CA1244795A - Current bypass assembly for electrolytic cells - Google Patents
Current bypass assembly for electrolytic cellsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1244795A CA1244795A CA000477443A CA477443A CA1244795A CA 1244795 A CA1244795 A CA 1244795A CA 000477443 A CA000477443 A CA 000477443A CA 477443 A CA477443 A CA 477443A CA 1244795 A CA1244795 A CA 1244795A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- assembly
- bars
- frame
- cells
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
- H01H33/002—Very heavy-current switches
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/60—Constructional parts of cells
- C25B9/65—Means for supplying current; Electrode connections; Electric inter-cell connections
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C7/00—Constructional 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)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A system for bypassing the current to one or more electrolytic cells of a series of electrolytic cells is disclosed. A portable assembly includes a rectanglular frame of bus bars capable of carrying the current supplied to a row of cells, means permitting transfer of the assembly by a crane and permitting selectively locating of the assembly in relation to electrolytic cells in a cell house, and contact means for establishing electrical contact between the bypass assembly and electrode contact bars.
A system for bypassing the current to one or more electrolytic cells of a series of electrolytic cells is disclosed. A portable assembly includes a rectanglular frame of bus bars capable of carrying the current supplied to a row of cells, means permitting transfer of the assembly by a crane and permitting selectively locating of the assembly in relation to electrolytic cells in a cell house, and contact means for establishing electrical contact between the bypass assembly and electrode contact bars.
Description
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the electrowinning of metals and, more particularly, relates to a device for bypassing the current to one or more electrolytic cells in a cell house.
In the electrowinning of metals, current is fed to rows of electrolytic cells via bus bars and the current flows through the alternating anodes and cathodes which are supported in each cell on electrode contact bars positioned on the cell walls. It is necessary, from time to time, to clean out the electrolytic cells, to replace a cell and to carry out cell maintenance work. In order to avoid having to shut down an entire row of cells, the current is jumped or shunted for one or more selected cells so that the current bypasses those cells and the electrodes can be removed without interrupting the electrolytic process in the remainder of the cells.
Devices and methods for current bypass of electrolytic cells are known. According to U.S. Patent 3 432 422~ slotted L-shaped inter-cell connecting bus bars, connected to copper anode bus bars of diaphragm electrolytic cells for electrolysis of alkali-metal chloride brines, provide for simplified removal of one cell from a series without the use of a conventional jumper bar. According to U.S. Patent 3 494 850, a device for short-circuiting a cell in a series of series-connected movable mercury cathode electrolytic cells comprises a row of tulip contacts directly on a sole plate of the cell and knives engageable with the contacts of an adjacent cell by flexible means. A power operated mechanism provides the` engagement whereby the cell is 1.
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short-circuited. According to U.S. Patents 3-930 978 and 4 078 984, a portable jumper switch is provided beneath a row of cells permitting a cell to be taken out of production by conducting the current through the jumper switch without interrupting continuous operation of the other cells~
According to U.S. Patent 4 227 987, a jumper system for bypassing one of a series of chloralkali diaphragm cells includes two L-shaped conductors, a switch for electrically connecting the conductors and a contact pressuring device for 10 remotely moving the conductors into contact with the cell preceding and the cell following the cell to be disconnected.
The devices according to these patents are used mainly in relation to brine electrolysis and are not useful or practical for application in processes for the electrowinning of metals.
In electrowinning processesl cell bus bars or shorting bars are used to cause current to bypass a cell. For example, it is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3 579 431 that certain bus bars used for supporting the header bars of the alternating cathodes and anodes are enlarged in cross-section 20 and extended longitudinally to assist in forming a shunt across several cells during a repair cycle. In a large cell house,`many of these enlarged bus bars must be permanently installed to allow repair of any selected cell. This requires high capital investment. ~ccording to U.S. patent 3 929 614, large size conductor bars are used in addition to normal-sized electric conductors, both types being positioned on the cell walls. Shorting electric conductors can be connected to the large size bars for shorting the cell wall conductors so that electrodes can be removed from the cell so shorted. The use
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the electrowinning of metals and, more particularly, relates to a device for bypassing the current to one or more electrolytic cells in a cell house.
In the electrowinning of metals, current is fed to rows of electrolytic cells via bus bars and the current flows through the alternating anodes and cathodes which are supported in each cell on electrode contact bars positioned on the cell walls. It is necessary, from time to time, to clean out the electrolytic cells, to replace a cell and to carry out cell maintenance work. In order to avoid having to shut down an entire row of cells, the current is jumped or shunted for one or more selected cells so that the current bypasses those cells and the electrodes can be removed without interrupting the electrolytic process in the remainder of the cells.
