Abstract
During the electrodeposition and electrorefining processes of metals, the electrodes undergo severe corrosion effects. A protective device and included system are proposed, wherein the electrode protective device solves the problem, given that its design and material preferably fireproof and anticorrosive, protect the electrodes. The design encompasses the entire exterior shape of the electrode support bar including the straight parts of the electrode plate that arise from the area of the support bars on both sides.
Claims
1. An electrode protective device, comprising an elongated body with an upper portion and lower portions, wherein the upper portion wraps the entire outer shape of the electrode support bar, and wherein the lower portions wrap the straight parts of the electrode plate arising from the support bar on both sides.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated body with the upper and lower portions surrounds the entire outer shape of the electrode support bar including the straight parts of the electrode plate that arise from the support bar, on both sides, so that the lower portions extend reaching the electrolyte level line in a cell.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated body with the upper and lower portions surrounds the entire outer shape of the electrode support bar including only a portion of the straight parts of the electrode plate, on both sides, so that the lower portions extend without reaching the electrolyte level line.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is installed on electrodes, preferably lead or titanium anodes and stainless steel or titanium cathodes.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated body is in one piece.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated body is made of plastic, synthetic rubber, elastomers, stainless steel, titanium, or a combination of them, or other material that is flame retardant, cutting resistant, and acid resistant.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises on the upper portion, two or more guide elements, preferably conical.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated body comprises reinforcements for self-tightening, in the form of self-tightening pliers, which surround the support bar together with the electrode plate on both sides.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, in some sectors of the upper portion, a toothed wedge-type tightening system is arranged.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein a toothed wedge-type tightening system is arranged throughout the upper portion.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein, in some sectors of the upper portion, when the protective device includes self-tightening reinforcements, the tightening is complemented with a toothed wedge-type tightening system.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein, in the entire upper portion, when the protective device includes self-tightening reinforcements, the tightening is complemented with a toothed wedge-type tightening system.
13. The device according to claim 9, wherein the toothed wedge-type tightening system comprises a groove, or a toothed groove, and a wedge element, or a toothed wedge element, wherein the wedge element is configured to be inserted into the groove.
14. An electrode protection system, comprising at least two electrode protective devices according to claim 1, wherein a first protective device is installed on a cathode and a second protective device is installed on an anode.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] For a better explanation of the invention a description will be made in relation to the Figures of embodiments of the invention, where:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an electrode protective device, according to a first embodiment, reinforced for self-tightening and installed on a cathode.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view only of the electrode protective device of FIG. 1 reinforced for self-tightening and designed for cathodes.
[0022] FIG. 2a shows three views of the electrode protective device of FIG. 1 reinforced for self-tightening and designed for cathodes.
[0023] FIG. 2b shows a front view of the electrode protective device of FIG. 1 reinforced for self-tightening and installed on a cathode.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the electrode protective devices of FIG. 1 reinforced for self-tightening and installed on a cathode assembly.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of an electrode protective device, according to the first embodiment, reinforced for self-tightening and installed on an anode.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view only of the electrode protective device of FIG. 4 reinforced for self-tightening and designed for anodes.
[0027] FIG. 5a shows three main views of the electrode protective device of FIG. 4 reinforced for self-tightening and designed for anodes.
[0028] FIG. 5b shows a front view of the electrode protective device of FIG. 4 reinforced for self-tightening and installed on an anode.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the electrode protective devices of FIG. 4 reinforced for self-tightening and installed on an anode assembly.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an electrode protective device according to a second embodiment without reinforcements and installed on a cathode.
[0031] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view only of the electrode protective device of FIG. 7 without reinforcements and designed for cathodes.
[0032] FIG. 8a shows three main views of the electrode protective device of FIG. 7 without reinforcements and designed for cathodes.
[0033] FIG. 8b shows a front view of the electrode protective device of FIG. 7 without reinforcements and installed on a cathode.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the electrode protective devices of FIG. 7 without reinforcements and installed on a cathode assembly.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of an electrode protective device according to the second embodiment without reinforcements and installed on an anode.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view only of the electrode protective device of FIG. 8 without reinforcements and designed for anodes.
[0037] FIG. 11a shows three main views of the electrode protective device of FIG. 8 without reinforcements and designed for anodes.
[0038] FIG. 11b shows a front view of the electrode protective device of FIG. 8 without reinforcements and installed on an anode.
[0039] FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of the electrode protective devices of FIG. 8 without reinforcements and installed on an anode assembly.
[0040] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a sector of an electrode protective device, according to a third embodiment, without reinforcement showing a toothed wedge-type tightening system in the upper part of the device.
[0041] FIG. 13a shows a complete isometric view of the electrode protective device of FIG. 13 showing on the top of the device a toothed wedge-type tightening system.
