Abstract
An electrolyte flow regulator device and system that eliminates electrode edge strips, preferably cathodes edge strips, by obstructing the passage of the rich electrolyte to be electrodeposited and by the electrical isolation caused by the side walls of the device in the area where the edge strip was originally arranged, being able to obtain edges of an electrode without electrodeposition.
Claims
1. An electrolyte flow regulator device, to eliminate electrode edge strips, wherein the regulator device is formed by a stiff monolithic body comprising: symmetrical side walls with respect to a longitudinal plane, arranged towards the sides of the regulator device; and an electrode fitting area, arranged in the middle part of the regulator device; wherein the side walls of the regulator device incorporate an electrolyte flow regulating element; and wherein the electrolytic flow regulating element is selected from the group consisting of: slightly inclined side walls, which configure a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section, wider at a rear of the side walls; side walls with a step-shaped recess, symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane; and a combination of any one of the above.
2. The regulator device according to claim 1, wherein the side walls, with a step-shaped recess, are parallel, and form a rectangular U-shaped cross section.
3. The regulator device according to claim 1, wherein the side walls, with a recess in the form of a step, are parallel, and form a rectangular H-shaped cross section.
4. The regulator device according to claim 1, wherein, when fixed on the edge of an anode, the step-shaped recess presents a first level to accommodate the cathode, and a second level to prevent the passage of electrolyte.
5. The regulator device according to claim 1, further comprising an upper fit, to accommodate an electrode holding bar.
6. The regulator device according to claim 1, wherein the external profile of the regulator device follows the internal profile at least on the lateral faces of the regulator device, presenting a front face, towards the electrode fitting area, which is sticking inwards, presenting a first inclination on each side that defines an edge outer side protruding from the frontal plane of the regulator device, on each side, wherein the fitting area is arranged towards the middle or central part of the regulator device, which is configured from a second inclination of the front face, which defines a central opening to house the electrode.
7. The regulator device according to claim 1, wherein the fitting area is presented in the entire front extension of the regulator device, as a single continuous fitting area that has fastening points in it.
8. The regulator device according to claim 1, wherein the fitting area is presented in parts of the front extension of the regulator device.
9. The regulator device according to claim 1, wherein the extension of the regulator device covers just the extension of an electrode, that is, from a holding bar to a lower edge of the electrode, or the regulator device extends beyond the extension of the electrode, at least by a lower part of the electrode.
10. The regulator device according to claim 1, further comprising a hollow structure with a series of through openings along the extension of the regulator device, wherein said through openings allow the electrolyte to pass freely.
11. An electrolyte flow regulator system, to eliminate electrode edge strips, comprising at least four electrolyte flow regulator devices according to claim 1, wherein said regulator devices are arranged on each side edge of two adjacent anodic plates.
12. The regulator device according to claim 8, wherein the fitting area is in the form of three discrete fitting areas that have fastening points in them.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) As part of the present invention, the following representative figures thereof are presented, which show preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, they must not be considered as limiting the definition of the subject matter claimed.
(2) FIG. 1 shows the scheme of an electrode, preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices according to a first embodiment of the invention.
(3) FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show the rear, front and side views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(4) FIGS. 1d and 1e show perspective and upper views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(5) FIG. 1f shows a scheme of the device assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes, preferably anodes, forming the system to eliminate edge strips according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(6) FIG. 1g shows the arrangement of the devices that are part of the system of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(7) FIG. 2 shows the scheme of an electrode, preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices according to a second embodiment of the invention.
(8) FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show the rear, front and side views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
(9) FIGS. 2d and 2e show perspective and upper views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
(10) FIG. 2f shows a scheme of the device assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes, preferably anodes, forming the system to eliminate edge strips according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
(11) FIG. 2g shows the arrangement of the devices that are part of the system of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes, according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
(12) FIG. 3 shows the scheme of an electrode, preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices according to a third embodiment of the invention.
(13) FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c show the rear, front and side views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.
(14) FIGS. 3d and 3e show perspective and upper views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.
