WO2010116038A1

WO2010116038A1 - Separating process and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010116038A1
Application number: PCT/FI2010/050279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henrik ANDRÉN; Martin Arpi
Original assignee: Outotec Oyj
Priority date: 2009-04-08
Filing date: 2010-04-08
Publication date: 2010-10-14
Also published as: MX340509B; CA2756618A1; FI20095383A0; FI20095383A; FI121602B; MX2011010461A; CL2011002505A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a separating process and apparatus for a separating process for separating metal deposit (1) from a mother plate (2). The apparatus comprises holding means (4) for holding the permanent cathode (3), first pressing means (6) and second pressing means (8) for pressing the permanent cathode (3) to separate metal deposit from the a mother plate (2). The first pressing means (6) includes a first pivotable member (9) configured to be pressed against the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3). The second pressing means (8) includes a second pivotable member (11) configured to be pressed against the second side (7) of the permanent cathode (3). The first pivotable member (9) and the second pivotable member (11) form guiding means guiding the metal deposit (1) into a receiving bin (13) arranged at a level below the holding means (4).

Description

SEPARATING PROCESS AND APPARATUS

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a separating process for separating metal deposit from a mother plate of a permanent cathode used as an electrode in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

The invention also relates to a separating apparatus for a separating process for separating metal deposit from a mother plate of a permanent cathode used as an electrode in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning as defined in the preamble of independent claim 14.

The refining of many metals, such as copper, zinc and nickel, includes an electrolytic process where harmful impurities are separated from the metal to be produced. The metal produced in the electrolytic process is gathered to the permanent cathode by means of electric current. Usually the electrolytic process is carried out in tanks filled with an electrolyte containing sulphuric acid and, immersed therein, a number of plates like anodes and cathodes made of some electroconductive material and placed in an alternating fashion. At the top edges the anodes and cathodes are provided with lugs or bars for suspending them at the tank edges and for connecting them to the power circuit. The cathodes, i.e. the mother plates, used in the electrolytic process are made for instance of stainless steel, aluminium or titanium.

After the electrolytic process the anodes are removed from the tanks and the metal deposit is separated from the mother plate for further processing. For separating of the metal deposit from the anode many various processes are used. For example the metal deposit is opened slightly from one edge of the anode plate, grabbed with grip members and pulled apart from the anode. Another possibility is to cut the metal deposit from the surface of the anode with cutting blades.

Publication US 5 149 410 describes a process and apparatus for stripping electrodeposited metal sheets from permanent cathodes comprising a rotating carousel for receiving and sequentially advancing suspended permanent cathodes having electrodeposited metal sheets to a plurality of stations about the carousel including a loading station, a hammering station for loosening the upper edges of the metal sheets from the cathodes, an opening station for stripping of the metal sheets from the cathodes, a discharge station for discharge of pairs of metal sheets, and an unloading station for removal of stripped cathodes. The pairs of stripped metal sheets are preferably bottom discharged to a vertical envelope, which is rotated to a horizontal position for removal of metal sheets. Publication WO 00/32846 describes another device for separating metal deposit from a mother plate used as a cathode in an electrolytic process. In that device the metal sheets are separated and at the same time tilted from vertical position to horizontal position by gripping members guided with curved guides and then discharged from the device. Publication WO 02/097170 discloses a mobile zinc stripping device for stripping zinc from cathodes comprising a moveable base frame, a cathode support frame to support the cathodes during stripping, a stripping assembly for stripping the zinc sheets from the cathodes and at least one power source for powering the stripping assembly. The stripping assembly includes a lateral stripper for separating an upper edge of a zinc sheet from each of the cathodes, the lateral stripper being adapted to bias away from the cathode immediately upon entering between the zinc sheet and the cathode, and a scraping device for completing removal of the sheet from each said cathode. The device also includes a cathode cleaner and a bottom up stacker assembly for stacking zinc sheets.

Publication WO 2006/021617 discloses a turning device for metal deposits used in combination with a separating device, comprising at least one turnable receiving unit mounted on a rotating axle under the separating device and in vicinity of at least one conveyor, guiding means for guiding metal deposit to receiving unit acting as a turning device and means for rotating the receiving unit. The invention relates also to a process for handling metal deposits. Publication WO2005/054546 discloses an equipment for removing deposits accumulated in electrolytic refining on the surface of an electrode, such as a cathode, said equipment including at least one element for stripping the deposits and at least one element for controlling the stripping element; said equipment includes at least one stripping element that is turnably movable in the vertical direction of the cathode, and the cathode can be bent owing to the contact with said stripping element. The invention also relates to a method realized by said equipment.

One problem with known separating apparatuses for a separating process for separating metal deposit from a mother plate used as a cathode in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefining or metal electrowinning is that they use a process mainly built on transport of the cathode between different stations where different operations are performed. This results in large and expensive machines, which also are difficult to overlie for an operator.

Objective of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a separating process for separating metal deposit from a mother plate of a permanent cathode used as an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefining or metal electrowinning and a separating apparatus for a separating process for separating metal deposit from a mother plate of a permanent cathode used as an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning, where separation of metal deposit and bundling of metal deposit can be performed in one location.

