SA04250008B1 - An electrolysis process and a cell used in this process - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: The present invention is generally concerned with an electrolytic process to extract metals from an aqueous solution and an improved cathode for use in such a process. The primary application of the invention discussed herein relates to the recovery of copper, although the invention has found equal application with the electroplating of other metals, for example, nickel, lead, zinc, etc.

Description

¥ Electrolytic process and cell used in this process Full Description Background of the Invention The present invention is generally concerned with an electrolytic process to extract metals from an aqueous solution and an improved cathode for use in such a process. The primary application of the invention discussed herein relates to the extraction of copper; Although the invention has found equal application with the electroextraction of other metals for example nickel ; lead Lala) zinc zine ¢ etc.. The filtration of base metals from ores and concentrates by subsequent extraction of the base metal in electrolysis cells is well known in the field of metallurgy. An example is discussed in Australian Patent Application No. 93/47949 (139405). This Jo process is a multi-Ve phase and produces an enriched liquid solution stream following the metal filtration in a chloride medium. The current of the enriched liquid solution is electrolyzed in an electrolysis cell to extract the metal from the solution, where it is deposited on the cathode of the cell. across high current densities; Arboreal copper of high purity is produced over the cathode. once upon a time ; It is necessary to regularly separate the cathodes to remove the deposited metal sheets so that the current efficiency is maintained in the cell ve. Optimal electrostatic acquisition is an indication of the current purity of the enriched liquid solution; general parameters of the cell eg current density(s); separation cycle (extraction); Cell distribution and degree of excitation. according to; The objective of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of the electricity acquisition process. In particular; The goal is a process of electrolysis and distribution of the cell that is able to optimize the current density adjustment across the deposition surface of the cathode so that it helps in both the formation and separation of the metal deposit.

. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the first objective of the present invention, an electrolytic process is provided to extract Si from an aqueous solution, since by electrolysis the precipitation of the solution metal occurs over a cathode deposition surface; The process includes the step:

“0 induce a non-homogeneous current density across the surface of the deposition so that it forms bands of high current density interspaced by low current density; The difference between high current density and low current density bands is sufficient to cause precipitation of the metal to be concentrated over the mentioned bands with high current density so that it promotes heterogeneous sedimentation il across the aforementioned sedimentation surface.

0 and in the context of the present invention; The surface of deposition can represent a monolithic or interchangeable structure that can be composed of separate elements that may be spatially dispersed or in direct contact with each other. By providing a non-homogeneous current density across the surface of the sedimentation, a mechanism is available, through which the metal sedimentation can be controlled over this surface. In particular; It is allowed to concentrate the metal deposition in specific bands (ie; bands with high current density) so that it promotes the inhomogeneous Ye deposition across the surface. The heterogeneous precipitation of the metal is useful as it is easy to separate from the cathode, which helps in the metal extraction process. with preference; The metal precipitation is highly concentrated over the high-density regions, Lal, so that the metal deposition is not effectively continuous across the surface of the sedimentation. with preference; The concentration of metallic precipitation when operating the cell is greater than 780 in areas with high current density and with a preference of greater than 00 greater than 7/98. and preferably; The regions of high current density and low current density extend along the surface in one direction and alternate across the surface in the opposite direction. through this system; The metallic deposits, respectively, have linear bands that are actually suitable for separation using the blur effect, as described below in more detail.

¢ preference; The electrolysis process induces an inhomogeneous current density across the deposition surface by providing a cathode which, when the cell is turned on; It generates an inhomogeneous electric field with regions of strong electric field and weak electric field. By this arrangement; Therefore, regions with strong electric field induce regions with high current density, and regions with weak electric field induce regions with low current density. The inhomogeneous electric field can be generated across many lls; including surface engineering; And by varying the electrical resistance between the cathode and the anode along the surface of the deposition; or by the combination of each of those mechanisms. The geometry of a surface affects the electric field and is related to the curvature of the surface. Electric fields 0 are usually perpendicular to the surface so that ; sharp ends; or peaks at the surface of deposition induce regions with higher electric field compared to regions with flat surface; or valleys. The electrical resistance can be varied by using various materials along the deposition surface (for example, providing parts with insulating material) or by changing the length of the electrical path between the cathode and the anode. Ve. Preferably; The inhomogeneous electric field is induced at the depositional surface by surface geometry, in particular by the formation of a series of alternating ridges and valleys across the surface. By this engineering; when running the hive; Also, there is a higher electric field along the hilltops than in the valleys. in addition; The path length of the current at the peaks is shorter compared to the valleys, thus generating a situation where less resistance arises at the peaks compared to the valleys. The change in current density across the surface of deposition can be such that sa demacration exists between regions of high current density and low current density; Alternatively, a gradual transition can occur between regions of higher current density and lower current density. The requesting company found that inducing a gradual transition between higher and lower regions of the current density ve provided sedimentation patterns so good that they actually promoted discontinuous growth across the surface of the sedimentation.