Devices and methods for current bypass of electrolytic cells are known. According to U.S. Patent 3 432 422~ slotted L-shaped inter-cell connecting bus bars, connected to copper anode bus bars of diaphragm electrolytic cells for electrolysis of alkali-metal chloride brines, provide for simplified removal of one cell from a series without the use of a conventional jumper bar. According to U.S. Patent 3 494 850, a device for short-circuiting a cell in a series of series-connected movable mercury cathode electrolytic cells comprises a row of tulip contacts directly on a sole plate of the cell and knives engageable with the contacts of an adjacent cell by flexible means. A power operated mechanism provides the` engagement whereby the cell is 1.
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short-circuited. According to U.S. Patents 3-930 978 and 4 078 984, a portable jumper switch is provided beneath a row of cells permitting a cell to be taken out of production by conducting the current through the jumper switch without interrupting continuous operation of the other cells~
According to U.S. Patent 4 227 987, a jumper system for bypassing one of a series of chloralkali diaphragm cells includes two L-shaped conductors, a switch for electrically connecting the conductors and a contact pressuring device for 10 remotely moving the conductors into contact with the cell preceding and the cell following the cell to be disconnected.
The devices according to these patents are used mainly in relation to brine electrolysis and are not useful or practical for application in processes for the electrowinning of metals.
In electrowinning processesl cell bus bars or shorting bars are used to cause current to bypass a cell. For example, it is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3 579 431 that certain bus bars used for supporting the header bars of the alternating cathodes and anodes are enlarged in cross-section 20 and extended longitudinally to assist in forming a shunt across several cells during a repair cycle. In a large cell house,`many of these enlarged bus bars must be permanently installed to allow repair of any selected cell. This requires high capital investment. ~ccording to U.S. patent 3 929 614, large size conductor bars are used in addition to normal-sized electric conductors, both types being positioned on the cell walls. Shorting electric conductors can be connected to the large size bars for shorting the cell wall conductors so that electrodes can be removed from the cell so shorted. The use
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~Z~4795 -shorting bars must be large enough to carry the full current applied to a row of cells. For very large currents such as, for example, higher than 15000 Amperes, the enlarged bars and the shorting bars became impractically heavy and large, which interferes with the efficient operation of the cellhouse.
SUMMARY OF THE - INVENTION
It has now been found that the disadvantages of prior art processes can be alleviated by providing a portable current bypass assembly, which can be placed over and on top of one or more cells to be repaired or cleaned. The portable assembly can be moved to any desired location in the cell house and the need for a large number of enlarged bus bars and shorting bars is eliminated, thereby considerably reducing capital cost. No interference with process efficiency is encountered. The current bypass assembly consists of a rectangular or square-shaped frame of bus bars, which are large enough in cross-section to carry the current supplied to a row of cells. The frame has means for being transferred by crane and has placing means for accurately placing and locating the bypass assembly in relation to electrolytic cells. The frame is also provided with contact means for establishing electrical contact between the bypass assembly and the electrode contact bars positioned on the cell walls.
Accordingly, there is provided a portable current bypass assembly for electrolytic metal winning cells in series having cell electrode contact bars mounted on cell walls comprising, in combination, a rectangular frame formed of an electrically conductive metal having sufficient length to straddle at least three consecutive cells; a pair of an inner and an outer current collector bus bars forming part of said
~Z~4795 -shorting bars must be large enough to carry the full current applied to a row of cells. For very large currents such as, for example, higher than 15000 Amperes, the enlarged bars and the shorting bars became impractically heavy and large, which interferes with the efficient operation of the cellhouse.
SUMMARY OF THE - INVENTION
It has now been found that the disadvantages of prior art processes can be alleviated by providing a portable current bypass assembly, which can be placed over and on top of one or more cells to be repaired or cleaned. The portable assembly can be moved to any desired location in the cell house and the need for a large number of enlarged bus bars and shorting bars is eliminated, thereby considerably reducing capital cost. No interference with process efficiency is encountered. The current bypass assembly consists of a rectangular or square-shaped frame of bus bars, which are large enough in cross-section to carry the current supplied to a row of cells. The frame has means for being transferred by crane and has placing means for accurately placing and locating the bypass assembly in relation to electrolytic cells. The frame is also provided with contact means for establishing electrical contact between the bypass assembly and the electrode contact bars positioned on the cell walls.
