WO2015039252A1

WO2015039252A1 - Guide member, edge strip and spreader bar for electrolytic electrode assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015039252A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/050903
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Douglas Jickling
Original assignee: Epcm Services Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-09-20
Filing date: 2014-09-19
Publication date: 2015-03-26

Abstract

An apparatus for covering a plate edge of a deposition plate of an electrolytic electrode assembly. The apparatus may include at least one guide member, an edge strip and a spreader bar. The guide member may be installed along at least a first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge. The edge strip may include an elongate body, a first slot formed on an inner side of the body, and a second slot formed on an outer side of the body. The first slot includes inner jaws that slidingly receive the plate edge and the guide member. The second slot includes outer jaws that receive the spreader bar in interference engagement. The spreader bar urges the outer jaws apart causing a dimension between the inner jaws to decrease for bearing against the deposition plate.

Description

TITLE: GUIDE MEMBER, EDGE STRIP AND SPREADER BAR FOR ELECTROLYTIC ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/880,380 filed on September 20, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to electrolytic electrode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals.

BACKGROUND

[0003] United States Patent No. 4,406,769 describes an edge protector for electrodes including first and second elongate elements, both of superficially electrically insulating material, the first element 8 having a generally Ή" shaped cross-section so as to provide open slots on opposite sides, one slot defined between a pair of outer jaws and the other slot defined between a pair of inner jaws, a bare or suitably gasketed edge of an electrode being insertable into and located within the inner jaws, and the second element being constituted by a member so dimensioned as to be an interference fit within the outer jaws. The outer jaws are forced further apart with the result that the outer jaws endeavor to close the inner jaws to form a seal to prevent electrolyte from wetting the edge of the electrode.

[0004] United States Patent No. 5,314,600 describes an edge strip for a cathode plate. The edge strip includes a non-inflatable elongate body of a thermoplastic material which body includes a longitudinal opening to accommodate an edge of the cathode plate and at least one continuous longitudinal internal groove on an inside surface of the opening.

[0005] United States Patent No. 6,846,395 describes an edge insulation member for an electrode plate used for electrolytic refinement of metal, and a fixing method for it. On a tip portion of a main body, a fitting groove and a jaw portion for tightly fitting an electrode plate are formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body. On a base end portion of the main body, an engagement notch for fitting a support rod is formed to extend along the lengthwise direction of the main body. A plurality of pin insertion holes are formed on the side surface of the jaw portion. Fitting jigs made up from a pin and a stopper is removably fitted in this pin insertion hole. The support rod is removably fitted in the engagement notch.

INTRODUCTION

[0006] The following is intended to introduce the reader to the detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for covering a plate edge of a deposition plate of an electrolytic electrode assembly is disclosed. The apparatus may include: at least one guide member adapted for installation along at least a first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge; an edge strip including an elongate body, a first slot formed on an inner side of the body, and a second slot formed on an outer side of the body; and a spreader bar. The first slot of the edge strip includes a pair of inner jaws, and is sized and shaped to slidingly receive the plate edge and the guide member. The second slot of the edge strip includes a pair of outer jaws, and is sized and shaped to receive the spreader bar in interference engagement. The spreader bar urges the outer jaws apart causing a dimension between the inner jaws to decrease for bearing against the deposition plate.

[0008] The first slot of the edge strip may further include a first notch for accommodating the at least one guide member installed along the first face of the deposition plate. The first notch may be defined between inner and outer first shoulders of the first slot, the inner and outer first shoulders for bearing against the first face of the deposition plate. The first notch may be spaced across from a wall of the first slot, the wall for bearing against a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face. [0009] The first slot of the edge strip may further include a second notch for accommodating the at least one guide member installed along a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face. The second notch may be defined between inner and outer second shoulders of the first slot, the inner and outer second shoulders for bearing against the second face of the deposition plate.