Short description of the invention

The separating process for separating metal deposit from a mother plate of a permanent cathode used in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning of the invention is characterized by the definitions of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the separating process are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 13.

The separating apparatus for a separating process for separating metal deposit from a mother plate of a permanent cathode used in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning of the invention is correspondingly characterized by the definitions of independent claim 14.

Preferred embodiments of the separating apparatus are defined in the dependent claims 15 to 27.

The invention is based on using pivotable members in the pressing means for pressing the permanent cathode from the sides to bend the mother plate i.e. the permanent cathode plate of the permanent cathode to the separate metal deposit from the mother plate. The pivotable members are both to be used for pressing the cathode to separate metal deposit from the mother plate and for guiding the separated metal deposit to a receiving bin arranged at a level below the apparatus.

A preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes a holding step for holding the permanent cathode at least during part of the separating process by means of holding means in an essentially vertical position. Correspondingly, in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention holding means are configured for holding the mother plate in an essentially vertical position during at least part of the separating process. A preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes using as the receiving bin a movable receiving bin that is movable in relation to a machine frame into a first pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means for in the first predefined receiving position receiving metal desposit guided by the first pivotable member of the first pressing means, and into a second pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means for in the second pre-defined receiving position receiving metal desposit guided by the second pivotable member of the second pressing means. The movement of the movable receiving bin is preferably, but not necessarily, controlled by an separating apparatus control unit that automatically moves the movable receiving bin into the first and the second pre-defined position. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, using a separating apparatus comprising a first delay device for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit for example from falling in a vertical position into a possible space between the movable receiving bin and a stack of metal deposit loaded into the movable receiving bin. The first delay device can also be used for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin if the movable receiving bin is not properly located in the first pre-defined receiving position. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, using a separating apparatus comprising a first second device for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit for example from falling in a vertical position into a possible space between the movable receiving bin and a stack of metal deposit loaded into the movable receiving bin. The second delay device can also be used for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin if the movable receiving bin is not properly located in the second pre-defined receiving position i.e. a wrong angle. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, moving the movable receiving bin from the first pre-defined position to the second pre-defined position or vice versa after a metal deposit has been guided into the movable receiving bin and before a next metal deposit is to be guided into the movable receiving bin. By doing this the stack of metal deposits that is formed in the movable receiving bin will be even, because then the normally thicker bottom end of every second metal deposit in the stack will be turned towards one end of the movable receiving bin and the normally thicker bottom end of the other metal deposits in the stack will be turned towards the opposite end of the movable receiving bin. Correspondingly, in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention the receiving bin is a movable receiving bin that is movable in relation to a machine frame into a first pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means for in the first pre-defined receiving position receiving metal desposit guided by the first pivotable member of the first pressing means, and into a second pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means for in the second pre-defined receiving position receiving metal desposit guided by the second pivotable member of the second pressing means. This preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes preferably, but not necessarily, a first delay device for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit for example from falling in a vertical position into a possible space (between the movable receiving bin and a stack of metal deposit loaded into the movable receiving bin). The first delay device can also be used for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin if the movable receiving bin is not properly located in the first pre-defined receiving position. This preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes preferably, but not necessarily, a second delay device for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit for example from falling in a vertical position into a possible space (between the movable receiving bin and a stack of metal deposit loaded into the movable receiving bin). The second delay device can also be used for preventing the metal deposit from falling into the movable receiving bin if the movable receiving bin is not properly located in the second pre-defined receiving position. A preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes using as the receiving bin a movable receiving bin that is movable in relation to a machine frame, wherein the apparatus comprises first actuation means that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the first pivotable member of the first pressing means for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin in relation to the holding means into a first pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means, and second actuation means that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the second pivotable member of the second pressing means for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin in relation to the holding means into a second pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means. This preferred embodiment includes operating the first actuation means to automatically move the movable receiving bin in relation to the holding means into the first pre-defined receiving position and guiding the metal deposit separated from the mother plate into movable receiving bin that is located in the first pre-defined receiving position by means of the first pivotable member of the first pressing means. Correspondingly, in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention the receiving bin is a movable receiving bin movable in relation to a machine frame, wherein the apparatus comprises first actuation means that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the first pivotable member of the first pressing means for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin in relation to the holding means into a first pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means, and second actuation means that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the second pivotable member of the second pressing means for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin in relation to the holding means into a second pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means. In this preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention the first pivotable member of the first pressing means is configured for guiding the metal deposit separated from the mother plate into the movable receiving bin that is located in the first pre-defined receiving position and the second pivotable member of the second pressing means is configured for guiding the metal deposit separated from the mother plate into the movable receiving bin that is located in the second pre-defined receiving position. A preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes a step for pressing a first blade of a blade arrangement between the metal deposit and the first side of the mother plate to separate metal deposit from the mother plate, and by a step for pressing a second blade of a blade arrangement between the metal deposit and the second side of the mother plate to separate metal deposit from the mother plate. This preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes preferably, but not necessarily, a step for rotating the first blade with respect to the blade arrangement about a first axis of rotation essentially parallel with the mother plate after pressing the first blade between the metal deposit and the first side of the mother plate to separate metal deposit from the mother plate, and a step for rotating the second blade with respect to the blade arrangement about a second axis of rotation essentially parallel with the mother plate after pressing the second blade between the metal deposit and the second side of the mother plate to separate metal deposit from the mother plate. This preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes preferably, but not necessarily, a step for moving the first blade between the metal deposit and the first side of the mother plate essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit to separate metal deposit from the mother plate, and a step for moving the second blade between the metal deposit and the second side of the mother plate essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit to separate metal deposit from the mother plate. This preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes preferably, but not necessarily, a holding step for holding the permanent cathode including holding the permanent cathode by means of holding means arranged in the blade arrangement at least during part of the separating process performed by the first pivotable member of the first pressing means and/or the second pivotable member of the second pressing means. Correspondingly, a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention includes a blade arrangement comprising a first blade that is pressable between the metal deposit and the first side of the mother plate to separate metal deposit from the mother plate, and a second blade that is pressable between the metal deposit and the second side of the mother plate to separate metal deposit from the mother plate. In this preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the first blade is preferably, but not necessarily, rotatably arranged in the blade arrangement about a first axis of rotation that is essentially parallel with the mother plate, and the second blade is preferably, but not necessarily, rotatably arranged in the blade arrangement about a second axis of rotation that is essentially parallel with the mother plate. A rotatably arranged first blade and a rotatably arranged second blade make also possible to adjust the position of the first blade and the second blade in relation to the surfaces of the mother plate for example to adjust the position of the first blade and the second blade in accordance with the thickness of the mother plate by rotating the first blade and the second blade in relation to the surfaces of the mother plate so that the edge (not marked with a reference numeral) of the first blade and so that the edge (not marked with a reference numeral) of the second blade are close to the surfaces of the mother plate. In this preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the first blade is preferably, but not necessarily, movable between the metal deposit and the first side of the mother plate essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit to separate metal deposit from the mother plate, and the second blade is preferably, but not necessarily, movable between the metal deposit and the second side of the mother plate essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit to separate metal deposit from the mother plate. In this preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention by the holding means is preferably, but not necessarily, arranged in the blade arrangement, wherein the holding means being configured for holding the permanent cathode at least during part of the separating process performed by the first pivotable member of the first pressing means and/or the second pivotable member of the second pressing means. The process of the invention includes a step for supporting the first side of the permanent cathode by means of the first pivotable member of the first pressing means while pressing the opposite second side of the permanent cathode by means of the second pivotable member of the second pressing means. Correspondingly, in the apparatus of the invention the first pivotable member of the first pressing means is configured for supporting the first side of the permanent cathode while pressing the opposite second side of the permanent cathode by means of the second pivotable member of the second pressing means.

