Patent Application
20240279832
The present invention is developed in the field of hydrometallurgy, specifically it refers to insulating edge covers for the edges of cathode plates for electro-refining or electro-winning processes, which allow inhibiting the metal deposit, facilitating the detachment of said metallurgy. deposited metal, and prevents or minimizes unwanted slipping of the cathode plates when they are supported and/or moved on a surface.
In electrolytic processes for copper production, the permanent cathodes correspond to the negative pole of the process, which consist of a conductive bar and a stainless steel or titanium plate or plate that is suspended by the conductive bar at one of its ends. These cathodes are placed inside a solution of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid, in advance called “electrolyte”, where by circulating a direct current, metallic copper is deposited on the surface of the cathodes.
The first permanent cathodes for electrolytic processes were made entirely of titanium, both the conductive bar and the plate, since at that time it was a proven element with resistance to corrosion and with excellent characteristics for the subsequent separation or detachment of the metal plate obtained.
Subsequently, due to the high cost of titanium cathodes, the technology of permanent cathodes made with copper conductor bar and stainless steel sheet, preferably type 316 and Duplex, was developed. The conductive bar and the stainless steel plate are joined by a welding method.
Through the permanent cathodes, the metal is recovered in a process that includes sowing and harvesting them in electrolytic cells.
During the process, metal can accumulate near or on the edges of the plates, making it difficult and difficult to lift the metal deposit from the plate. In order to avoid the metal deposit in the areas of the edges of the cathode plates, wax has been placed on said edges to inhibit the metal deposit, facilitating the detachment. In particular, in the case of the lower edge, the sidewalk is commonly applied to both sides of the plate in a strip 15 to 20 mm wide from the lower edge of the plate, to inhibit metal deposition in that area and to facilitate removal. takeoff. however, the wax on the cathode plate contaminates the deposited metal, since wax residues remain that compromise the quality of the metal, and can also contaminate the electrolyte and cathode peeling machines. When wax residues remain on the deposited metal, it is necessary to clean it by burning the wax, for example, using flame cutting. Said cleaning process generates, in turn, a local contamination in the work, being risky for the operators who are in the place.
The wax can be replaced by edge covers or edge protectors that are placed on the edges of the cathode plates to inhibit metal deposition, preventing buildup near or on the edges and contamination of the deposited metal.
In the state of the art, it is possible to find different types of edge covers or edge protectors for cathode plates, among which document U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,798 can be mentioned, which discloses a cathode for electrowinning that includes protective edges on its lateral sides and side. bottom, where the contact areas between the horizontal protective edge and the vertical protective edges are joined by adhesive to prevent the entry of electrolyte in the corners; and corner protectors at the corners of the cathode to protect the contact zones between the protective edges, wherein the corner protectors have an L-shape with an interior channel that allows receiving the protective edges in the contact zones.
Another document that can be cited corresponds to document U.S. Pat. No. 9,139,922 which teaches an assembly to protect the sides of a cathode plate, comprising a first and second lateral edge that covers the vertical sides of the plate; a bottom edge that covers the bottom side of the plate and comprises beveled ends and an elongated slot, wherein the bottom edge is attached, at its ends, to each end of the side edges by a connector and said attachment is covered by finger guards. corner. The assembly seeks to provide a new configuration of edge protectors to ensure that excessive buildup of copper does not occur on the sides of cathode plates.
Another document that can be considered is the document CL202003152 that describes an edge protector to cover the sides of a cathode plate, comprising a first and a second lateral edge that cover the vertical sides of the plate; a bottom edge covering the underside of the plate and comprising beveled ends and an elongated groove, the bottom edge being attached, at its ends, to each end of the side edges by an insert and said attachment being covered by overmoldings seal the corners. This edge protector seeks to provide a new edge configuration to ensure a seal between the edges and the sides of the board to prevent electrolyte from entering into and around the edges.
Despite the fact that the existence of multiple edge covers or edge protectors can be verified to inhibit the metal deposit on the cathode plates, the problem of unwanted sliding of the cathode plates has not been addressed in the state of the art. cathodes when they are supported and/or moved on a surface when elements are used to protect the edges of plates, which makes handling of the cathodes difficult, in particular, during the detachment process, where the cathodes are commonly transported to a cathode detachment machine, to carry out the process automatically, where the lower edge of the cathodes is supported on a chain, of the cathode detachment machine, for transport, where the use of protection elements of the edges generate undesired slippage that displaces the cathodes from their required position for takeoff, making it necessary to manually adjust the position of the cathode during the process, decreasing productivity.
