Filter press device for electroplating metal from solutions, which is formed by separating elements formed by ion-exchange membranes, forming a plurality of anolyte and catholyte chambers, the electrodes being connected in series with automatic detachment of the metallic product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for electroplating metal from acidic, neutral or basic solutions having a low or high content of metal dissolved therein. A device is provided for the electrolytic production of metal, in the form of electrolytic metal sheets free from imperfections and impurities. The filter press device is constructed from a plurality of cells connected in series electrically and in parallel hydraulically with the solution, each of the cells comprising, alternately, quadrilateral frames and ion-exchange membranes to form, alternately, anode and cathode compartments.Each compartment allows the free flow of liquid, given that each frame comprises an inlet and an outlet on the outer surface thereof and holes on the inner surface, anolyte or catholyte passing through each compartment and the electrolysed product being discharged from the anolyte compartment or from the catholyte compartment in the form of a metal or a metallic compound. All the electrodes, except the terminal electrodes, are bipolar and designed with a vertical base plate which has a side functioning as an anode with the respective anolyte in a cell unit, and functioning on the other side asa cathode with the respective catholyte in the adjacent cell unit. The outer sides of the terminal electrodes comprise electrical connections for the row of cells, such that the electrodes of adjacent base plates are intercalated without making direct electrical contact with each other, forming a packet of electrode plates.

Description

Background technique [0001] Methods and apparatus for extracting metals from minerals are known in a wide spectrum and the technical literature demonstrates these techniques. [0002] Typically, the final process in the series is electrolytic purification where the copper electrolyte comes from blister copper anodes or recycled scrap metal; or if the copper comes from copper oxide or copper sulfate dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid or other acidic or alkaline medium solution , then the last process in the series is electrolytic deposition (hereinafter also referred to as EW). In the first case, for electrolytic purification, the electrolyte comes from copper sulfide, while in the second case, for electrowinning, the electrolyte comes from solvent extraction (hereinafter also referred to as SX). In both cases, by applying an electric current, dissolved copper is deposited on the surface to form a high-purity cathode. The tanks in which this process is carried out are of...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0016] Not to be overlooked, it should be noted that this type of fluidized bed electrolysis cell has drawbacks such as: mechanical strength of the material supporting the bed, large number of dissolution zones in the bed (due to potential distribution), large particle flow higher pumping costs and tendency to foul membranes, create passivation layers

[0024] Also, prior art cannot operate at higher electrolyte flow rates or lower concentrations of PLS ​​solutions as conceived by hydrodynamic conditions, which involves working at a limited range of current densities, high temperatures and metal concentrations in solution To produce high-quality copper for the cathode, SX operations and a large number of chemical reactants are required, resulting in the huge size of this plant

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