A preferred embodiment of the process of the invention includes a step for supporting the second side of the permanent cathode by means of the second pivotable member of the second pressing means while pressing the opposite first side of the permanent cathode by means of the first pivotable member of the first pressing means. Correspondingly, in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention the second pivotable member of the second pressing means being configured for supporting the second side of the permanent cathode while pressing the opposite first side of the permanent cathode by means of the first pivotable member of the first pressing means.

This separating process and apparatus can handle both TACO-type as well as bottom edge lists/wax type cathodes.

List of figures

In the following the invention will be described in more detail by referring to the figures, of which

Figure 1 is a simplified view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for the separating process and in which a cathode is held in an essentially vertical position,

Figure 2 shows the apparatus shown in figure 1 in another stage of the separating process,

Figure 3 shows the apparatus shown in figure 1 in yet another stage of the separating process,

Figure 4 shows the apparatus shown in figure 1 in yet another stage of the separating process,

Figure 5 shows the apparatus shown in figure 1 in yet another stage of the separating process, Figure 6 shows the apparatus shown in figure 1 in yet another stage of the separating process,

Figure 7 shows an optional stage of the separating process performed by means of rotatable first and second blades,

Figure 8 shows yet another optional stage of the separating process performed by means of first and second blades,

Figure 9 shows the apparatus shown in figure 1 in yet another stage of the separating process and

Figure 10 shows the apparatus shown in figure 1 along line A-A in figure 1.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to a separating process for separating metal deposit 1 from a mother plate 2 i.e. a permanent cathode plate of a permanent cathode 3 used as an electrode in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning. The invention relates also to a separating apparatus (not marked with a reference numeral) for a separating process for separating metal deposit 1 from a mother plate 2 i.e. a permanent cathode plate of a permanent cathode 3 used as an electrode in electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning.

The figures show some preferred embodiments of an apparatus for a separating process for separating metal deposit 1 from a mother plate 2 of a permanent cathode 3 used in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning. The separating apparatus shown in the figures comprises a machine frame 24.

First the separating process for separating metal deposit 1 from a mother plate 2 of a permanent cathode 3 used as an electrode in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning and some of its preferred embodiments of the method will be described in greater detail.