or in particular; The requesting company has found that by using a cathode that contains on a sedimentation surface that has more change, lay the peaks of hills and valleys, which does not include a sharp transition between the summit and the valleys, so that it gradually forms between the higher density of the current and the lower density of the current, and it provides excellent efficiency. This arrangement induces secondary effects that help sedimentation of the metal at the peaks, as described in more detail. hard-to-enter areas jig and valley can all lead to a sharp transition between and in a preferred form; Where the cell is effective for separating copper from an aqueous solution; the density

Taf Ampere Youu The current in the regions with the highest current density is in the range from 5060 to Ampere / m'. and preferably; The areas with low current density are 0001 and with greater preference. ampere / m' 000 ampere / m ' ; in preference to the largest 0 to 1500 00 in the range 0 to 0 where there is a gradual transition between regions of higher and lower current densities; So, between the region with the "higher current density" and the "lower current density" there is some demacration of something arbitrary (arbitrary). And in this order; The transition region can be characterized as a region of 'medium current' that lies between adjacent regions of 'higher current density' and regions of lower 'current density'. 1 and preferably; The process also includes the step of separating the precipitated metal from the sedimentation surface. By passing an element across the surface and with preference; The arrangement (order) where the regions of higher current density and the disturbances of lower current density extend along the surface in one direction and alternate across the surface in an opposite direction; the element moves in the direction in which the regions of higher current density and regions of higher density extend 0 . low current and preferably; The precipitated metal travels through the element while maintaining current flow in the . aqueous solution. In this way ; the process can become virtually continuous and with an additional goal; The present invention is concerned with an electrolysis cell to extract metal electrolyte from aqueous solution. The cell contains a cathode which includes a deposition surface © above which the metal is precipitated via electrolysis of the aqueous solution; where when running the hive; the surface

Precipitation includes a heterogeneous electric field, which includes regions with a strong electric field that are spatially spaced by regions with a low electric field. The difference between regions with high electric field and regions with low electric field becomes sufficient to create a metallic precipitation to be concentrated on the regions with high electric field so that it promotes heterogeneous deposition of the metal on the surface. and preferably; The regions of high electric field and low electric field extend along the surface in one direction and alternate across the surface in the opposite direction. and in a particularly favourite; The sedimentation surface of the cathode contains a system of alternating peaks and valleys; Where the peaks form the regions of high electric field and the valleys form the regions of low electrical field 0 The profile of the sedimentation surface is drawn to include a system of valleys and alternating peaks that includes the benefit of actually enhancing discontinuous metal deposition over the cathode. typically; This drawing of the side image enhances the mineral deposition as a tree-like growth over all the peaks. with distinction; The resulting arboreal form is easy to separate (as described by the predecessor 1). Not only does the profiling provide, upon initial operation of the cell, a non-homogeneous current density suitable for concentrating metallic precipitation as bushes over the peaks; but it also helps to maintain the Discontinuous growth when the process continues. It will also be seen that when ll precipitates above the sedimentation surface, the precipitated mineral forms an extension of the sedimentation surface. The characteristic of including a system of peaks and valleys is that the dendritic forms grow over the aquifer; they tend to shade 0 _ The valleys that discourage alkaline sedimentation in the valleys.In addition, the aqueous solution tends to stagnate in the valleys that additionally prove metal precipitation in the valleys.In the tests that were conducted by the requesting company, using a profile of interchanged peaks and valleys, it may More than 798:48 of the metal has been deposited over the peaks of the depositional surface.While it can achieve the beneficial effects of including peaks and valleys across a range of “YO” profiles, the owners of the ob order have discovered a uniform profile where the surfaces between the hilltop and valley bottoms are virtually Linear and having an interior angle of approximately Te degrees between adjacent surfaces