(15) FIG. 3f shows a scheme of the device assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes, preferably anodes, forming the system to eliminate edge strips according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.
(16) FIG. 3g shows the arrangement of the devices that are part of the system of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes, according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.
(17) FIG. 4 shows the scheme of an electrode, preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
(18) FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show the rear, front and side views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
(19) FIGS. 4d and 4e show perspective and upper views of the device, respectively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
(20) FIG. 4f shows a scheme of the device assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes, preferably anodes, forming the system to eliminate edge strips according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
(21) FIG. 4g shows the arrangement of the devices that are part of the system of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(22) FIG. 1 shows the scheme of an electrode (a), preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices (10) according to a first embodiment of the invention, arranged on each side edge of the electrode (a). It can be noted in said figure that the device (10) covers the whole extension of the electrode (a), including an upper fitting area (11) with the holding bar (a′) of the electrode (a) towards the upper portion of the device (10).
(23) The upper fitting area (11) with the holding bar (a′) not only allows the right location and securing the device (10) to the electrode (a), but it also ensures its stiffness along the whole extension. Additionally, the configuration of the upper fitting area (11) facilitates the installation and uninstallation of the device (10).
(24) On the one hand, it can be derived from FIG. 1 that according to an alternative, the device (10) extends over the extension of the electrode (a), at least in its lower portion, thus ensuring the stiffening of electrode (a) along its whole extension. Additionally, this alternative may offer a supporting surface to the device (10) in the electrolytic cell (not shown). Without prejudice to this, other embodiments comprise extensions just covering the extension of the electrode (a), i.e. the device extending from the holding bar (a′) to the lower edge of the electrode (a).
(25) FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show rear, front and side views of the device (10), where the upper fitting area (11) can be noted in further detail, as well as the lateral faces (12), the electrode fitting area (13) and the electrode fastening points (14) the device (10) has. In this embodiment, the electrode fitting area (13) is shown in its whole front extension of the device (10) as a single continuous electrode fitting area with electrode fastening points (14) therein.
(26) FIGS. 1d and 1e show a detailed scheme of an embodiment of the device (10) comprising an internal profile which lateral faces (12) and front face (15) provide a U shape with straight lateral and bottom edges and more open to its rear portion, so that to configure the electrolyte flow regulating element. Said profile is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane shown in FIG. 1e. The external profile of the device follows the internal profile at least in its lateral faces (12) of the device (10), showing a front face (15) to the electrode fitting area (13) sticking inwards, and presenting a first inclination (16) on each side that defines a lateral external edge protruding from the device's front plane (10) on each side. Said first inclination (16) that configures the lateral front edges of the device protruding from the front plane thereof, allows throttling the flow of electrolyte and blocking the lines of current towards the edge of the cathode as better shown in FIG. 1g. Finally, to the middle or central part of the device (10) the electrode fitting area (13) is arranged, configured from a second inclination of the front face that defines a central opening (17) to house the electrode (not shown).
(27) FIG. 1f shows a scheme of the electrolyte flow regulator device (10) assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes (a), preferably anodes, forming an electrolyte flow regulator system (100).
(28) Additionally, FIG. 1g shows the arrangement of the devices (10) that are part of the system (100) of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes and allowing to identifying the operation of the system (100). In fact, if we consider the central electrode (a) of FIG. 1g that comprises the device of the invention (10), two adjacent electrodes, one on each side, shown as free plates (b, c) without any element on the edge (without edge strips) and the adjacent electrodes towards said free plates (d, e) to the ends of FIG. 1g, each one of them comprising the device (10) of the invention, it is possible to note that the arrangement of the system of devices of the invention allows preventing the formation of deposit over the edges of the free plates (b, c) thus preventing the jacketing of the plate without the need of having edge strips. In particular, the configuration of the device (10) of the invention, one on each side of a target plate (shown as free plates (b, c)), presenting lateral walls (12) and first inclinations (16), allows throttling the flow of the electrolyte towards the edges of the target plate, thus preventing the electrodeposition over the edges of said plates (b, c).