The separating process includes a holding step for holding the permanent cathode 3 at least during part of the separating process by means of holding means 4 for holding the permanent cathode 3. The permanent cathode 3 can for example be held by means of holding means by its hanger bar 25 that is used for hanging the mother plate 2 in the electrolyte during the electrolytic process. Figure 9 shows a holding step where the permanent cathode 3 is held by its hanger bar 25 by means of holding means 4 arranges in the machine frame 24.

The separating process includes also a first pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from a first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of a first pressing means 6 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and/or a second pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from a second side 7 opposite of the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of a second pressing means 8 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. The purpose of the first pressing step and the second pressing step is to flex the mother plate 2 to cause the metal deposit 1 to separate from the mother plate 2.

In the separating process performed by the apparatus in the figures the separating process includes both a first pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from a first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of a first pressing means 6 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and a second pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from a second side 7 opposite of the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of a second pressing means 8 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. The separating process of the invention includes using an apparatus comprising a first pressing means 6 including a first pivotable member 9 pivotable around a first axis 10 and a second pressing means 8 including a second pivotable member 11 pivotable around a second axis 12. The separating process of the invention includes preferably, but not necessarily, using an apparatus comprising a first pressing means 6 including a first pivotable member 9 pivotable around a first axis 10 that is essentially horizontal and a second pressing means 8 including a second pivotable member 11 pivotable around a second axis 12 that is essentially horizontal.

The first pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 includes pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. More precisely, the first pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 includes rotating the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 about the first axis 10 so that an end of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 presses against the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3.

The second pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 includes pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. More precisely, the second pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 includes rotating the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 about the second axis 12 so that an end of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 presses against the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3.

In the separating process performed in the figures the separating process includes both a first pressing step pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and a second pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2.

The separating process includes also a step for guiding by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 and/or the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 the metal deposit 1 separated from the mother plate 2 into a receiving bin 13 arranged at a level below the holding means 4.

The holding step for holding the permanent cathode 3 at least during part of the separating process by means of holding means 4 for holding the permanent cathode 3 includes preferably, but not necessarily, holding the mother plate 2 by means of holding means 4 in an essentially vertical position during at least part of the separating process. The holding step includes preferably, but not necessarily, holding the permanent cathode 3 so that the permanent cathode 3 is prevented from moving vertically.

The separating process includes in a preferred embodiment of the separating process using a movable receiving bin 13 that is movable in relation to the machine frame 24 into a first pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means 4 for in the first pre-defined receiving position receiving metal desposit 1 guided by the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6, and into a second pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means 4 for in the second pre-defined receiving position receiving metal desposit 1 guided by the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8. The movement of the movable receiving bin 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, controlled by an separating apparatus control unit (not shown in the figures) that automatically moves the movable receiving bin 13 into the first pre-defined position and correspondingly into the second pre-defined position. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, using a separating apparatus comprising a first delay device 21 for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit 1 for example from falling in a vertical position into a possible space (not marked with reference numeral) between the movable receiving bin 13 and a stack of metal deposit 1 loaded into the movable receiving bin 13. The first delay device 21 comprises in the figures first movable stoppers 26 arranged to be movable at least partly into the inside of the movable receiving bin 13, said first movable stoppers 26 forming means for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. Thereafter, the first movable stoppers 26 will be retracted from the inside of the movable receiving bin 13 and the metal deposit 1 is allowed to fall into the movable receiving bin 13 as shown in figure 6. The first delay device 21 may also be used for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 if the movable receiving bin 13 is not located in the first pre-defined receiving position. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, using a separating apparatus comprising a second delay device 22 for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit 1 for example from falling in a vertical position into a possible space (not marked with reference numeral) between the movable receiving bin 13 and a stack of metal deposit 1 loaded into the movable receiving bin 13. The second delay device 22 comprises in the figures second movable stoppers 27 arranged to be movable at least partly into the movable receiving bin 13, said second movable stoppers 27 forming means for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. The second delay device can also be used for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 if the movable receiving bin 13 is not located in the second pre-defined receiving position. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes using an apparatus which comprises first actuation means (not shown) that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin 13 in relation to the holding means 4 into a first pre-defined receiving position 14 at a level below the holding means 4, and second actuation means (not shown) that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin 13 in relation to the holding means 4 into a second pre-defined receiving position 15 at a level below the holding means 4. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes a step for operating the first actuation means to automatically move the movable receiving bin 13 in relation to the holding means 4 into the first pre-defined receiving position. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes a step for guiding the metal deposit 1 separated from the mother plate 2 into the movable receiving bin 13 that is located in the first pre-defined receiving position 14 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, a step for operating the second actuation means to automatically move the movable receiving bin 13 in relation to the holding means 4 into the second pre-defined receiving position, and a step for guiding the metal deposit 1 separated from the mother plate 2 into the movable receiving bin 13 that is located in the second pre-defined receiving position 15 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, a step for moving the movable receiving bin 13 in relation to the holding means 4 into a third pre-defined unloading position (not marked with a reference numeral). The separating process includes in a preferred embodiment of the separating process a step for pressing a first blade 16 of a blade arrangement 17 between the metal deposit 1 and the first side 5 of the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and a step for pressing a second blade 18 of a blade arrangement 17 between the metal deposit 1 and the second side 7 of the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, a step for rotating the first blade 16 with respect to the blade arrangement 17 about a first axis of rotation 19 essentially parallel with the mother plate 2 after pressing the first blade 16 between the metal deposit 1 and the first side 5 of the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and a step for rotating the second blade 18 with respect to the blade arrangement 17 about a second axis of rotation 20 essentially parallel with the mother plate 2 after pressing the second blade 18 between the metal deposit 1 and the second side 7 of the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. Figure 6 shows a separating apparatus performing such a step where the first blade 16 is rotated with respect to the blade arrangement 17 to tear metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and where the second blade 18 is rotated with respect to the blade arrangement 17 to tear metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. A rotatably arranged first blade 16 and a rotatably arranged second blade 18 make also possible to adjust the position of the first blade 16 and the second blade 18 in relation to the surfaces of the mother plate 2 for example to adjust the position of the first blade 16 and the second blade 18 in accordance with the thickness of the mother plate 2 by rotating the first blade 16 and the second blade 18 in relation to the surfaces of the mother plate 2 so that the edge (not marked with a reference numeral) of the first blade 16 and so that the edge (not marked with a reference numeral) of the second blade 18 are close to the surfaces of the mother plate 2. This preferred embodiment of the separating process includes preferably, but not necessarily, a step for moving the first blade 16 between the metal deposit 1 and the first side 5 of the mother plate 2 essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit 1 to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit 1 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2, and a step for moving the second blade 18 between the metal deposit 1 and the second side 7 of the mother plate 2 essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit 1 to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit 1 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. Figure 6 shows a separating apparatus performing such a step where the first blade 16 has been moved between the metal deposit 1 and the first side 5 of the mother plate 2 essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit 1 to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit 1 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2, and where the second blade 18 has been moved between the metal deposit 1 and the second side 7 of the mother plate 2 essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit 1 to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit 1 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. By using a blade arrangement that comprises a first blade 16 and a second blade 18 which are rotatably arranged and which can be moved linearly along the surface of a mother plate 2 both splitting i.e. separation of metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and tearing i.e. scraping of metal deposit 1 off the surface of the mother plate 2 can be performed with the same blades. The separating process includes in a preferred embodiment of the separating process a holding step for holding the permanent cathode 3 by means of holding means 4 arranged in a blade arrangement 17 at least during part of the separating process performed by the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 and/or the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8. Figure 2 shows a separating apparatus performing such a holding step where the permanent cathode 3 is held in position by means of holding means 4 arranged in the blade arrangement 17 during the separating process performed by the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6. A holding step for holding the permanent cathode 3 by means of holding means 4 arranged in a blade arrangement 17 at least during part of the separating process performed by the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 and/or the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 may include holding the permanent cathode 3 simultaneously also by means of other holding means 4 than by holding means arranged in a blade arrangement 17.

