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Title:
A CATHODE PLATE DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/005147
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an edge protection (7) intended to be used in electrolysis for purification of copper, wherein an anode and a cathode are immersed in an electrolytic solution (2) and wherein current is supplied to the cathode (1), which is a negative pole, and the anode is a positive pole, whereby impure copper, after collecting electrons, becomes pure copper and sticks to the cathode (1), which is an outspread plate formation, wherein the edge protection (7) in use is placed over and around an edge (9) at at least one free side (5,6) of the cathode plate (1). The edge protection (7) comprises at least an elongated first portion (11) mounted to the cathode (1) for receiving and retaining at least a second elongated portion (12), which covers the edge of the cathode at a surface area (10) on each side (5,6) of the cathode plate (1), on each side (19,20) of the cathode plate's (1) edge, and an edge surface (9), substantially perpendicularly arranged relative to the cathode plate surfaces (10).

Inventors:
FAHLGREN ERIK (SE)
Application Number:
PCT/SE2019/050629
Publication Date:
January 02, 2020
Filing Date:
June 27, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
TEAMX AB (SE)
International Classes:
C25C7/02; C25C1/12; B23K103/12
Domestic Patent References:
WO2003074767A12003-09-12
Foreign References:
CN106435649A2017-02-22
US20060289301A12006-12-28
US20020031709A12002-03-14
US4288312A1981-09-08
Other References:
See also references of EP 3814550A4
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ZACCO SWEDEN AB (SE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An edge protection (7)

intended to be used in electrolysis for purification of copper, wherein an anode and a cathode are immersed in an electrolytic solution (2) and wherein current is supplied to the cathode (1), which is a negative pole, and the anode is a positive pole, whereby impure copper, after collecting electrons, becomes pure copper and sticks to the cathode (1), which is an outspread plate formation, wherein the edge protection (7) in use is placed over and around an edge (9) at at least one free side (5,6) of the cathode plate (1) characterised in that

the edge protection (7) comprises

at least an elongated first portion (11) made of metal and mounted to the cathode (1), attached to the cathode (1) by welding (18) or soldering for receiving and retaining at least a second elongated portion (12), which covers the edge of the cathode at a surface area (10) on each side (5,6) of the cathode plate (1), on each side (19,20) of the cathode plate's (1) edge, and an edge surface (9), substantially perpendicularly arranged relative to the cathode plate surfaces (10).

2. An edge protection according to claim 1

characterised in that

at least a first portion (11) is mounted on the cathode disc's (1) edge surface (9) at the cathode disc's edge (10) for receiving and retaining the second portion

(12).

3. An edge protection according to claim 2

characterised in that

at least two elongated first portions (11) are mounted on the cathode disc's (1) edge surface (9) at the cathode disc's edge (10) for receiving and retaining the second portion (12).

4. An edge protection according to claim 1

characterised in that

at least two elongated first portions (11) are mounted on the cathode disc's (1) plane opposing surfaces (19,20) at the cathode disc's edge (9) for receiving and retaining the second portion (12).

5. An edge protection according to any one of claims 1-4

characterised in that

the portion or portions (11) that are mounted on the cathode (1) are fastened onto the cathode by spot welding.

6. An edge protection according to any one of claims 1-4

characterised in that

the portion or portions (11 ) that are mounted on the cathode (1) are continuously welded onto the cathode by laser welding.

7. An edge protection according to any one of claims 1-6

characterised in that

the second portion (12) is made of a current-insulated material*

8. An edge protection according to claim 7

characterised in that

the second portion (12) is made of a plastic material that is resiliently dimensionally stable.

9. An edge protection according to any one of claims 1-8

characterised in that

the first portion/portions (11 ) comprise a first formation (1 1.1 ) and the second portion/portions (12) comprise a second formation 11.2, wherein the formations (1 1.1 ,1 1.2), when the edge protection 7 is in an operating state, are in locked engagement with each other.

10. An edge protection according to claim 9

characterised in that

the first formation (1 1.1 ) comprises grooves (13) and the second formation (1 1.2) comprises projections (14), or vice versa, which after mounting and in interaction with each other in use of the edge protection (7) are in a locking blocked engagement/interaction with each other.

1 1.An edge protection according to any one of claims or 10

characterised in that

the first formation (1 1.1) and the second formation (1 1.2) are elongated and travel along the first portion/portions (1 1 ) respectively the second portion/portions (12).

12. An edge protection according to any one of claims 10 or 1 1

characterised in that

the groove (13) and the projection (14) each includes a first surface respectively a second surface (15,16), wherein the first surface and the second surface abut against each other when the edge protection (7) is in an operating state and locks the second portion (12) from displacement from the first portion (1 1).

13. A cathode (1) comprising an edge protection (7) according to any one of claims 1 12

Description:
A cathode plate device

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for use with a cathode plate in a process for utilisation of metal, for example copper, by way of electrolysis as defined in the preamble of the independent patent claim 1.

