Epcm Services Ltd.

Falconbridge Limited

Gordon Steven Iverson

Robert Stanley Jickling

Victor E Robinson

John Douglas Jickling

James Joseph Detulleo

Ian J Beales

A conveyor conveys electrodes edgewise along a path, and may include a conveyor belt for supporting a bottom peripheral edge of each electrode. The conveyor belt may include support cleats and safety stops. A plurality of wash nozzles are positioned adjacent to the path on opposing sides thereof. Wash spray from the nozzles is directed to impinge sides of the electrode. An enclosure for enclosing a washing section associated with the wash nozzles includes an entrance and an exit. An exhaust system may maintain the space within the enclosure at negative pressure. A drying system may be located at the exit of the enclosure and may include a pair of plenums. The plenums may include vertically extending longitudinal slots for drawing air along side surfaces of the electrode, and the plenums may be connected to the exhaust system for venting the air.

Electrode washing method and system

An electrolytic cathode assembly includes a hollow hanger bar, and a deposition plate including an upper edge attached to the hanger bar. The hanger bar can be formed substantially of copper. At least one supporting element can be configured to support the hanger bar. The supporting element(s) can be internally disposed within the hanger bar, and can extend partially between bar ends of the hanger bar. The supporting element(s) can include first and second supporting elements, with each disposed adjacent to a respective one of the bar ends. The hanger bar can include an overhanging portion, and the supporting element(s) can be at least partially disposed within the overhanging portion. The supporting element(s) can include an inward end that is offset inwardly relative to the plate edges of the deposition plate.

Electrolytic cathode assemblies with hollow hanger bar

Electrodes are conveyed edgewise along a path. The electrodes can be supported by their bottom peripheral edge and can be maintained generally vertically. A plurality of wash nozzles are positioned adjacent to the path on opposing sides thereof. Wash spray from the nozzles is directed to impinge sides of the electrode. The nozzles can be arranged linearly to form a nozzle array angled so that the wash spray impinges an upper portion prior to a bottom portion of the electrode. Separate sections for rinsing or pre-washing can be provided within a washing chamber. Used water can be collected and recycled.

The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.

Electrolytic cathode assemblies and methods of manufacturing and using same

A cathode for use in the refining or winning of metals, typically used in the electro-refining or winning of copper, comprising a substantially flat deposition plate fixedly attached along an upper edge thereof to an elongate hanger bar thereby defining a connection. A protective cladding is attached to the deposition plate and at least partially surrounding the hanger bar such that a cavity is defined in the region of the connection. A corrosion resistant material fills the cavity. In this manner the corrosion resistant material prevents corrosive substances from penetrating the connection. The corrosion resistant material prevents corrosive electrolytic solution and other liquids from corroding the conductive connection between the deposition plate and the hanger bar which would otherwise reduce efficiency of the cathode.

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Oakville, Canada

Gordon Steven Iverson