[0010] Edge surfaces of the inner jaws may be generally orthogonal to the deposition plate. Edge surfaces of the inner jaws may be at an obtuse angle relative to the deposition plate.

[001 1 ] The at least one guide member may include at least one pin for registration with a corresponding hole of the deposition plate to position the at least one guide member on the first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge. The at least one guide member may include a plurality of pins for registration with a corresponding plurality of holes of the deposition plate.

[0012] The at least one guide member may include a first guide member installed along the first face, and a second guide member installed along the second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face. The apparatus may further include a connector joining the first and second guide members, the connector extending through the holes of the deposition plate.

[0013] The spreader bar may have a cross section that is complementary to a cross section of the second slot, and may be sized so that a dimension between the outer jaws is increased when the spreader bar is received in the second slot. The spreader bar may have a cross section that is generally circular, and the second slot has a profile that is a generally circular segment greater than a semicircle.

[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for covering a plate edge of a deposition plate of an electrolytic electrode assembly is disclosed. The deposition plate may include a plurality of holes spaced apart from one another adjacent to the plate edge. The apparatus may include: a guide member including an elongate guide body and a plurality of pins aligned along one side thereof, each of the pins arranged for registration with a corresponding one of the holes of the deposition plate so that the guide member is installable by inserting the pins in the holes to position the guide member on the first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge; an edge strip including an elongate edge body, a first slot formed on an inner side of the edge body, and a second slot formed on an outer side of the edge body; and a spreader bar. The first slot of the edge strip includes a pair of inner jaws, and is sized and shaped to slidingly receive the plate edge and the guide member. The second slot of the edge strip includes a pair of outer jaws, and is sized and shaped to receive the spreader bar in interference engagement. The spreader bar urges the outer jaws apart causing a dimension between the inner jaws to decrease for bearing against the deposition plate.

[0015] The first slot of the edge strip may further include a first notch for accommodating the guide member installed along the first face of the deposition plate. The first notch may be defined between inner and outer first shoulders of the first slot, the inner and outer first shoulders for bearing against the first face of the deposition plate. The first notch may be spaced across from a wall of the first slot, the wall for bearing against a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face.

[0016] An electrolytic electrode assembly including a deposition plate, the deposition plate including at least one plate edge, may be combined with at least one of the apparatuses disclosed herein, mounted on the deposition place to cover the at least one plate edge.

[0017] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of covering a plate edge of a deposition plate of an electrolytic electrode assembly is disclosed. The method may include: installing at least one guide member along at least a first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge; sliding an edge strip along the plate edge so that a first slot of the edge strip receives the plate edge and the guide member; and engaging a spreader bar within a second slot of the edge strip to cause a dimension between inner jaws of the first slot to decrease to bear against the deposition plate. [0018] The method may further include providing the at least one guide member with pins, and providing the deposition plate with holes, and wherein the step of installing may further include inserting the pins into the holes to position the at least one guide member on the first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge.

[0019] The step of installing may further include installing a plurality of the at least one guide member in alignment along the first face of the deposition plate. The step of installing may include installing a plurality of the at least one guide member along the first face and a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face. The method may further include connecting at least one guide member on the first face with at least one guide member on the second face.

[0020] Other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific examples of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021 ] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an example of an electrolytic electrode assembly, and including a guide member, an edge strip, and a spreader bar installed to cover a plate edge of the electrolytic electrode assembly;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the guide member of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the edge strip and the spreader bar of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3A is a sectional view along lines 3A-3A of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the edge strip receiving the spreader bar in interference engagement; FIG. 4A is a partial side view of the electrolytic electrode assembly, and including two of the guide members installed along a first face of a deposition plate of the electrolytic electrode assembly;

FIG. 4B is another partial side view of the electrolytic electrode assembly, and including the edge strip slid upwardly along the plate edge;

FIG. 5A is a sectional view along lines 5A-5A of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5B is a sectional view of another example of a guide member, an edge strip, and a spreader bar installed to cover the plate edge of the electrolytic electrode assembly;