Accordingly, there is provided a portable current bypass assembly for electrolytic metal winning cells in series having cell electrode contact bars mounted on cell walls comprising, in combination, a rectangular frame formed of an electrically conductive metal having sufficient length to straddle at least three consecutive cells; a pair of an inner and an outer current collector bus bars forming part of said
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~;~4~795 frame at each end of said frame, one of said pairs functioning as an anode current collector bus bar at one end of the frame and the other of said pair functioning as a cathode current collector bus bar at the other end of the frame; locating means secured to said frame for accurately placing and locating said bypass assembly in relation to the cells to be bypassed; a plurality of equi- spaced support means secured to the outer current collector bus bars at each end of the frame assembly; and contact means removably supported by the said support means for establishing electrical contact between the bypass assembly and cell electrode contact bars.
The locating means comprise a pair of spaced-apart locating pin-bracket assemblies secured to each outer collector bus bar at each end of the assembly, a pinbracket assembly preferably secured to the outer collector bus bar in proximity to each corner of the frame, each said pin-bracket assembly having a downwardly projecting pin adapted to be seated in a mating socket formed in a cell wall, and means for laterally adjusting each said pin for selectively aligning the bypass assembly with the cells to the electrode permit the contact means to engage the cell electrode contact bars.
Guide means are positioned off-centre in each pin-bracket assembly whereby turning of said guide means through 180 locates the guide means in one of a pair of laterally off-set positions for aligning the bypass assembly with the cells.
The support means comprise a plurality of equi-spaced brackets secured to each of the outer collector bus bars, each bracket having a horizontal spool contact bar secured thereto, and electrically conductive fingers ~dapted to be inserted into said brackets for contact with said spool contact bar
~;~4~795 frame at each end of said frame, one of said pairs functioning as an anode current collector bus bar at one end of the frame and the other of said pair functioning as a cathode current collector bus bar at the other end of the frame; locating means secured to said frame for accurately placing and locating said bypass assembly in relation to the cells to be bypassed; a plurality of equi- spaced support means secured to the outer current collector bus bars at each end of the frame assembly; and contact means removably supported by the said support means for establishing electrical contact between the bypass assembly and cell electrode contact bars.
The locating means comprise a pair of spaced-apart locating pin-bracket assemblies secured to each outer collector bus bar at each end of the assembly, a pinbracket assembly preferably secured to the outer collector bus bar in proximity to each corner of the frame, each said pin-bracket assembly having a downwardly projecting pin adapted to be seated in a mating socket formed in a cell wall, and means for laterally adjusting each said pin for selectively aligning the bypass assembly with the cells to the electrode permit the contact means to engage the cell electrode contact bars.
Guide means are positioned off-centre in each pin-bracket assembly whereby turning of said guide means through 180 locates the guide means in one of a pair of laterally off-set positions for aligning the bypass assembly with the cells.
The support means comprise a plurality of equi-spaced brackets secured to each of the outer collector bus bars, each bracket having a horizontal spool contact bar secured thereto, and electrically conductive fingers ~dapted to be inserted into said brackets for contact with said spool contact bar
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secured to the bracket and for contact with a cell electrode contact bar.
BRIEF DESC~IPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a plan view of two cell rows of opposite polarity, in a circuit, showing current bypass assemblies of the invention in their two operative positions;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the current bypass assembly shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is an end elevation taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 2 with contact fingers removed;
Figure 4 is a side elevation, partly in section, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a corner of the bypass assembly of the invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a locating pin 2b assembly and an adjacent finger support bracket;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the locating pin assembly shown in Figure 6 with the locating pin partially raised;
Figure 8 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a finger support bracket with a section of spool bar; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a contact finger
secured to the bracket and for contact with a cell electrode contact bar.
BRIEF DESC~IPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a plan view of two cell rows of opposite polarity, in a circuit, showing current bypass assemblies of the invention in their two operative positions;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the current bypass assembly shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is an end elevation taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 2 with contact fingers removed;
Figure 4 is a side elevation, partly in section, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a corner of the bypass assembly of the invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a locating pin 2b assembly and an adjacent finger support bracket;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the locating pin assembly shown in Figure 6 with the locating pin partially raised;
Figure 8 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a finger support bracket with a section of spool bar; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a contact finger
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFER~ED EMBODIMENT
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The current bypass assembly of the invention generally depicted by the numeral 10 as shown in Figure 2 consists of the two "concentric" rectangular frames comprising an inner frame generally indicated with 12 and an outer frame generally indicated with 14 of bus bars which frames may be elongated or square in plan. The two frames 12, 14 are formed of suitable electrically conductive metal such as, for example, aluminum or copper and are narrowly spaced apart from each other by transverse metal spacers 1~ welded to the frames to ensure that a narrow gap exists between the said frames.
