CA1324509C - Electrolyte flowmeter - Google Patents

Electrolyte flowmeter

Info

Publication number
CA1324509C
CA1324509C CA 591606 CA591606A CA1324509C CA 1324509 C CA1324509 C CA 1324509C CA 591606 CA591606 CA 591606 CA 591606 A CA591606 A CA 591606A CA 1324509 C CA1324509 C CA 1324509C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
electrolyte
transparent tube
supply conduit
electrolytic cell
flow rate
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 - Fee Related
Application number
CA 591606
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tei Stewart Sanmiya
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 CA 591606 priority Critical patent/CA1324509C/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1324509C publication Critical patent/CA1324509C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01FMEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/52Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring the height of the fluid level due to the lifting power of the fluid flow

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)

Abstract

ELECTROLYTE FLOWMETER

ABSTRACT

A device for measuring the flow rate of an electrolyte into an electrolytic cell for electrowinning. An electrolyte supply conduit transports electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. A
transparent tube extends upwardly from the electrolyte supply conduit. The transparent tube has a closed end and an open end. The open end is connected to the supply conduit to permit electrolyte from the supply conduit to flow freely to a level in the transparent tube. The level of electrolyte in the transparent tube dividing the transparent tube into a lower portion containing electrolyte and an upper portion above the electrolyte. An air supply conduit supplies air to the upper portion of the transparent tube. The level of electrolyte in the transparent tube is proportional to the flow rate of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell.

Description

r~
~3245~9 ELECTROL_ E FLOWMETER

The present invention relates to the field of electrowinning. More particularly, it relates to the field of flowmeters used in measuring electrolyte flow rates.
: . .

BACKGROUND OF ART AND PROBLEM

Generally, an electrowinning tankhouse contains several electrolytic cells. Each electrolytic cell contains several anodes a~d cathodes for electrodepositing a metal from an electrolyte to the cathodes. Electrowinning is generally performed in a continuous operation where large volumes of electrolyte are passed through each cell ln relation to the quantity of metal deposited. These individual cells have different flow rates which maximi~e the efficiency of electrowlnning while supplying sufficient surfactant for acid mist control. The individual flow rates of electrolyte lnto each cell are controlled by an adJustable valve. The problem wlth ~he valves is that they are adversely effected by scale which deposits inside the valve. These valves become clogged with scale 32~09 disrupting electrolyte flow rates into the individual cells.
Therefore, during electrowinning, it is desirable to periodically measure flow rates of electrolyte into an electrolytic cell to monitor changes in electrolyte flow rate. The problem with measuring the flow rates is that conventional meters such as disk meters and rotary-vane meters become clogged with scale. For example, when electrowinning copper with lead anodes in aqueous sulfuric acid, lead sulfate deposits on the flow meters. The lead sulfate adheres to the flowmeters interfering with the accurate operation of the flowmeters.
As far as known, no one has discovered a flowmeter for use in electrowinning, which effectively measures electrolyte flow rates and remains accurate despite the accumulation of scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and process for measuring the flow rate of an electrolyte into an electrolytic cell for electrowinning~ An electrolyte supply conduit transports electrolyte to the electrolytic cell. A transparent tube extends upwardly from the electrolyte supply conduit. The transparen~ tube has a closed end and an open end. The open end is connected to the supply conduit to permit electrolyte from the supply conduit to flow freely to a level in the transparent tube. The level of electrolyte in the transparent tube divides the transparent tube into a lower portion containing electrolyte and an upper portion above the electrolyte. An air supply conduit supplies air to the upper portion of the ~ransparent tube. A level of electrolyte in the transparent tube is proportional to the ~low rate of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell.
Preferably, the transparent tube is marked between the lower portion and the upper portion for recording a desired electrolyte flow rate. The invention ~s ideally suited for aqueous sulfurlc acid electrolytes which deposit a hard lead sulfate scale on flowmeters.

, ,~ ~32~0~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an electrolytic cell and a flowmeter which measures flow of electrolyte through an electrolyte supply conduit into an electrolytlc cell.
Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic view of the electrolyte flowmeter.

PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1, the electrolytic cell 10 having anodes 12 and cathodes 14 is used for electrowinning. The electrowinning deposits metals, such as copper from an aqu~ous sulfuric acid electrolyte 16 on the cathodes 14. The anodes 12 produce 2 bubbles 18 which rise to the surface. Bubbles 18 are stabili~ed with a surfactant to form a protective foam layer 20. The foam layer 20 prevents bubbles 18 from bursting at the electrolyte surface to control the production of acid mist.
The electrolyte 16 enters the electrolytic cell 10 through electrolyte supply conduit 22. Electrolyte in conduit 22 is supplied from a constant head ~ank ~o supply electrolyte at a constant pressure in conduit 22. Flow rate of electrolyte through the electrolyte supply conduit 22 is controlled by ad~ustable valve 24.
The adjustable valve 24 is ad~us~0d to fine tune the electrolyte flow into cell 10 to the rate which maximiæes electrowinning and properly controls acid misting. Flowmeter 26 indicates changes in electrolyte flow rate. The ad~ustable valve 24 is then ad~usted back to the optimum electrolyte flow rate when a change of flow rate is indicatsd.
The electrolyte flows out overflow outlet 28 to maintain the electrolyte 16 in the electrolytic cell 10 at a constant level. Skimmer 29 prevents foam 20 from directly exiting through over~low outlet 28.
Referring to Figure 2, the electrolyte 16 flows through elec~rolyte supply conduit 22 and through electrolyte supply conduit outlet 30 into the electrolytic cell. The electrolyte supply conduit is preferably constructed out of a durable material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The electrolyte supply conduit outlet 30 has a fixed diameter or fixed flow area. The flow rate is maintained relatively , : , constant by maintaining the flow area of the outlet 30 constant and the pressure of the electrolyt~ in conduit 22 constant. To measure changes in flow rates, flowmeter 26 is added to the conduit 22. A
transparent tube 32 extends upwardly from the electrolyte supply conduit 22. The transparent tube has an open end 34 and a closed end 36. The open end 34 is connected to conduit 22 in a manner which allows electrolyte 16 to flow into a lower portion 38 of the transparent tube 32. The lower portion 38 is defined as the portion of transparent tube 32 fllled with electrolyte. Above the lower portion 38 is the upper portion 40. The upper portion 40 is defined as that portion inside the transparent tube 32 above the lower portion 38.
The upper portion is supplied with air from air supply conduit 42. The air supply conduit 42 pierces electrolyte supply conduit 22 proximate the electrolytic cell at air inlet 44. A
threaded connector provides a sealed means for securing the air supply conduit 42 to the electrolyte supply conduit 22 with the air supply conduit 22 open to the atmosphere. The air supply conduit 42 extends through conduit 22 and up lower portion 38 of transparent 20 tube 32 into the upper portion 40 of tube 32. The air supply conduit 42 is held in position by having one end fixed to the threaded connector and by having the opposite end bent to press against the far inside wall of the upper portion 40 of the transparent tube 32.
Air flows in the upper portion 40 of the tube 32 through air outlet 46. The level of electrolyte in the tube reaches a relatively constant height when the pressure of electrolyte 16 through the open end 34 equals the pressure of the atmosphere through the air supply conduit 42 and out air outlet 46 plus the height of the electrolyte 16 in the tube 32. Alternatively, an air hole could be formed through the upper portion 40 of the transparent tube 32. However, the air hole would be a safety hazard and would eventually become clogged with scale.
To utilize the invention, the valve 24 (Figure 1) on the electrolyte supply conduit 22 is adjusted until the flow through the fixed area outlet reaches the desired flow rate. The intersection between the upper and lower portions 38 and 40 is marked to record the optimum flow rate. Thereafter, when the flow rate varies, the :: . ~

' ' ~ ,; : , 32~L5~
intersection of the upper and lower portions changes to indicate an increased flow when the intersection has risen and a decreased flow when the intersection has fallen (when the value 24 is located on the opposite slde of the flowmeter 26, the intersection will rise when flow decreases and fall when flow increases). The flow through the conduit 22 is then appropriately adjusted until the intersection of the upper and lower portions, 38 and 40 reaches the marked inters~ction. This flowmeter facilitates simplified ad~ustment of electrolyte flow rates to the flow rate of maxl~um efficiency. The slight variations in atmospheric pressure have insignificant effect on the accuracy of the flowmeter.
The invention, as constructed provided a substantially constant flo~ of electrolyte at a flow rate of approximately 40 liters per minute tlpm). The electrolyte supply conduit 22 was constructed with PVC piping having an internal diameter of approximately 3.81 cm (1.5 in~. The electrolyte supply conduit outlet 30 had an internal diameter of approximately 2.54 cm (1.0 in).
Air supply conduit 42 was constructed out of polypropylene and had an internal diameter of approximately 0.32 cm (0.125 in). Transparent tube 32 was constructed out of a clear plastic having an internal diameter of approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 in). The above components are rather economical and are easily replaced when broken.
The flowmeter has proven particularly effective when electrowinning copper with lead anodes in an aqueous sulfuric acid solution. When electrowinning with lead anodes, the lead anode partially oxidizes and dissolves into the electrolyte. I,ead disolved in the electrolyte deposits as lead sulfate on flowmeters forming a hard scale, which causes rotating type flowmeters to lose accuracy.
The static pressure design of the invention resists the negative effects of scale. Lead sulfate scale deposits on the outside of the air supply conduit 42 immersed in electrolyte and on the inside walls of the lower portion 38 of transparent tube 32. However, the scale does not disrupt the accurate measuring of electrolyte flow rates with flow meter 26.
Another unique feature of the invention is the placement of air inlet 44, which facilitates the quick refill of the electrolytic cell 10 (Figure 1). The electrolytic cell is periodically emptied .

