ES2716578T3 - Electrolytic cathode assembly with protective cover and injected sealing gasket - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electrolytic cathode assembly with protective cover and injected sealing gasket

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in refining or obtaining metals.

BACKGROUND

[0002] International application No. PCT / CA2008 / 001470 discloses an electrolytic cathode assembly, typically used in refining or obtaining metals, having an electrically conductive suspension rod and a deposit plate attached along the length of An upper end to the suspension bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective cover having side edges and surrounding the suspension bar and a portion of the upper end of the reservoir plate to substantially enclose the joint and leave portions of the end of the suspension bar exposed outside. of the side edges of the protective cover. Each end of the protective cover includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective cover and the suspension bar, in order to at least hinder the flow of fluid into the protective cover. Methods of making and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.

[0003] International application No. PCT / CA2011 / 050656 discloses an electrolytic cathode assembly that includes a hollow suspension rod and a reservoir plate that includes an upper edge attached to the suspension bar. The suspension bar can be formed substantially of copper. At least one support element may be configured to support the suspension bar. The support element (s) may be disposed internally within the suspension bar and may extend partially between the bar ends of the suspension bar. The support element or elements may include first and second support elements, with each one disposed adjacent to a respective one of the bar ends. The suspension bar may include a protruding part, and the support element or elements may be disposed at least partially within the protruding part. The support element or elements may include an internal end that is displaced inward with respect to the plate edges of the reservoir plate. WO03106738 and US2009050488 describe cathode assemblies in which a space between a protective coating and a suspension bar is sealed with a corrosion-resistant material.

INTRODUCTION

[0004] The following is intended to present the reader with the detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the claimed object.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing an electrolytic cathode assembly can include: attaching a reservoir plate along an upper end to an electrically conductive suspension rod to define a joint; forming a protective cover that includes a side edge; arranging the protective cover to generally surround the suspension bar and a portion of the upper end of the reservoir plate to substantially enclose the joint; and injecting a corrosion-resistant material into a channel between the protective cover and the suspension bar to form a substantially continuous seal extending around the suspension bar, thereby at least hindering the flow of fluid to the interior of the protective cover on the side edge.

[0006] The forming step can include forming the channel in the protective cover generally adjacent to the side edge. The shaping step can include forming the protective cover from a sheet of material. The forming step may include bending the sheet of material to form side walls defining a central cavity for receiving the suspension bar. The forming step may include bending the sheet of material so that the side walls of the protective cover are spaced apart to receive the suspension bar in sliding fit. The arrangement stage may include bending the side walls so that they generally engage the suspension bar. The forming step may include bending the sheet of material so that the longitudinal edges of the protective cover are separated to receive the deposit plate in a sliding fit. The disposal step may include welding the longitudinal edges to the reservoir plate.

[0007] The injection step may include injecting the corrosion resistant material into at least one access port in fluid communication with the channel. The forming step may include forming the at least one access port in the protective cover. The forming step may include forming the at least one access port in an upper side wall of the protective cover, aligned with the channel.

[0008] The method may further include arranging at least one internal support member within the suspension bar. The method may further include attaching the reservoir plate to the suspension bar by at least one weld, and attaching the protective cover to the reservoir plate by at least one weld. The corrosion resistant material may include an epoxy. The tank plate and the protective cover can be formed of stainless steel. The suspension bar may be formed of copper.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an electrolytic cathode assembly can include: an electrically conductive suspension rod; a reservoir plate attached along an upper end to the suspension bar to define a joint; a protective cover including a side edge, the protective cover arranged to generally surround the suspension bar and a portion of the upper end of the reservoir plate to substantially enclose the joint; and a corrosion resistant material disposed in a channel between the protective cover and the suspension bar to form a substantially continuous sealing gasket extending around the suspension bar, thereby at least hindering the flow of fluid to the interior of the protective cover on the side edge.

[0010] The channel can be formed in the protective cover adjacent to the side edge. The electrolytic cathode assembly may further include at least one access port in fluid communication with the channel. The at least one access port may be formed in the protective cover. The at least one access port may be formed in an upper side wall of the protective cover, aligned with the channel.

