MX2013006484A - Continuous electrowinning process and system thereof. - Google Patents

Abstract

A continuous electrowinning system (100) comprising a cell body (106) configured to maintain electrolyte solution at a high pressure and/or temperature within the cell body (106); anodes (174); cathode s (172); an inlet 110 for receiving an influent stream (200) of electrolyte solution; a first outlet (120) discharging an effluent stream (220) of spent electrolyte; a second outlet (130) for removing cathode slime/sludge concentrate (230); and a residence chamber (160) to continuously transfer electrolyte solution from said inlet (110) to said first outlet (120) and increase residence time of said electrolyte solution, the residence chamber (160) comprising one or more channels (162) which are configured to provide a forced flow (212) of electrolyte therein which is strong enough to continuously dislodge and/or move cathode slime/sludge concentrate (204, 206) along and out of said one or more channels (162).

Description

PROCESS OF EXTRACTION VIA CONTINUOUS ELECTROLYTIC AND SYSTEM OF THE SAME Field of the Invention The present invention relates to systems and methods used in the metal refining processes, and more particularly to electrolytic extraction systems.

Background of the Invention For this, there are generally two main processes available for gold concentration and recovery: zinc precipitation, and electrolytic extraction. Zinc precipitation consists of crushing and grinding the ore containing gold or other precious metal, and then combining the ground ore with a solution of water and caustic cyanide.

The resulting paste in the form of sludge is transferred to a sedimentation tank, where the heavier solids loaded with gold move to the bottom through gravity, and a first lighter stock solution of water, gold, and cyanide moves to the top and is removed for further processing. The gold-laden solids are agitated and aerated in a separate agitation leaching process, where the oxygen reacts to leach the gold in the water, caustic, and cyanide forming a second Ref. 241795 mother solution. The second stock solution passes through a drum filter that further separates the remaining solids. The first and second stock solutions are combined with zinc to precipitate the dissolved gold. The resulting precipitated gold concentrate can then be melted to produce refined gold ingots.

Electrolytic extraction usually involves the extraction of gold or other precious metal from an electrolyte produced by the combination of activated carbon with a gold stock solution in a batch process step. The activated carbon absorbs the gold contained within the mother solution, and becomes "charged" (ie the carbon is loaded with gold removed from the gold stock solution). The loaded carbon is then "pickled" by washing it sequentially in three stages of batch process to eliminate mineral residues. First, the charged carbon is transferred to a wash tank and then the tank is filled with a dilute acid solution. The wash tank is then drained and the diluted acid solution used is pumped elsewhere and separated. The same wash tank is then filled with water to rinse the remaining acid from the charged carbon. The water becomes slightly acidic during this process. In a manner similar to diluted acid, the slightly acidic rinse water used is also drained from the wash tank, pumped elsewhere, and separated. Finally, the tank is filled with a caustic solution, and the charged carbon is washed in the caustic solution. The caustic used is then drained from the tank, pumped elsewhere, and separated. An optional final step of rinsing with water can be done by replenishing the washing tank with water, rinsing the caustic residue from the charged carbon, draining the used rinsing water tank and then separating it from the used rinsing water.

After washing, the charged carbon is removed from the washing tank and then added to a stripping solution comprising water, caustic, and cyanide to form a suspension of entrained / charged carbon solution. The suspension of entrained / charged carbon solution passes through an elution process where high temperatures and pressures are used to "re-leach" the gold from the charged carbon in the water, caustic, and cyanide stripping solution to form an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution is then transferred to an electrolytic extraction cell where the cathodes of wire (eg, crosslinked) or plate catches the gold concentrate deposited during electrolysis. The cathodes are then manually removed from the cell for cleaning in a batch process stage, so that the gold concentrate deposited therein can be withdrawn from the cathodes and prepared for smelting. The cathodes are replaced manually in the electrolysis cell, and the whole process is repeated in batches. In some cases, the cathodes (for example, wire) are not reusable and must be recycled after processing. Therefore, new cathodes may be needed for each and every one of the electrolytic extraction lots, which increases the overall costs.