To provide good results. Moreover, preferentially, the distance between adjacent peaks is on the order of 0-40 mm; with greater preference 70-111 mm; The depth between the crest and the valley is in the rank equal to 8-77 mm and with greater preference in the rank equal to 1-70 mm. It has been found that the sedimentation surface of these characteristics actually produces discontinuous metallic deposits. The additional characteristic is that this profile enables virtually cleaning Surface without generating "hot spots" of current density which leads to impure metal deposits. When the current density at a location is very high, when the deposition progresses, it leads to polarization concentration (which occurs around the developing sediment). When this phenomenon occurs A relative increase in the inclusion of impurities can occur in the precipitated metal (for example, in copper). Thus, it is important to adjust the current density in situ. total of the cathode (i.e. » next to 7275-76 of the total surface area of the deposition surface).By means of this system, the current is able to remain at a virtually constant rate regardless of whether the surface is clean of metallic deposits or whether deposition actually occurs. + There is no need for the current to erupt through the initiation of the cell since the profile itself does not tend to induce strong "hot spots" of the current density, which would otherwise cause problems in primary metallic deposition. In a particularly preferred form; The cathode contains a plate with at least one predominant surface which forms the cathode depositing surface; The plate is preformed so that alternating peaks and valleys merge. Thus, the plate can define a corrugated profile. and preferably; This operation is achieved by folding the sheet but it can be done by any other suitable operation eg JE 0 ground dae; milling; forging casting process or conformations derived therefrom. In a particularly preferred form (fic), the plate is made of titanium, a similar material that is resistant to oxidation. While other materials that are resistant to oxidation can be used, for example, platinum, Ju, stainless steel Ji, alloys. Metal alloys that are resistant to corrosion; titanium is considered the most preferred because of its excellent YO resistance to oxidation; its ability to form a metallic bond with metals (metals), for example copper; and because of its relative availability.

A

Corrugated is that it helps to maintain the stability of the profile. The additional advantage of using a dimensional profile for the sheet. This arrangement can help overcome the drawbacks of primary field afi systems in that sheet cathodes have a tendency to warp and flex. In addition, “crystalline metal is deposited on top of the plate as arboreal growth (woody) or crystalline Lexie. The dimensional stability of the plate enables blanking methods to be used easily to separate the precipitate from the plate. dimensions sufficient for this operation, the plate is prepared in use to be attached to a main conductive rod. This is 0 and preferably over it. The main electrons support the cathode in use and provide electrons [asl] and in one of the pictures; The predominantly opposite surfaces of the folded sheets are used as deposition surfaces at 0 . cathode operation and in an alternate form; The cathode is made of a composite structure and additionally includes a conductive delectro element that extends along the plate. The conductive element is in electrical contact with the plate so that when used to provide the deposition surface with electrons ae communication in the electrolysis process. One of the advantages of using a conductive element that spans 0 electrons along the plate is that it reduces the ohmic deficiency that occurs when electrons are supplied exclusively from one end of the plate. The second characteristic is the use of a conductive element which can include sufficient size to provide rigidity to the plate in order to further assist in maintaining the dimensional stability of the cathode. Through this composite system, thinner laminate structures can be used for the surface. precipitation (glad) 0 molasses Al and in a silver form for this latter system; The cathode contains a plate in the first plate, and where it contains a predominant surface, it forms a large deposition surface for the cathode; the second plate can form a wire so that the alternating peaks and valleys merge along the deposition surface. and preferably; The second plate is connected to the first plate so that it forms a number of

Yor

] Sinuses that extend in the direction of interchangeable peaks and valleys. At least some of these pockets are functional for receiving the conductive element of the cathode. In a preferred form, the blanking method is effective to pass through the sedimentation surface of the cathode, so that the precipitate is separated from the sedimentation surface. hy is a particularly favourite; where © the cathode has a crest and valley profile; The method of blurring includes a number of prominences that are effective for determining the position of the valleys belonging to the sedimentation surface + and in a preferred form; These protrusions are made of ceramic Babe, but they can be made of any other material that is resistant to corrosion. And in a favorite picture; The protuberances are movable between the first and second positions and are effective in order to pass through the surface in any of these locations. And in the first position; The element is 0 in contact with or adjacent to the surface of deposition so that it separates virtually all the material deposited from this surface. And in the second position; In preference, the element is spaced spatially from the sedimentation surface and is effective for separating the precipitated material that extends a predetermined distance from the sedimentation surface. And in another goal; The present invention relates to a cathode for use in an electrolytic process or cell as specified in any of the aforementioned forms. Yo and in additional target; The present invention provides a blanking system for use in an electrolytic cell in any form as previously specified. And in an additional goal; The present invention relates to a cathode used in an electrolysis cell for the electrolytic extraction of a metal from an aqueous solution; The cathodes, including the surface of deposition, contain a number of peaks intertwined by a number of valleys; The profile of the cathode becomes effective at 0 operation of the cell in order for the metal deposition to occur so that it is concentrated over the peaks so that it enhances the inhomogeneous deposition of the metal over this surface. A brief explanation of the drawings though df an image may fall within the intent of the present invention; The preferred images of the present invention will now be described; by example only; Referring to the accompanying YO drawings, in which: +- - Figure No. 1 is a general flow chart for copper processing and extraction; Yo).