[0011] The electrolytic cathode assembly can further include at least one support member disposed internally within the suspension bar. The tank plate can be attached to the suspension bar by at least one weld, and the protective cover can be attached to the tank plate by at least one weld. The corrosion resistant material may include an epoxy. The tank plate and the protective cover can be formed of stainless steel. The suspension bar may be formed of copper.

[0012] An electrolytic cell can include: a tank containing an electrolyte bath; an anode assembly contained within the electrolytic bath; the cathode assembly as described herein contained within the electrolytic bath; and a power source electrically connected to the anode assembly and the cathode assembly to form the electrolytic cell.

[0013] A method of electro-refining or electro-obtaining a metal in an electrolytic cell can include: providing a tank containing an electrolytic bath; provide an anode assembly in the electrolytic bath; providing the cathode assembly as described herein in the electrolytic bath; provide a source of energy; electrically connecting the power source to the anode assembly and the cathode assembly to form the electrolytic cell; and applying a sufficient amount of current to the electrolytic cell to cause the metal ions of the electrolytic bath to deposit on a surface of the reservoir plate of the cathode assembly.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for forming a protective cover, for an electrolytic cathode assembly that includes an electrically conductive suspension rod and a reservoir plate attached along an upper end to the rod. suspension to define a joint, may include: providing at least one sheet of material; and folding the sheet of material to form side walls defining a central cavity for receiving a suspension bar from the electrolytic cathode assembly, wherein the side walls of the protective cover are spaced apart to receive the suspension bar in sliding fit.

[0015] The bending step may include at least one matrix forming operation. The sheet of material may be arranged to generally surround the suspension bar and a portion of the upper end of the reservoir plate to substantially enclose the joint. The side walls of the sheet of material can be bent so that they generally engage the suspension bar. The longitudinal edges of the sheet of material can be welded to the deposit plate.

[0016] The method may further include forming a channel in the sheet material, and injecting a corrosion resistant material into the channel between the protective cover and the suspension bar to form a substantially continuous seal extending around the suspension bar. The forming step can include at least one matrix forming operation. The method may further include producing at least one access port in the sheet of material in fluid communication with the channel, and the injection step may include injecting the corrosion resistant material into the at least one access port. The production stage can include at least one matrix forming operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings included with the present document are to illustrate various examples of apparatuses and methods of the present description and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a partial side view of an electrolytic cathode assembly according to a first example; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the cathode assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged partial side view of a side end of the cathode assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 1;

Figures 6 and 7 are partial perspective views of a side end of a protective cover of the cathode assembly of Figure 1, before and after at least one first forming step, respectively;

Figures 8, 9 and 10 are perspective, end and top views of the protective cover of Figures 6 and 7, after at least a second stage of shaping;

Figure 11 is an enlarged, inverse, perspective view of the lateral end of the cathode assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 in Figure 3; Y

Figure 13 is a schematic, perspective view of an exemplary electrolytic cell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrolytic cathode assembly and an electrolytic cathode assembly according to the claims.

[0019] The electro-refining of metals requires placing an anode made of the raw metal to be refined and a cathode together in a suitable electrolytic bath. The application of a voltage between the anode and the cathode causes the raw metal to oxidize and the pure metal ions to dissolve and migrate electrolytically through the electrolytic bath to the cathode. The pure metal ions are deposited on the cathode as a refined metal, generally of very high purity. Most impurities remain in the electrolytic bath.

[0020] The electrowinning of metals requires placing an anode made of a metal that is different from the metal to be refined and a cathode together in a suitable electrolytic bath. The metal to be refined is added to the electrolytic bath in soluble form (eg, prepared from a leaching and solvent extraction process). The application of a voltage between the anode and the cathode causes the metal to migrate from the solution and deposit on the cathode as a refined metal of high purity.

[0021] A typical cathode assembly includes a flat reservoir plate attached along an upper end to an electrically conductive suspension rod. The suspension bar is in electrical contact with an external power source. In some configurations, both ends of the suspension bar rest on an electrically conductive bus that runs along the edges of the tank. In other configurations, one end of the suspension bar rests on an electrically conductive bus that runs along one edge of the tank and the other end of the suspension bar rests on an electrically insulated bar running along the edge opposite of the tank. The suspension bar supports the reservoir plate within the electrolytic bath and provides a path for the flow of electricity between the power source and the reservoir plate.