The extraction of gold using such conventional processes usually involves periods of inactivity period of non-production of the electrolytic extraction cell, important physical work, premature wear of the cathode, and electrolyte residue. The process of using zinc to precipitate precious metals away from mother liquors is also costly, may be less efficient for large-scale operations, may only work for some metals, and may result in the recovery of less precious metals.

Brief Description of the Invention It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an electrolytic extraction system configured for the continuous formation, forced flow, storage, and / or removal of the cathode mud / silt concentrate from an electrolyte, avoiding thereby the aforementioned problems associated with conventional batch processes.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an electrolytic extraction system that is configured to operate at a higher heating and cooling efficiency than conventional electrolytic extraction systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic extraction system that is configured to have a smaller space than conventional electrolytic extraction systems.

However, another object of the invention is to provide a method for continuously obtaining a precious metal from an influent electrolyte current that flows continuously.

On the other hand, it is an object of the invention to provide an electrolytic extraction method that has a lower number of radiation losses and lower energy consumption than conventional electrolytic extraction processes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic extraction method with higher flow rates than conventional electrolytic extraction processes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic extraction method at higher temperatures than in conventional electrolytic extraction processes without the presence of temperature elevations at a very high value for a short period.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a method of electrolytic extraction at higher pressures than in conventional electrolytic extraction processes.

However, other objects of the invention are to improve the kinetics of the reaction, reduce electrolyte losses, and provide better recoveries of precious material with lower reagent consumption.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the cathodic energy consumption compared to conventional electrolytic extraction cells.

However, even another object of the invention is to reduce the amount of precious material present in spent (ie, "sterile") electrolyte solutions.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the figures and the description of the present disclosure. Although it is believed that to achieve all the objects of the invention at least by one embodiment of the invention, there is not necessarily some embodiment of the invention that achieves all the objects of the invention.

A continuous electrolytic extraction system comprises, in accordance with some of the embodiments of the invention, a cell body configured to maintain the electrolyte solution at a high pressure and / or temperature within the cell body; at least one anode; at least one cathode; an input configured to receive an influent current from the electrolyte solution; a first outlet configured to discharge an effluent stream of the spent electrolyte solution; a second outlet configured to remove the cathode mud / silt concentrate; and a residence chamber configured to dynamically and continuously transfer the electrolyte solution from the entrance to the first exit and increase the residence time of the electrolyte solution between at least the anode and at least the cathode, the residence chamber comprising one or more channels that are configured to provide a forced flow of the electrolyte solution therein, which is strong enough to continuously dislodge and / or move the cathode mud / silt concentrate to the long and, finally, outside the channel or more channels.

In accordance with some of the embodiments, the channel or more channels may be defined between a cathode, an anode, and an isolator. In some embodiments, the channel or more channels may comprise portions of a helix, coil, coil, composite curve, three-dimensional spline curve, or serpentine. In some embodiments, the cathodes or anodes may be configured as sleeves or portions thereof. In some embodiments, one or more insulators may be provided between the anodes and the cathodes. In some embodiments, one or more protuberances may be extended from the anodes and / or cathodes, wherein one or more protuberances may be extended in a helical, spiral, coil, composite curve, three-dimensional spline curve, or serpentine path. . The protuberances may be extended radially inwardly or radially outwardly.

A continuous electrolytic extraction process is also described. According to some embodiments of the invention, the process comprises the steps of: proportion of a continuous electrolytic extraction system having a cell body configured to maintain the electrolyte solution at a pressure and / or high temperature inside the body of cell; at least one anode; at least one cathode; an input configured to receive an influent current of electrolyte solution; a first outlet configured to discharge an effluent stream of spent electrolyte solution; a second outlet configured to remove the cathode mud / silt concentrate; and a residence chamber configured to dynamically and continuously transfer the electrolyte solution from the entrance to the first exit and increase the residence time of the electrolyte solution between at least one anode and at least one cathode, the residence chamber comprising one or more channels that are configured to provide a forced flow of electrolyte solution therein, which is strong enough to continuously dislodge and / or move the cathode mud / silt concentrate to the long and, finally, outside the channel or more channels; dynamically and continuously feeding the electrolyte solution to the inlet, and eliminating the electrolyte solution exhausted from the first outlet in a dynamic and continuous manner. The process may further comprise the step of removing the cathode mud / silt concentrate from the system through the second outlet.