The separating process includes a step for supporting the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 while pressing the opposite second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8. In this preferred embodiment of the separating process the supporting step includes preferably, but not necessarily, supporting the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 at a lower end region of the permanent cathode 3 as shown in figure 2.

The separating process includes in a preferred embodiment of the separating process a step for supporting the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 while pressing the opposite first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6. Figure 2 shows a separating apparatus performing such a step where the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 is supported by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 while pressing the opposite first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6. In this preferred embodiment of the separating process the supporting step includes preferably, but not necessarily, supporting the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 at a lower end region of the permanent cathode 3 as shown in figure 2.

The separating process includes in a preferred embodiment of the separating process a step for removing the mother plate 2 from the holding means 4 prior guiding metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13.

The separating process includes in a preferred embodiment of the separating process a step for firstly guiding the metal deposit 1 to the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 prior guiding metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8.

The separating process includes in a preferred embodiment of the separating process a step for firstly guiding the metal deposit 1 to the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 prior guiding metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8. Figures 3 and 4 show a separating apparatus performing such a step. The metal deposit 1 is in figure 3 firstly guided to the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 prior guiding the metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 which is shown in figure 4.

In the following the separating apparatus for a separating process for separating metal deposit 1 from a mother plate 2 used as a permanent cathode 3 used as an electrode in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning and some of the preferred embodiments of the apparatus will be described in greater detail.

The separating apparatus comprises holding means 4 for holding the permanent cathode 3 at least during part of the separating process. The separating apparatus comprises a machine frame 24.

In the separating apparatus shown in figure 10 holding means 4 for holding the permanent cathode 3 at least during part of the separating process are arranged in the machine frame 24. The holding means 4 shown in figure 10 are configured for holding the permanent cathode 3 by the hanger bar 25 that is used for hanging the mother plate 2 in the electrolyte during the electrolytic process. The holding means 4 arranged in the machine frame 24 that are shown in figure 10 are configured for preventing the permanent cathode 3 from falling in a vertical direction and for preventing the permanent cathode from being moved upwards in a vertical direction. In figure 10 the holding means 4 are formed partly by the machine frame 24 that is configured for preventing the permanent cathode 3 from falling in a vertical direction and partly by moveable pivoting locking devices 28 which in figure 10 are pivotable about a third axis 29 and a fourth axis 30, which are configured for preventing the permanent cathode from being moved upwards in a vertical direction. In other words, in figure 10 the holding means 4 are configured for preventing the permanent cathode 3 from moving in a vertical direction downwards and upwards by locking the hanger bar 25 of the permanent cathode 3 between stoppers 31 arranged in the machine frame 24 and the moveable pivoting locking devices 28.

