Ventilation system for electrolytic cell

Abstract

An electrowinning cell comprised of a tank; an electrolytic solution within the tank defining a solution surface at a predetermined level within the tank; a plurality of flat metallic electrode plates, each of the plates having a support beam along an edge thereof; a support assembly disposed outside the tank for supporting a plurality of the electrodes by the support beams, the support assembly dimensioned to position the electrodes in side-by-side, spaced apart, parallel relationship with a lower portion of the electrodes immersed in the electrolytic solution and an upper portion disposed above the solution surface, the upper portions of the electrodes and the solution surface forming parallel channels extending from one side of the tank to a second side of the tank; a plurality of apertures formed in the tank wall along the one side of the tank, the apertures being disposed above the solution surface and positioned wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is located between an adjacent pair of the electrodes; a blower and manifold assembly connected to the plurality of apertures for creating gas flow through the plurality of apertures, the blower and manifold assembly dimensioned to create a stream of gas through the channels across the solution surface; an elongated slot formed in the tank wall along the second side of the tank, the slot disposed above the solution surface; and an exhaust blower and manifold assembly for creating a suction through the slot to create a drop in gas pressure opposite the apertures.