An electrolytic extraction cell is also described, which, according to some embodiments, comprises at least one anode forming a portion of at least one channel; at least one cathode forming a portion of at least one channel; and, at least one insulator forming a portion of at least one channel; wherein at least one channel is configured to increase the passage of the electrolyte solution from the residence time between at least one anode and at least one cathode; and wherein at least one channel is configured to dynamically and continuously provide a forced flow of electrolyte solution therein, which is strong enough to continuously dislodge and / or move the cathode mud / silt concentrate along and, finally, out of at least one channel.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a continuous electrolytic extraction system according to some modalities; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a continuous electrolytic extraction system taken from line IIII in the Figure. 1; Figure 3 is an isometric sectional view of a continuous electrolytic extraction system taken from line II-II of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a detailed view of Figure 3, showing the details of an entry in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 5 is a detailed view of Figure 2, showing the details of an entry in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 6 is a side plan view of an electrolytic extraction cell according to some embodiments; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electrolytic extraction cell along line VII-VII in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a sectional detailed sectional view along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 1; Figures 9-11 illustrate schematically the forced flow function of one or more channels in accordance with some embodiments; Figure 12 is a detailed view of a baffle according to some embodiments; Figures 13-17 illustrate schematically the cross-sectional profiles of the compliance channels of the various embodiments; Y, Figure 18 illustrates schematically a continuous electrolytic extraction method in accordance with some modes.

Detailed description of the invention Figures 1 - 8 show a continuous electrolytic extraction system 100 in accordance with some embodiments. The continuous electrolytic extraction system 100 generally comprises a cell body 106 having a first end 140, a second end 180, one or more side walls 182 extending therebetween, a base 104 having one or more mounts 102. , at least one inlet 110 for receiving a continuous influent stream 200 of an electrolyte containing precious material, at least a first outlet 120 for providing the output of a continuous effluent stream 220 of spent electrolyte 216, and at least one second outlet 130 to provide the output of an effluent stream 240 of cathode mud / silt concentrate 230 collected in the system .100. The second output 130 can be configured for the continuous output of the effluent stream 240, or the second output 130 can be configured for the intermittent output of the effluent stream 240. Within the cell body 106 a first chamber 105 is provided, a second one chamber 107, a third chamber 108, and a residence chamber 160 comprising one or more elongated channels 162. The channels 162 are configured to increase the residence time of the electrolyte and provide a forced electrolyte flow 212 that is sufficiently strong as to dislodge and / or displace the cathodic mud / slime concentrate 204, 206 that may be formed and / or accumulated within the channels 162. The channel or more channels 162 may comprise, for example, portions of a helix, double helix, coil , spiral, serpentine, spline, compound curve, and can extend in curvilinear paths. In some embodiments, as shown, the residence chamber 160 may be located concentrically between the third chamber 108 and the first chamber 105. The first chamber 105 may be configured to be devoid of electrolyte and / or mud concentrate / cathodic silt during operation, and can generally serve as a delimited space filler between the first end 140, the internal anode 177, and the baffle 150. The space that fills the first chamber 105 generally provides the channels 162 within the chamber of residence 160 with a larger radius, thereby increasing the effective total length of the exposure of the channels 162 to the electrolyte streams 212 contained therein. The third chamber 108 serves to maintain and / or temporarily transport the spent electrolyte 216 from within the system 100 to one or more first outlets 120. In some embodiments, to reduce material costs, the first end 140 may be configured as an annular panel having a central opening that exposes the first chamber 105, instead of as a solid continuous circular panel as shown. The first or first outlets 120 may be provided in an upper part of the system 100 where the overflow is likely to be more clarified and free of precipitated concentrate 230.

