The invention relates to a system with a self-supporting tubular modular structure, for electrowinning metals, in an operative cell or in a tub, and for recovering organic compounds, which comprises: anodic guides (4) interposed with cathodic guides (3) designed to be secured by tubes, which are attached to an upper tubular frame (53), and tubular feet (7) connected to connector tubes (15, 16, 17, 18), forming a lower longitudinal beam (34), the feet being separated by base cross members (64), wherein the various elements are standardised and connected according to the length and width of the tub or cell, allowing adaptation to the walls of the tub or cell. The invention further relates to a device for separating organic compounds and a method for separating organic compounds.
The present invention is compact and can be easily disassembled and relates to a device that operates using different peripheral devices that allow the detection of various physical and electrical parameters occurring in the operation of an electrowinning or electrorefining cell. The device controls and powers the different peripheral devices, which remotely or directly report to the cell operator. The device draws energy from a single pair of electrodes (anode and cathode) to power itself and all the peripheral devices connected to it. The device comprises a capsule (32) for protecting the electronics, an electronic chip (11) for control and communication, an electronic chip (13) for communicating with the peripheral devices, an energy-capturing cable (2), cables (7 and 8) for powering and communicating with the different peripheral devices, and a control algorithm.
The present invention relates to a device for measuring the level of fluids with a high load of solutes and corrosive substances, which comprises a level-measuring body (1), limited at its ends by an upper cover (2) and a lower cover (3), wherein the upper cover is secured to an electrolytic cell by means of a device attachment support (30), and wherein the lower cover (3) communicates the environment outside the fluid with a pressure sensor (31) and a temperature sensor (32) that are located in the lower cover (3), the lower cover (3) also housing a level-sensing PCB (4), a support (6) for the level-sensing PCB and a pressure sensor support (5).
G01F 23/04 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by dip members, e.g. dip-sticks
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
4.
PERIPHERAL FLOW METER DEVICE WITH TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN ELECTROLYTE
The present invention relates to a flow meter for fluids with a high load of solutes and corrosives, which comprises: a flow meter body (13); a flow meter throat (2); and two retention valves (12) of the body, positioned before and after the flow meter throat, to measure differential pressures, the valves being connected to two retention valves (10) of a panel, which separate easily from each other, to remove a quick-couple casing, thereby preventing fluid from exiting the body of same. Subsequently, the two retention valves (10) of the panel enter the quick-couple casing (9) and connect to two linear hoses (67), which are supported on two hose anti-choke elements (5), said anti-choke elements connecting the hoses to two membrane chambers (4), which detect and transmit the differential pressure measurements to a PCB-type electronic chip (8).
G01F 1/34 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure
G01F 1/36 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure the pressure or differential pressure being created by the use of flow constriction
G01F 1/38 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure the pressure or differential pressure being created by the use of flow constriction the pressure or differential pressure being measured by means of a movable element, e.g. diaphragm, piston, Bourdon tube or flexible capsule
G01F 1/40 - Details of construction of the flow constriction devices
G01F 1/48 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure the pressure or differential pressure being created by a capillary element
G01F 1/76 - Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
G01F 1/86 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure
G01F 1/88 - Indirect mass flowmeters, e.g. measuring volume flow and density, temperature, or pressure with differential-pressure measurement to determine the volume flow
G01L 13/02 - Devices or apparatus for measuring differences of two or more fluid pressure values using elastically-deformable members or pistons as sensing elements
G05D 16/04 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power
G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
The invention relates to a pivoting anode trap device, for use in electrowinning and electrorefining, comprising frames with or without cathode guides, for exposing the largest possible surface area of the anode and for improving the seeding thereof. This device comprises two components, the first component being anchored to the structure of the frame and mechanically linked to the second, pivoting trap component, and the second component comprising three structural parts, where, on one side, it captures or supports the lower corner of the anode and, on the opposite side, it rests against the basin. At the end furthest from the contact with the anode, the device is anchored to the frame by means of the first anchor component, in such a way that it operates freely as a type of pivot. The three parts of the second component are interlinked to form a "V"-shaped surface which positions and traps the anode, and which floats when the latter is not present.
