Method of superimposing alternating current on direct current in electrolytic methods

A system for superimposing AC over DC, which feeds a group of electrolytic cells for electrowinning or electrorefining copper and other products, comprising:

• (a) a capacitor connected in parallel to the DC source feeding the group of electrolytic cells,
• (b) the secondary winding of an electric transformer connected in series between two consecutive cells of the group of electrolytic cells, and
• (c) an AC source connected in parallel to the primary winding of the electric transformer;
• wherein, in addition to the DC, AC flows through the secondary winding of the transformer and through the group of electrolytic cells, using the capacitor as a circuit path to AC without interfering with the DC source.

A system for superimposing AC over DC, which feeds a group of electrolytic cells for electrowinning or electrorefining copper and other products, comprising:

• (a) a capacitor connected in parallel to the DC source feeding the group of electrolytic cells,
• (b) a fraction of an electric autotransformer winding connected in series between two consecutive cells of the group of electrolytic cells, and
• (c) an AC source connected in parallel to the electric autotransformer winding;
• wherein, in addition to the DC, AC flows through the fraction of auto transformer winding and through the group of electrolytic cells, using the capacitor as a circuit path to AC without interfering with the DC source.

A system for superimposing AC over DC, which feeds a group of electrolytic cells for electrorefining copper and other products, comprising:

• (a) a capacitor connected in parallel to the original DC source of each subgroup of cells,
• (b) the secondary winding of an electric transformer connected in series between two consecutive cells of each subgroup of electrolytic cells, and
• (c) an AC source connected in parallel to the primary winding of the transformers;
• wherein, in addition to the DC, AC flows through the secondary winding of each transformer and each subgroup of electrolytic cells, using the capacitor of each subgroup of cells as a circuit path for the AC without interfering with the DC source.