Each channel 162 may be defined between at least one anode 174, at least one cathode 172, and one or more isolators 176 extending therebetween. In the particular embodiment shown, one or more anodes 174 and one or more cathodes 172 are provided as portions of the sleeves that alternate concentrically and radially, between an external anode 179 and an internal anode 177. The anodes 174 and cathodes 172 they are radially separated and maintain a uniform separation by one or more separation protuberances 173 projecting from the cathode or more cathodes 172. It should be understood that although not shown, the protrusion or more protuberances 173 may extend alternately only from anodes 174, or can be extended from both anodes 174 and cathodes 172 without limitation. However, by providing the protuberances 173 at the cathode or more cathodes 172, a small amount of additional cathode surface area is provided to precipitate the cathodic mud / slime concentrate 204, 206 out of the electrolyte stream 212 during electrolysis. The insulator or more insulators 176 prevent short circuits between the negatively charged anodes 174 and the positively charged cathodes 172 and can serve as flexible tolerance compensation joints, which delineate the limits of the cross section of each channel 162.

Each anode 174 may communicate with one or more anode terminals 142. The anode terminals 142 may comprise, for example and without limitation, a fastener 142a such as a nail or a screw, a fastener 142b such as a nut, flange, or head, a terminal conductor 142c connected to a ground or power source, a conductive washer 142d or other fastening element, an insulating bushing 142e to prevent electric currents from passing to the surrounding portions of the system 100, a thread or an equivalent clamping article 142f provided on the fastener 142a, a guide support 142h comprising a complementary thread or equivalent clamping article 142g for communication with the equivalent thread or clamping article 142f, and a receiving portion 142i provided within of the driving support 142h for coupling and holding one or more anodes 174. In the particular embodiment shown, the anodes 174 are generally cylindrical / tubular sleeves and, therefore, receiving portions 142i may be provided as small generally arcuate grooves or slits. However, other equivalent interfaces are provided, in particular for anodes 174 and non-cylindrical or non-tubular cathodes 172. For example, instead of slits, the receiving portion 142i may comprise a plurality of conductive clamps, spring clips, or pegs extending from the support 142h that frame and secure an anode 174 thereto.

In some embodiments, the continuous electrolytic extraction system 100 may be provided with a cylindrical cell body 106, a first circular flat upper end 140, and a second generally frustoconical lower end 180. The frustoconical shape generally aids in the channeling of the cathode mud / slime concentrate 230 collected to the second outlet 130 to facilitate its extraction. The first end 140 can be secured to the cell body 106 through an annular flange 145 which can be electrically neutral or positively charged with the remainder of the cathodic cell body 106. The first end 140 may comprise a series of interleaved panels, such as one or more floor or electrically neutral panels 147, one or more anodic panels, 144, and one or more insulating panels 146. In some embodiments, the panel or more panels insulators 146 may comprise a gasket, such as an insulating gasket of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). One or more fasteners 141 or adhesives may be provided to various portions of the first end 140 to secure the first end 140 to the body 106 and / or secure the interleaved panels 144, 146, 147 together. For example, a series of fasteners 141 may be provided around a perimeter of the first end 140 to secure the first end 140 of the flange 145. The fasteners 141 may be insulated, for example, with a cover, cover, bushing, or washer of non-conductive material, such as polyethylene (HMWPE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene, or high molecular weight polyvinyl chloride (PVC). On the other hand, the fasteners 141 can provide a dual purpose for securing the first end 140 to the body 106 and securing the interleaved panels 144, 146, 147 together.

In use, an influent stream 200 of electrolyte at a pressure and temperature higher than that of the environment continuously enters system 100 through inlet 110. The electrolyte may contain a dissolved mineral, metal, or precious material such as copper, gold, silver, platinum, lead, aluminum, or uranium, without limitation. The electrolytic extraction system 100 is preferably maintained at a temperature and / or pressure higher than that of the environment (eg, about 88 degrees Celsius). The influent stream 200 may come from a countercurrent electrolyte containing tank, an elution / carbon entrainment system, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inlet 110 may be formed from a portion of a pipe or pipe having one or more side walls 112 and may further comprise an inlet assembly 114 having a flange, seal, valve, pipe fitting, or equivalent connector for integration with a larger plant system. The inlet 110 comprises one or more openings 113 (for example, through the side wall or walls 112), which are configured to feed the channel or channels 162 of the residence chamber 160 with incoming electrolyte 200. Although not shown , a plurality of openings 113 may be provided by channel 162. In the case of multiple channels 162 are used as shown, the influencing electrolyte current 200 will generally be divided into a plurality of scattered influent streams 202, each entering different channels 162. Alternatively, although not shown, a separate inlet 110 may be provided for each channel 162. The openings 113 may be configured to allow uniform or non-uniform flow rates or similar residence times for each of the channels 162. As clearly shown in Figure 5, one or more insulators 117 (eg, an insulating bearing) can be placed between a or more side walls 112 of the inlet 110 and the first end 140 of the cell body 160. The isolator or more insulators 117 may surround the opening or more openings 113 to ensure that the incoming electrolyte from the dispersed streams 202 does not form a plate or mud inside the openings adjacent to the cathodes 172.

