Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft

Gerhard Jedlicka

Karl Lohrberg

Nikola Anastasijevic

Metwalli Ali

An electrolytic cell comprising bipolar electrodes is employed for electrochemical deposition of copper, zinc, lead, nickel or cobalt. An interior space is provided between the cathode side and the anode side of a bipolar electrode. The electrolyte can flow substantially without an obstruction through the interelectrode space between adjacent electrodes. The current densities in the interelectrode space amount to 800 to 8000 A/m.sup.2. Gas is evolved on the anode side of the bipolar electrodes and causes liquid to flow along the anode side. In the middle of the height of the anode side that liquid flow has a vertical component having a velocity of 5 to 100 cm/second. Electrolyte solution flows from the upper edge portion of the anode side to a return flow space, in which the solution flows downwardly. From the return flow space the solution is returned to the lower portion of the interelectrode space.

Process for the electrochemical recovery of the metals copper, zinc,

The anode comprises a substantially horizontal carrying bar, which is disposed outside the electrolyte and serves to supply electric current. Two substantially parallel metal surfaces (anode grids) are electrically conductively connected to the carrying bar and with at least one-half of their surface extending into the electrolyte. The carrying bar comprises a copper conductor, to which at least one vertical copper rod is joined. There is a direct electrically conducting connection between the copper conductor and the copper rod. The copper rod is surrounded by a titanium sheath and is an interference fit in that sheath. The copper rod provided with the titanium sheath is disposed between the two anode grids and is electrically conductively connected to said grids.

Anode for the electrolytic winning of metals and process

The reactor comprises a plurality of gas-permeable plates, which define reaction stages, which are connected by overflow lines. An annular duct for effecting a gas distribution is provided on at least one plate. The outer wall and the inner wall of the annular duct comprises numerous gas outlet openings. The annular duct is provided with at least one vertical gas-conduction pipe, which extends from the plate and is open at both ends. The top end of the gas-conduction pipe is surrounded by a bell-like cap, which is connected to the annular duct, so that a space through which gases can flow is left between the gas-conducting pipe and the cap.

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Kelkheim, Germany

Gerhard Jedlicka