C25B 9/00 - Cells or assemblies of cellsConstructional parts of cellsAssemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assembliesProcess-related cell features
The present invention relates to an edge protection device, for use in devices with or without cathode rails in a frame system (SELE®), with the aim of avoiding cathode sleeving. If used jointly with the rail it prevents the rail from breaking when sowing, since there is plastic/plastic interaction rather than plastic/metal interaction and facilitates cathode harvesting because it avoids sleeving thereof, the cathode is easily removed from the rail without breaking it. The edge protection device is available in two configurations: "U" type edge protection and "H" type edge protection. The opposite side of the "U" type edge protection has a convex shape and/or the "H" type edge protection has a slot in which to insert an element (rodon) which adjusts the area that interacts with the cathodic edge. Its general dimensions allow it to interact with different elements that serve to position the electrodes in the electro-obtainment cells, such as rails, spacers, etc., without modifying them.
C25C 1/00 - Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of solutions
7.
SYSTEM HAVING A SELF-SUPPORTING STRUCTURE THAT CAN BE ASSEMBLED BY PIECES AND CAN BE ADAPTED TO THE SPACE FOR THE ELECTROWINNING OF METALS, BOTH IN AN ALREADY OPERATIONAL CELL OR IN A TANK (SELLE NG); ASSEMBLY METHOD; AND SLUDGE REMOVAL METHOD
The invention relates to a system having a self-supporting structure that can be assembled by pieces and can be adapted to the space for the electrowinning of metals, both in an already operational cell or in a tank (SELLE NG), characterised in that it comprises the following pieces disposed in the system from top to bottom in the following manner: a plurality of upper longitudinal beams (3); a plurality of accessory support bars (87); a plurality of lower longitudinal beams (4); a plurality of base crossbars (5); a plurality of structural cathode guides (1); a plurality of structural anode guides (2); a plurality of general connectors; and a plurality of slime-trapping trays (95). The invention also relates to an assembly method and to a sludge removal method.
A device for distributing electrolyte from the base of the cell comprising an inlet for the electrolyte via an elbow (1), a flexible tube (2), an inlet tube (4), a triple distributor (5), two lateral linear tubes (7) and a central linear tube (8), three individual lines through the two lateral inlet elbows (9) and a central inlet elbow (10), the individual lines possessing spray nozzles (13), and said lines also finishing in the two lateral safety valves and the central safety valve, respectively; and a method for cleaning the device.
The invention relates to a sliding cathode guide device forming a continuous channel comprising three well-defined zones, such as a head, a channel zone and a lower support zone. Said device, in the head zone, is designed in the form of a funnel for guiding the cathode as it descends, and has a head extension that allows it to be attached to the supporting structure. The head zone is filled with aggregate/polymer of the thermoformable resin type, and has holes for fixing the guide. In the channel zone, the depth of the guide is constant with the exception of an area in the form of an elbow where the channel is between 20% and 70% deeper. The lower support zone has two types of configuration that allow the distal part of the channel to be fixed and channelled.
The invention relates to a structure for holding anode and cathode guides, comprising a resistant framework of two longitudinal vertical walls and two transverse vertical walls which are joined together, wherein the longitudinal vertical walls are made of a polymer material and comprise regularly interspaced vertical ribs that are uninterrupted in the lower area of the longitudinal vertical wall, as well as horizontal ribs that are interrupted between the vertical ribs, wherein the longitudinal vertical walls, in turn, comprise substantially rectangular peripheral openings, and wherein a lower portion of same, arranged below the horizontal ribs, is closed. A series of base cross-members are joined to the longitudinal vertical walls, coincidentally with the vertical ribs. Each cross-member comprises a central opening, perforations for the passage of electrolyte distribution pipes, and symmetrical vertical extensions of the cross-section thereof on the ends thereof, which bear the entirety of the vertical forces exerted on the structure.
The invention relates to a sliding anode guide device consisting of a continuous channel comprising three well-defined zones, such as a head, a channel zone and a clamp zone. Said device, in the head zone, is designed in the form of a funnel for guiding the anode as it descends, and has a head extension that allows it to be attached to the supporting structure. In the channel zone, the depth of the guide is constant with the exception of an area in the form of an elbow where the channel is between 20% and 70% deeper. In the clamp zone, the guide comprises a mini-funnel and a gripping element for fixing the anode.