The opposite ends 18, 20 of the assembly have a plurality of closely spaced spacers 16 for reasons which will become apparent as the description proceeds. Each corner of the assembly has a diagonal brace 22 to provide additional rigidity to the structure.
Each of the ends 18, 20 of the frame assembly has an outer current collector bus bar 24 and an inner current collector bus bar 26 defined by the outer and inner frames respectively, one end of the frame functioning as an anode-current collector bus bar and the other end of the frame functioning as a cathode-current collector bus bar. The two opposite sides 28, 30 of the frame assembly in like manner comprise an outer carrier bus bar 32 and an inner carrier bus bar 34~
The bypass assembly can be lifted, transported and lowered by means of a chain sling 35 having a pair of diverging extensions 36, 38 at each end secured by means of a conventional eye hook, chain shackle and lifting pin depicted 0 by numeral 40 near each corner of the assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFER~ED EMBODIMENT
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The current bypass assembly of the invention generally depicted by the numeral 10 as shown in Figure 2 consists of the two "concentric" rectangular frames comprising an inner frame generally indicated with 12 and an outer frame generally indicated with 14 of bus bars which frames may be elongated or square in plan. The two frames 12, 14 are formed of suitable electrically conductive metal such as, for example, aluminum or copper and are narrowly spaced apart from each other by transverse metal spacers 1~ welded to the frames to ensure that a narrow gap exists between the said frames.
The opposite ends 18, 20 of the assembly have a plurality of closely spaced spacers 16 for reasons which will become apparent as the description proceeds. Each corner of the assembly has a diagonal brace 22 to provide additional rigidity to the structure.
Each of the ends 18, 20 of the frame assembly has an outer current collector bus bar 24 and an inner current collector bus bar 26 defined by the outer and inner frames respectively, one end of the frame functioning as an anode-current collector bus bar and the other end of the frame functioning as a cathode-current collector bus bar. The two opposite sides 28, 30 of the frame assembly in like manner comprise an outer carrier bus bar 32 and an inner carrier bus bar 34~
The bypass assembly can be lifted, transported and lowered by means of a chain sling 35 having a pair of diverging extensions 36, 38 at each end secured by means of a conventional eye hook, chain shackle and lifting pin depicted 0 by numeral 40 near each corner of the assembly.
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The lengths of the bus bars 32, 34 which comprise the sides 28, 30 of the assembly can vary depending on the number of cells to be by-passed. The shortest length must permit the straddling of three cells by the assembly. The assembly illustrated is designed to straddle five cells but it is understood that the upper limit of the length of the assembly is determined by practical consideration such as ease of handling and weight restrictions.
With reference to Fig.3, the opposite ends 42, 44 of the current collector bus bars 24, 26 are slightly raised above the upper edges 46 of the operative central portions of bars 24, 26 so that bus bars 32~ 34 clear piping at each cell and to facilitate seating of side bars 32, 34 on supports 48, 50. A locating pin-bracket assembly 52 is secured by bolts to the outer collector bus bars 24 at each end of the assembly in proximity to each corner for precisely locating the assembly over electrolytic cells.
With reference now to Figures 6 and 7, each locating pin-bracket assembly 52 comprises a back plate 54 by which it is bolted onto a current collector bus bar 24. A pair of opposed side plates 56, 58 are welded to back plate 54 at one end and rigidly secured a fixed distance apart at the opposite end by an intermediate, transverse vertical plate 60 and a transverse horizontal bottom plate 62 both welded to side plates 56, 58, and an upper transverse guide plate 64 having downwardly depending end flanges 66 for bolting of the said upper guide plate to side plates 56, 58. A locating pin housing depicted by numeral 67 comprises the opposing ends of side plates 56, 58, transverse vertical plate 60, upper and
The lengths of the bus bars 32, 34 which comprise the sides 28, 30 of the assembly can vary depending on the number of cells to be by-passed. The shortest length must permit the straddling of three cells by the assembly. The assembly illustrated is designed to straddle five cells but it is understood that the upper limit of the length of the assembly is determined by practical consideration such as ease of handling and weight restrictions.
With reference to Fig.3, the opposite ends 42, 44 of the current collector bus bars 24, 26 are slightly raised above the upper edges 46 of the operative central portions of bars 24, 26 so that bus bars 32~ 34 clear piping at each cell and to facilitate seating of side bars 32, 34 on supports 48, 50. A locating pin-bracket assembly 52 is secured by bolts to the outer collector bus bars 24 at each end of the assembly in proximity to each corner for precisely locating the assembly over electrolytic cells.