BACKGROUND

Copper is most often found in chalcopyrite and sulfide ores. Silicate, sulfate and carbonate ores also contain copper. Due to the low content of copper in these ores, it is necessary to concentrate them before electrolysis. The methods that are used for concentrating copper ore include heating in oven or reacting them with sulfuric acid.

Electrolysis improves the properties of copper as an electrical conductor. Electric equipment often contains electrolytic copper. Copper is also easy to pull and shape into pipes. Electrolytic copper has undergone refining or purification by means of electrolysis. Purification by means of electrolysis is the simplest way of obtaining pure copper.

In electrolysis, a power source is used for driving a redox reaction in a, for the electrodes, joint electrolytic solution, a solution that can conduct current. The electrolytic solution for example includes cupric sulfate, copper mixed with sulfuric acid. Electrons are added through the cathode, the negative pole. The cathode for example includes stainless steel, pure copper or titanium or a similar agent that is not affected by the current. Here positive ions wander that are reduced by meeting electrons from the surface of the cathode, whereby pure copper sticks to the cathode. Correspondingly, at the anode, which includes impure copper and is the positive pole, oxidation occurs as the negative ions drop off electrons there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention further relates to a device for use in electrolysis of copper to prevent the copper solution that sticks to the cathode plate from growing around the edges of the plate. An edge protection is arranged at the free sides of the cathode plate to prevent growth of a copper layer around the edge portions and facilitate release of copper from the cathode plate. A prior art device includes an edge list with a groove between two lips, the one side of which is adapted to the thickness of the cathode plate. The other side of the list is provided with a groove for an expanding or splitting list. After the edge list has been placed on the edge of the cathode plate, the expanding list is pressed fixedly onto the list. The splitting list presses the lips of the edge list against the sides of the cathode plate, whereby the edge list is kept in place.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

In the following, the invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures, of which

Fig. 1 schematically shows a cathode plate immersed in an electrolyte bath Figs 2-9 show different variants of edge lists DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The cathode plate 1 shown in the figures comprises an outspread plate formation.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a cathode plate 1 immersed in an electrolyte bath 2 for production of copper in a known way. The cathode plate 1 can be made of for example titanium, stainless steel or copper. A suspension device 4 is arranged onto one edge 3 of the cathode plate, in which the cathode plate can be suspended to assume an upright position. The cathode plate's other edges 5, 6, the side edges viewed from an upright position, are provided with edge protection or edge lists 7. The bottom edge 8 can also be arranged with an edge list, but this edge can also be provided with a parting agent, for example wax or a similar agent. The edge protections 7 are configured so that they comprise and encase the cathode plate's edge surfaces 9 and extend at least around the side edges 10 of the cathode plate, which in an active state are placed in the electrolyte bath to prevent copper from sticking and building up around and over the edge 9 of the cathode plate 1.

The edge protection 7 comprises two portions, a first 11 respectively a second 12 portion. In this configuration, the first portion/portions 11 comprise a first formation 11.1 and the second portion/portions 12 comprise a second formation 11.2, where the formations, when the edge protection 7 is in an active operating state, are in locked engagement with each other. The first formation and the second formation are elongated and travel along the first portion/portions 11 respectively the second portion/portions 12.

The first formation comprises grooves 13 and the second formation comprises projections or wedge formations 14, or vice versa, which after mounting and in interaction with each other in use of the edge protection 7 are in a locking blocked engagement/interaction with each other. The groove 13 and the projection 14 each includes a first surface 15 respectively a second surface 16, where the first surface and the second surface abut against each other when the edge protection is in an operating state and prevents the second portion from moving from the first portion and by means of the clamping force that is obtained/arises between the first portion and the cathode plate in a tightening way prevents copper solution that sticks to the cathode plate from growing around the edges of the cathode plate.

The edge protection includes said first elongated portion 11 mounted on the cathode plate 1 as well as a second elongated portion 12 that covers the cathode edge 5,6 at a surface area on each side 5,6 of the cathode plate 1. The first portion 11 includes an elongated list 11 , which with its one longitudinal edge 17 is affixed in the cathode plate 1 , in connection with the cathode plate edge 5,6. The first portion 11 is made of a material allowing it to be fixed to the cathode plate by means of welding with or without weld material, welding with spots or continuous welding or soldering, which is indicated by reference numeral 18 in the figures. The weld can advantageously be applied in the position on the first portion that gives the strongest clamping force, when the first portion is affixed to the cathode plate. The weld can also be applied in several positions along the first portion's edge 17, abutting against the cathode plate. It should hereby appear that a first portion 11 is mounted on both sides 19 and 20, respectively, of the cathode plate 1 , which is a mirroring from the opposite side. The elongated list 11 is bent viewed in its longitudinal direction so that its other edge 17b is at a distance from the cathode plate. The elongated first portion 11 is

advantageously laser-welded to the cathode plate along the entire one longitudinal edge. The advantage of laser welding is that the risk that the cathode plate is deformed or buckle due to heat generation is very low because the heat generation is concentrated to the welded area. The one edge of the first portion 11 is

advantageously continuously welded in order to prevent copper that sticks to the cathode plate 1 from seeking passage between the cathode plate's side 10 and the first portion 11. If this happens, the loosening of the pure copper is hampered.

