US 4,715,934 A · Process and apparatus for separating metals from solutions

Abstract

Process and apparatus for separating metal from a solution in which the metal has been dissolved by use of an electrochemical cell having a cathode electrode with a metal-collecting face. A substantial centrifugal force is applied to the metal-collecting face, the centrifugal force having a substantial component in a direction perpendicular to an outward from said face, whereby metal is deposited on said face as nodules of substantially uniform shape and size. The above may be utilized in a continuous electrowinning process where the nodules are permitted to grow until they reach a size where, under the action of the centrifugal force, they break off from the metal-collecting face and are removed from the cell or may be used in a storage battery and in particular in connection with the charging thereof.

Claims39

Dependent claims

A process for depositing a metal from a solution containing said metal onto a metal-collecting face of a cathode electrode, said cathode electrode and an anode electrode, mounted with a face substantially parallel to said metal-collecting face, forming part of an electrochemical cell, comprising the steps of:

providing said solution to said cell at least in the area thereof between said electrodes;
applying a substantial centrifugal force to said electrodes and said solution, said force having a substantial component in a direction perpendicular to and outward from the metal collecting face;
and
applying an electric current to said electrodes.

1 more element

Apparatus for depositing a metal from an electrolyte solution containing ions of the metal comprising:

a cell rotatable about an axis;
at least one cathode electrode having a metal-collecting face;
at least one anode electrode having an inner face;
means for mounting said electrodes in said cell with said metal-collecting face of said cathode and said inner face of said anode substantially parallel to each other and spaced by a predetermined distance, said cathode being mounted closer to said cell axis than said anode and said electrodes being oriented in the cell such that, when said cell is rotated, the resulting centrifugal force has a substantial component in a direction perpendicular to said faces and directed outward and away from said metal-collecting face;
means for providing said elecrolyte solution to said cell at least in the area between said electrodes;
means for rotating said cell about its axis at a rate sufficient to cause a substantial centrifugal force to be applied to said metal-collecting face, said electrodes and electrolyte being rotated with said cell;
and
means for applying an electric current to said electrodes.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Process and apparatus for separating metals from solutions

Life of this patent

Process and apparatus for separating metals from solutions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims39