. In order to prevent back-diffusion of impure electro-lyte into the box, a positive flow of purified electrolyte is maintained
-2~ PC-2136 from the cathode compartment to the anode compartment, by holding a positive head of electrolyte in the cathode compartment. The box frame serves the important function of maintaining the membrane taut to resist its tendency to bulge out towards the anode by virtue of the electrolyte Elow.
In other cases, it may be necessary to surround both the cathode and anode by separate diaphragms, as described in Can. Pat.
No. 463,573. The wooden electrode container described in this aforementioned patent i5 still commonly used and a similar structure made from polypropylene is described in Can. Pat. No. 981,212. In both these devices, two permeable diaphragms are tautly stretched over each face of an open rec~angular frame. The edges of each diaphragm are forced into a continuous groove formed within each leg of the frame. A caulking rope or rod is forced into the groove (over the diaphragm) to ensure the integrity of the diaphragm/groove seal and to hold the cloth taut~
This type of electrode container suffers from a number of shortcomings. In order to secure the diaphragm within the groove, heavy manual hammering is required. This labor intensive job is a major cause of wear to the box and is fatiquing for the worker. ~he need to maintain the diaphragm in tension, restricts the cloths, which can be succes~fully caulked, to heavy cloths with a rough finishO This e~cludes many otherwise excellent diaphragm fabrics, such as polye~ter and polypropylene.
For such a structure made from wood, further shortcomings are that the metal to be recovered may tend to be deposited on the wooden frame. As the dendritic growth continues, short circuits may develop between an adjacent cathode and anode, resulting in lower current efficiency and damage to the diaphragm. Moreover, organic impurities may leach from the wooden frame into the electrolyte.
Another disadvantage of the wooden frame is the amount of labor necessary to build a box. As any one with woodworking experi-ence knows, building a sturdy wooden frame (especially in light of the heavy service conditions in an electrolytic facility) having joints, requires skill and time.
3~i A further disadvantage shared ~y wcoden containers is -that due to their inherent buoyancy, they will -tend to floa-t in electrolyte. This m~kes them difficult to sink in the plating cell and hold securely in position.
Accordingly, substantial means are required to immobilize the box in the tanks.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTICN
Accordingly, there is provided a container -for recovering metal frcm an electrolyte, the container ccmprising two polymeric memhers, the members forming a three sided open faced structure, a bag permeable to the electrolyte enveloping the structure, and polymeric spreading means disposed between the members for maintaining the bag in a taut condition about the structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIoN OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an elevation of the invention.
Figure 2 is an elevation of a component of the invention.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of a component of the invention.
Figure 4 is a view of Figure 3 tc~ken along lines 4 4.
Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the invention.
PREFERRED MODE FOR C~RP~YING OUT THE INV~rICN
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an electrode container or bo~ 10. Although cathQdes are more co~monly disposed within such boxes, it should be understood the instant box 10 may be utilized for anodes as well.
The box 10 includes a permeable bag 12 tightly suspended over a frc~me 14. The frame consists of two, hinged, polymeric me~bers 16A and 16B.
The members 15A and 16B form a three-sided open support structure 32. It is preferred to utilize a polymeric hinge 18. The members 16A and 16B rotate through an arc A.
A spreader bar 20 exerts a tensile force on the tw~ m~mbers 16A and 16B to provide tautness to the bag 12. The b~r includes two nubs 22A and 22B
that fit into channels 24A and 24B

~:~.8~ 3~-j
-4- PC-2136 respectively. The bar 20 further includes a plurality of grooves 26 formed therein. A fastener, such as string 28, circumscribing the upper edge of the bag 12 via bag loops 34 and serpentinely threaded through the grooves 26, is utilized to securely hang the bag 12 from the bar 20 and prevent it from dislodging from the box 10. The bar 20 includes a pair of extensions 30A and 30B for hanging the box 10 in a complçmentary groove ~ormed within an electrolytic tank (not shown). See Figures 2, 3 and 4.
Referring to Figure 5~ the string 28 may be affixed to the bag 12 by a plurality of loops 34. The loops 3~ are registered against a hem 38 ~hich circumscribes the upper edge of the bag 1~.
Both the loops 34 and the hem 38 may be affixed to the bag 12 by suitable stitching 36.
The invention and the`manner of applying it may be bPtter understood by a brief discussion of the principles underlying the invention.
The b~x 10 is an apparatus ~or containing an electrode and separating purified electrolyte from impure electrolyte. The electrode is suspended within the box 10 by kno~n means. Purified electrolyte is fed into the box 10 to maintain a slightly positive head over the impure electrolyte circulating outside the box 10 within the tank (not shown).
It is pre~erred to utilize reaction injection molded high modulus polyurethane for the members 16~ and 16~ and the bar 20.
For added strength and durability, the members 16A and 16B and bar 20 may be reinforced with a fiberglass bar extending therein.
Polystyrene and polypropylene have been employed in other prototypes but it was found through experience that the dimensional stability ~warping and creep) and strength of the box 10 did not meet expectations. Polyurethane appears to deliver good service and can be readily handled on a mass production basis while simultaneously exhibiting good physical properties. The dense polymer prevents the bo~ 10 from floating within the tank. Accordingly, the prior art technique of securing the box 10 to the tank has been obviated.