The anodes currently used to refine non-ferrous metals by electrolysis are melted onto a mould with extensions in the upper region thereof, used to support the anode in the electrolytic cell. Said extensions are arranged above the level of the electrolyte so they do not participate in the refining process, and must be remelted with the rest of the residual anode, at the end of the production cycle. This means recycling between 15 and 25 % of the used anodes. The portion of metal to be refined of the anode of the invention is situated below the level of the electrolyte and is supported in the cell by means of a partially covered metal bar joined to bars which extend inside the portion of the metal to be refined, said metal being added to the bars, in a melted state, in order to form the anode. At the end of the production cycle, the support is removed with the remainder of the metal, it is placed in a mould and a new melted metal is emptied directly thereonto until a new anode is made. The invention prevents the residual anode from having to be melted, reducing the quantity of recycled metal.
It is very important that problems that occur to the interior of metal-producing electrolytic cells are viewed in a timely manner because it allows solutions to be implemented in order to avoid production losses, before the situation deteriorates. Attempts have been made to view the inside of metal-producing electrolytic cells using small video cameras submerged in the electrolyte, that require an electrical power supply via cables. This is not only inconvenient but also poses a risk of electrocution due to the presence of currents in wet and aggressive environments (with acid or basic mists), at temperatures of 50°C or higher, and in areas where personnel circulate. In addition, the electrical currents circulating in the electrolytic cells generate very intense magnetic fields that greatly distort the images displayed on the cathode ray tube screens. In order to view the interior of the metal-producing electrolytic cells, we have designed a portable submersible viewing device consisting of at least one mini digital video camera that is sensitive to a wide spectrum of wavelengths and which is rigidly mounted on the interior of a sealed and leaktight compartment. Said compartment has a transparent window in front of the lens and is securely joined to a telescopic or fixed-length tube having a handle for the manipulation thereof. The mini digital video cameras used in this invention are connected, by means of cables having universal serial connectors, to a portable battery-powered computer, portable tablet, or similar, which provides energy for the operation of said cameras and for simultaneous illumination, allowing the images of the interior of the cell captured by the cameras to be displayed in detail on the screen. This eliminates the problems of image distortion and the problems caused by the power-supply cables, and facilitates working with tools inside the cell, thereby solving any problems before it is necessary to suspend operation.
Microporous or perforated air-sparging tubes, which are housed in the floor of electrolytic cells for producing metals, are vulnerable to breaks and physical damage as a result of being struck accidentally by anodes or cathodes or the premature separation of the cathodic deposit, as well as to damage caused by operations carried out inside the cells. As a result of this damage, as a minimum air sparging must be stopped, reducing the quality of the metal produced, or the production process must be stopped for repair work to be carried out, resulting in production losses. The valves of the system are housed at the air inlet of the front and rear distributors, as well as at both ends of each of the microporous or perforated tubes, and each of the tubes can be isolated from the system and continue air sparging even if one or more of said tubes are broken or damaged, such that production without air sparging occurs less frequently and operation shutdowns for damage repair are less common, thereby reducing production losses. The operating method begins with the detection of the air injection line that has failed, followed by the shutting-off of the front and rear valves of said line, and subsequently the carrying out of a visual inspection to check that bubble size and homogeneity have been re-established.
This development consists in a sphere deflector, for use in electrolytic cells for metal production. The purpose of this deflector is to prevent saturation of the perforations in the perforated plates for retention of the spheres (used in the reduction of the acid mist), which reduce the flows and performance of the pumps, requiring, on occasion, halting of the process in order to clean said elements. By installing a sphere deflector of this type at the entry to the spent electrolyte tank, the design of the retention mesh, together with the bevelled edges of the frame thereof and the use of separators for holding the mesh at a specific distance from the wall of the cell where the tank is located, the spheres can be prevented from being entrained or from blocking the holes in the mesh, thereby preventing the spheres from compromising operation, as disclosed in figure 10.
The invention relates to a partial protection cover for a porous tube or microporous hose (5) used for ventilation, said cover partially protecting against corrosion in electrolytic cells for metal production. The cover can consist of: a lower semi-cylindrical blanket (4) having two vertical side walls tangential at the point of intersection of the diametral plane; or an outer concentric tube (4) having longitudinal vertical incisions or longitudinal radial planar incisions which form a dihedral angle of 90 sexagesimal degrees, symmetrical with the longitudinal vertical plane of the tube or hose (5), said incisions being made in the upper zone of the protective cover.