A - the shape of a number? A sectional header of an electrolysis cell according to one example of the present invention with the sweepers of such cell in the locked position; -_VB figure, which is a cross sectional view of the Gy cell of Figure No. ? ; - the form of a number; Is the sectional elevation of a cell of figure No. ? wipers (Ai) 0 is the opening position; Figure No. © is a detailed view of the linkage group in cell Tay of Figure No. EY <> Figure No. 1 is a longer perspective drawing of Cell No. ? ; - Fig. A is an enlarged scale diagram showing the wipers located in the open position at the top of the cathode plates; Ye - Fig. A is a detailed drawing with an enlarged scale of the wipers in the locked position; - Figure No. 4 is a front view of a cathode plate used in the cell according to Figure No. ? Figure No. 01 is a peripheral view of the plate of Figure No. 4; <> Figure No. 11 is a schematic diagram of a wiper connecting a cathode in the Vo cell of Figure No. ? ; __ Figure No. 11 is a sectional drawing along the cross sectional line 701-01 in Figure No. 11; - Figure No. 11 is a detailed drawing of the structure of a wiper blade used in the cell of Figure No. ?; ve. Figures VE and 10 are variations in the structure of the blade shown in Fig. ¢Y - Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective of a replacement cathode designed for use in the cell of Fig. ? ; F - Figure No. 11 is a cross-section drawing along the partial line XVI-XVI Yo of the cathode of Figure 16.

1: Detailed description, including nomination of 001; A graphic representation of a combined process 1 is visualized in Figure 1 for the metal. In a preferred form of this process; 014 is fed, agitated and multi-stage electrolytic extraction of a stream filtration and agitation process in which dae about 00116 ground copper sulfide in which the metals are dissolved through oxidation through a filter material. And in a favorite picture; The material © that is formed at the anode of the filter halide decomposition stage contains complex classes of post-electrolytic halide and is fed into the filtering and separating stage as part of the electrolyte recycling. 01 electrolyte

Dissolved metals in the required oxidation states are separated in various stages of ide filtration and leaching in the filter material. The filtered material is passed through filtration 011 to separate unrequired solids, for example sulfur and ferric oxide. Then the filter material is passed to purification 111 to separate metals that may contaminate subsequent electrolysis (for example, silver and mercury). Contaminated minerals can be deposited in

The form of metal oxide or carbonate, and then the filter material is fed to the electrolysis stage; 01 which may include a number of electrolytic cell assemblies in series and/or in parallel. And in each group; It is possible to produce a different metal ¢, and typically with the copper metal being electrolytically extracted in a first group of cells and metals, for example zinc, zine; Lead 40 and nickel are extracted in subsequent cell groups or 0 parallel. Typically, the electrolytic process operates so that a highly oxidized filter material (eg complex halide varieties) can be produced at the anode. The spent electrolyte (anolite) then circulates to the filtration stage and contains an oxidized Ale filter material which Precipitated in additional filtration of the counter stream. so; It can run the process

continuously . a

VY

The present invention is concerned with optimizing the electrolysis of metals and is concerned with distinctive design improvements in the electrolysis process; Including improved design and engineering. For the cathode for use in 01 Referring now to figures No. 7 0 the electrolytic cell which is organized within that electrolyte cell 11 contains on chains cathode plates 001 process 5 feeding the electrolyte cell the electrolyte ‎ . 11 By means of Law anodes and electrical spacing 00 (VY) the external surfaces of the cathodes the anodes enable the flow of current between the anodes of the dependent cathodes forming a sedimentation surface for the cell on which the sediment is extracted when 04 is turned on profile As will be described in greater detail below, the cathode sheets are formed from a profile 01. The cell is over sill surfaces generally corrugated with alternating peaks and valleys so as to influence the deposition pattern 0