(29) As an example, the central electrode (a) in FIG. 1g is an anode with the device (10) of the invention and, therefore, the two electrodes (b, c) adjacent to said central anode (a) represent cathodes without edge strips, while the electrodes (d, e) to the ends of the figure are also anodes with the device (10) of the invention.
(30) FIG. 2 shows the scheme of an electrode (a), preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices (20) according to the second embodiment of the invention, arranged on each side edge of the electrode (a). It can be noted in said figure that the device (20) covers the whole extension of the electrode (a), including an upper fitting area (21) with the holding bar (a′) of the electrode (a) towards the upper portion of the device (20).
(31) The upper fitting area (21) with the holding bar (a′) not only allows the right location and securing the device (20) to the electrode (a), but it also ensures its stiffness along the whole extension. Additionally, the configuration of the upper fitting area (21) facilitates the installation and uninstallation of the device (20).
(32) On the one hand, it can be derived from FIG. 2 that according to an alternative, the device (20) extends over the extension of the electrode (a), at least in its lower portion, thus ensuring the stiffening of electrode (a) along its whole extension. Additionally, this alternative may offer a supporting surface to the device (20) in the electrolytic cell (not shown). Without prejudice to this, other embodiments comprise extensions just covering the extension of the electrode (a), i.e. the device extending from the holding bar (a′) to the lower edge of the electrode (a).
(33) FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show rear, front and side views of the device (20), where the upper fitting area (21) can be noted in further detail, as well as the lateral faces (22), the fitting area of the electrode (23) and the fastening points of the electrode (24) the device (20) has. In this embodiment, the electrode fitting area (23) is shown in portions of the front extension of the device (20) as three discrete fitting areas with electrode fastening points (24) therein.
(34) FIGS. 2d and 2e show a detailed scheme of an embodiment of the device (20) comprising an internal profile which lateral faces (22) and front face (25) provide a U shape with straight lateral and bottom edges and more open to its rear portion, so that to configure the electrolyte flow regulating element. Said profile is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane shown in FIG. 2e. The external profile of the device follows the internal profile at least in its lateral faces (22) of the device (20), showing a front face (25) to the electrode fitting area (23) sticking inwards, and presenting a first inclination (26) on each side that defines a lateral external edge protruding from the device's front plane (20) on each side. Said first inclination (26) that configures the lateral front edges of the device protruding from the front plane thereof, allows throttling the flow of electrolyte and blocking the lines of current towards the edge of the cathode as better shown in FIG. 2g. Finally, to the middle or central part of the device (20) the electrode fitting area (23) is arranged, configured from a second inclination of the front face that defines a central opening (27) to house the electrode (not shown).
(35) FIG. 2f shows a scheme of the electrolyte flow regulator device (20) assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes (a), preferably anodes, forming an electrolyte flow regulator system (200).
(36) Additionally, FIG. 2g shows the arrangement of the devices (20) that are part of the system (200) of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes and allowing to identifying the operation of the system (200). In fact, if we consider the central electrode (a) of FIG. 2g that comprises the device of the invention (20), two adjacent electrodes, one on each side, shown as free plates (b, c) without any element on the edge (without edge strips) and the adjacent electrodes towards said free plates (d, e) to the ends of FIG. 2g, each one of them comprising the device (20) of the invention, it is possible to note that the arrangement of the system of devices of the invention allows preventing the formation of deposit over the edges of the free plates (b, c) thus preventing the jacketing of the plate without the need of having edge strips. In particular, the configuration of the device (20) of the invention, one on each side of a target plate (shown as free plates (b, c)), presenting lateral walls (22) and first inclinations (26), allows throttling the flow of the electrolyte towards the edges of the target plate, thus preventing the electrodeposition over the edges of said plates (b, c).
(37) As an example, the central electrode (a) in FIG. 2g is an anode with the device (20) of the invention and, therefore, the two electrodes (b, c) adjacent to said central anode (a) represent cathodes without edge strips, while the electrodes (d, e) to the ends of the figure are also anodes with the device (20) of the invention.