s
-5- PC-2136 Since the bag 12 no longer has to ~e made from a rough material, it may be made from commonly available slick materials such as polyester or polypropylene since the hammering and caulking regui~emants have been eliminated. Moreover, since the members 16A
and 16B and the bar 20 may be easily and quickly molded, the labor intensive prior art te~hnique of making the boxes 10 from wood has been also eliminated.
A method of making the box 10 is now quickly described.
The two ~ember3 16A and 16B are joined together by the hinge 18 in a known manner. The box 10 is hinged so that the bag 12 may be expeditiously installed over the box 10. The bag 12 is simply slipped over the box 10. After it has been positioned properly, a stretching tool (not shown) expands against ~he t~ members 16~ and 16B, forcing the members 16A and 16s apart thereby stretching ~he bag 12. While the members are forcibly separated making the bag 12 taut over the hox 10, the spreader bar 20 is inserted into the t~o channels 24A and 24B to maintain the tensile force on the me~bers 16~ and 16B and the bay 12. The tool is then released and removed.
The string 28 is then looped through the grooves 26 to ensure the registration of the bag 12 against thè members 16A and 16B.
The disclosed invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. The metal to be recovered will not grow on the plastic members and spreader bar. Organic impurities do not leach from the polymeric bo~ as they will from a wooden box. ~oreover, the polymeric box will not float in the electrolyte nor will it require extensive labor for fabrication.
While in accordance with the provisions of the statute, there areillustrated and described herein specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made in the form of the invention covered by the claims and that certain features of the invention may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of the other features~

Claims (8)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A container for recovering metal from an electrolyte, the container comprising two polymeric members, the members forming a three sided open faced structure, a bag permeable to the electrolyte enveloping the structure, and polymeric spreading means disposed between the members for maintaining the bag in a taut condition about the structure.
2. The container according to claim 1 wherein the spreading means is a spreader bar.
3. The container according to claim 2 wherein the bag includes means for fastening the bag to the spreader bar, and the spreader bar includes means for accepting the fastening means.
4. The container according to claim 3 wherein a string is attached to the bag, a plurality of grooves are formed in the bar and the string is inserted into the grooves.
5. The container according to claim 4 wherein the polymer is polyurethane.
6. The container according to claim 1 wherein the bag is made from polyester or polypropylene,
7. The container according to claim 2 wherein the spreader bar is detachable from the structure.
8. The container according to claim 1 wherein the members are hinged together at the base of the structure.
CA000395540A 1982-02-04 1982-02-04 Electrode container for electrolytic cells Expired CA1181035A (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000395540A CA1181035A (en) 1982-02-04 1982-02-04 Electrode container for electrolytic cells
ZA83452A ZA83452B (en) 1982-02-04 1983-01-24 Electrode container for electrolytic cells
BR8300430A BR8300430A (en) 1982-02-04 1983-01-28 CONTAINER FOR RECOVERING METAL FROM AN ELECTROLYTE
FI830364A FI74744C (en) 1982-02-04 1983-02-02 Electrode receptacle for electrolytic cells.
FR8301617A FR2520760B1 (en) 1982-02-04 1983-02-02 CONTAINER FOR ELECTRODES FOR ELECTROLYSIS CELLS
AU10979/83A AU570913B2 (en) 1982-02-04 1983-02-03 Electrode container for electrolytic cells
NO830374A NO161689C (en) 1982-02-04 1983-02-03 ELECTRICAL CONTAINER FOR POLYMAR MATERIAL.
JP58016337A JPS58204192A (en) 1982-02-04 1983-02-04 Electrode container of electrolytic tank

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000395540A CA1181035A (en) 1982-02-04 1982-02-04 Electrode container for electrolytic cells

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1181035A true CA1181035A (en) 1985-01-15

Family

ID=4121975

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000395540A Expired CA1181035A (en) 1982-02-04 1982-02-04 Electrode container for electrolytic cells

Country Status (8)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS58204192A (en)
AU (1) AU570913B2 (en)
BR (1) BR8300430A (en)
CA (1) CA1181035A (en)
FI (1) FI74744C (en)
FR (1) FR2520760B1 (en)
NO (1) NO161689C (en)
ZA (1) ZA83452B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5312533A (en) * 1990-02-06 1994-05-17 Heraeus Electrochemie Gmbh Electrode element for electrolytic purposes and its use

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105256338B (en) * 2015-11-02 2018-06-15 株洲优瑞科有色装备有限公司 A kind of electrolytic copper suspender

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS52147117U (en) * 1976-04-28 1977-11-08
AU519664B2 (en) * 1978-04-19 1981-12-17 Thed-H Titanium Company Electrowinning multivalent metals
CA1125228A (en) * 1979-10-10 1982-06-08 Daniel P. Young Process for electrowinning nickel or cobalt

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5312533A (en) * 1990-02-06 1994-05-17 Heraeus Electrochemie Gmbh Electrode element for electrolytic purposes and its use

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR8300430A (en) 1983-11-01
FI74744B (en) 1987-11-30
JPS58204192A (en) 1983-11-28
FR2520760A1 (en) 1983-08-05
FI830364A0 (en) 1983-02-02
ZA83452B (en) 1983-10-26
NO161689C (en) 1989-09-13
FI74744C (en) 1988-03-10
JPH0524239B2 (en) 1993-04-07
AU570913B2 (en) 1988-03-31
NO161689B (en) 1989-06-05
FI830364L (en) 1983-08-05
NO830374L (en) 1983-08-05
FR2520760B1 (en) 1988-05-06
AU1097983A (en) 1983-08-11

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