EP2954099A1 - Acid mist control apparatus - Google Patents
Acid mist control apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- EP2954099A1 EP2954099A1 EP14748606.2A EP14748606A EP2954099A1 EP 2954099 A1 EP2954099 A1 EP 2954099A1 EP 14748606 A EP14748606 A EP 14748606A EP 2954099 A1 EP2954099 A1 EP 2954099A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- acid mist
- control apparatus
- mist control
- hood
- elongate
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D21/00—Processes for servicing or operating cells for electrolytic coating
- C25D21/04—Removal of gases or vapours ; Gas or pressure control
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an acid mist control apparatus. More particularly, the acid mist control apparatus of the present invention is intended for use with electrolytic cells used in electrowinning.
- One such prior art method is the addition of an appropriate surfactant to the electrolytic cells in order to reduce the surface tension and change the energy released on bubble bursting or to form a foam layer across the surface of the electrolyte that acts as a barrier to the mist.
- an appropriate surfactant is only able to reduce the acid mist emissions by approximately 70%.
- the addition of a surfactant to the electrolytic cell may also result in additional problems such as a reduction in the quality of the deposit and a reduction in current efficiency. Additionally, when the cathode is removed from the cell, it becomes coated with the surfactant material, and may require additional cleaning.
- a further current and widely accepted form of controlling acid mist is through the use of high energy close capture systems or hoods. These systems comprise covers on every cell, fan systems to provide suction, as well as large scrubbing systems. Due to the size of these covers they often require a crane in order to be removed from the cells. These systems are not only very expensive to purchase and install, but have high ongoing operating costs. As a result of their design they have also been known to create an envelope of highly acidic aerosol around the header bars, accelerating corrosion around the header bars, and again increasing operating costs.
- Another common prior art method of acid mist control includes the use of cross- flow ventilation systems.
- large fans are located on the outside of the tank house in order to draw air in through one side of the building, across the tank house, and out the other side. Due to the size of the fan units that are required there is a substantial increase in noise within the tank house. Again, there are high capital and operating costs associated with this method.
- Van Dusen et. al. developed an "electrocap" system "Van Dusen J. and Smith J. W. (1988) Evaluation of the performance of electrocaps under simulated industrial conditions. CIM Bulletin 81 (914), 82-82". This device is are fitted to the anode and forms a seal across to the cathode face. Their design relies on the channelling of acid mist once it is formed rather than attempting to reduce the initial formation of the acid mist. However, it has been found that the wiper that extends across the electrolyte to the cathode is not sufficiently rigid to support its shape and has also been found to become embedded in the deposit of the cathode.
- the present invention seeks to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
- an acid mist control apparatus for the control of acid mist emissions in an electrolytic cell, the apparatus comprising: an elongate hood having longitudinal edges, an upper surface and a lower surface; and a receiving aperture provided in the elongate hood, wherein the receiving aperture is adapted to receive therethrough an anode of an electrolytic cell.
- the apparatus of the present invention further comprises: Elongate flanges that depend from the elongate hood.
- the elongate flanges depend from the longitudinal edge of the elongate hood.
- the apparatus further comprises:
- One or more exit ports are One or more exit ports.
- the apparatus comprises two exit ports, one port being located at each opposing longitudinal end of the elongate hood. Still preferably, the exit ports are conical in shape such that any acid solution which contacts the one or more exit port's surface will be directed into the electrolytic solution.
- the additional acid mist control means is selected from a group comprising filters, exhaust systems, baffles or water spray scrubbers.
- the lower surface of the elongate hood is substantially flat.
- the lower surface of the elongate hood is adapted to receive one or more inserts which aid in the control and mitigation of the acid mist formation and to direct any resulting acid mist from the electrolytic cell by way of the exit ports.
- the inserts are adapted to extend along substantially the full length of the elongate hood and to substantially surround the aperture.
- the one or more inserts may be selected from a group comprising featured inserts and tapered inserts.
- a lower surface of the featured inserts may include one or more of imprinted patterns, channels, dams or other obstacles which act to channel, guide, or dam the generated gas bubbles prior to them breaking at the surface of the electrolytic solution. More preferably, the features of the lower surface further act to coalesce gas bubbles generated within the electrolytic cell to form larger bubbles. More preferably, the features of the lower surface of the elongate hood further act to coalesce gas bubbles to a size of at least 5mm. Without being bound by theory, it is understood that when the larger gas bubbles break the surface of the electrolyte solution, they do so with less energy, reducing the amount of mist generated by the breaking film and largely preventing the 'jetting effect' from occurring. The removal of the jetting effect significantly reduces the amount of acid mist generated.