With reference now to Figures 6 and 7, each locating pin-bracket assembly 52 comprises a back plate 54 by which it is bolted onto a current collector bus bar 24. A pair of opposed side plates 56, 58 are welded to back plate 54 at one end and rigidly secured a fixed distance apart at the opposite end by an intermediate, transverse vertical plate 60 and a transverse horizontal bottom plate 62 both welded to side plates 56, 58, and an upper transverse guide plate 64 having downwardly depending end flanges 66 for bolting of the said upper guide plate to side plates 56, 58. A locating pin housing depicted by numeral 67 comprises the opposing ends of side plates 56, 58, transverse vertical plate 60, upper and
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lower plates 64, 62, and vertical front guides 68 welded to the inner faces.
The locating pin 69 consists of an elongated star-shaped lower portion 70 secured to the underside of rectangular guide plate 72 which is adapted to slide vertically within housing 67 guided by vertical rod 74 coaxiàl with pin lower portion 70 extending upwardly from plate 72 through bushing 76 mounted off-centre in transverse upper guide plate 64. Bushing 76 in upper guide plate 64 maintains locating pin lower portion 70 within elongated opening 76 formed transversely in lower plate 62, shown most clearly in Figure 7. Vertical travel of locating pin 69 is restricted to its upper limit by upper guide plate 64 and its lower extent of travel is determined by the seating of the transverse guide plates 72 on lower plate 62. Each locating pin 69 is offset laterally from the centre of the locating pin housing 67 and can be readily moved to the opposite side of transverse opening 76 by removing bolts 80, turning upper guide plate 64 through 180, and resecuring upper guide plate 6~ to the side plates 56, 58 with locating pin 69 ad~acent the opposite end of the slot 76.
With reference now to Figure 1, the current bypass assembly 10 is shown located in two rows of cells which are generally arranged in a U-shaped pattern with a current flow depicted by the arrows 80, 82, cathodes being depicted by solid lines 81 and anodes by broken lines 83. Two lateral positions for the current bypass assembly are necessary for the alignment of the bypass assembly with the electrodes, the upstream end of the assembly having the cathode-current 0 collector bus bars 92 and contact means to be described for
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lower plates 64, 62, and vertical front guides 68 welded to the inner faces.
The locating pin 69 consists of an elongated star-shaped lower portion 70 secured to the underside of rectangular guide plate 72 which is adapted to slide vertically within housing 67 guided by vertical rod 74 coaxiàl with pin lower portion 70 extending upwardly from plate 72 through bushing 76 mounted off-centre in transverse upper guide plate 64. Bushing 76 in upper guide plate 64 maintains locating pin lower portion 70 within elongated opening 76 formed transversely in lower plate 62, shown most clearly in Figure 7. Vertical travel of locating pin 69 is restricted to its upper limit by upper guide plate 64 and its lower extent of travel is determined by the seating of the transverse guide plates 72 on lower plate 62. Each locating pin 69 is offset laterally from the centre of the locating pin housing 67 and can be readily moved to the opposite side of transverse opening 76 by removing bolts 80, turning upper guide plate 64 through 180, and resecuring upper guide plate 6~ to the side plates 56, 58 with locating pin 69 ad~acent the opposite end of the slot 76.
With reference now to Figure 1, the current bypass assembly 10 is shown located in two rows of cells which are generally arranged in a U-shaped pattern with a current flow depicted by the arrows 80, 82, cathodes being depicted by solid lines 81 and anodes by broken lines 83. Two lateral positions for the current bypass assembly are necessary for the alignment of the bypass assembly with the electrodes, the upstream end of the assembly having the cathode-current 0 collector bus bars 92 and contact means to be described for
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electrical contact with cathode contact bars and the downstream end of the assembly having the anode-current collector bus bars 90 and said contact means for electrical contact with anode contact bars in the adjacent electrolytic cells. By selectively positioning the locating pins to the desired lateral position in housings 67, the whole bypass assembly 10 is moved laterally the distance between an anode and a cathode in the electrolytic cells, thereby aligning the assembly as desired in relation to the contact bars in upstream and downstream cells in various rows without rotation of the bypass assembly.