[0022] After a suitable thickness of refined metal has been deposited on the surface of the reservoir plate, the cathode assembly is removed from the electrolyte bath. In cases where the reservoir plate is permanent (for example, formed from a metal other than the metal to be refined), the refined metal can be recovered by any known exfoliation technique. Often, the vertical side edges of the reservoir plate are covered or protected, so that the copper or other desired metal deposit occurs only on the flat side faces of the reservoir plate and around a lower edge thereof. .

[0023] In some cases, a cathode assembly includes an electrically conductive suspension rod (e.g., copper) coupled together with a permanent reservoir plate (e.g., stainless steel). The upper end of the reservoir plate is typically inserted in a groove or groove provided along the underside of the suspension bar. The tank plate is fixed to the suspension bar with a weld. A hollow suspension bar can result in less weight and less material costs. Examples of cathode assemblies are described in international applications No. PCT / CA2008 / 001470 and PCT / CA2011 / 050656.

[0024] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an electrolytic cathode assembly is generally shown at 10.

The electrolytic cathode assembly 10 includes a suspension bar 12. The suspension bar 12 can be made substantially from copper. In some examples, the suspension bar 12 can be manufactured with electrolytic hardness copper (ETP) C11000.

[0025] Referring now to Figure 5, in the illustrated example, the suspension bar 12 is hollow. However, in some examples, the suspension bar can be solid. As illustrated, the suspension bar 12 may have a rectangular tube shape with a generally flat top and flat sides and be rounded at the bottom. Although a rounded bottom portion is shown, the bottom portion may be flat and, in general, the profile of the suspension bar 12 may vary.

[0026] In examples where the suspension bar 12 is hollow, as illustrated, the electrolytic cathode assembly 10 may optionally include at least one support member 14 disposed internally within the suspension bar 12. An external profile of the element 12 Support 14 can be generally complementary to an internal profile of the suspension bar 12, ensuring a good fit so that the support member 14 can reinforce the suspension bar 12. The support member 14 can be secured to the suspension bar 12 by an adjustment with tightening, adhesive, welding, or a combination thereof. As illustrated, the support member 14 may also be hollow, and may have a rectangular tube shape.

[0027] In the illustrated example, with reference again to Figure 1, two of the support elements 14 are shown which extend only partially between the opposite ends of the suspension bar 12. Each of the supporting elements 14 is disposed adjacent a respective end of the suspension bar 12, and are at least partially disposed within projecting portions of the suspension bar 12 that extend beyond the respective plate edges 18 of the reservoir plate 16. In some examples, an inner end of the support member 14 may be shifted inward with respect to a respective one of the plate edges 18 of the reservoir plate 16.

[0028] It is to be understood that the support elements 14 can serve to reinforce the suspension bar 12. In the illustrated example, the protruding parts are generally exposed and can carry most of the weight of the electrolytic cathode assembly 10 when used in an electrolytic tank. The support elements 14 are arranged to distribute the load of the protruding parts to the rest of the suspension bar 12. The support elements 14 are also arranged to prevent bending, denting, etc., the protruding parts of the bar. suspension 12, which are generally exposed beyond the lateral ends of a protective cover 34. By extending only partially between the ends of the suspension bar 12, the support elements 14 offer weight savings compared to a support member which it extends completely between the ends of the suspension bar 12.

[0029] The support elements 14 can be manufactured from an electrically conductive material having a relatively high tensile strength. Corrosion resistance may not be necessary, since the support elements 14 generally may not be exposed to a corrosive fluid of the electrolytic bath and / or the cathode wash procedure. In some examples, the support element 14 can be manufactured from carbon steels, stainless steels of the 300 series, which include, for example, 304 stainless steel, ferritic stainless steels or duplex stainless steels. In some examples, the support element 14 can be manufactured with a thickness of 16 gauge or more.

[0030] In the illustrated example, with reference now to Figure 3, an outer end 28 of the support member 14 can be displaced with respect to an end cap 30, to define a thermal expansion space 32. The end cap 30 can be provided to seal the ends of the suspension bar 12, and can be secured to the suspension bar 12 using tightening adjustment, adhesive, welding, or a combination thereof.