In the take-off machines currently used, a transfer chain is used that comprises parallel links separated from each other by a regular distance defining parallel spaces designed to fit the lower edge of the cathode plates so that said plates are trapped in said spaces. parallels. Due to the fact that the design considers that the plates do not use edge protectors or lower edge covers, in this case, the plates cannot be caught in the parallel spaces of the transfer chain of the take-off machines, causing undesired sliding of the plates. of cathodes when they are supported or transferred on said chain.
The invention refers to an insulating edge cover for the edges of cathode plates for electro-refining or electro-winning processes, which allow inhibiting the metal deposit on the edges of the plate, facilitating the detachment of said deposited metal, from the cathode plates, and prevents or minimizes unwanted slipping of the cathode plates when they are supported and/or moved on a surface.
The edge cover corresponds to a U-type edge cover made up of two lateral edge covers; a bottom edge cover; and two corner edge covers that each join one end of each lateral edge cover with the ends of the lower edge cover, such that each corner edge cover is joined to one end of a lateral edge cover and to one end of the cover bottom edge. The edge cover allows to protect the lower edge, side edges and the lower corners of the cathode plate.
In its lower part, the edge cover comprises an anti-slip system that corresponds to at least one anti-slip element arranged in the lower edge cover, in the corner edge covers or in both. The non-slip element is made of a material that prevents the iron from slipping. During transport of the cathode, with the plate resting on a surface, the non-slip element is deformed, making it possible to improve the grip on said surface, avoiding slipping or unwanted movements. The anti-slip elements are placed under pressure in grooves made in the lower part of the edge cover, ensuring the position of said anti-slip elements. The anti-slip elements can be used in multiple cycles in electro-refining or electro-winning processes, and can last for at least 8 months. The use time of the anti-slip elements may vary depending on the operating conditions and maintenance methods of the stainless steel cathodes.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this description and further illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, where it is seen that:
The present invention refers to an insulating edge cover to be used in permanent cathodes (1) for electro-refining or electro-winning processes, which comprise a conductive bar (2) attached to the upper edge of a plate (3) of stainless steel or titanium. The edge cover is designed to be placed on the edges and lower corners of the plate (3) of cathodes (1) to inhibit the deposit of metal in said areas of the plate (3) facilitating the detachment of said deposited metal, from the plates (3) of the cathodes (1).
As shown in
Each lateral edge cover (4) is formed by an elongated body with a length that makes it possible to at least partially cover the edge or lateral side of the plate (3) of the cathode (1), comprising a first slot, preferably rectangular, that extends along one side of said lateral edge cover (4), where said first slot is inserted into the lateral edge or side of the plate (3) of the cathode (1), fixing the position of the lateral edge cover (4) of so that the plate (3) is perfectly adjusted in said first slot, as shown in
The lower edge cover (5) is formed by an elongated body with a length that allows it to cover the lower edge of the cathode plate (3), comprising a first slot, preferably rectangular, that extends along one side of said lower edge cover (5), where said first slot is inserted into the lower edge of the plate (3) of the cathode (1), fixing the position of the lower edge cover (5) so that the plate (3) is perfectly adjusted in said first slot. The lower edge cover (5) adheres to the plate (3) of the cathode (1) by means of the pressure exerted by the walls of the first groove against the metal of said plate (3). In one embodiment, the lower edge cover (5) has a width of approximately 27 mm. In one embodiment, the first slot is an open rectangular pocket having a width of 3 mm and a depth of 10 mm.
The side edge covers (4) and the lower edge cover (5) are placed on the respective edges of the plate (3) of the cathode (1) so that an area of the lower corners of the plate (3) is uncovered, allowing a corner edge cover (6) to be placed in each corner to join the corresponding ends of a side edge cover (4) and a lower edge cover (5). In one embodiment, the distance from the bottom edge of the plate (3) to the nearest end of a side edge cover (4) is at least the depth of the first slot of the bottom edge cover (5). In one embodiment, the distance from the lateral edge or side of the plate (3) to the closest end of the lower edge cover (6) is at least the depth of the first groove of a lateral edge cover (4).