In some embodiments, the channels 162 may be configured to allow the dispersed electrolyte influencing streams 202 to flow 212 through the channels 162 in a uniform helical or spiral path, as shown. However, the channels 162 may also be configured to direct the scattered influent streams 202 along the serpentine paths, composite curve paths, or complex three-dimensional spline curve paths so long that they can withstand a forced electrolyte flow in the same, and provide sufficient residence time of the electrolyte between an anode 174 and the cathode 172. The channels 162 can reduce or increase the size in circumference or change in the total shape and / or size or in total cross section as they extend inside the residence chamber 160; however, it is preferred that the channels 162 remain uniform in cross-sectional, path / direction, and / or anode-cathode separation throughout their length. Although not shown, since the channels 162 placed at greater radial distances from the center of the system 100 are longer and will generally have residence times higher than the internal channels 162, the total height of the internal channels 162 (e.g. , the internal anode 177 adjacent the channels and the first chamber 105) can be made larger than the total height of the outer channels 162 (for example, the channels closest to the external anode 179 and the third chamber 108) in order to lengthen the effective length of the internal channels. The portions of the baffle 150 are generally open in order to allow the channels 162 to continuously deliver electrolyte streams 212 and cathodic mud / slime concentrate 204, 206 formed in the channels 162 to the second chamber 107 where a mass 230 of the same As shown in Figure 12, the baffle 150 may comprise an anode layer 152, an electrically neutral middle isolator 154 for holding the anode 174 and cathodes 172, and a support structure 156 for holding the isolator 154. The isolator 154 may be made of a material such as polyethylene (UHM PE) of ultra high molecular weight and may be cross-shaped, as shown. A plurality of receiving portions 158, such as notches may be provided to the insulator 154 to hold, make space, insulate, and hold the anode 174 and cathodes 172; however, other fastening means such as hooks, snap fasteners, or clamps may be provided. The insulator 154 may be connected to the support structure 156 with one or more fasteners, adhesives, or other connection means, and the support structure 156 may be connected to the body 106 by conventional means such as elements for screwing, shaping, Adhere, or weld. The anodic layer 152 can serve to close the first chamber 105 and prevent the electrolyte from entering the first chamber 105. In some embodiments, the support structure 156 can be a lattice structure such as a lower mesh screen or element of support such as a transverse bar extending over a width of the cell body 106, but does not inhibit the flow of electrolyte 212 or the passage of the mud / slime concentrate 204, 206 to the second chamber 107 from the channels 162 .

As illustrated schematically in Figures 9-11, when electrolyte streams 212 flow through one or more channels 162 in the residence chamber 160, a large electrical potential is placed between one or more anodes 174 and one or more cathodes 172 in order to effectively "deposit" mud / slime 204 in one or more cathodes 172. However, by varying the operating parameters, such as residence time, electric current, electrolyte flow rate, temperature, pressure, concentration / electrolyte composition, and / or softness / material / coating of each cathode (s) 172, channels 162 may be configured in such a way that cathodic mud / slime concentrate 204 that is initially or adjacently formed to one or more cathodes 172 will not join or "placate" the cathodes 172 and instead thoroughly wash the channels 162 suspended by the electrolyte streams 212. Any mud / slime concentrate 204 which They can settle to the bottom of a channel 162 can also be washed thoroughly and finally removed from the channels 162 and the second chamber 107 by the forced flow of electrolyte streams 212. The concentrate 204, 206 can be removed from one or more channels 162 by virtue of: gravitational forces acting on inclined surfaces, high flow rates of electrolyte currents 212 passing through one or more narrow channels 162, increased turbulence within each channel 162, and / or by virtue of the small cross-sectional areas provided for each channel.