Age 17 Deposit dependent which includes a number of 11 dale (obliterator) 10 cell surfaces of VE dependent cathodes and 1” effective for movement across deposition surfaces 16 wiper groups (blaster) in order to blur the surfaces of 17 so that metallic sediments are separated from those surfaces. The sub-sedimentation wipers 1 (5 1 £) are organized at predetermined intervals to cause the displaced metal to sink toward the bottom of the vo cell. To separate it from the VA cell, where it is transferred to the carrier, 0 is included on 01 in order to achieve this obliterating effect; The blur system 01 has two basic moves; The first represents a vertical movement in order to allow the movement of wiper groups; The second is represented in order to allow 11 between the upper part and the lower part of the slave cathodes from the opening position (as shown optimally in Fig. 101 in each group 11 to move the wipers Ye (A number ") to the position The lock (as shown optimally in Figure No. 1) is assembled above the frame 7 that secures its upper end with 11 broom groups.

YY Each of the supports includes a helical bypass YY and 71 1 700 14 with four supports supported in this way; The frame moves. FY is connected to the YE frame which cooperates with a helical gear transmission and is effective to push the YT through a cross beam YO proportionally with the supports . A YY YO electric motor is installed so as to achieve vertical movement of the wiper groups YE ratio helical gears

VY

through this effect; The wipers become effective for moving between. 14 and 1” to the sedimentation surfaces. 4 to an upper position as discussed in Figure 1 shown lower as discussed in Figure 1, which are successively connected to the TY wiper assemblies. The TY connecting group supports the frame at each end of the YA assemblies. Includes a pair of TV tie-down boards. 1 attaches to a Fo crank that connects to slave connecting rods 74 . Karnak 11 wiper (blaster) © god's arm extends . YY via articulation points YA to articulate with the dependent pairs of jointing plates so that 11 to the blanking groups 0 of the crank Eo rotate: considered movable The vertical YA supports each side of the scanner sets (Blur). link arms, and in the preferred image; The second payment method will be in the form of . 1 via a second payment method. Screw transmissions that share with helical bypasses formed above the connecting rods 0 Screw transmissions rotate so as to affect the rotation of the connecting rods 79 to cause a vertical displacement of those arms relative to the frame © which in turn pushes a crank (arm) + so that it moves wipers between their opening and closing positions. The second thrust device can be attenuated to prevent over-tension and stacking of the wipers against the cathode. Attenuation can be provided by means of a worm spring-loaded coupling or by the use of a pneumatic cylinder in place of an over-tightening gear 06 01. As best illustrated in Figure + each line of the cathodes in the cell is such that The YE plates are connected to the main rod Allg 11 consisting of a number of cathodic plates that are conductive and connected to the power source so that the VE main rod. 00 The independent gets stuck in the tank. Provides electrons for the cathode oxidative Ye ¢ and produced from Je is typically an electrolyte; The electrolyte, alkaline-carth metal halides, is a molar concentration or more of alkali or alkaline earth metal halides, made of a resistant material 11 in order to enable the operation of components in this environment; Other suitable materials include titanium, which are corrosion-resistant; metal alloys; ¢ stainless steel; stainless steel platinum Ye or some types of plastics «(YY Hastalloy © e.g. Hastalloy C (Je)

You

1 am. also ; Titanium is considered the most preferred for the cathode because of its excellent resistance, for example, copper; Because of SU corrosion and its ability to resist the formation of a metallic bond with its relative availability (and hence the cost benefit). Its resistance to metallic bond formation improves the separability of plates using the aforementioned blanking system

° Figures No. 4 and No. 01 show the structure of independent cathodic plates 11 . In the picture shown ¢ the cathode plate 11 is formed from a sheet of embedded titanium to a thickness preferably of VT mm. It was discovered by the company that owns the order that the plates of this thickness provide suitable rigidity for the cathode plate to prevent bending (twisting) when used. The titanium sheet is folded to form a general corrugated profile so that over each VY 156 deposition surface there are peaks and valleys.