In one embodiment, the side edge covers (4) also comprise a second slot, preferably cylindrical, which is diametrically opposite to the first slot, which extends along the body of each side edge cover (4). The second slot allows a rod (8) to be inserted to adjust the first slot to the plate (3) of the cathode (1), making the walls of the first slot come closer, increasing the pressure or tightening of said walls, favoring adhesion. from the side edge covers (4) to the plate (3) of the cathode (1). In one embodiment, the second slot is cylindrical having a diameter of 9 mm, which defines a circular housing, where the rodon (8) has a greater diameter than the second slot so that said rodon (8) is inserted under pressure in said second slot to prevent the side edge cover (4) from coming off, even when it is subjected to different stresses during the detachment process. In one embodiment, the rodon (8) is made of rubber.
In one embodiment, the lower edge cover (5) also comprises a second slot, preferably cylindrical, which is diametrically opposite to the first slot, which extends along the body of the lower edge cover (5). The second slot allows a rod (9) to be inserted to adjust the first slot to the plate (3) of the cathode (1), making the walls of the first slot come closer, increasing the pressure or tightening of said walls, favoring adhesion. from the lower edge cover (5) to the plate (3) of the cathode (1). In one embodiment, the second groove is cylindrical having a diameter of 9 mm, which defines a circular housing, wherein the rod (9) has a greater diameter than the second groove so that said rod (9) is inserted under pressure in said second slot to prevent the lower edge cover (5) from coming off, even when it is subjected to different stresses during the detachment process. In one embodiment, the rodon (9) is made of rubber.
Alternatively, the adherence of the lateral edge covers (4) and lower edge covers (5) can be ensured by means of an adhesive between the plate (3) of the cathode (1) and the first groove of said lateral edge covers (4). and covers lower edge (5).
The corner edge covers (6) that join one end of a lateral edge cover (4) and one end of the lower edge cover (5), in the lower corners of the plate (3) of the cathode (1), are formed by an L-shaped body, comprising a first L-shaped slot, following the shape of the body, with dimensions such that one end of the lower edge cover is inserted, under pressure, at one end of the lateral edge cover (4). (5) and in a lower corner of the plate (3), so that they cover and protect said lower corner, as shown in
The side edge covers (4), bottom edge covers (5) and corner edge covers (6) can be made of plastic, either extruded, injected or machined, where the side edge covers (4) and bottom edge covers (5) can adhere to the plate (3) of the cathode (1) by injection system or direct extrusion on the plate (3). The plastic used for the construction of the edge cover can be any polymer resistant to sulfuric acid subjected to temperature. In one embodiment, the side edge covers (4), lower edge covers (5) and corner edge covers (6) are made of polypropylene.
In its lower part, the edge cover includes a non-slip system to avoid or minimize unwanted slipping of the plates (3) of the cathodes (1), when they are supported and/or moved on a surface, for example, during the process. takeoff, where the cathodes (1) are commonly transported to a cathode takeoff machine, to carry out the process automatically, where the lower edge of the cathodes (1) is supported on a takeoff machine chain of cathodes, for transport, where the use of elements for the protection of the edges generates undesired slippage that displaces the cathodes (1) from their required position for takeoff, requiring manual adjustment of the cathode position during the process, reducing productivity. The anti-slip system is designed to act under the operating conditions of the electro-refining or electro-winning processes, and can be used in multiple cycles.
The anti-slip system comprises at least one anti-slip element (7) arranged on the lower edge cover (5), on the corner edge covers (6) or on both. The non-slip element (7) is made of a material that prevents the iron (3) from slipping when it is resting on and/or being moved on a surface, for example, rubber or rubber, being materials that improve grip on the surface. lower part of the corner edge cover (6) with a surface when the cathode (1) is supported or moved on it. In one modality, the non-slip element (7) is a rubber or rubber block that allows to improve the grip in the lower part of the edge cover with a surface when the cathode (1) is resting or transferred on it. In one embodiment, the non-slip element (7) is a nitrile rubber (NBR) pad. During transport of the cathode (1), while the plate (3), with the edge cover, rests on a surface, the at least one non-slip element (7) is deformed, allowing better grip with said surface, avoiding slipping or movement unwanted from the iron (3). The anti-slip elements (7) are placed under pressure in grooves made in the lower part of the corner edge covers (6) or in the lower edge covers (5), when it does not use a roller (9), where said lower part corresponds to the part of said edge covers that remains in contact with the surface when the plate (3) is supported and/or moved, ensuring the position of said non-slip elements (7). The shape, size and dimensions of the slots in the bottom of the corner covers (6) or in the lower edge covers (5) of the corner covers (6) conform to the shape, size and dimensions of the anti-slip elements (7) in a way that allows them to be inserted under pressure into said grooves so that they remain supported on a surface when the cathode (1) is supported or moved on it, allowing to improve the grip on the lower part of the edge cover avoiding sliding or unwanted movements of the plate (3).