The separating apparatus comprises in addition first pressing means 6 for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from a first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 to bend the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2, and second pressing means 8 for pressing the permanent cathode 3 from a second side 7 opposite to the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 to bend the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. The first pressing means 6 includes a first pivotable member 9 configured to be pressed against the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. The second pressing means 8 includes a second pivotable member 11 configured to be pressed against the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. The first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 and the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 forms guiding means for guiding the metal deposit 1 into a receiving bin 13 arranged at a level below the holding means 4.

The holding means 4 are preferably, but not necessarily, configured for holding the mother plate 2 in an essentially vertical position during the separating process, as shown in the figures. The holding means 4 are preferably, but not necessarily, configured for holding the permanent cathode 3 so that the permanent cathode 3 is prevented from moving vertically.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus, the receiving bin 13 is a movable receiving bin 13 that is movable in relation to the machine frame 24 into a first pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means 4 for in the first predefined receiving position receiving metal desposit 1 guided by the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6, and into a second pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means 4 for in the second pre-defined receiving position receiving metal desposit 1 guided by the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8. The figures show such embodiments. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the separating apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a first delay device 21 for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit 1 for example from falling in a vertical position between the movable receiving bin 13 and a stack of metal deposit 1 loaded into the movable receiving bin 13. The first delay device 21 comprises in the figures first movable stoppers 26 arranged to be movable at least partly into the inside of the movable receiving bin 13, said first movable stoppers 26 forming means for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. In figures 4 and 5 said first movable stoppers 26 will prevent the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 until the movable receiving bin 13 and the machine frame 24 have been moved in relation to each other such that the angle between the metal deposit 1 with respect to the horizontal plane is less than 45 degrees. In other words, when the angle between the metal deposit 1 with respect to the horizontal plane is less than 45 degrees, the first movable stoppers 26 will be retracted from the inside of the movable receiving bin 13 and the metal deposit 1 is allowed to fall into the movable receiving bin 13 as shown in figure 6. The first delay device 21 may also be configured for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 if the movable receiving bin 13 is not located in the first pre-defined receiving position. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the separating apparatus comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a second delay device 22 for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. This prevents a metal deposit 1 for example from falling in a vertical position between the movable receiving bin 13 and a stack of metal deposit 1 loaded into the movable receiving bin 13. The second delay device 22 comprises in the figures second movable stoppers 27 arranged to be movable at least partly into the movable receiving bin 13, said second movable stoppers 27 forming means for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 in a wrong position i.e. a wrong angle. The second delay device 22 may also be configured for preventing the metal deposit 1 from falling into the movable receiving bin 13 if the movable receiving bin 13 is not located in the second predefined receiving position. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus, the separating apparatus comprises first actuation means that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin 13 in relation to the holding means 4 into a first pre-defined receiving position 14 at a level below the holding means 4. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus, the separating apparatus comprises in addition second actuation means that is preferably, but not necessarily, operable by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 for actuating an automatic movement of the movable receiving bin 13 in relation to the holding means 4 into a second pre-defined receiving position 15 at a level below the holding means 4. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 is configured for guiding the metal deposit 1 separated from the mother plate 2 into the movable receiving bin 13 that is located in the first pre-defined receiving position. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 is preferably, but not necessarily, configured for guiding the metal deposit 1 separated from the mother plate 2 into the movable receiving bin 13 that is located in the second predefined receiving position. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the movable receiving bin 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, movable in relation to the machine frame 24 into a third pre-defined unloading position.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus, the separating apparatus comprises a blade arrangement 17 comprising a first blade 16 that is pressable between the metal deposit 1 and the first side 5 of the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2 and a second blade 18 that is pressable between the metal deposit 1 and the second side 7 of the mother plate 2 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the first blade 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, rotatably arranged in the blade arrangement 17 about a first axis of rotation 19 that is essentially parallel with the mother plate 2, and the second blade 18 is preferably, but not necessarily, rotatably arranged in the blade arrangement 17 about a second axis of rotation 20 that is essentially parallel with the mother plate 2, as shown in figure 6. A rotatably arranged first blade 16 and a rotatably arranged second blade 18 make also possible to adjust the position of the first blade 16 and the second blade 18 in relation to the surfaces of the mother plate 2 for example to adjust the position of the first blade 16 and the second blade 18 in accordance with the thickness of the mother plate 2 by rotating the first blade 16 and the second blade 18 in relation to the surfaces of the mother plate 2 so that the edge (not marked with a reference numeral) of the first blade 16 and so that the edge (not marked with a reference numeral) of the second blade 18 are close to the surfaces of the mother plate 2. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the first blade 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, movable between the metal deposit 1 and the first side 5 of the mother plate 2 essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit 1 to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit 1 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2, and the second blade 18 is preferably, but not necessarily, movable between the metal deposit 1 and the second side 7 of the mother plate 2 essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit 1 to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit 1 to separate metal deposit 1 from the mother plate 2, as shown in figure 7. If the separating apparatus is provided with a blade arrangement 17, the holding means 4 is preferably, but not necessarily, arranged in the blade arrangement 17. In this preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the holding means 4 is configured for holding the permanent cathode 3 at least during part of the separating process performed by the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 and/or the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8, as shown in figure 2.

