GB235272A - Improvements relating to the electro-deposition of metals - Google Patents

Abstract

235,272. Hutchins, T. W. S. March 4, 1924. Addition to 197,066. Metals, depositing; cells; diaphragms; electrodes, moving; electrolytes, circulating and regenerating.-The invention of the parent Specification is modified by the provision of means whereby the electrolyte passes from the cell to the recuperating plant and returns therefrom without being broken up and subsequently aerated and acidified. Electrolyte enters the cathode compartment r, Fig. 2, of a cell for the deposition of metals by a pipe u and passes over the top of the diaphragm v into the anode chamber s, which is filled with scrap and/or ore of metal to be deposited. The spent electrolyte leaves by a pipe 4 and passes along a trough 5 to a vessel 6, Fig. 1, whence it leaves by a valve 7 operated by a float when the vessel is nearly full. The electrolyte passes from the vessel 6 to a vessel h, whence it is pumped to recuperators d, e.. It then passes by a valve, m to a filter c from which it returns through a valve n to the cells. The recuperator e is connected to the vessel h by a bye-pass containing an adjustably loaded valve l which only opens when the head in the veot-pipe i rises. The recuperator e is also connected to the return pipe to the cells by a bye-pass containing a valve o. By closing the valves m, n and opening the valve o the flow through the filter may be reversed to remove deposits which are discharged through a sludgecock p. The cathode q, Fig. 2, has a collar w at its upper end resting on a pulley x rotated by a rope or other means. The weight of the cathode is sufficient to ensure its rotation with the pulley. Electrical connection is made by brushes carried by a ring z secured by a hinged plate 2, the free end of which rests on a stop 3. By raising the plate 2 the cathode may be withdrawn. The diaphragm v is only slightly porous. On account of the direction of flow there is no tendency for disintegrated anode particles to enter the cathode chamber. The cell has a lead liner t' serving as anode connection.