- the tapered inserts are thicker towards the centre of the elongate hood and thinner towards the opposing longitudinal ends of the elongate hood, such that the bubbles contact an angled surface which acts to direct the bubbles towards the exit ports. Still preferably, the tapered inserts are adapted so that they may be angled towards the centre of the elongate hood, in order to further promote coalescence.
- the apparatus of the present invention further comprises: one or more weirs.
- the apparatus comprises two weirs, one weir being located at each opposing longitudinal end of the elongate hood, immediately adjacent to the location of the exit ports.
- the weirs may be shaped in order to further direct the bubbles towards the exit ports.
- any number of the featured inserts, tapered inserts and weirs may be used coincidently in order to control and mitigate the acid mist formation.
- the elongate hood is secured with respect to the anode by a fastening means. Still preferably, the hood is secured with respect to the anode by way of bolts that pass through the anode.
- the elongate hood is constructed of rubber or plastic. Still preferably, the elongate hood is constructed of Hypalon ®.
- the elongate hood is constructed of rubber, it may be adapted to be stretched over the anode, the elastic properties of the rubber acting to retain the hood in place. At such times the receiving aperture is sized slightly smaller than the size of the anode in order to facilitate the stretching of the hood over the anode.
- the hood When the hood is constructed of plastic or similar materials, it will be appreciated that the hood may comprise two or more body sections which clip together around the anode. In such an arrangement, the size of the receiving aperture may also be adjustable.
- the elongate hood is shaped so that it may be fitted to standard anodes without the need for further modification.
- additional objects may be added to the electrolytic cell in order to cover the free surface of the electrolyte and reduce the area for bubbles to burst.
- polypropylene balls are added to the surface.
- the apparatus of the present invention is envisaged to be suitable for electrolytic processes such as electrowinning processes, which include but are not limited to, processes for the recovery of lead, copper, gold, silver, zinc, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and iron.
- a method for the control of acid mist emissions in an electrolytic cell comprising the steps of: securing the acid mist control apparatus of the present invention described hereinabove to an anode of an electrolytic cell; and operating the electrolytic cell, wherein gas bubbles that evolve at the anode impact on the hood resulting in the coalescing of the bubbles thereagainst, and/or any generated acidic aerosols also impact on the hood, each thereby substantially preventing the production of acid mist.
- the acid mist control apparatus will preferably be positioned above the electrolyte solution.
- the acid mist control apparatus will preferably be positioned so as to be either partially or fully immersed in the electrolyte solution.
- the acid mist control apparatus is secured over the anode by a fastening means. Still preferably, the hood is secured over the anode by way of screws.
- additional objects may be added to the electrolytic cell in order to cover the free surface of the electrolyte and reduce the area for bubbles to burst.
- polyurethane balls are added to the surface.
- the method of the present invention is envisaged to be suitable for electrolytic processes such as electrowinning processes, which include but are not limited to, processes for the recovery of lead, copper, gold, silver, zinc, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and iron.
- Figure 1 is an exploded upper perspective view of the acid mist control apparatus of the present invention
- Figure 2 is a side view cross section of the acid mist control apparatus of Figure
- Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) are a series of underside views of the featured inserts of the present invention, each showing a different feature that may be utilised on the lower surface thereof;
- Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the insert of the present invention showing the taper along the length thereof;
- Figures 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) are a series of upper perspective views of several weirs that may be used with the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a cross section of the hood of the present invention comprising both a pitched insert and a featured insert;
- Figure 7 is an end elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention in use within an electrolytic cell;
- Figure 8 is a graph of the H 2 S0 4 mass per assay for the NN arrangement tests
- Figure 9 is a graph of the H2SO4 mass per assay for the NNN arrangement
- Figure 10 shows the comparison of the NNN, NN and NB results for the filter and tube data
- Figure 1 1 is a plot of the acid mist concentration in the cell for different prototype arrangements, considering both the filter and tube.
- FIG. 1 to 6 there is shown an acid mist control apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention.
- the acid mist control apparatus 10 comprises an elongate hood 12 having longitudinal edges 14, an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18 and opposing longitudinal ends 19.
- a receiving aperture 20 is provided in, and extends along, the elongate hood 12 in a longitudinal direction.
- the receiving aperture 20 is substantially rectangular in shape whereby an anode 22 of an electrolytic cell may be received therethrough.
- On the upper surface 16 of the elongate hood 12 an upstanding support collar 23 surrounds the aperture 20 in order to provide additional surface are for the apparatus 10 to fix onto the anode 22.
- exit ports 24 are conical in shape such that any acid solution that contacts the surface of the exit port 24 will be directed downwardly into the electrolytic solution.
- Elongate flanges 25 depend from the longitudinal edges 14 of the elongate hood 12 and run the length of the elongate hood 12.
- the elongate flanges 25 depend substantially perpendicular to the elongate hood 12.