0 reciprocal “Yo ¥7 back-to-back . These ripples run parallel to the ISH length of the cathode between the upper and lower ends of the CFA COPY and in the picture shown; the distance between the 3 vertices is 10 mm; While the depth between the top of peaks 7 and the bottom of valleys #5 is approximately 11 mm. wall surfaces?; The problem of the corrugated sheet becomes generally linear and includes an internal angle at 0 in the upper part of the peaks and the lower part of the valleys of approximately Te degrees. The primary purpose of incorporating ripples into the cathode is to influence the current density at the VET deposition surfaces via cell operation. In particular; Ripples over the surface of the deposition cause an inhomogeneous electric field across the surface when the cell is turned on. The corrugated deposition surface above the cathode creates bands of high current density along the cathode peaks due to the corresponding high electric field in these regions and the relatively low tal densities in the valleys. This causes concentration of metallic precipitation in regions of higher current density and promotes heterogeneous deposition across the surface such that the vast majority of precipitation is contained in the YO peak regions of the deposition surface. The generation of intermittent precipitation actually improves the ability to be able to separate the metal extracted from the cathode using the scanning system 109 . Yo profile of the sedimentation surface by peaks and valleys The inhomogeneous electric field occurs by two mechanisms. first loc is the geometry light for the profile ; The electric field is Y).

\o It will be stronger at the peaks than at the valleys because of its surface curvature. In general, the electric field lines are usually perpendicular to the surface. So ; At each peak, a focus will be formed from a field along those points. secondly ; The flow path of the stream at the peaks is less than the flow path of the stream in the valleys. As a result ; There is less resistance at the peaks than at the valleys

° in addition; The use of the corrugated profile of the cathode allows better control of the main locations of sedimentation (ie, along the peaks). when the current density in the position is too high; when does sedimentation progress; They lead to polarization concentration (which occurs around the growing precipitate). when this phenomenon occurs; A relative increase in the inclusion of impurities can occur in the precipitated phase (for example, in copper). by corrugated profile; The basic placements

0 for precipitation describes approximately 75-778 of the total surface area of the cathode. as a function of ALY transport; Actually the current at the deposition surface should be near 0001 ampere/m2 or less. when to grow shrubs above the roof; The actual surface area of the sedimentation surface increases when the metal is deposited on top of the precipitated metal. When the initial sedimentation sites above the cathode are very small 0 and then there is a tendency when the bushes are separated from the cathode; current density in this

NO The position becomes too high. via the attempts made by the requesting company; using corrugated profile; It was discovered that the current density at the two sites of sedimentation during the initial activating of the cell and after the occurrence of dendritic growth; The value close to 0 amp/m2 can be maintained to provide high quality metallic deposition. as it is ; There is no need for current variation during operation.

Ye The other advantage of using the corrugated profile on the cathode is that it improves the rigidity of the cathode plate; As the corrugated profile is more solid than the flat plate along the direction of the peaks and valleys. in addition; The corrugated profile can actually be cleaned with a wiper blade counterpart as described in greater preference below.

Referring to figures 11 to Vo ; The squeegee 117 includes the fingers, Pe YO, which are mounted between a pair of railings?; . And in the picture shown; Both fingers are

The standalone is made of ceramic material with a fence made of titanium. Each of the fingers is spaced along the rails (grooved) £Y so that the wipers 17 generally conform to the shape of the corrugated cathodic plate 11; With the independent fingers located within the Yo valleys of the sedimentation surface and above the associated peaks 76 .

° as best illustrated in Figure VY; The blanking system 10 is designed so that when the blanking groups 11 are in the locked position; The wipers 11 take an angular position with the cathodic plate 11 so that the independent fingers 9 are in the position 7 fence (hung) relative to the travel line of the swab VY below the cathodic plate. This arrangement (order) is preferred when it prevents fixation (repelling) of the fingers in the valleys, as can happen when the fingers 9 are in position

0 is relatively conductive to the direction of movement of the wipers below the cathodic plate.