With reference now to Figure 5, 6 and 8, a plurality of contact plates 100 are secured by bolts to the outer anode and cathode current collector bars 24. A total of twenty-six equi-spaced contact plates are secured, side by side, to the cathode current collector bus bar. Each contact plate 100 has an outwardly extending lower flange 102, shown most clearly in Figure 8, which supports a small section of spool contact bar 104 preferably screwed and brazed onto the upper surface of flange 102. Spool contact bars 104 conveniently consist of sections of a cell electrode contact bar cut in half along its longitudimal centre line. Each section of contact bar mounted on plate flange 102 has three equally spaced grooves 108 which provide contact with contact fingers 120, to be described.
A finger support bracket 110 is screwed onto each of contact plates 100. Each bracket 110 comprises a mounting base 112 adapted to be bolted to contact plate 100 and two pairs 113 of outwardly extending spaced apart support members 114 havir.g a transverse angle section 116 welded to the distal ends thereof. Opposing members 114 of each pair 113 have
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electrical contact with cathode contact bars and the downstream end of the assembly having the anode-current collector bus bars 90 and said contact means for electrical contact with anode contact bars in the adjacent electrolytic cells. By selectively positioning the locating pins to the desired lateral position in housings 67, the whole bypass assembly 10 is moved laterally the distance between an anode and a cathode in the electrolytic cells, thereby aligning the assembly as desired in relation to the contact bars in upstream and downstream cells in various rows without rotation of the bypass assembly.
With reference now to Figure 5, 6 and 8, a plurality of contact plates 100 are secured by bolts to the outer anode and cathode current collector bars 24. A total of twenty-six equi-spaced contact plates are secured, side by side, to the cathode current collector bus bar. Each contact plate 100 has an outwardly extending lower flange 102, shown most clearly in Figure 8, which supports a small section of spool contact bar 104 preferably screwed and brazed onto the upper surface of flange 102. Spool contact bars 104 conveniently consist of sections of a cell electrode contact bar cut in half along its longitudimal centre line. Each section of contact bar mounted on plate flange 102 has three equally spaced grooves 108 which provide contact with contact fingers 120, to be described.
A finger support bracket 110 is screwed onto each of contact plates 100. Each bracket 110 comprises a mounting base 112 adapted to be bolted to contact plate 100 and two pairs 113 of outwardly extending spaced apart support members 114 havir.g a transverse angle section 116 welded to the distal ends thereof. Opposing members 114 of each pair 113 have
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outwardly flared upper edges 115 to facilitate the insertion of fingers 120, shown most clearly in Figure 9.
On the anode current collector bus bar are bolted twenty-four contact plates 100 and corresponding support brackets 112 identical to those on the cathode current collector bus bar and, in addition, a slightly larger contact plate and support bracket are mounted in the centre of the twenty-four contact platès 100. The centre finger support bracket is capable of accommodating three fingers and the corresponding section of spool contact bar 104 has five equally spaced grooves 108 formed thereon. The contact plates 100 mounted on the cathode current collector bus bar are positioned such that no finger 120 is situated on the centre line of the assembly. However, the anode current collector bus bar has the larger contact plate capable of receiving three fingers centrally located such that a centre finger is on the centre line of the anode current collector bus bar.
The reversal of the pin locator as described above moves the bypass assembly laterally the distance between an anode and a cathode to make the former cathode collector bus bar the anode bus bar and vice versa. The cathode bar thus in effect becomes the anode bar in the laterally moved position and has a finger in the centre line of the assembly whereas the former anode bar is now the cathode bar and has no finger on its centre line.
The contact fingers 120 shown in Figures 5 and 9 are adapted to freely slide vertically in and out of the finger support brackets 110. Each finger 120 has an upper portion with a hand grip fabricated of antimonial lead and a lower 0 contact portion fabricated from copper. Each finger has a
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outwardly flared upper edges 115 to facilitate the insertion of fingers 120, shown most clearly in Figure 9.
On the anode current collector bus bar are bolted twenty-four contact plates 100 and corresponding support brackets 112 identical to those on the cathode current collector bus bar and, in addition, a slightly larger contact plate and support bracket are mounted in the centre of the twenty-four contact platès 100. The centre finger support bracket is capable of accommodating three fingers and the corresponding section of spool contact bar 104 has five equally spaced grooves 108 formed thereon. The contact plates 100 mounted on the cathode current collector bus bar are positioned such that no finger 120 is situated on the centre line of the assembly. However, the anode current collector bus bar has the larger contact plate capable of receiving three fingers centrally located such that a centre finger is on the centre line of the anode current collector bus bar.
The reversal of the pin locator as described above moves the bypass assembly laterally the distance between an anode and a cathode to make the former cathode collector bus bar the anode bus bar and vice versa. The cathode bar thus in effect becomes the anode bar in the laterally moved position and has a finger in the centre line of the assembly whereas the former anode bar is now the cathode bar and has no finger on its centre line.