FIG. 6A is a partial sectional view of first and second guide members arranged on opposing first and second faces of the deposition plate of the electrolytic electrode assembly;

FIG. 6B is a partial sectional view of the first and second guide members of FIG. 6A connected together;

FIG. 7A is a sectional view of an example of first and second guide members, an edge strip, and a spreader bar installed to cover the plate edge of the electrolytic electrode assembly; and

FIG. 7B is a sectional view of another example of first and second guide members, an edge strip, and a spreader bar installed to cover the plate edge of the electrolytic electrode assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Various apparatuses or methods are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses and methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0023] Electro-refining of metals generally involves placing an anode made from the crude metal to be refined and a cathode together in a suitable electrolytic bath. Application of a voltage between the anode and the cathode causes the crude metal to oxidize and pure metal ions to go into solution and to migrate electrolytically through the electrolytic bath towards the cathode. The pure metal ions are deposited onto the cathode as a refined metal, usually of very high purity. The majority of the impurities are left behind in the electrolytic bath.

[0024] Electro-winning of metals generally involves placing an anode made from a metal that is different from the metal to be refined and a cathode together in a suitable electrolytic bath. The metal to be refined is added to the electrolytic bath in a soluble form (e.g., prepared from a leaching and solvent extraction process). Application of a voltage between the anode and cathode causes the metal to migrate from the solution and deposit onto the cathode as a refined metal of high purity.

[0025] A cathode assembly may include a flat deposition plate attached along an upper end to an electrically conductive hanger bar. The hanger bar is in electrical contact with an external power source. In some configurations, both ends of the hanger bar rest on an electrically conductive bus bar that runs along edges of the tank. In other configurations, one end of the hanger bar rests on an electrically conductive bus bar that runs along one edge of the tank and the other end of the hanger bar rests on an electrically insulated bar that runs along the opposite edge of the tank. The hanger bar supports the deposition plate within the electrolytic bath and provides a path for the flow of electricity between the power source and the deposition plate. [0026] After a suitable thickness of refined metal has been deposited onto the surface of the deposition plate, the cathode assembly is removed from the electrolytic bath. In cases where the deposition plate is permanent (e.g., formed from a different metal than the metal to be refined), the refined metal may be recovered by a stripping technique. To simplify the stripping process, vertical side edges of the deposition plate may be at least partially covered, protected, and/or electrically insulated, so that deposition of copper or other desired metal occurs only on the flat side faces of the deposition plate and around a lower edge thereof.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1 , an electrolytic electrode assembly is shown generally at reference numeral 10. The electrolytic electrode assembly 10 is shown to include a deposition plate 12. The deposition plate 12 includes a first face 14, and a plate edge 16. The deposition plate 12 may have a thickness of, for example, between about 2 mm and 5 mm. The deposition plate 12 may be manufactured from an electrically conductive material having a relatively high tensile strength and good corrosion resistance. In some examples, the deposition plate 12 may be manufactured from Grade 316L stainless steel or other alloys with acceptable anti-corrosion properties and with, for example, a "2B" finish.

[0028] In the example illustrated, an upper edge 20 of the deposition plate 12 is attached to a hanger bar 18. In some examples, the deposition plate 12 may be attached to the hanger bar 18 by providing a slot in the hanger bar 18 and then welding the deposition plate 12 to the hanger bar 18. The hanger bar 18 may be manufactured substantially from copper. In some examples, the hanger bar 18 may be manufactured from C1 1000 Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) copper.

[0029] An example of an apparatus for covering the plate edge 16 of the deposition plate 12 of the electrolytic electrode assembly 10 is shown generally at reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 serves to cover, protect, and/or electrically insulate the plate edge 16. The apparatus 100 may simplify the stripping process to remove the electrodeposit of copper or other desired metal on the first face 14 (and a second face, not yet shown) of the deposition plate 12.