As lil described; In light of the distribution of cathodic plates 11; The metal extracted from

The electrolytic cell is concentrated over the tops of the cell's sedimentation surfaces. As previously ; When the mop 117 moves across the sedimentation surface, the material is displaced from the peaks and tends to move daly to the valleys adjacent to the sedimentation surface. This causes the accumulation of metal within the valleys where it tends to

,. From wear by friction, WA ceramic encircles the fingers 9, thus protecting the ceramic fingers VO below the surface of the deposit and thus alll In addition; There is a growth in frictional forces when the mass is transferred, helping to separate the material when the material is pulled from the surface through this frictional force. It is not necessary for the fingers 34 to be in contact with the deposition surface to ensure proper cleaning of this. the surface

Another distinguishing feature of the design of the 15 blanching system is that it enables different stages of cathode cleaning. In particular ¢ As previously described; The wipers 17 can be operated to separate the solid mass of material deposited on the sedimentation surfaces by dragging across those surfaces when they are in the locked position. Wipes can also be transmitted by sedimentation when they are in their open position. This is not used to completely clean the deposition surface but is preferred to ensure no

YO The growth of bushes extending over a part of the sedimentation surface that can grow on the other hand when it comes into contact with the anode and thus causes short cycling of the electrolytic cell. also ; This is (Yo) |

VY

Allows for a more uniform growth across the apices of the cathode; Which helps in adjusting the current density along the . deposition surface as arranged. 117 explain some changes in the design of the wipers Yo and 1; DISS. 9 ceramic including ceramic fingers VY ; Any of the wipers 1 “JS No. 1” however; preferable to using a fence arrangement 7; As described in Figure 0, the fingers 4 are interconnected by means of an internal connecting rod 44 . In the example of Figure No. 0, the connecting rod is 11; the penis ;4; constituted as a cross section; While in Figure 4. 46 made of two cylindrical rods; An alternative cathodic structure is envisioned. In this VY and 116 with reference now to Figures No. VE determines: VY the example; The cathode consists of a composite structure as the outer deposition surfaces 0 by means of separate plates which are fixed together along its transverse characters 60 ; 67; which can optionally be installed in discontinuous areas 11 forming part of the structure and extending downwards TY and in this example; The number of connecting rods from the main rod is 74; Typically, the conducting rods are formed from titanium (or a bar to further improve conductivity). Typically, titanium copper-coated titanium 10 through all bypasses (tracks) VE NY The conducting rods extend relative to the full length of the plates through electrons set between a plate and fixed with this. This arrangement provides an improved distribution of group electrons; Thus, Ohmic drop can occur when the electrons are available separately to one in which the conductive rods are arranged Lay the ends of the plate. like that ; He discovered that the complex arrangement; in metaphors; It improves the dimensional stability of the plate so that thin plate structures (eg 0.0 mm) or alternatively wide plate structures can be employed for the cathode. in another way ; 1 small equal to 1.17 and 11 the principles of cathode operation have been described in accordance with Figures No. while the present invention has been described by reference to a number of preferred examples; it must. In many other ways, Sa realizes that the present invention can

Claims (1)