[0042] FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a sector of an electrode protective device, according to a fourth embodiment, reinforced for self-tightening which shows a toothed wedge-type tightening system on the top of the device.
[0043] FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of an electrode protective device according, to a fifth embodiment, installed on an anode, reinforced for self-tightening, showing in the upper part of the device an enlarged view of the toothed wedge-type tightening system in the form of self-tightening pliers.
[0044] FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of an electrode protective device, according to the fifth embodiment, installed on a cathode reinforced for self-tightening, showing in the upper part of the device an enlarged view of the toothed wedge-type tightening system in the form of self-tightening pliers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a protective device (10) according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising self-tightening reinforcements (11), in this case, configured in the form of vertical ribs of the self-tightening clamp type, which are arranged surrounding the entire upper portion of the electrode when the protective device (10) is installed on the same. In this case, FIG. 1 shows the protective device (10) installed on a cathode (C) covering an upper portion of said cathode and part of its support bar (B). According to a preferred embodiment, the upper portion of the cathode, which is covered by the protective device (10), encompasses the entire portion of the cathode that in operation is above the electrolyte level, that is, that portion in direct contact with the acid mist that is generated inside the cells.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the protective device (10) by itself where it can be seen that it comprises lower portions (12) and an upper portion (13 wherein the lower portions (12) are configured to surround, from above, at least part of the cathode plate (C) and wherein the upper portion (13) is configured to surround, from above, the support bar (B).
[0047] FIG. 2a shows three views of the protective device (10) identifying its front, top and side features. Through these three views it is possible to see that the protective device (10) comprises self-tightening reinforcements (11) that function as gripping pliers when the protective device is installed on an electrode. In effect, the installation of the protective device comprises separating both lower portions (12) generating an interior space that allows the protective device (10) to be installed on the electrode plate, sliding, or inserting the support bar inside the upper portion (13). Then, the self-tightening reinforcements (11) allow to maintain the rigidity of the protective device (10) keeping it fixed on the electrode plate. FIG. 2b shows the protective device (10) installed on a cathode (C) as in FIG. 1. Then, FIG. 3 shows a series of cathodes (C) comprising the protective device (10).
[0048] On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows a protective device (10′), according to the first embodiment, comprising self-tightening reinforcements (11′), in this case configured in the form of vertical ribs of the self-tightening clamp type which are arranged surrounding the entire upper portion of the electrode when the protective device (10′) is installed on the same. In this case, FIG. 1 shows the protective device (10′) installed on an anode (A) covering an upper portion of said anode and part of its support bar (B). According to a preferred embodiment, the upper portion of the anode, which is covered by the protective device (10′), encompasses the entire portion of the anode that in operation, is above the electrolyte level, that is, that portion in direct contact with the acid mist that is generated inside the cells.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of the protective device (10′) by itself, where it can be seen that it comprises lower portions (12′) and an upper portion (13′), wherein the lower portions (12′) are configured to surround, from above, at least part of the anode plate (A), and wherein the upper portion (13′) is configured to surround, from above, the support bar (B). In addition, in FIG. 5 it can be seen that the protective device (10′) comprises upper guide elements (14′) configured to guide the cathodes during the entry/removal operations to/from the electrolytic cell, wherein said upper guides elements (14′) have a conical shape and a rounded surface to prevent the lower edge of adjacent electrodes, in this case cathodes, from getting stuck during said entry/removal operations.
[0050] FIG. 5a shows three views of the protective device (10′) identifying its front, top and side features. Through these three views it is possible to see that the protective device (10′) comprises self-tightening reinforcements (11′) that function as gripping pliers, as in the previous case. In effect, the installation of the protective device comprises separating both lower portions (12′) generating an interior space that allows the protective device (10′) to be installed on the electrode plate, sliding, or inserting the support bar inside the top portion (13′). Then, the self-tightening reinforcements (11′) allow to maintain the rigidity of the protective device (10′) keeping it fixed on the electrode plate. FIG. 5b shows the protective device (10′) installed on an anode (A), as in FIG. 4. Then, FIG. 6 shows a series of anodes (A) comprising the protective device (10′).
[0051] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7, which shows a protective device (20) according to the second embodiment with a simple configuration without reinforcements for self-tightening. In this case, FIG. 7 shows the protective device (20) installed on a cathode (C) covering an upper portion of said cathode and part of its support bar (B). According to a preferred embodiment, the upper portion of the cathode, which is covered by the protective device (20), encompasses the entire portion of the cathode that in operation is above the electrolyte level, that is, that portion in direct contact with the acid mist that is generated inside the cells.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of the protective device (20) by itself where it can be seen that it comprises lower portions (22) and an upper portion (23), wherein the lower portions (22) are configured to surround, from above, at least part of the cathode plate (C), and wherein the upper portion (23) is configured to surround, from above, the support bar (B).
