ELECTROLYTIC REFINING AND ELECTROWINNING OF METALS

1345411 Electro refining of Ni, Pb, Mn, Cu and Zn IMI REFINERS Ltd 29 Dec 1971 [8 Jan 1971] 1062/71 Heading C7B In the electro refining or electro winning of Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb and Mn, the metal is electrodeposited on to a Ti or Ti-base alloy cathode plate at a current density greater than 250 Amps/ sq. m. cathode surface till a weight of metal is deposited at least equal to that produced by passage of 10, 000 Amp hours current/ sq meter cathode surface which is thereafter stripped from the cathode plate. The edges of the titanium cathode may be masked during electro-deposition, and the titanium plates may be grooved or notched to facilitate removal of the deposited metal. A number of cathode plates may be assembled into a rigid frame-work for insertion into the electrolyte. If an insoluble anode is used, it may be of Pb-Ag alloy, Ti or Ti alloy. Anode and cathode may be separated by a diaphragm, and electrolyte filtration and current reversal may be employed.