[0030] In the example illustrated, the apparatus 100 includes a guide member 102 installed along the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12 adjacent to the plate edge 16. The guide member 102 may be manufactured from an electrically non-conductive material, including, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene. The apparatus 100 also includes an edge strip 104 generally surrounding the guide member 102 and the plate edge 16. The apparatus 100 further includes a spreader bar 106 received by the edge strip 104 in interference, snap-fit and/or friction fit engagement. The edge strip 104 and the spreader bar 106 may be manufactured from an electrically non- conductive material, including, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0031 ] Referring to FIG. 2B, the edge strip 104 includes an elongate body 108. In the example illustrated, a first slot 1 10 is formed on an inner side 1 12 of the body 108. A second slot 1 14 is formed on an outer side 1 16 of the body 108.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3A, the first slot 1 10 includes a pair of inner jaws 1 18, and is sized and shaped to slidingly receive the plate edge 16 and the guide member 102 (FIG. 1 ). The second slot 1 14 includes a pair of outer jaws 120, and is sized and shaped to receive the spreader bar 106 in interference, snap-fit and/or friction fit engagement.

[0033] In the example illustrated, the first slot 1 10 further includes a first notch 126 for accommodating the guide member 102 installed along the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12 (FIG. 1 ). The first notch 126 may be defined between inner and outer first shoulders 128, 130 of the first slot 1 10. The shoulders 128, 130 may bear against the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12 (FIG. 1 ). The first notch 126 may be spaced across from a wall 132 of the first slot 1 10. The wall 132 may bear against the second face of the deposition plate 12. [0034] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the spreader bar 106 urges the outer jaws apart 120, i.e. a dimension 122 between the outer jaws 120 is increased to a dimension 122'. This correspondingly causes a dimension 124 between the inner jaws 1 18 to decrease to a dimension 124' to bear against the deposition plate 12 adjacent to the plate edge 16 (FIG. 1 ), exerting a gripping force thereon.

[0035] The spreader bar 106 and the second slot 1 14 are sized relative to one another so that the outer jaws 120 are urged apart when the spreader bar 106 is engaged within the second slot 1 14 (shown in FIG. 3B). The spreader bar 106 may have a cross section that is complementary to a cross section of the second slot 1 14. In the example illustrated, the spreader bar 106 includes an elongate body 134 having a cross section that is generally circular. The second slot 1 14 has a profile that is a generally circular segment greater than a semicircle. Dimensions may vary, but for illustration purposes, for example, the spreader bar 106 may have an exterior diameter of about 10.5 mm, and the circular segment of the second slot may have an interior diameter of about 9.8 mm. The size mismatch between exterior diameter of the spreader bar 106 and the interior diameter of the circular second of the second slot 1 14 urges the outer jaws apart 120 when the spreader bar 106 is engaged or received within the second slot 1 14 (shown in FIG. 3B).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2A, the guide member 102 includes an elongate body 136, and a plurality of pins 138 aligned along one side thereof. In the example illustrated, the diameter of each of the pins 138 is equal to the width of the body 136, but it will be appreciated that, in other examples, this relationship may be varied.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4A, the pins 138 are aligned in registration with a corresponding plurality of holes 22, which are complementary to the pins 138 in size and shape. Although the pins 138 are shown to be generally cylindrical, the shaping of the pins 138 and the corresponding shape of the holes 22 may be varied. [0038] The guide member 102 is installed along the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12 by inserting the pins 138 in the holes 22. The holes 22 may be spaced apart along the deposition plate 12 adjacent to the plate edge 16. The holes 22 may be, for example, about 8 mm in diameter, and spaced apart a center-to-center distance of about 100 mm from one another.

[0039] The pins 138 and holes 22 facilitate positioning of the guide member 102 aligned along the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12 adjacent to the plate edge 16. A plurality of the guide members may be installed in alignment along the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4B, with the guide members 102 installed along the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12, the edge strip 104 is slid upwardly along the plate edge 16 in direction 24, over the guide members 102. The guide members 102 serve to locate the edge strip 104 relative to the plate edge 16.