[0053] FIG. 8a shows three views of the protective device (20) identifying its front, top and side features. By means of said three views it is possible to appreciate that the protective device (20) has a simple and smooth appearance without reinforcements for self-tightening. In this case, the installation of the protective device comprises separating both lower portions (22), generating an interior space that allows the protective device (20) to be installed on the electrode plate, sliding, or inserting the support bar inside the upper portion. (23). Then, the same rigidity of the material of the protective device (20) prevents its deformation during installation keeping it fixed on the electrode plate. FIG. 8b shows the protective device (20) installed on a cathode (C), as in FIG. 7. Then, FIG. 9 shows a series of cathodes (C) comprising the protective device (20).
[0054] On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows a protective device (20′) according to the second embodiment without reinforcements for self-tightening. In this case, FIG. 10 shows the protective device (20′) installed on an anode (A) covering an upper portion of said anode and part of its support bar (B). According to a preferred embodiment, the upper portion of the anode, which is covered by the protective device (20′), encompasses the entire portion of the anode that in operation is above the electrolyte level, that is, that portion in direct contact with the acid mist that is generated inside the cells.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows a diagram of the protective device (20′) by itself where it can be seen that it comprises lower portions (22′) and an upper portion (23′), wherein the lower portions (22′) are configured to surround, from above, at least part of the anode plate (A), and wherein the upper portion (23′) is configured to surround, from above, the support bar (B). In addition, in FIG. 11 it can be seen that the protective device (20′) lacks upper guide elements, simplifying its construction.
[0056] FIG. 11a shows three views of the protective device (20′) identifying its front, top and side features. Through these three views it is possible to see that the protective device (20′) lacks reinforcements for self-tightening. In this case, the installation of the protective device comprises separating both lower portions (22′) generating an interior space that allows the protective device (20′) to be installed on the electrode plate, sliding, or inserting the support bar inside the upper portion (23′). Then, the same rigidity of the material of the protective device (20′) prevents its deformation during installation keeping it fixed on the electrode plate. FIG. 11b shows the protective device (20′) installed on an anode (A), as in FIG. 10. Then, FIG. 12 shows a series of anodes (A) comprising the protective device (20′).
[0057] A third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13 and 13a, where it is possible to see a protective device (30) comprising on the upper portion (33), a toothed wedge-type tightening system. Said clamping system, which acts as a clamp, is formed by a toothed opening or groove (35) which is complemented by a toothed wedge element (36) so that, when the wedge element (36) is inserted into the groove (35) being fixed by the teeth, a clamping force is exerted on the lower portions (32) of the protective device (30) holding them together. Said tightening force is sufficient, so that, once the protective device is installed on the electrode it is fixed to the electrode, preventing, or hindering its release. Then, to release the protective device (30) from the electrode the wedge element (36) must be removed. According to FIG. 13a, the wedge-type tightening system can extend over the entire length of the protective device (30).
[0058] Although in FIGS. 13 and 13a the protective device (30) is shown with a toothed wedge-type tightening system without another type of reinforcement, a fourth embodiment of the invention comprises that said toothed wedge-type tightening system is implemented in a protective device (40) with reinforcements for self-tightening (41), such as the one shown in FIG. 14. Indeed, in FIG. 14 a portion of the protective device (40) is shown with reinforcements for self-tightening (41), wherein the upper portion (43) comprises a groove (45) arranged to receive the wedge element (46). In this case, it can be seen that the tightening force exerted on the lower portions (42) is transmitted from the groove (45) and through the self-tightening reinforcements (41), improving the fixation of the protective device (40) on the electrode plate.
[0059] Similarly, FIGS. 15 and 16 show protective devices (50, 50′) according to a fifth embodiment based on the fourth embodiment, wherein self-tightening reinforcements (51, 51′) with toothed wedge-type tightening systems are implemented, as in the FIG. 14, but arranged in different sectors along each protective device (50, 50′) particularly towards the center and towards the ends of each device. In this way, it is possible to apply a uniform tightening force in the extension of the protective device. Furthermore, FIGS. 15 and 16 show a detail of one of the toothed wedge-type tightening systems appreciating its clamp-type configuration, wherein the groove (55, 55′) cooperates with the wedge-type element (56, 56′) to transmit the tightening force towards the protective device (50, 50′) particularly towards its lower portions (52, 52′).
[0060] Finally, the invention comprises an electrode protection system formed by at least two electrode protective devices, wherein a first protective device is installed on a cathode and a second protective device is installed on an anode. For example, the electrode protector system can be configured by combining the cathode and anode arrangements shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 or 9 and 12 forming a series of adjacent electrodes that comprise the protective device in its upper portion surrounding the support bar and at least part of each electrode, preferably at least the part exposed to the acid mist, on the electrolyte level.