After the electrolyte streams 212 pass through one or more channels 162, the effluent 214 of the residence chamber 160 will generally comprise a component of the spent electrolyte liquid carrier wave 216 (ie, "sterile" solution). free of dissolved precious material, and a solid precipitated component comprising cathodic sludge / mud concentrate 204, 206, which has been discharged from channels 162 by forced electrolyte flow 212. The solids may follow a precipitated stream of sludge. before settling in the mass 230 adjacent the second end 180. The spent electrolyte 216 (ie, "sterile" solution) travels to the third chamber 108 before leaving the system 100. Thereafter, the spent electrolyte 216 leaves continuously the system 100 through the first output 120. In the embodiments in which the cell body 106 is cathodic, some residual metallization or cathodic silt / slime concentrate formation 204, 206 may occur within the third chamber 108 (for example, in or around the interior portions of the cathode side wall (s) 182). The mud / cathodic concentrate 204 formed within the third chamber 108 will typically settle and eventually end up in the second chamber 107 with the remainder of the sludge / slime concentrate 230 collected.

The first outlet 120 may be formed from a portion of a pipe or pipe having one or more side walls 122 and may further comprise a first outlet assembly 124 having a flange, seal, valve, pipe fitting, or connector equivalent for integration with the largest plant system. When in use, an effluent stream 220 of spent electrolyte 216 continuously leaves the cell body 106 through the first outlet 120, at which time a tank containing sterile solution (not shown) can enter, be discharged, return to an elution system, or go through further processing.

The captured concentrate 230 can be removed from the system 100 intermittently or continuously by the second outlet 130. The removed sub-slime stream 240 can proceed to a holding tank, be pumped out for further refining, or it can be poured in a container and transported to a melting furnace. In some embodiments, the second outlet 130 may be formed from a portion of a pipe or tube having one or more side walls 132 and may further comprise a second outlet assembly 134 having a flange, seal, valve, orifice installation. pipe, nozzle, spigot, or equivalent connector for integration with a larger plant system.

Figures 12-17 schematically illustrate the cross-sectional views of the residence chambers 360, 460, 560, 660, 760 in accordance with various alternative embodiments. Each residence chamber comprises one or more channels 362, 462, 562, 662, 762 formed between one or more anodes 374, 474, 574, 674, 774 and one or more cathodes 372, 472, 572, 672, 772 that are separated each other by one or more insulators 376, 476, 576, 676, 776. The channels can extend linearly, helically, in a cascade of "figure-8" arranged horizontally and vertically connected, or in any continuous path in three-dimensional space that it is configured to provide a forced flow of the electrolyte solution. In order to assist in the degassing of air that could be trapped in channels 362, 462, 562, 662, 762 and also to prevent the stocking of precipitated mud / silt concentrate within channels 362, 462, 562, 662 , 762, it is preferred that the continuous path of the channels that follow in the three-dimensional space is free of sharp curves, sharp turns, overhangs, high areas, and / or very coiled corners that may be prone to air intake and obstruction . In some embodiments, the residence chambers 360, 460, 560, 660, 760 and channels 362, 462, 562, 662, 762 within can be simply extended as long straight pipe sections inclined at an angle to the horizontal .

Figure 18 schematically illustrates a 1000 method of continuous electrolytic extraction in accordance with some embodiments. The method 1000 comprises the step of supplying 1002 of an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution can be produced from a conventional carbon / elution separation process and can comprise water, cyanide, caustic, and a dissolved precious material (eg, gold, copper, silver, platinum, aluminum, or uranium) in the same. The electrolyte solution is continuously fed 1004 (e.g., at one or more predetermined flow rates) in an electrolytic cell that is preferably maintained 1006 at a temperature and / or pressure higher than that of the environment. In some embodiments, the cell may comprise a series of nested anode sleeves and cathode sleeves, wherein the adjacent sleeves have a different potential or electrical charge. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeves are spaced concentrically and radially uniformly from each other, so that either of the two nearby sleeves have an opposite load 1008. One or more isolators can be placed between the anodes and cathodes to define a plurality of channels (for example, helical channels) and at the same time prevent arcing between the anodes and cathodes. The method 1000 further comprises the step of subjecting the electrolyte solution to a longer residence time within a continuous electrolytic extraction cell 1010. This can be achieved by providing one or more elongated channels between the anode and the anode sleeves. cathode, which extend in a smooth, continuous and uninterrupted helical path. The electrolyte solution maintained within the channels can be forced along the channels and walls thereof by small pressure differences between the inlet 110 and the first outlet 120 and / or the second outlet 130. As the solution of The electrolyte moves through the channels, the cathodic silt / mud concentrate is precipitated out of the solution adjacent to the cathodes until the electrolyte solution becomes weaker in concentration and ultimately substantially sterile 1012 of precious material. The precipitated concentrate is continuously collected 1014, but can be extracted 1018 continuously or intermittently or a combination thereof. The electrolyte solution used (which is substantially sterile of precious material) is continuously withdrawn 1016 from the system and can again be used as a separation solution for a countercurrent elution process.