[0031] With reference again to Figures 1 and 2, the electrolytic cathode assembly 10 further includes a reservoir plate 16. The reservoir plate 16 can be manufactured from an electrically conductive material having a relatively high tensile strength. high and good resistance to corrosion. In some examples, the reservoir plate 16 can be made of grade 316L stainless steel or other alloys with acceptable anticorrosive properties and, for example, with a "2B" finish. It will be understood that various finishes may be used depending on the particular application.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the reservoir plate 16 includes the plate edges 18 and an upper edge 20 attached to the suspension bar 12. In the illustrated example, the plate edges 18 are covered mostly by strips of edge 46, which can generally inhibit the deposition of copper or other desired metal from occurring along the plate edges 18.

[0033] The reservoir plate 16 can be attached to the suspension bar 12 by providing a groove in the suspension bar 12, and then by welding the reservoir plate 16 to the suspension bar 12 (as indicated in 36 in the figure). 4). Alternatively, the reservoir plate 16 can be welded directly to the suspension bar 12 without a slot. As high currents may be present in use, and it may be desirable to avoid high Current concentrations at individual locations, the reservoir plate 16 can be welded to the suspension bar 12 along its length on one or both sides, either with continuous welds or with spot welds. It will also be understood that, although reference is here made to the welding of the reservoir plate 16 to the suspension bar 12, since these can be formed from different materials, this could be characterized more as a brazing than as a true operation of welding.

[0034] Openings 44 can be provided in the reservoir plate 16 to facilitate raising the electrolytic cathode assembly 10 out of the tank (not shown). As an alternative, other sets of electrolytic cathodes may be provided with lifting hooks.

[0035] Continuing with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the electrolytic cathode assembly 10 includes the protective cover 34, which is generally provided around the suspension bar 12. In the illustrated example, the protective cover 34 covers the weld 36 (Fig. 4), and substantially encloses a joint defined by the upper edge 20 of the reservoir plate 16 and the suspension bar 12. The longitudinal edges of the protective cover 34 rest on the reservoir plate 16 and can be welded to the same, as indicated in reference number 38 in Figure 4. The welds 38 may extend along the entire length of the longitudinal edges of the protective cover 34 where they come into contact with the reservoir plate 16. protective cover 34 provides additional structural strength to the electrolytic cathode assembly 10, and can be formed from material that is the same or similar to that of the deposit plate 16, by example, but not limited to, stainless steel or other alloys with acceptable anticorrosive properties.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 3, at each end of the protective cover 34, it provides a lateral end or edge 40 that can extend beyond the plate edges 18 of the reservoir plate 16. The side edges 40 leave then parts of the protruding parts of the exposed suspension bar 12, at each end of the suspension bar 12. Adjacent to the side edges 40, the longitudinal edges of the protective cover 34 can face each other directly; if necessary, they can be deformed or pressed more so that they are supported or are close to each other. Next, the welds 38 can be extended to close these portions of the protective cover 34 (see Figure 11). In general, the scheme is such that it guarantees that, with respect to the protective cover 34 and the reservoir plate 16, there is a continuous weld or gasket and no opening is left for the penetration of the fluid, except generally at the edges side 40 of the protective cover 34.

[0037] Figures 6 to 10 illustrate a plurality of forming steps used in the manufacture of the protective cover 34. In some examples, the protective cover 34 can be formed using a plurality of matrix forming operations. In some examples, the protective cover 34 can be formed using a progression matrix, with curves performed in stamping steps of relatively small increments.

[0038] In Figure 6, the protective cover 34 can start as a sheet of material (eg, stainless steel) that is bent or otherwise deformed to define a central part 22, and lower side walls 24, 26. The central part 22 includes side edge 40 (and the other side edge at the other end of protective cover 34). The lower side walls 24, 26 include longitudinal edges 52, 54, respectively, which generally extend between the side edge 40 and the other side edge (not shown). In Figure 7, a groove or depression is formed in the central part 22 and the lower side walls 24, 26 to define a channel 42 extending generally adjacent and parallel to the side edge 40. The channel 42 can be formed using one or more operations in the matrix. In the illustrated example, an access port 48 has been drilled, punched, punched or otherwise produced through the central part 22, aligned with the channel 42.

[0039] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, the central part 22 has been bent or otherwise deformed in addition to define an upper side wall 56 and side walls 58, 60. The side walls 24, 26, 56, 58, 60 define a central cavity for receiving the suspension bar 12. The spacing between the side walls 58, 60 can be selected to ensure a sufficient clearance for the suspension bar 12, and the spacing between the longitudinal edges 52, 54 can be selected to guarantee a sufficient clearance for the reservoir plate 16, to allow sliding adjustment of the protective cover 34 on the suspension bar assembly 12 and the reservoir plate 16.

[0040] When in position with respect to the suspension bar 12 and the reservoir plate 16, the side walls 58, 60 can be further bent to engage the suspension bar 12, so that the protective cover 34 is provided with tightly around the suspension bar 12. The welds 38 can be completed below (Figure 4). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the longitudinal edges 52, 54 of the protective cover 34 adjacent the side edge 40 can be deformed or pressed further to abut or be close to each other and the welds 38 can be extended to close these parts of the protective cover 34 (shown in Figure 11).

[0041] With reference to Figure 11, the protective cover 34 can be provided tightly around the suspension bar 12, but it may not be so tight as to prevent the penetration of fluid. The fluid The corrosiveness of the electrolytic bath and / or the cathode washing process can potentially penetrate between the protective cover 34 and the suspension bar 12, generally at the side edges 40 of the protective cover 34.

[0042] At either end of the protective cover 34, the channel 42 can be injected with a corrosion-resistant material. The material provides a seal between the protective cover 34 and the suspension bar 12 to at least hinder the flow of fluid into the protective cover 34, and is effective to prevent the possibility of corrosion between the protective cover 34 and the suspension bar 12.

[0043] The term "corrosion resistant material", as used herein, generally refers to a material that is at least resistant to corrosion by liquids used in an electrolytic bath and a cathode wash to which The cathode assembly is exposed in use. The material may also be resistant to high temperatures, for example, up to about 500 ° F (i.e., 260 ° C) or more, which parts of the electrolytic cathode assembly 10 may experience (e.g., in short circuit scenarios). The material can also be fluid, with the ability to flow into the channel 42 to extend around the suspension bar 12. The material is usually non-metallic and is generally non-conductive. In some examples, the material can be polymeric. In some examples, the material may be a thermoset plastic. In some particular examples, the material may be, for example, but not limited to, a two part epoxy.

[0044] As best illustrated in Figure 12, the channel 42 can extend generally around the entire periphery of the suspension bar 12, so that the corrosion-resistant material, indicated in reference number 50, can be provide a substantially continuous seal between the protective cover 34 and the suspension bar 12. In this manner, the corrosion-resistant material 50 can form a fluid tightness seal that would prevent, or at least impede or significantly reduce, the fluid in any space between the protective cover 34 and the suspension bar 12, thereby reducing the possibility of the fluid reaching the weld 36 (Figure 4) between the tank plate 16 and the suspension bar 12 which can be subject to corrosion.

[0045] In some examples, the corrosion resistant material can be injected into the channel 42 through the access port 48. The access port 48 can extend through the protective cover 34 and allow fluid communication with the channel 42 on the outside of the protective cover 34. The corrosion-resistant material can be supplied to the channel 42, through the access port 48, in liquid form and can be allowed to dry or otherwise cure. In the illustrated example, the access port 48 is disposed along the upper side wall 56 of the protective cover 34. With this arrangement, the corrosion resistant material can be distributed through the access port 48 generally in a manner uniformly across the opposite sides of the channel 42, until the corrosion-resistant material emerges from the channel 42 at the edges 52, 54 of the side walls 24, 26. In other examples, the access port 48 may be disposed at another part of the protective cover. In some examples, the access port 48 can be omitted completely, and the corrosion-resistant material can, for example, be injected directly into the channel 42 at the edges 52, 54 of the side walls 24, 26. Various configurations are possible. .