The elongated first portion's 11 second edge 17b forms a stop boss 21 or engagement edge interacting with the edge protection's second elongated portion 12 for receiving and retaining the second portion.

The edge protection's second portion 12 comprises a material, which advantageously is not electrically conductive, for example various plastic materials, rubber or composite or a combination of these. The material must be dimensionally stable, but allow for a certain springiness, elasticity, to facilitate mounting and to facilitate loosening of the copper layer. When the copper layer is to be loosened, the cathode plate 1 is deformed, and therefore the second portion 12 of the edge protection must follow the deformation of the cathode plate.

A variant of a protection edge is shown in Figs 2-4 and Fig. 8. In this variant, the first elongated portion includes a stop boss in the form of a hook formation 21 or projection formed in its free edge. The hook formation has a projecting portion, a bulge 22 or a barb 23, which is intended to enter into blocking engagement with the edge protection's second portion 12. The second portion 12 of the edge protection is configured with a groove 24 between two wedge formations 14, which protrude from a main portion 25. The wedge formations 14 have been given a shape corresponding to the space that is formed between the hook formation 22,23 and the side 19,20 of the cathode plate. The wedge formation 14 is forced into the space to its active state by the hook formation 22,23 or the projection being able to spring outwards, away from the side 19,20 of the cathode plate. When the wedge 14 has passed the hook formation 22,23 and this has sprung backwards, the wedge , 14 is retained by means of the hook formation 22,23, which enters into blocking engagement with said wedge 14, whereby the second portion 12 is prevented from coming loose from the edge 9 of the cathode plate 1.

Another variant of edge protection is shown in Figs 5-7. In this variant, the elongated first portion 1 1 is welded to the edge surface 9 of the cathode plate, substantially perpendicularly arranged relative to the cathode plate surfaces 19,20. In this variant, the first elongated portion 1 1 can comprise two identical portions 1 1 a, 11 b, which are welded to the cathode plate's edge 9 laterally reversed relative to each other. Said first portion 1 1 can comprise partial sections 1 1z that are attached to the cathode plate, which partial sections form an elongated first portion. To further prevent copper from finding passage between the plate and the first portion, the first portion's second edge can be arranged with a plastic covering or rubber that is vulcanized fixedly after fastening by welding. This further breaks the conductive contact travel between both side faces of the cathode plate so that copper is prevented from sticking. The clamping force of the first portion 1 1 can be of such magnitude that a tool, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanically effective in any other way, must be used for mounting the edge protection. Said tool helps prevent plastic or rubber covering from being damaged during mounting of the other portion.

The edge protection's second elongated portion according to the variant shown in Figs 5-7 has been given a form so that it encompasses the edge 9 of the cathode plate, the edge portion, and at its free edges is provided with grooves 27 and hooks 28 that protrude from a main portion 29, interacting with the hook formation 22,23 of the first portion 1 1. According to this variant, the main portion 29 is configured so that, in its active state and mounted on the cathode plate, a space A is formed between the cathode plate edge 9 and the main portion 29. The space has a size that makes it possible to press the second portion 12 over the cathode plate edge 9, and with the free edges 30 of the second portion further over the hook formations 22,23 of the first portion 11. When the free edge 30 of the second portion has passed over the edges of the first portion 11 , the free edges 30 of the second portion 12 are pressed in under the hook formation 22,23 of the first portion 11 in such a manner that the hook formation is placed in the second portion's grooves 27 and enters into blocking engagement with the groove 27. Thereafter, the main portion 29 springs out from the edge 9 of the cathode plate. In this way, the second elongated portion is prevented from coming loose from the cathode plate edge.

In yet another variant, which is shown in Fig. 9, the first elongated portion 11 forms grooves 13, into which the second elongated portion 12 can be inserted. The second portion has a main portion 25, from which a pair of wedge formations 14 protrude. The wedge formations 14 and the grooves 13 substantially have the same shape. The second portion is mounted by the wedge formations being fitted against the grooves 13 at the first elongated portion's end, which is located in connection with the bottom edge 8 of the cathode plate and is inserted or drawn in along the entire length of the cathode plate until the entire second portion is accommodated by the first portion.

The present invention is not limited to the description above and what is shown in the drawings, but can be amended and modified in a number of different ways within the framework of the intention of the inventive idea set forth in the following claims.