[0041 ] Referring to FIG. 5A, the edge strip 104 receives the plate edge 16 and the guide member 102, engaging the first side 14 and the second side 26 of the deposition plate 12. In the example illustrated, edge surfaces 140 of the inner jaws 1 18 define a plane 142 that is generally orthogonal to a plane 28 parallel to the faces 14, 26 of the deposition plate 12.

[0042] With the spreader bar 106 received by the edge strip 104, the inner jaws 1 18 bear against the faces 14, 26 of the deposition plate 12. A plastic tape or other plastic or wax material (not shown) may be provided to improve a seal formed by the faces 14, 26 of the deposition plate 12 and the inner jaws 1 18.

[0043] In FIG. 5A, the diameter of the pin 138 is shown to be equal to the overall width of the guide member 102. However, in other examples, as mentioned above, this relationship may be varied.

[0044] Furthermore, although the holes 22 are shown to extend completely through the deposition plate 12 between the first and second faces 14, 26, in other examples the holes may extend partially through the deposition plate. In such examples, the guide member may be installed only along one face of the deposition plate.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5B, another example of an apparatus for covering the plate edge 16 of the deposition plate 12 is shown generally at reference numeral 200. In the example illustrated, the upper one of the edge surfaces 240 of the inner jaws 218 defines a plane 242 that is arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the plane 28. On the other side of the deposition plate 12, the lower one of the edge surfaces 240 defines another plane (not labeled), which is in mirror image relation with the plane 242.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another example of a guide member 302 includes first and second mating connectors 344, 346 arranged at opposing ends thereof, a plurality of pins 338 aligned between the connectors 344, 346. The first connector 344 of a first one of the guide members 302 installed along the first face 14 is configured to mechanically interconnect (for example, by snap-fit or friction fit engagement) with the second connector 346 of a second one of the guide members 302 installed along the second face 26. The connectors 344, 346 extend through the holes 22 of the deposition plate to join the guide members 302.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7A, another example of an apparatus for covering the plate edge 16 of the deposition plate 12 is shown generally at reference numeral 300. In the example illustrated, two of the guide members 302 are installed along the faces 14, 26 of the deposition plate 12, and extend through the holes 22 of the deposition plate. A second notch 348 is provided for accommodating the guide member 302 installed along the second face 26 of the deposition plate 12. The second notch 348 is defined between inner and outer second shoulders 350, 352. The shoulders 350, 352 may bear against the second face 26 of the deposition plate 12.

[0048] It should be appreciated that the edge strip 308 may also be used in combination with the guide members 102 installed only along the first face 14 of the deposition plate 12 (as shown for example in FIG. 5A). In this case, the first notch 326 may accommodate the guide member 102, and the second notch 348 may be vacant.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7B, another example of an apparatus for covering the plate edge 16 of the deposition plate 12 is shown generally at reference numeral 400.

[0050] Testing was conducted to determine the amount of force required to pull edge strips off of a sample deposition plate, which provides an indication of relative gripping strength. The edge strips were 100 mm in length. The width of the dimension between the inner jaws (i.e. dimension 124 shown in FIG. 3A) varied between 2.5 mm and 3.4 mm. Three materials were tested for the edge strips: polypropylene (PP) machined from sheets; polyethylene (PE) machined from sheets; and extruded PE: The sample deposition plate was 60 mm wide and with a thickness of 2.6 mm. Testing was conducted at room temperature and at 70 °C. Results of the testing are provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1

