Cathode structure for electrolytic apparatus employing impellers
OwnerAlbert E. Tolle, Jr.inventor
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Abstract
An apparatus for electrolytically extracting metals from salts in solution including a novel cathode structure which greatly increases the rate of extraction is disclosed. More specifically, the novel cathode structure comprises a shaft having a plurality of flexible circular members mounted in spaced relation thereon. The members have impellers thereon for circulating the solution about the anodes and cathodes. The concave members are sufficiently flexible that they may be easily everted so as to cause the metal deposited thereon to pop off. One preferred embodiment includes a tube inlet which prevents plating of silver in a connected feed tank.
Claims5
An apparatus for electrolytically extracting metal from salts in a solution on a continuous basis comprising:
- a. tank means containing
- i. electrically non-conductive conduit means connected thereto for conveying said solution from holding tank means to said tank means, a portion of said conduit means being located above the surface of the solution contained in said tank means to prevent electrical contact between said tank means and said holding tank means, and
- ii. drain outlet means located a distance beneath said portion of said conduit means to prevent said portion of said conduit means from being totally immersed in said solution,
- b. an electrically conductive shaft means extending into said solution in said tank means,
- c. a plurality of annular spacer means mounted on said shaft means,
- d. a plurality of electrically conductive cathode member means rigidly mounted along said shaft means and maintained in spaced relation along the length thereof by said spacer means, said cathode member means being mounted so that the principal planes of said cathode member means are perpendicular to said shaft means, said cathode member means having impeller means connected thereto for circulating said solution about said cathode member means,
- e. means for rotating said shaft means and said circular cathode member means,
- f. at least one elongated anode member means extending into said solution in said tank means adjacent the peripheral edges of said cathode member means, and
- g. means for applying a DC voltage between said cathode member means and said anode member means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.