Optionally, the fixing of the anti-slip elements (7) in the grooves can be complemented by using an adhesive between an anti-slip element and the corresponding groove.
In one embodiment, the anti-slip system comprises a plurality of anti-slip elements (7), cylindrical in shape, inserted under pressure into transverse grooves in the lower part of the corner edge cover (6), so that said plurality of anti-slip elements (7) are perpendicular to the lower edge of the plate (3). The transverse grooves in the lower part of the corner edge cover (6) can extend along the entire width of said corner edge cover (6) or cover at least partially said lower part of the corner edge cover (6). The number of non-slip elements (7) will depend on the dimensions and size of the corner edge cover (6), such that the lower part of said corner edge cover (6) comprises a plurality of transverse grooves arranged in a regular manner while being separated from each other by the same distance, defining circular housings, where said transversal grooves have a smaller diameter than the anti-slip elements (7) so that these can be inserted under pressure into the respective transverse grooves where at least a portion of said anti-slip elements (7) protrudes from said transversal grooves, remaining in contact with the surface when the cathode (1) is resting or transferred on it, allowing to improve the grip with said surface, avoiding sliding or unwanted movements of the plate (3). In one embodiment, the portion of said anti-slip elements (7) that protrudes from said transverse grooves corresponds to between 10% and 30%, preferably 20%, of the total anti-slip element (7). The use of multiple non-slip elements (7) makes it possible to maintain backup elements in the event of wear or detachment of any non-slip element (7) while maintaining the ability to prevent slippage or unwanted movement of the iron (3) when the cathode (1) is supported or being moved on a surface. In one modality, the non-slip element (7), cylindrical in shape, has a diameter between 8 and 10 mm.
Preferably, the anti-slip system comprises 3 to 4 anti-slip elements (7) inserted in 3 or 4 transversal grooves in the lower part of the corner edge cover (6). In a particular modality, shown in
In one embodiment, the non-slip system comprises a non-slip element (7), cylindrical in shape, inserted under pressure into a longitudinal groove in the lower part of the corner edge cover (6) that is parallel to the lower edge of the plate (3). of the cathode. The longitudinal groove extends along the entire length of the lower part of the corner edge cover, defining a circular housing, where said longitudinal groove has a smaller diameter than the non-slip element (7) so that it can be inserted under pressure into the longitudinal groove so that at least a portion of said non-slip element (7) protrudes from said longitudinal groove, remaining in contact with the surface when the cathode is resting or moved on it, allowing to improve the grip with said surface, avoiding slipping or unintentional movements. desired from the iron (3).
In one modality, the non-slip system comprises, the non-slip system comprises a plurality of non-slip elements (7), cylindrical in shape, inserted under pressure into transverse grooves in the lower part of the lower edge cover (5). The number of non-slip elements (7) will depend on the dimensions and size of the lower edge cover (5), such that the lower part of said lower edge cover (5) comprises a plurality of transversal grooves arranged regularly along the entire extension of the body, being separated from each other by the same distance, defining circular housings, where said transversal grooves have a smaller diameter than the non-slip elements (7) so that these can be inserted under pressure into the respective transverse grooves in such a way that at least a portion of said anti-slip elements (7) protrudes from said transversal grooves, wherein said protruding portion is such that it projects beyond the bottom of the corner edge covers (6), so that the anti-slip elements (7) are supported on the surface when the cathode (1) is supported or moved, allowing for better grip with said surface, avoiding slippage or unwanted movement of the plate (3).
In alternative modalities, the non-slip elements (7) can have other geometric shapes, such as regular prism shapes with equal bases in the shape of convex polygons. In said modalities, the shape, size and dimensions of the slots in the lower part of the corner edge covers (6) or in the lower edge cover (5) of the corner edge cover (6) are adjusted to the shape, size and dimensions of the non-slip elements (7) in order to allow them to be inserted under pressure into said grooves so that they remain supported on a surface when the cathode (1) is supported or moved on it, allowing for better grip on the part bottom of the edge cover avoiding slippage or unwanted movements of the plate (3).
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202300496 | Feb 2023 | CL | national |