C25C 7/00 - Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cellsServicing or operating of cells
17.
CATHODES WITH PERIMETER EDGES AND ROUNDED CORNERS FACILITATING THE INSERTION THEREOF INTO CATHODE GUIDES OF A REMOVABLE INSULATING STRUCTURE USED TO FIX THE POSITION OF ANODES AND CATHODES
The invention relates to a utility model to be used in cells for electrically producing metals that contain a removable insulating structure for the ordered positioning of the cathodes and the anodes by means of conveniently spaced guides. The invention consists in rounding the live edges of the cathodes so that the insertion thereof into the guides is smoother, jam-free, and does not cause any deterioration of the guides.
Metal production processes carried out in electrolytic cells release two-phase or three-phase aerosol flows into the environment, comprising microdrops of the electrolyte components from which the metals are produced, one of said components generally being an acid or a strong base. The complications of said aerosols are multiple and affect the production operators, structures and equipment. The operators must therefore protect their respiratory system by using masks and protect their eyes with glasses. The structures are affected by corrosion, as is the equipment required for the process and the handling of inputs and products. The measures currently taken to mitigate the problems involve placing expanded polystyrene spheres or other substances on the surface of the electrolytes, and installing extraction systems in the cells, which, in turn, generate other problems, as the surface of the cell remains in contact with the environment. The invention involves enclosing the upper area of the anodes by means of a sleeve of fabric open at the upper and lower ends thereof that are arranged inside single bells with lateral openings facing openings of perforated extraction ducts arranged on both sides of the cell, in a supporting structure of anodes and cathodes that are connected to the normal extraction system of the production plant, thereby preventing the aerosols from reaching the environment.
In electrolytic cells for metal production the zone above the free surface of the electrolyte is confined in a compartmentalized manner by means of the insertion of an Anodic confiner over each anode with lateral flexible skirts (2) that are sealed over the vertical faces of both electrodes when the cathodes are introduced in the cell. The ends of the confined volume face the orífices of perforated extraction ducts, located on both sides of the cell or of an anode and cathode support structure introduced in the interior of the cell. The ducts that are connected to the normal extraction system of the production bay, thus preventing the gases containing micro drops of an acid or strong base components of the electrolyte from reaching the environment.
In the electroplating of metals, the use of anodes having surfaces that have been increased by means of protuberances on the faces thereof increases the possibility of short-circuits occurring by reducing the anode-cathode distance, said protuberances being intended to improve current efficiency. A similar effect is produced with the use of anode meshes which increase the possibility of short-circuits occurring, along with the associated disastrous consequences, owing to the flexibility thereof. The present invention solves these problems by increasing the surface of the anode with the provision of multiple perforations that extend through the planar surfaces thereof or through the use of a reinforcing frame when anode meshes are employed.
Current systems for electrolyte agitation in cells for producing metals by electrolysis consist in introducing, into the production cells, air or inert gases compressed at low pressure in fans and in distributing said air or inert gases in the cell by means of perforated tubes in order to agitate the electrolyte, which tubes are securely fixed against the structure of the cell, or against a supporting structure of insulating material in the case of cells of novel design. In the course of use, crystallization of salts dissolved in the electrolyte and the deposition of solids and of anodic sludge obstruct the perforations in the tubes, restricting the circulation of the electrolyte-agitation air. During cell operation, breakdowns or failures occur in the fans, distribution ducts and perforated tubes of this system for a variety of reasons, the repair or cleaning whereof involving a loss of production time. The in situ generation of gases by electrolysis, by means of the electrical energization of one or more conductor circuits located beneath the anodes and cathodes and mounted in conventional cells or in an independent supporting structure, in which the anodes and cathodes are installed, allows electrolyte agitation and a reduction in the negative effect of the foundary layer in a simple manner and without complications in the air-injection systems. In this way, the quality of the cathode deposit is, further, enhanced, distribution of the weight of the cathodes is improved and energy efficiency is better. Production time lost during cleaning and repairs to the air-injection system is also reduced since such work is simpler to perform when replacing the fans and the perforated ducts with electrical conductors.
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