GB416527A - Improvements in the production of cobalt - Google Patents

Abstract

416,527. Electrolytic separation of cobalt alloys. BOSQUI, F. L., N'Kana, Northern Rhodesia, and RHOKANA CORPORATION, Ltd., 13, Austin Friars, London. June 22, 1933, No. 17791. Drawings to Specification. [Class 41.] Cobalt is electrodeposited from anode material containing cobalt and iron, by dissolving the anode in electrolyte, chemically removing the iron, and depositing cobalt from the electrolyte on the cathode, the electrochemical balance of the electrolyte being maintained by anodically dissolving a further quantity of the anode material in another cell in which the conditions are such that cobalt and iron are not deposited therein. An anode, consisting for example of copper, 10 per cent, iron 20 per cent, cobalt 65 per cent, and impurities 5 per cent is corroded in a cell with an electrolyte having an acidity reckoned as sulphuric acid, of more than three grams per litre. The cobalt and iron go into solution. This electrolyte is withdrawn, treated to withdraw iron, e.g. by an oxidizing agent and base, and the purified cobalt solution, rendered just acid is led to the cathode compartment of another cell where the cobalt is deposited. The catholyte is kept in motion, and a hydrostatic head is maintained to ensure a flow of electrolyte through the diaphragm towards the anode which is of the same composition as that in the makeup cell. Anolyte is constantly withdrawn, acidified, and passed to the first cell for enrichment.