A contractor or other entity may provide a continuous electrolytic extraction system 100 in part or in its entirety, as shown and described. For example, the contractor may receive an offer request for a project related to the design of a continuous electrolytic extraction system 100 for the extraction of a solid concentrate from an electrolyte loaded with a dissolved precious material (for example, gold), or the contractor can offer to design such a 100 system for a client. The contractor may then provide, for example, any or more of the devices or features thereof, shown and / or described in the embodiments presented above. The contractor may provide this type of device with the sale of these devices or the offer to sell these devices. The contractor may offer different modalities of specific size, formed, and / or configured to meet the design criteria of a customer or a particular consumer. The contractor may subcontract the manufacture, delivery, sale or installation of a component of the devices or other devices that are used to provide this type of device. The contractor can also examine a site and design or designate one or more storage areas to stack the material used to manufacture the devices. The contractor may also maintain, modify or update the devices provided. Can the contractor provide maintenance or modifications for the subcontracting of these services or the direct provision of the services? or components necessary for maintenance or modifications, and in some cases, the contractor can modify an existing electrolytic extraction system with an "upgrade kit" to arrive at a modified system comprising one or more devices or system characteristics 100 and 1000 processes discussed in the present.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particular modalities and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, may generate additional modalities and modifications without departing from the spirit or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. For example, the electrolyte solutions described in this disclosure may utilize reagents other than water, cyanide, and caustic instead of or in addition to what is described. On the other hand, the described systems 100 and processes 1000 can be used with electrolytes containing numerous types of precious metals / materials, including, but not limited to, copper, gold, silver, platinum, uranium, lead, zinc, aluminum, chrome , cobalt, manganese, rare earth metals and alkali, etc.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the figures and descriptions in this document are presented by way of example to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Identifiers of the reference numbers 100 System 102 Assembly 104 Base 105 First camera 106 Cell body 107 Second camera 108 Third camera 110 Entry 112 One or more side entrance walls 113 One or more openings 114 Input assembly 117 One or more insulators 120 First exit 122 One or more first exit sidewalls First output assembly Second exit One or more side walls of second output Second output assembly First extreme Bra Anode terminal to Bra b Clamp c Terminal conductor d Conducting washer e Insulating bushing f Thread or equivalent clamping item g Additional thread or clamping item h Driving support i Reception portion Anodic panel Cathodic flange Insulation panel Anodic panel Deflector Anodic panel Anode / Cathode Isolator Anode / Cathode Isolator Holder One or more reception portions Residence chamber One or more channels Cathode One or more protuberances Anode One or more insulators Internal anode External anode Second extreme One or more side walls Influent current Scattered influent stream Concentrate mud / silt semi-metallized Concentrate mud / loose silt Electrolyte current Effluent from the residence chamber Exhausted electrolyte current Stream of mud / silt precipitate Effluent stream Concentrated mud / silt collected Stream of mud removal Semi-metallised mud / silt concentrate House of residence One or more channels , 472, 572, 672, 772 Cathode 374, 474, 574, 674, 774 Anode 376 One or more insulators 404 Concentrate mud / silt semi-metallized 460 Residence Chamber 462 One or more channels 476 One or more insulators 504 Semi-metallised mud / silt concentrate 560 House of residence 562 One or more channels 576 One more insulators 604 Semi-metallized mud / silt concentrate 660 House of residence 662 One or more channels 676 One or more insulators 704 Semi-metallized mud / silt concentrate 760 House of residence 762 One or more channels 776 One or more insulators 1000 Continuous electrolytic extraction method 1002-1018 Stages of the method It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS; Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. - A continuous electrolytic extraction system characterized in that it comprises: a cell body configured to maintain the electrolyte solution at a high pressure and / or temperature within the cell body; a plurality of anodes; a plurality of cathodes nested with the anodes; an input configured to continuously receive an influent current of electrolyte solution, the input that is configured to the direct portions of the influent current between the anodes and cathodes; a first outlet configured to discharge continuously an effluent stream of spent electrolyte solution, · a second outlet configured to remove the cathode mud / silt concentrate; Y a residence chamber configured to dynamically and continuously transfer the electrolyte solution from the entrance to the first exit and increase the residence time of the electrolyte solution between the anodes and the cathodes, the residence chamber comprising a plurality of defined channels between the anodes, the cathodes, and a number of insulators that separate the anodes from the cathodes, wherein the plurality of channels is configured to provide a forced flow of the electrolyte solution thereto, which is strong enough to continuously move and / or move the cathode mud / silt concentrate along, and finally, outside the plurality of channels.

2. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the channels comprise one or more portions of a helix, a spiral, a coil, a compound curve, a three-dimensional spline curve, or a serpentine path.

3. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the anodes and cathodes are configured as sleeves having different diameters.

4. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more protuberances extend from the anodes and / or cathodes and upper and lower walls of each of the channels.

5. - The system according to claim 4, characterized in that one or more protuberances extend in a helical path, a spiral path, a coil, a compound curve, a three-dimensional spline curve, or a serpentine path.

6. - The system according to claim 4, characterized in that one or more protuberances extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly.

7, - A continuous electrolytic extraction method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing an electrolytic extraction system comprising a cell body configured to maintain the electrolyte solution at a high pressure and / or temperature within the cell body; a plurality of anodes; a plurality of cathodes nested with the anodes; an input configured to receive an influent current from the electrolyte solution, the input is configured to the direct portions of the influent current between the anodes and cathodes; a first outlet configured to discharge an effluent stream of spent electrolyte solution; a second outlet configured to remove the cathode mud / silt concentrate; and a residence chamber configured to dynamically and continuously transfer the electrolyte solution from the entrance to the first exit and increase the residence time of the electrolyte solution between the anodes and the cathodes, the residence chamber comprising a plurality of channels, defined between the anodes, the cathodes, and a number of insulators separating the anodes from the cathodes, wherein the plurality of channels is configured to provide a forced flow of the electrolyte solution therein, which is strong enough to continuously dislodge and / or move the cathode mud / silt concentrate; along and, finally, out of the plurality of channels; dynamically and continuously feeding the electrolyte solution at the entrance; and eliminating in a dynamic and continuous way the electrolyte solution exhausted from the first outlet.

8. - The method according to claim 6, characterized in that one or more channels comprise one or more portions of a helix, a spiral, a coil, a compound curve, a three-dimensional spline curve, or a serpentine path.

9. - The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the anodes and cathodes are configured as sleeves having different diameters.

10. - The method according to claim 7, characterized in that one or more protuberances extend from the anodes and / or the cathodes and form the upper and lower walls of the plurality of channels.

11. - The method according to claim 10, characterized in that one or more protuberances extend in a helical path, a spiral path, a coil, a compound curve, a three-dimensional spline curve, or a serpentine path.

12. - The method according to claim 10, characterized in that one or more protuberances extend radially inwardly or radially outwards.

13. - The method according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises the step of eliminating the cathode mud / silt concentrate from the system through the second outlet.

14. - A continuous electrolytic extraction cell characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of anodes forming portions of a plurality of channels; a plurality of cathodes nested with the anodes and forming portions of the channels; Y a number of insulators that form portions of the channels; wherein the channels are configured to increase the amount of residence time of the electrolyte solution between anodes and cathodes; Y wherein the channels are configured to dynamically and continuously provide a forced flow of an electrolyte solution therein that is strong enough to continuously dislodge and / or move the cathode mud / silt concentrate along and finally out of the channels.