- the lower surface 18 of the elongate hood 12 adapted to receive one or more insert, such as for example, textured or featured inserts 26 and pitched inserts 28 which aid in the control and mitigation of acid mist formation and to direct any resulting acid mist from the electrolytic cell by way of the exit ports 24.
- the inserts 26, 28 may be provided in two separate halves that are adapted to combine to run the length of the elongate hood 1 2 and surround the aperture 24.
- the inserts 26, 28 may either have a featured surface and/or be tapered.
- the featured inserts 26 may incorporate a wide range of shapes or textures such as vanes 28, converging dams 30 or dimples 32.
- each the pitched inserts 28 are thicker towards an inner end 29 and thinner towards an outer end 31 , such that the bubbles contact an angled surface which acts to direct the bubbles towards the exit ports 24.
- the underside 18 is adapted to receive a weir 34.
- the weirs 34 provide a barrier over which bubbles only of a certain size may pass. In this manner, the weirs 34 further act to coalesce the bubbles moving towards the exit ports 24.
- the weirs 34 may include a number of channels 35 in various orientations in order to further direct the bubbles towards the exit ports 24. These include a single exit channel weir 36, an inner dual channel exit weir 38 and an outer dual channel exit weir 40.
- the weirs 34 and the inserts 26, 28 are fastened to the elongate body 12 by way of a number of screws 41 .
- the acid mist control apparatus 10 of the present invention is intended to be utilised in an electrolytic cell 42.
- the hood 1 2 is placed over or around an anode 22 of the electrolytic cell 42 and is arranged to be positioned at least partially in or above the level of an electrolyte solution 44 provided therein.
- the elongate hood 12 is secured over the anode 22 by one or more fastening means, for example bolts 37.
- the apparatus 1 0 will be positioned so as to be either partially or fully immersed in the electrolyte solution 44. With this orientation, the majority of the anode gas bubbles are forced to coalesce on the lower surface 1 8 of the one or more inserts as they move along to the exit ports 24 where the larger bubbles will be released. It will be appreciated that some bubbles may burst through the solution layer and impact onto the lower surface, again dripping back down into the electrolytic solution 44.
- the hood 10 is positioned above the electrolyte 44 solution.
- the apparatus 10 When the lower surface 18 of the elongate hood 1 2 further comprises one or more inserts, the apparatus 10 will be positioned so as to be either partially or fully immersed in the electrolyte solution 44. With this orientation, the majority of the anode gas bubbles are forced to coalesce on the lower surface 18 of the one or more inserts as they move or float along to the exit ports 24 where the larger bubbles will be released. It will be appreciated that some bubbles may burst through the solution layer and the acid aerosol generated impacts on the lower surface 18, again dripping back down into the electrolytic solution 44.
- the acid mist control apparatus 10 may be constructed of either a rubber, such as of Hypalon®, or plastic material.
- Hypalon® is a chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber.
- the elongate hood 12 When the elongate hood 12 is constructed of a rubber material, it may be adapted to be stretched over the anode 22, the elastic properties of the rubber acting to retain the elongate hood 12 in place. At such times the receiving aperture 20 is sized slightly smaller than the size of the anode 22 in order to facilitate the stretching of the elongate hood 12 over the anode 22.
- the elongate hood 12 is constructed of plastic or similar materials, it will be appreciated that the elongate hood may comprise two or more body sections (not shown) which clip or bolt together around the anode 22. In such an arrangement the size of the receiving aperture 20 may also be adjustable.
- Weir #1 profile single exit channel
- Weir #2 profile single exit channels on each side of cathode plate in the centre
- Weir #3 profile two exit channels on each extreme edge of the hood Air sampling procedure
- An acid mist filter made of polypropylene, 0.45 pm pore size, and 47 mm in diameter.
- cathodes without visible acid mist. Bigger bubbles of diameter 2-5mm form on electrolyte surface in between prototype and cathodes at a low frequency continuously. Smoke-like acid mist continuously emitted from holes on the prototype.
- Figure 8 displays graphically the results of a variance test run for the NN arrangement five times for 20 minutes each, all performed on one day. As seen in Figure 8, the variance test displays linearity, with an average of 0.074mg and a standard deviation of 0.0038mg. These results indicate that the tests will be repeatable.
- Figure 9 displays the results of the time base interval test run for the NNN arrangement for 5, 10, 20 and 60 minutes performed on one day.
- the graph shows that as sampling time increases, the amount of acid collected on the filter increases. From 20 to 60 minutes, the amount of acid increases by approximately 3.0 times, whereas from 20 to 5 minutes, the amount of acid increases by 5.4 times when it should be 4 times only. This suggests that longer sampling times produce more accurate results.
- the inaccuracies associated with the lower sampling times may be a result of the samples being too close to the detection limit of the ICP analyser or other factors.
