US694350A - Apparatus for recovering precious metals from refractory ores. - Google Patents

Description

, N0. 694,350. Patented Mal'. .4, |902. H. H. CASSEL. APPARATUS FOR BECVERING PRECIOUS METALS FRMRE'FRACTORY GRES.

I (Application med June 12, 1901.)

(No Model.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT EEICE.

IIENRY R. CASSEL, OF NEW YORK, N.l Y.

APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING PRECIOUS METALS FROM REFRACTORY ORES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 694,350, dated March 4, 1902. v

Serial No. 64,199. (No model.)

To all whom, t may concern:

Be it known thatI, HENRY R. CASSEL, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of New York city, county and State of New York,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Recovering Precious Metals from Refractory Ores, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved apparatus for carrying into practice a process for recoveringprecious metals from refractory ores-such as tellurides, sulfids, or other compounds containing them-and for which an application for apatent has been filed by me on even date herewith under Serial No. 64,198.

In the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a vertical transverse section of my improved apparatus on line 1 l, Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a side elevation, partly broken away, of the same; Fig. 3, a transverse section of two adjoining lining-plates c; Fig. 4, a detail cross-section through the shaftc' on line 4 4, Fig. 5; and Fig. 5, a section on line 5 5, Fig. 4.

The letter a represents a vat of suitable dimensions and provided with openings,valves, or taps b for the discharge of the pulp.

The inner face of the vat a is lined with carbon plates or blocks e, that form an electrode. The inner or exposed side of each as at c', so that when the plates are placed side by side parallel grooves are formed at the joints for the reception of metallic conducting-strips d. These strips extend over the joints and are secured to the plates by means of bolts e and nuts e', they being thus readily accessible for the purpose of replacement and repair. The strips d are covered within the grooves by layers of cement f, which protect them against the electrolytic action. They receive the current from a dynamo orothersource of electricenergythrough wire g and convey it directly to the carbon lining. Between the carbon lining and the side of the vat a I interpose a backing of cement 7L, which serves to properly connect the parts, prevent leakage, and to increase the stability of the electrode.

Across the vat a extends an insulated metal shaft z', driven by pulley e. To this shaft are affixed the radially-proj ectin g stirring-blades,

which are composed of a metal arm or corej and of carbon covering-platesj, that constitute the second electrode. The carbon plates j project beyond the edges of the arms j, and the surrounding groove thus formed is filled in with cement, as at lo, so that the arms j are completely covered up. The arms j are connected to the shaft t' in such a manner by bolts or otherwise that the electric current passes freely from contact i2 through the shaft and arms to the carbons.

In operation the ore converted into pulp by the admixture of water containing sufficient salt torrernder it conductive is charged into the vat while the stirrers are revolved. Simultaneously the current is turned on to decompose the ehlorid of sodium until the refractory elements in the pulp'are sufficiently oxidized and the gold is set free and dissolved, the current precipitating the dissolved gold in the form of a black powder. A suitable solvent, such as cyanid of potassium, is now added to redissolve the gold, which is then separated from the pulp and precipitated for final recovery.

The current is preferably reversed from time to time or an alternatingcurrent is used,

` which assists in preventing the precipitation of the gold on the electrodes, causes it to remain in the pulp, and keeps the electrodes clean.

l. In an apparatus for electrolytically recovering precious metals from ores, the combination of a Vessel with a lining composed of grooved carbon plates, and of metal conducting-strips contained within the grooves of said plates, substantially as specied.

2.J In an apparatus for electrolytically recovering precious metals from ores, the combination of a vessel with a lining composed of grooved carbon plates, a backing of cement between the vessel and lining, metal conducting-strips within the grooves of said lining, and a cement covering above the metal strips, substantially as specified.

3. In an apparatus for electrolytically re-` covering precious metals froni ores, the combination of a vessel with a rotatory insulated shaft, metal arms projecting radially therefrom, carbon plates projecting beyond the arms, and a cement Iilling between the plates ICO lining, metal conducting-strips Within the grooves of said lining, a cement covering 15 above the strips, an insulated shaft, metal arms projecting radially therefrom, and a carbon coveringafxed to said arms, substan tially as specified. Y

Signed by me at New York city, county and zo Y State of New York, this 10th day of June, 1901.

HENRY R. CASSEL.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM SCHULZ, F. v. BRIESEN.

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