[0051 ] While the above description provides examples of one or more apparatuses or methods, it will be appreciated that other apparatuses or methods may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1 . An apparatus for covering a plate edge of a deposition plate of an electrolytic electrode assembly, the apparatus comprising:

at least one guide member adapted for installation along at least a first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge;

an edge strip comprising an elongate body, a first slot formed on an inner side of the body, and a second slot formed on an outer side of the body; and

a spreader bar,

wherein the first slot of the edge strip comprises a pair of inner jaws, and is sized and shaped to slidingly receive the plate edge and the guide member,

wherein the second slot of the edge strip comprises a pair of outer jaws, and is sized and shaped to receive the spreader bar in interference engagement, and

wherein the spreader bar urges the outer jaws apart causing a dimension between the inner jaws to decrease for bearing against the deposition plate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first slot of the edge strip further comprises a first notch for accommodating the at least one guide member installed along the first face of the deposition plate.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first notch is defined between inner and outer first shoulders of the first slot, the inner and outer first shoulders for bearing against the first face of the deposition plate.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first notch is spaced across from a wall of the first slot, the wall for bearing against a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first slot of the edge strip further comprises a second notch for accommodating the at least one guide member installed along a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second notch is defined between inner and outer second shoulders of the first slot, the inner and outer second shoulders for bearing against the second face of the deposition plate.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein edge surfaces of the inner jaws are generally orthogonal to the deposition plate.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein edge surfaces of the inner jaws are at an obtuse angle relative to the deposition plate.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one guide member comprises at least one pin for registration with a corresponding hole of the deposition plate to position the at least one guide member on the first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one guide member comprises a plurality of pins for registration with a corresponding plurality of holes of the deposition plate.

1 1 . The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one guide member comprises a first guide member installed along the first face, and a second guide member installed along the second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , further comprising a connector joining the first and second guide members, the connector extending through the holes of the deposition plate.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the spreader bar has a cross section that is complementary to a cross section of the second slot, and is sized so that a dimension between the outer jaws is increased when the spreader bar is received in the second slot.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the spreader bar has a cross section that is generally circular, and the second slot has a profile that is a generally circular segment greater than a semicircle.

15. An apparatus for covering a plate edge of a deposition plate of an electrolytic electrode assembly, the deposition plate comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from one another adjacent to the plate edge, the apparatus comprising:

a guide member comprising an elongate guide body and a plurality of pins aligned along one side thereof, each of the pins arranged for registration with a corresponding one of the holes of the deposition plate so that the guide member is installable by inserting the pins in the holes to position the guide member on the first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge;

an edge strip comprising an elongate edge body, a first slot formed on an inner side of the edge body, and a second slot formed on an outer side of the edge body; and

a spreader bar,

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first slot of the edge strip further comprises a first notch for accommodating the guide member installed along the first face of the deposition plate.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first notch is defined between inner and outer first shoulders of the first slot, the inner and outer first shoulders for bearing against the first face of the deposition plate.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first notch is spaced across from a wall of the first slot, the wall for bearing against a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face.

19. In combination:

an electrolytic electrode assembly comprising a deposition plate, the deposition plate comprising at least one plate edge; and

at least one of the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18 mounted on the deposition place to cover the at least one plate edge.

20. A method of covering a plate edge of a deposition plate of an electrolytic electrode assembly, the method comprising:

installing at least one guide member along at least a first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge;

sliding an edge strip along the plate edge so that a first slot of the edge strip receives the plate edge and the guide member; and

engaging a spreader bar within a second slot of the edge strip to cause a dimension between inner jaws of the first slot to decrease to bear against the deposition plate.

21 . The method of claim 20, further comprising providing the at least one guide member with pins, and providing the deposition plate with holes, and wherein the step of installing further comprises inserting the pins into the holes to position the at least one guide member on the first face of the deposition plate adjacent to the plate edge.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21 , wherein the step of installing further comprises installing a plurality of the at least one guide member in alignment along the first face of the deposition plate.

23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the step of installing comprises installing a plurality of the at least one guide member along the first face and a second face of the deposition plate opposite from the first face.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising connecting at least one guide member on the first face with at least one guide member on the second face.

25. An apparatus and/or a method comprising any combination of one or more of the features described above and/or claimed above and/or illustrated in the drawings.