In the separating apparatus the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 is configured for supporting the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 while pressing the opposite second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 is configured for supporting the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 while pressing the opposite first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6, as shown in figure 2.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the separating apparatus comprises a removing arrangement (not shown in the figures) for removing the mother plate 2 from the holding means 4 prior guiding metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 is configured for guiding the metal deposit 1 onto the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 prior guiding the metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13 by means of first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 is configured for guiding the metal deposit 1 onto the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 prior guiding metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13 by means of second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8.

Figures 3 and 4 show such an embodiment, where in figure 3 the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 is in process of pushing the metal deposit 1 onto the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 and where figure 4 shows the situation after figure 3 where the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8 guides the metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6 comprises roller means 23 configured to be pressed against the first side 5 of the permanent cathode 3 and to serve as movement means when guiding metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13 by means of the first pivotable member 9 of the first pressing means 6.

In a preferred embodiment of the separating apparatus the second pivotable member 11 of the first pressing means 6 comprises roller means 23 configured to be pressed against the second side 7 of the permanent cathode 3 and to serve as movement means when guiding metal deposit 1 into the receiving bin 13 by means of the second pivotable member 11 of the second pressing means 8.

It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not restricted to the above examples, but they may vary within the scope of the claims.

List of reference numerals

1. Metal deposit

2. Mother plate

3. Permanent cathode 4. Holding means

5. First side of cathode

6. First pressing means

7. Second side of cathode

8. Second pressing means 9. First pivotable member

10. First axis

11. Second pivotable member

12. Second axis

13. Movable receiving bin 14. First pre-defined receiving position

15. Second pre-efmed receiving position

16. First blade

17. Blade arrangement

18. Second blade 19. First axis of rotation

20. Second axis of rotation

21. First delay device

22. Second delay device

23. Roller means 24. Machine frame

25. Hanger bar

26. First movable stoppers

27. Second movable stoppers

28. Moveable pivoting locking devices 29. Third axis

30. Fourth axis

31. Stopper

Claims

1. A separating process for separating metal deposit (1) from a mother plate (2) of a permanent cathode (3) used as an electrode in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning, characterized by a holding step for holding the permanent cathode (3) at least during part of the separating process by means of holding means (4) for holding the permanent cathode (3), by a first pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode (3) from a first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) by means of a first pressing means (6) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2) and/or a second pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode (3) from a second side opposite to the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) by means of a second pressing means (8) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), by using an apparatus comprising a first pressing means (6) including a first pivotable member (9) and a second pressing means (8) including a second pivotable member (11), by the first pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode (3) from the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) by means of a first pressing means (6) including pressing the permanent cathode (3) from the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2) and/or the second pressing step for pressing the permanent cathode (3) from the second side of the permanent cathode (3) including pressing the permanent cathode (3) from the second side of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) to separate metal deposit ( 1 ) from the mother plate (2), by a step for guiding the metal deposit (1) separated from the mother plate (2) into a receiving bin (13) arranged at a level below the holding means (4) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) and/or the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8), and by a step for supporting the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) while pressing the opposite second side of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8).

2. The process according to claim 1, characterized by the holding step for holding the permanent cathode (3) at least during part of the separating process by means of the holding means (4) including holding the permanent cathode (3) at least during part of the separating process by means of the holding means (4) in an essentially vertical position.

3. The process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by using as the receiving bin (13) a movable receiving bin (13) that is movable in relation to the machine frame (24) into a first pre-defined receiving position (14) at a level below the holding means (4), and into a second pre-defined receiving position at a level below the holding means (4), by moving the movable receiving bin (13) in relation to the holding means (4) into the first pre-defined receiving position, and by guiding the metal deposit (1) separated from the mother plate (2) into the movable receiving bin (13) that is located in the first pre-defined receiving position (14) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6).

4. The process according to claim 3, characterized by moving the movable receiving bin (13) in relation to the holding means (4) into the second pre-defined receiving position, and by guiding the metal deposit (1) separated from the mother plate (2) into the movable receiving bin (13) that is located in the second pre-defined receiving position (15) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8).

5. The process according to claim 3 of 4, characterized by moving the movable receiving bin (13) in relation to the holding means (4) into a third pre-defined unloading position.

6. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized by a step for pressing a first blade (16) of a blade arrangement (17) between the metal deposit (1) and the first side (5) of the mother plate (2) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), and by a step for pressing a second blade (18) of a blade arrangement (17) between the metal deposit (1) and the second side of the mother plate (2) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2).