YA Protection Elements -1 \ Electrolytic process to extract the metal from an aqueous solution where the electrolysis 7 of the solution causes 0 precipitation of the metal on a precipitation surface of a cathode; The process involves the following step: ~ 0 v induce an inhomogeneous current density across the deposition surface so that it forms bands of high current density ¢ that are interspaced by means of low current ALS; The difference between high current density 0 bands and low current density is sufficient to cause precipitation of the metal to be concentrated 1 above the mentioned bands with high current density so that it enhances the inhomogeneous sedimentation v of the metal across the aforementioned sedimentation surface. 1”- operation according to claim 0; whereby regions of high current density and low current density Y extend along the surface in one direction and alternately across the surface in an opposite direction. —Y 1 process in accordance with either claim 1 or claim 7; As it is considered effective for the extraction of copper from aqueous solution and the current density in areas with high current density is in the range a of q and Y of sd Y Qaea—0 and with greater preference 11 A/m Y. 1 ¢—a process pursuant to claims 1 or 7; As it is considered effective to extract copper from ¥ aqueous solution and the current density in areas with low current density is in the range from ¥ zero = ¥ of sal YYO with greater preference to zero Ove ampere/m J 1 0—a process according to claims 1 or 7; It additionally includes the step of separating the metal, Y, which is deposited from the aforementioned sedimentation surface, by passing an element through the aforementioned surface. Yo). Ah 17- Process pursuant to Claim No. © ; Where it relies on protection element No. 7; whereas . The element travels in the direction in which the regions of high and low current densities extend. 1-1 Process pursuant to Claim No. © ; Whereas, the precipitated metal is separated by the aforementioned turbidity while maintaining a current flow in the aqueous solution. —A 1 operation according to claim no. © in that the element is movable between the first and second Y positions; And it is effective to pass through the aforementioned surface in any of the first and second places mentioned. 1 4- A process pursuant to claim No. 6; where when she is in her first position; The “-element is in contact with, or adjacent to, the said surface of deposition so that virtually all matter v deposited from this surface is separated. -10.1 an operation according to either claim No. L or A “ where when it is in its second position X ; The element diverges from the sedimentation surface and is effective for binding and separating the precipitated material that extends a predetermined distance from the sedimentation surface. 1-1 Electrolysis cell to extract electricity from an aqueous solution The cell includes a cathode with a Y sedimentation surface on which the metal is deposited by electrolysis of the aqueous solution + where when the cell '7 is turned on, the deposition surface includes a non-homogeneous electric field with regions of An electric field ? gf is spaced Lipa by regions of low electric field; The difference between regions with a strong electric field and a weak electric field is sufficient to cause the concentration of metallic precipitation 1 above the mentioned regions with a high electric field so that it promotes the inhomogeneous deposition of the metal on the surface. ‎Yeo) Yo Regions with field of electrolytic cell according to claim No. 0) where - 1 strong electric field and low electric field extend along the surface in one direction y across the surface in the opposite direction. Lay T or 17; Whereas, the surface of 11 electrolysis according to either of the two elements of protection No. ada VY 1 where the peaks form 0 the precipitation of the cathode includes a system of alternating peaks and valleys ¥ areas with strong electric field and valleys form areas with weak electric field .v; Whereas the cathode includes on plate 17 an electrolytic cell according to Clause 0-1 having at least one predominant surface forming the said deposition surface of the cathode; The plate forms a Y. in advance so that the mutual peaks and valleys merge >”; Whereas, the plate includes on VE an electrolytic cell according to protection No. Vo 1 opposite each other forming a cathode deposition surface. Ale 0 surfaces an electrolytic cell according to protection No. 10; Whereas, the plate folds so that VY 1 forms valleys and peaks above alternating sedimentation surfaces where the peaks are above one sedimentation surface 0 . Directly opposite the valleys above a corresponding deposition surface and vice versa 1 as the plate has a thickness of VE electrolytic cell according to protection element VY 1 : . Generally homogeneous Y as IY or 11 015 VE electrolytic cell according to protection number VA 1 titanium The plate consists of titanium AR 1 45-14 Electrolysis per claim No. 06 ¢ and additionally includes a conductive element at least one extending along said plate; The said connecting element is in electrical contact with the said plate so that when used to provide the deposition surface Electrons in the electrolysis process. -0 1 Electrolytic cell of claim 14 wherein the conductive core is Y of sufficient size to add rigidity to the plate. Aa) 1 Electrolysis in accordance with either Claim 19 or Claim 70; Whereas, the cathode Y includes a second plate which is in contact with said first plate and contains on a predominant surface “-forming a second deposition surface of the cathode; the second plate is preformed so as to incorporate the alternating peaks and valleys along said deposition surface YY \ Electrolysis cell of claim 71; Whereas, the second plate joins Y with the aforementioned first plate of the cathode, so that it forms a number of pockets that extend in the direction of reciprocal bridging and valleys. YA electrolytic cell according to Claim No. 31001 KV 1A 7"-1; additionally comprising an effective blotting device to pass through the settling surface YY or Yoo 0 mentioned from the cathode so as to separate the precipitate From the sedimentation surface 7 when relying on protection element YY an electrolytic cell according to protection element No. 4* 1 since the scanning device contains a number of protrusions that are effective for determining 11 for No. ?. The valleys of the aforementioned sedimentation surface Your YY ¢ ?- cathode for use in an electrolytic cell for electrolytic extraction of the metal from an aqueous solution © 1 valleys and ridges Said cathode has a deposition surface having a system of y alternating peaks. v 1 - A mechanism for separating the metal deposited on the deposition surface of a cathode in accordance with Claim No. 75; ¥ The mechanism includes a number of elements arranged to protrude within the dependent valleys and move along them 7 so that the deposited metal is stirred from the peaks ridges and valleys . -717 1 is a mechanism according to what was stated in claim No. (YT) as the elements have a similar appearance ¥ to valleys 8 in general. – YA 1 mechanism according to what was mentioned in Claim No. 77 or (YY) as the elements are formed from the material Y-ceramic .ceramic 1 4?- A mechanism according to what was mentioned in Claim No. 77 or YY, whereby the elements are v subject to mutating when operating between the first position in which the elements emerge within the valleys and a second position in which the elements do not emerge.