(38) FIG. 3 shows the scheme of an electrode (a), preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices (30) according to the third embodiment of the invention, arranged on each side edge of the electrode (a). It can be noted in said figure that the device (30) covers the whole extension of the electrode, including an upper fitting area (31) with the holding bar (a′) of the electrode (a) towards the upper portion of the device (30).
(39) This upper fitting area (31) with the holding bar (a′) not only allows the right location and securing the device (30) to the electrode (a), but it also ensures its stiffness along the whole extension. Additionally, the configuration of the upper fitting area (31) facilitates the installation and uninstallation of the device (30).
(40) On the one hand, it can be derived from FIG. 3 that according to an alternative, the device (30) extends over the extension of the electrode (a), at least in its lower portion, thus ensuring the stiffening of electrode (a) along its whole extension. Additionally, this option may offer a supporting surface to the device (30) in the electrolytic cell (not shown). Without prejudice to this, other embodiments comprise extensions just covering the extension of the electrode (a), i.e. the device extending from the holding bar (a′) to the lower edge of the electrode (a).
(41) FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c show rear, front and side views of the device (30), respectively, where the upper fitting area (31) can be noted in further detail, as well as the lateral faces (32), the electrode fitting area (33) and the electrode fastening points (34) the device (30) has.
(42) FIGS. 3d and 3e show a detailed scheme of an embodiment of the device (30) comprising a U-shaped internal profile which parallel lateral faces (32) having a step-shaped recess (39) on each side, which is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane shown in FIG. 3e of the device, in order to configure the electrolyte flow regulating element. Said parallel lateral walls (32) have a stepped recess (39) in order to house the cathode and leave the area free of deposition, thanks to a first level of the stepped recess, while a second level of the stepped recess or step (39) shall allow leaving the electrolyte without passing along the electrode and blocking the lines of current to the edge of the cathode, as best shown in FIG. 3g. Finally, to the middle or central part of the device (30) the electrode fitting area (33) is arranged, defined by a central opening (37) in order to house the electrode totally or partially as shown in FIG. 3d.
(43) FIG. 3f shows a scheme of the electrolyte flow regulator device (30) assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes (a), preferably anodes, forming an electrolyte flow regulator system (300).
(44) Additionally, FIG. 3g shows the arrangement of the devices (30), that are part of the system (300) of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes and allowing to identifying the operation of the system. In fact, if we consider the central electrode (a) of FIG. 3g that comprises the device (30) of the invention, two adjacent electrodes, one on each side, shown as free plates (b, c) without any element on the edge (without edge strips) and the adjacent electrodes (d, e) towards said free plates (b, c) to the ends of the figure, each one of them comprising the device (30) of the invention, it is possible to note that the arrangement of the system (300) of devices of the invention allows preventing the formation of deposit over the edges of the free plates (b, c), thus preventing the jacketing of the plate without the need of having edge strips. In particular, the configuration of the device (30) of the invention, one on each side of a target plate (b, c), presenting parallel lateral walls (32) and the stepped recess (39), allows throttling the flow of the electrolyte towards the edges of the free plate (b, c), thus preventing the electrodeposition over the edges of said free plate (b, c).
(45) As an example, the central electrode (a) in FIG. 3g is an anode with the device (30) of the invention and, therefore, the two electrodes (b, c) adjacent to said central anode (a) represent cathodes without edge strips, while the electrodes (d, e) to the ends of the figure are also anodes with the device (30) of the invention.
(46) FIG. 4 shows the scheme of an electrode (a), preferably an anode, having two electrolyte flow regulator devices (40) according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, arranged on each side edge of the electrode (a). It can be noted in said figure that the device (40) covers the whole extension of the electrode (a), including an upper fitting area (41) with the holding bar (a′) of the electrode (a) towards the upper portion of the device (40).