7. The process according to claim 6, characterized by a step for rotating the first blade (16) with respect to the blade arrangement (17) about a first axis of rotation (19) essentially parallel with the mother plate (2) after pressing the first blade (16) between the metal deposit (1) and the first side (5) of the mother plate (2) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), and by a step for rotating the second blade (18) with respect to the blade arrangement (17) about a second axis of rotation (20) essentially parallel with the mother plate (2) after pressing the second blade (18) between the metal deposit (1) and the second side of the mother plate (2) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2).

8. The process according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a step for moving the first blade (16) between the metal deposit (1) and the first side (5) of the mother plate (2) essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit (1) to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit (1) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), and by a step for moving the second blade (18) between the metal deposit (1) and the second side of the mother plate (2) essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit (1) to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit (1) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2).

9. The process according to any of the claims 6 to 8, characterized by the holding step for holding the permanent cathode (3) including holding the permanent cathode (3) by means of holding means (4) arranged in the blade arrangement (17) at least during part of the separating process performed by the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) and/or the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8).

10. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 9, characterized by a step for supporting the second side of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) while pressing the opposite first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6).

11. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 10, characterized by a step for removing the mother plate (2) prior guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin (13).

12. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized by a step for guiding the metal deposit (1) to the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) prior guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin (13) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8).

13. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 12, characterized by a step for guiding the metal deposit (1) to the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) prior guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin (13) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6).

14. A separating apparatus for a separating process for separating metal deposit (1) from a mother plate (2) used as an electrode in an permanent cathode (3) in an electrolytic process such as metal electrorefming or metal electrowinning, characterized by a machine frame (24), by holding means (4) for holding the permanent cathode (3) at least during part of the separating process, by first pressing means (6) for pressing the permanent cathode (3) from a first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), by second pressing means (8) for pressing the permanent cathode (3) from a second side opposite to the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), wherein the first pressing means (6) including a first pivotable member (9) is configured to be pressed against the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), wherein the second pressing means (8) including a second pivotable member (11) is configured to be pressed against the second side (7) of the permanent cathode (3) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), wherein the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) and the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) form guiding means guiding the metal deposit (1) into a receiving bin (13) arranged at a level below the holding means (4) and by the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) being configured for supporting the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) while pressing the opposite second side of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8).

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized by holding means (4) configured to hold the mother plate (2) in an essentially vertical position during the separating process.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by the receiving bin (13) being a movable receiving bin (13) that is movable in relation to the machine frame (24) into a first pre-defined receiving position (14) at a level below the holding means (4), and into a second pre-defined receiving position (15) at a level below the holding means (4), by the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) being configured for guiding the metal deposit (1) separated from the mother plate (2) into the movable receiving bin (13) that is located in the first pre-defined receiving position (14), and by the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) being configured for guiding the metal deposit (1) separated from the mother plate (2) into the movable receiving bin (13) that is located in the second pre-defined receiving position.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized by the movable receiving bin (13) being movable in relation to the machine frame (24) into a third pre-defined unloading position.

18. The apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 17, characterized by a blade arrangement (17) comprising a first blade (16) that is pressable between the metal deposit (1) and the first side (5) of the mother plate (2) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), and a second blade (18) that is pressable between the metal deposit (1) and the second side of the mother plate (2) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2).

19. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized by the first blade (16) being rotatably arranged in the blade arrangement (17) about a first axis of rotation (19) that is essentially parallel with the mother plate (2), and by the second blade (18) being rotatably arranged in the blade arrangement (17) about a second axis of rotation (20) that is essentially parallel with the mother plate (2).

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by the first blade (16) being movable between the metal deposit (1) and the first side (5) of the mother plate (2) essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit (1) to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit (1) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2), and by the second blade (18) being movable between the metal deposit (1) and the second side of the mother plate (2) essentially from an upper edge of the metal deposit (1) to essentially a lower edge of the metal deposit (1) to separate metal deposit (1) from the mother plate (2).

21. The apparatus according to any of the claims 18 to 20, characterized by the holding means (4) being arranged in the blade arrangement (17), wherein the holding means (4) being configured for holding the permanent cathode (3) at least during part of the separating process performed by the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) and/or the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means

(8).

22. The apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 21, characterized by the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) being configured for supporting the second side of the permanent cathode (3) while pressing the opposite first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6).

23. The apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 22, characterized by a removing arrangement for removing the mother plate (2) prior guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin ( 13 ) .

24. The apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 23, characterized by the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) being configured for guiding the metal deposit (1) onto the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) prior guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin (13) by means of first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6).

25. The apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 24, characterized by the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) being configured for guiding the metal deposit (1) onto the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) prior guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin (13) by means of second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8).

26. The apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 25, characterized by the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6) comprising roller means (23) configured to be pressed against the first side (5) of the permanent cathode (3) and to serve as movement means when guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin (13) by means of the first pivotable member (9) of the first pressing means (6).

27. The apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 26, characterized by the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8) comprising roller means (23) configured to be pressed against the second side (7) of the permanent cathode (3) and to serve as movement means when guiding metal deposit (1) into the receiving bin (13) by means of the second pivotable member (11) of the second pressing means (8).