- Figure 10 shows the comparison of the NNN, NN and NB results for the filter and tube data.
- the error bar for NNN is very large. Only two tests were run for this arrangement, so the average of the two points was used. The error for the NN and NB arrangements was small compared to NNN.
- Figure 1 1 shows the average acid mist concentration for these different arrangements when both the filter and sample tube were considered.
- the addition of the hood of the present invention to a copper electrowinning cells substantially reduces the amount of acid mist formed.
- the best performing prototype is BS3, based on the average acid mist concentration, but it could be SS3 or SD3 as the error bars for these prototypes overlap, as seen in Figure 8.
- the worst performing prototype is FS3. It is difficult to conclude whether BS3 is more effective than NB, as the results are similar and their error bars overlap.
- Figures 8, 9 and 1 1 show that the results are repeatable, but the accuracy decreases as sampling time decreases due to the lower detection limit of the ICP being approached.
- the underside of the elongate body may be moulded to include a featured and/or tapered surface.
- Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.
- the hood of the present invention may be utilised in combination with other previous apparatus for control of acid mist, such as mist eliminators or anode bags or skirts, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the skirt When the hood of the present invention is used in conjunction with an anode skirt, the skirt is positioned such that it extends from the edges of the hood.
- the top section of the skirt from the hood down to below the electrolyte level may be sealed against liquid or gas flow such that gas generated at the anode is directed into the hood.
- exit ports may be used or the gas may be allowed to flow out through the skirt below the electrolyte level.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2013900376A AU2013900376A0 (en) | 2013-02-06 | Acid Mist Control Apparatus | |
PCT/AU2014/000088 WO2014121330A1 (en) | 2013-02-06 | 2014-02-06 | Acid mist control apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2954099A1 true EP2954099A1 (en) | 2015-12-16 |
EP2954099A4 EP2954099A4 (en) | 2016-10-26 |
Family
ID=51299078
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14748606.2A Withdrawn EP2954099A4 (en) | 2013-02-06 | 2014-02-06 | Acid mist control apparatus |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150361576A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2954099A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105339532A (en) |
CL (1) | CL2015002197A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014121330A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CL2013001789A1 (en) * | 2013-06-19 | 2013-10-25 | Vidaurre Heiremans Victor | Acid mist recycler recovery system generated in electrowinning electrolytic cells or electrorefination of non-ferrous metals, comprises an acid mist extractor, a first individual device, a common manifold manifold and a condensate collector system of the first devices and a second multi-camera device; and associated procedure. |
EP3222755A4 (en) * | 2014-12-04 | 2018-11-21 | Hangzhou Sanal Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. | Induced device and process for inhibiting electrodeposition of acid mist |
US20180142368A1 (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2018-05-24 | Victor Eduardo VIDAURRE-HEIREMANS | Method and System for Precluding Air Pollution in Industrial Facilities |
CN110484925A (en) * | 2018-05-15 | 2019-11-22 | 天津市顺丰源钢管制造有限公司 | One kind being used for the pretreated acid mist absorbing device of steel pipe |
CN112359305A (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2021-02-12 | 王倩倩 | Hot galvanizing process for high-strength alloyed steel plate |
CN112407306B (en) * | 2020-11-04 | 2022-07-26 | 浙江南都电源动力股份有限公司 | Electrolyte for lead-acid storage battery and lead-acid storage battery comprising electrolyte |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4668353A (en) * | 1984-10-10 | 1987-05-26 | Desom Engineered Systems Limited | Method and apparatus for acid mist reduction |
US5470445A (en) * | 1992-11-20 | 1995-11-28 | Bechtel Group, Inc. | Electrode cap with integral tank cover for acid mist collection |
US6120658A (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2000-09-19 | Hatch Africa (Pty) Limited | Electrode cover for preventing the generation of electrolyte mist |
CA2696879C (en) * | 2007-08-23 | 2015-01-06 | Cristian Villaseca Castro | Lateral exhaust enclosure-aided mist control system in metal electrowinning and electrorefining cells |
CN201148470Y (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2008-11-12 | 金川集团有限公司 | Nickel electrodeposition acid mist absorption apparatus |
-
2014
- 2014-02-06 WO PCT/AU2014/000088 patent/WO2014121330A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-02-06 EP EP14748606.2A patent/EP2954099A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-02-06 CN CN201480017754.6A patent/CN105339532A/en active Pending
- 2014-02-06 US US14/765,968 patent/US20150361576A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2015
- 2015-08-06 CL CL2015002197A patent/CL2015002197A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CL2015002197A1 (en) | 2016-12-02 |
US20150361576A1 (en) | 2015-12-17 |
EP2954099A4 (en) | 2016-10-26 |
WO2014121330A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
CN105339532A (en) | 2016-02-17 |
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