(47) The upper fitting area (41) with the holding bar (a′) not only allows the right location and securing the device (40) to the electrode (a), but it also ensures its stiffness along the whole extension. Additionally, the configuration of the upper fitting area (41) facilitates the installation and uninstallation of the device (40).
(48) On the one hand, it can be derived from FIG. 4 that according to an embodiment, the device (40) extends beyond the extension of the electrode (a), at least in its lower portion, thus ensuring the stiffening of electrode along its whole extension. Additionally, this option may offer a supporting surface to the device (40) in the electrolytic cell (not shown). Without prejudice to this, other embodiments comprise extensions just covering the extension of the electrode (a), i.e. the device (40) extending from the holding bar (a′) to the lower edge of the electrode (a).
(49) FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show rear, front and side views of the device (40), respectively, where the upper fitting area (41) can be noted in further detail, as well as the lateral faces (42), the electrode fitting area (43) and the electrode fastening points (44) the device (40) has.
(50) FIGS. 4d and 4e show a detailed scheme of an embodiment of the device (40) comprising an H-shaped internal profile which lateral faces (42) having a step-shaped recess (49) on each side, which is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane shown in FIG. 4e of the device (40), in order to configure the electrolyte flow regulating element. Said parallel lateral walls (42) have a stepped recess (49) in order to house the cathode and leave the area free of deposition, thanks to a first level of the stepped recess, while a second level of the step (49) shall allow leaving the electrolyte without passing along the electrode and blocking the lines of current to the edge of the cathode, as best shown in FIG. 4g. Finally, to the middle or central part of the device (40) the fitting area (43) is arranged, defined by a central opening (47) in order to house the electrode totally or partially as shown in FIG. 4d.
(51) FIG. 4f shows a scheme of the electrolyte flow regulator device (40) assembled on both side edges of a number of electrodes (a), preferably anodes, forming an electrolyte flow regulator system (400).
(52) Additionally, FIG. 4g shows the arrangement of the devices (40) that are part of the system (400) of the invention in relation to the adjacent electrodes and allowing to identifying the operation of the system. In fact, if we consider the central electrode (a) of FIG. 4g that comprises the device (40) of the invention, two adjacent electrodes, one on each side, shown as free plates (b, c) without any element on the edge (without edge strips) and the adjacent electrodes (d, e) towards said free plates to the ends of FIG. 4g, each one of them comprising the device (40) of the invention, it is possible to note that the arrangement of the system (400) of devices of the invention allows preventing the formation of deposit over the edges of the free plates (b, c) thus preventing the jacketing of the free plates (b, c) without the need of having edge strips. In particular, the configuration of the device (40) of the invention, one on each side of a free plate (b, c), presenting parallel lateral walls (42) and the stepped recess (49), allows throttling the flow of the electrolyte towards the edges of the free plate (b, c), thus preventing the electrodeposition over the edges of said free plate (b, c).
(53) As an example, the central electrode (a) in FIG. 4g is an anode with the device (40) of the invention and, therefore, the two electrodes (b, c) adjacent to said central anode represent cathodes without edge strips, while the electrodes (d, e) to the ends of the figure are also anodes with the device (40) of the invention.
(54) Additionally, embodiments of the device of the invention comprise a hollow structure with a number of through openings along its extension (28, 38, 48), preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal plane, which can be seen on the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. Said through openings allow the free pass of the metal-rich electrolyte to be deposited in the deposition area. Through these through openings, the uniform deposition of metal in the cathode is achieved, thus allowing the renewal of the electrolyte by facilitating its free circulation through said through openings.
(55) Finally, it should be noted that the configuration of the different electrolyte flow regulator devices of the invention not only allows preventing the use of edge strips by avoiding electrodeposition over the edge of the cathode, but it also allows a uniform and regular electrodeposition towards the edge, throttling the flow of electrolyte uniformly and, therefore, the flow of current generating the metal deposition toward the edges of each cathodic plate, generating an area of uniform deposition that meets the high standards of the industry, which is comparable with the current use of edge strips in terms of quality of the deposition and, at the same time, avoiding the high costs and delays involved by the use of edge strips.
