Method and apparatus for removing metal from a metal-laden solution

Abstract

A method and apparatus for removing metal from a metal containing solution employing an electrolytic cell by introducing a plurality of streams of the metal containing solution into the bottom region of the cell at an acute angle to the radius of a right cylindrical cathode in the cell, and withdrawing solution from the bottom region of the cell approximately at the center of the cathode. The streams of metal containing solution flows in spiral paths along the cylindrical cathode from the bottom region of the cell upwardly toward the top region of the cell to create a vortex effect. The processing by electrolytic removal of the metal on the cathode is improved by the continuous replenishment of solution along the cathode. From the top region of the cell the processed solution moves inwardly and falls toward the bottom region of the cell where it is collected into a central pool and removed from the electrolytic cell.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.