The contact fingers 120 shown in Figures 5 and 9 are adapted to freely slide vertically in and out of the finger support brackets 110. Each finger 120 has an upper portion with a hand grip fabricated of antimonial lead and a lower 0 contact portion fabricated from copper. Each finger has a
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V-notch 122 formed in its bottom edge at one end which is adapted to make contact with a grooved portion 108 of the spool contact bar 104 on the contact plate flange 102 and has an extended portion with flat surface 124 on its bottom edge at the other end which is adapted to make contact in a groove of an aligned cell electrode contact bar on the cell wall, not shown. The fingers are sufficiently heavy, for example, 28.8 kg each, to provide good pressure contact with the spool contact bars 104 and the cell electrode contact bar, resulting in uniform low resistance and an even distribution of current. Shoulder 126 formed on the outer end of finger 120 is adapted to remain above the height of flange 116, as shown most clearly in Figure 5, such that the weight of the finger is continually maintained on the cell contact bar.
In operation, the current bypass assembly shown in Figure 1 is positioned over a row of electrolytic cells to straddle five of cells 140, 142, 144, 146 and 148. The locating pins 69 are seated in mating sockets 150 to precisely position the bypass assembly over the cell walls such that the fingers supported on the cathode current collector bus bar are in alignment with the cathode contact bars and the fingers on the anode current collector bus bar are in alignment with the anode contact bars in the adjacent cells, as shown most clearly in Figures 3 and 4. Current has been previously shut off to the cell rows and cathodes have been removed from cell 140 and anodes from cell 148 such that the respective fingers 120 fit in the now empty cathode and anode grooves of the cell electrode contact bars on the adjacent cells.
Once proper mechanical contact has been established, the chain sling 35 is disconnected from the craner and the
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V-notch 122 formed in its bottom edge at one end which is adapted to make contact with a grooved portion 108 of the spool contact bar 104 on the contact plate flange 102 and has an extended portion with flat surface 124 on its bottom edge at the other end which is adapted to make contact in a groove of an aligned cell electrode contact bar on the cell wall, not shown. The fingers are sufficiently heavy, for example, 28.8 kg each, to provide good pressure contact with the spool contact bars 104 and the cell electrode contact bar, resulting in uniform low resistance and an even distribution of current. Shoulder 126 formed on the outer end of finger 120 is adapted to remain above the height of flange 116, as shown most clearly in Figure 5, such that the weight of the finger is continually maintained on the cell contact bar.
In operation, the current bypass assembly shown in Figure 1 is positioned over a row of electrolytic cells to straddle five of cells 140, 142, 144, 146 and 148. The locating pins 69 are seated in mating sockets 150 to precisely position the bypass assembly over the cell walls such that the fingers supported on the cathode current collector bus bar are in alignment with the cathode contact bars and the fingers on the anode current collector bus bar are in alignment with the anode contact bars in the adjacent cells, as shown most clearly in Figures 3 and 4. Current has been previously shut off to the cell rows and cathodes have been removed from cell 140 and anodes from cell 148 such that the respective fingers 120 fit in the now empty cathode and anode grooves of the cell electrode contact bars on the adjacent cells.
Once proper mechanical contact has been established, the chain sling 35 is disconnected from the craner and the
11 .
~Z447~S
crane is then available to removeJ for example, the cathodes from cell 146. Power is again switched on for the system and electrolysis continues while power bypasses the five cells now inactivated.
The remaining electrodes are removed from cell 146 and the cell is now ready for cleaning out or other maintenance work. Upon completion of work at cell 146, electrodes are lifted from cell 144 and placed in cell 146, permitting work to be carried out at cell 144. This procedure is repeated until cells 142, 144 and 146 are cleaned and, once all work is completed, current is again switched oEf, the crane removes the bypass assembly, and subsequently replaces the cathodes and anodes in cells 140 and 148 respectively, permitting the current to be again switched on and the ; electrowinning process continued.
It will be understood, of course, that modifications can be made in the embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein without departing from the scope and purview of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the two connecting frames of bus bars can be closed at the top and the bottom and the spacers can be provided with holes or passages, so that four closed channels or tubuler bodies are formed. With suitable connection for admitting water or air to the channels, the assembly can be water or air-cooled. Water or air cooling allows a reduction in the cross-sectional area of each of the bus bars and thus reduces the weight of the assembly.