~32~9 for repairing and cleaning purposes. After cleaning the cell, it is desirable to fill the cell as quickly as possible to resume electrowinning. To accomplish this valve 24 (Figure l) is completely opened to increase the velocity of electrolyte into the cell. When S the velocity is increased, electrolyte flows through air outlet 46, through air supply tube 42 and out air inlet 44. The electrolyte sprays out air lnlet 44 into the electrolytic cell. The location of the alr inlet directs the electrolyte into the cell and helps prevent workers from being sprayed with harmful electroly~es, such as electrolytes containing sulfuric acid.
While in accordance with the provisions of the statute, there is illustrated 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 the certain features of the invention may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of the other features.

I, .: :

Claims (12)

1. A device for measuring the flow rate of an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell for electrowinning comprising:

an electrolyte supply conduit for transporting the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, a transparent tube extending upwardly from the electrolyte supply conduit, the transparent tube having a closed end and having an open end, having the open end connected to the electrolyte supply conduit to permit electrolyte from the electrolyte supply conduit to flow freely to a level in the transparent tube, the level of electrolyte in the transparent tube dividing the transparent tube into a lower portion containing electrolyte and an upper portion above the electrolyte, and an air supply conduit for supplying air to the upper portion of the transparent tube, wherein the level of electrolyte in the transparent tube is proportional to flow rate of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell.
2. The device of Claim 1 wherein the transparent tube is marked between the lower portion and the upper portion for recording a desired electrolyte flow rate.
3. The device of Claim 1 wherein the electrolyte contains aqueous sulfuric acid.
4. The device of Claim 1 wherein the electrolyte deposits a scale.
5. The device of Claim 1 wherein the electrolyte deposits a lead sulfate scale.
6. The device of Claim 1 wherein the air conduit pierces through the electrolyte supply conduit proximate the electrolytic cell.
7. A process for measuring the flow rate of an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell for electrowinning employing:

an electrolyte supply conduit for transporting the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, a transparent tube extending upwardly from the electrolyte supply conduit, the transparent tube having a closed end and having an open end, having the open end connected to the electrolyte supply conduit to permit electrolyte from the electrolyte supply conduit to flow freely to a level in the transparent tube, the level of electrolyte in the transparent tube dividing the transparent tube into a lower portion containing electrolyte and an upper portion above the electrolyte, and an air supply conduit for supplying air to the upper portion of the transparent tube, wherein the level of electrolyte in the transparent tube is proportional to flow rate of electrolyte to the electrolytic cell.
8. The process of Claim 7 wherein the transparent tube is marked between the lower portion and the upper portion for recording a desired electrolyte flow rate.
9. The process of Claim 7 wherein the electrolyte contains aqueous sulfuric acid.
10. The process of Claim 7 wherein the electrolyte deposits a scale.
11. The process of Claim 7 wherein the electrolyte deposits a lead sulfate scale.
12. The process of Claim 7 wherein the air conduit pierces through the electrolyte supply conduit proximate the electrolytic cell.
CA 591606 1989-02-21 1989-02-21 Electrolyte flowmeter Expired - Fee Related CA1324509C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 591606 CA1324509C (en) 1989-02-21 1989-02-21 Electrolyte flowmeter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 591606 CA1324509C (en) 1989-02-21 1989-02-21 Electrolyte flowmeter

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1324509C true CA1324509C (en) 1993-11-23

Family

ID=4139658

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 591606 Expired - Fee Related CA1324509C (en) 1989-02-21 1989-02-21 Electrolyte flowmeter

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA1324509C (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113196548A (en) * 2018-12-15 2021-07-30 对数9物质科学私人有限公司 Hybrid backup power system and method using graphene-based metal-air battery

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113196548A (en) * 2018-12-15 2021-07-30 对数9物质科学私人有限公司 Hybrid backup power system and method using graphene-based metal-air battery
US20220190408A1 (en) * 2018-12-15 2022-06-16 Log 9 Materials Scientific Private Limited System and method for hybrid power backup using graphene based metal air battery

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