[0046] Referring now to Figure 13, there is shown an electrolytic cell arrangement generally indicated with the reference number 100. In this context, the anodes 102 and the cathodes 104 are suspended in a tank 106. Similar arrangements are generally used for electro-obtaining and electro-refining. For electro-winning, a solution is provided in which the desired metal, eg, copper, is in a solution. Next, electrolysis is used to cause the copper or the desired metal to deposit on the cathodes. In electro-refining, the metal already recovered, for example, again copper, is provided as the anode, and by means of electrolysis it is made to enter into solution and then deposited on the cathodes; the electro-refining operation has conditions established to promote the deposition of the desired copper on the cathodes, while leaving other unwanted metals and other materials in solution, or otherwise not deposited on the cathodes.

[0047] In this context, anodes 102 and cathodes 104 are indicated. Connections to a power source (not shown) are indicated at 118. The solution or electrolytic bath would be chosen to be suitable for the particular operation, for example, electro-obtaining or electro-refining, and they would be maintained at the desired temperatures, etc.

[0048] Although the foregoing description provides examples of one or more apparatuses or methods, it will be appreciated that other apparatuses or methods may be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1 A method of manufacturing an electrolytic cathode assembly, comprising: attaching a reservoir plate along an upper end to an electrically conductive suspension rod to define a joint, wherein the reservoir plate is formed of stainless steel and the suspension rod is formed of copper; forming a protective cover from stainless steel and comprising a lateral edge; forming a channel in the protective cover adjacent to each lateral edge; arranging the protective cover to generally surround the suspension bar and a portion of the upper end of the reservoir plate to substantially enclose the joint; and injecting a corrosion-resistant material into each channel between the protective cover and the suspension bar to form a continuous seal that extends around the periphery of the suspension bar, thereby at least hindering the flow of fluid inside the protective cover on each side edge. 2 The method of claim 1, wherein the shaping step comprises at least: forming the protective cover from a sheet of material. 3 The method of claim 2, wherein the shaping step includes at least one matrix shaping operation. 4 The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the shaping step includes folding the sheet of material to form side walls defining a central cavity for receiving the suspension bar. 5 The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shaping step comprises folding the sheet of material so that the side walls of the protective cover are separated to receive the suspension bar in sliding fit, and in which the arrangement stage optionally comprises bending the side walls so that they generally engage the suspension bar. 6 The method of claim 5, which further includes, after bending the side walls so that they generally engage the suspension bar, welding the longitudinal edges of the side walls of the protective cover to the tank plate. 7 The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the step of injecting comprises injecting the corrosion resistant material into at least one access port in fluid communication with each channel; and wherein the forming step comprises forming the at least one access port in the protective cover. 8 The method according to claim 7, wherein the shaping step comprises forming the at least one access port in an upper side wall of the protective cover, aligned with the channel. 9 The method of any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising disposing at least one support member internally within the suspension bar. 10 The method of any of claims 1 to 9, which includes attaching the reservoir plate to the suspension bar by at least one weld, and attaching the protective cover to the reservoir plate by at least one weld. 11 The process of any of claims 1 to 10, which includes shaping the corrosion-resistant material from an epoxy. 12 An electrolytic cathode assembly, comprising: an electrically conductive suspension bar formed of copper; a tank plate formed of stainless steel and joined along an upper end to the suspension bar to define a joint; a protective cover formed of stainless steel and comprising side edges, and a channel adjacent to each lateral edge, the protective cover arranged to generally surround the suspension bar and a portion of the upper end of the reservoir plate to substantially enclose the joint; Y a corrosion resistant material disposed in each channel between the protective cover and the suspension bar to form a continuous gasket extending around the periphery of the suspension bar, thereby at least hindering the flow of fluid inside the protective cover on each side edge. 13 The electrolytic cathode assembly of claim 12, further comprising: the tank plate that is attached to the suspension bar by at least one weld, with the protective cover being attached to the tank plate by at least one weld; Y at least one access port formed in the protective cover and in fluid communication with each channel. 14 . The electrolytic cathode assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one access port is formed in an upper side wall of the protective cover, aligned with the channel. 15 The electrolytic cathode assembly of claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the corrosion resistant material comprises an epoxy.