~Z447~S
crane is then available to removeJ for example, the cathodes from cell 146. Power is again switched on for the system and electrolysis continues while power bypasses the five cells now inactivated.
The remaining electrodes are removed from cell 146 and the cell is now ready for cleaning out or other maintenance work. Upon completion of work at cell 146, electrodes are lifted from cell 144 and placed in cell 146, permitting work to be carried out at cell 144. This procedure is repeated until cells 142, 144 and 146 are cleaned and, once all work is completed, current is again switched oEf, the crane removes the bypass assembly, and subsequently replaces the cathodes and anodes in cells 140 and 148 respectively, permitting the current to be again switched on and the ; electrowinning process continued.
It will be understood, of course, that modifications can be made in the embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein without departing from the scope and purview of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the two connecting frames of bus bars can be closed at the top and the bottom and the spacers can be provided with holes or passages, so that four closed channels or tubuler bodies are formed. With suitable connection for admitting water or air to the channels, the assembly can be water or air-cooled. Water or air cooling allows a reduction in the cross-sectional area of each of the bus bars and thus reduces the weight of the assembly.
12.
Claims (6)
1. A portable current bypass assembly for electrolytic metal winning cells in series having cell electrode contact bars mounted on cell walls comprising, in combination, a rectangular frame formed of an electrically conductive metal having sufficient length to straddle at least three consecutive cells; a pair of an inner and an outer current collector bus bars forming part of said frame at each end of said frame, one of said pairs functioning as an anode current collector bus bar at one end of the frame and the other of said pair functioning as a cathode current collector bus bar at the other end of the frame; locating means secured to said frame for accurately placing and locating said bypass assembly in relation to the cells to be bypassed; a plurality of equi-spaced support means secured to the outer current collector bus bars at each end of the frame assembly; and contact means removably supported by the said support means for establishing electrical contact between the bypass assembly and cell electrode contact bars.
2. A portable current bypass assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said locating means comprise a pair of spaced-apart locating pin-bracket assemblies secured to each outer collector bus bar at each end of the assembly, each said pin-bracket assembly having a downwardly projecting pin adapted to be seated in a mating socket formed in a cell wall, and means for laterally adjusting each said pin for selectively aligning the bypass assembly with the cells to permit the contact means to engage the cell electrode contact bars.
3. A portable current bypass assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein a pin-bracket assembly is secured to an outer collector bus bar in proximity to each corner of the frame, said pinbracket having guide means for raising and lowering the downwardly projecting pin.
4. A portable current bypass assembly as claimed in Claim 3 wherein said guide means are positioned off-centre in the pin-bracket assembly whereby turning of said guide means through 180° locates the guide means in one of a pair of laterally off-set positions.
5. A portable current bypass assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said support means comprise a plurality of equi-spaced brackets secured to each of the outer collector bus bars, each bracket having a horizontal spool contact bar secured thereto, and electrically conductive fingers adapted to be inserted into said brackets for contact with said spool contact bar secured to the bracket and for contact with a cell electrode contact bar.
6. A portable current bypass assembly as claimed in Claim 5 wherein each said electrically conductive finger has an inner end and an outer end, a downwardly facing V-notch formed at the inner end adapted to seat on and contact said spool contact bar and a downwardly extending portion formed at the outer end adapted to seat on and contact a cell electrode contact bar, whereby the weight of the said finger is supported by both said contact bars to make a good electrical contact therewith.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000477443A CA1244795A (en) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-03-25 | Current bypass assembly for electrolytic cells |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000477443A CA1244795A (en) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-03-25 | Current bypass assembly for electrolytic cells |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1244795A true CA1244795A (en) | 1988-11-15 |
Family
ID=4130118
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000477443A Expired CA1244795A (en) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-03-25 | Current bypass assembly for electrolytic cells |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1244795A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007080456A2 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2007-07-19 | Railpower Technologies Corp. | Electrochemical cell for hybrid electric vehicle applications |
| SE2051220A1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-22 | Scania Cv Ab | A device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two conductors |
-
1985
- 1985-03-25 CA CA000477443A patent/CA1244795A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007080456A2 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2007-07-19 | Railpower Technologies Corp. | Electrochemical cell for hybrid electric vehicle applications |
| WO2007080456A3 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2007-11-22 | Railpower Technologies Corp | Electrochemical cell for hybrid electric vehicle applications |
| SE2051220A1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-22 | Scania Cv Ab | A device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two conductors |
| WO2022086400A1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-28 | Scania Cv Ab | A device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two conductors |
| SE544454C2 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2022-06-07 | Scania Cv Ab | A device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two conductors |
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