Electrolytic refining device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of metal smelting, and provides an electrolytic refining device which comprises an anode assembly, a cathode assembly and an electrolytic bath, the cathode assembly comprises a cathode structure, the cathode structure comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a cathode head, the cathode head is connected with the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer converts ultrasonic electric signals into mechanical vibration; the electrolytic bath is used for containing electrolyte, and at least part of the anode assembly and at least part of the cathode head are arranged in the electrolytic bath. The ultrasonic transducer drives the cathode head to vibrate, so that dendritic crystals gathered on the surface of the cathode head fall off, dendritic crystal accumulation on the surface of the cathode head is reduced, the surface of the cathode head keeps active, the service life of the cathode structure is prolonged, the electrolytic refining reaction rate and stability are improved, the electrolytic refining reaction can be continuously and uniformly carried out, and energy consumption in the electrolytic process is reduced. The maintenance cost and the production downtime are reduced, and the current efficiency and the collection rate of target metal are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of metal smelting, and in particular to an electrolytic refining device. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context for the embodiments of the present application. No description herein is admitted to be prior art by virtue of its inclusion in this section.

[0003] Electrolytic refining is an important metal extraction technology widely used in the field of metal smelting. In this technology, the target metal is extracted from the crude metal through the electrolytic refining process. Compared with traditional smelting methods, this technology usually has higher extraction efficiency and purity, and is particularly suitable for extracting metals, especially for the refining of a variety of active metals.

[0004] During the electrolytic refining process, metal reduction products will be reduced on the cathode surface. Since the melting point of metal reduction products is higher than that of the electrolyte, dendrites of metal reduction products grow on the cathode surface, forming irregular accumulation. Dendrite growth not only leads to uneven current distribution and reduced cathode utilization, affecting the electrolytic refining effect, but may also cause a short circuit between the anode and cathode, and even cause equipment damage. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application hopes to provide an electrolytic refining device, which drives the cathode head to vibrate through an ultrasonic transducer so that the dendrites accumulated on the surface of the cathode head fall off.

[0006] The present application provides an electrolytic refining device, comprising:

[0007] Anode assembly;

[0008] A cathode assembly, comprising a cathode structure, wherein the cathode structure comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a cathode head, wherein the cathode head is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer converts an ultrasonic electrical signal into a mechanical vibration;

[0009] The electrolytic cell is used to contain electrolyte, and at least a portion of the anode assembly and at least a portion of the cathode head are arranged in the electrolytic cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cathode structure includes an amplitude enhancement member connecting the ultrasonic transducer and the cathode head.

[0011] In some embodiments, the amplitude enhancement member is in a rod-shaped structure, and two ends of the amplitude enhancement member along the length direction are connected to the ultrasonic transducer and the cathode head.

[0012] In some embodiments, the amplitude enhancement member is a conductive structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cathode assembly includes an end cover, the cathode structure is insulated and connected to the end cover, the electrolytic cell has an access opening open upward, and the end cover covers at least a portion of the access opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cathode assembly includes a plurality of heat insulation plates spaced apart in the up-down direction, and the plurality of heat insulation plates are all located below the end cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cathode assembly includes a collection basket that is open upward, and the collection basket is located below the cathode head.

[0016] In some embodiments, a plane perpendicular to the up and down directions is used as a projection plane, and the projection of the cathode head is located within the projection range of the collection basket.

[0017] In some embodiments, the anode assembly includes an annular mesh basket, which surrounds the outer circumference of the cathode head and is used to hold the substance to be electrolyzed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the anode assembly comprises:

[0019] A conductive disk is located above the annular mesh basket, the conductive disk forms a clearance opening, and the cathode assembly can enter or escape from the electrolytic cell through the clearance opening;

[0020] A conductive member electrically connects the conductive disk and the annular mesh basket.

[0021] In some embodiments, the annular mesh basket includes a plurality of fan-shaped sub-sections, which are spliced ​​in sequence along the circumferential direction to form the annular mesh basket, the fan-shaped sub-sections forming a holding cavity for holding the material to be electrolyzed, the two radial side walls of the fan-shaped sub-sections both forming flow ports connected to the holding cavity, and the upper side wall of the fan-shaped sub-sections forming a placement port connected to the holding cavity.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrolytic refining device includes a heating cylinder, the heating cylinder includes a heating tank, and at least a portion of the electrolytic cell is located in the heating tank.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electrolytic refining device includes a protective sleeve and an insulating pad, wherein the protective sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the electrolytic cell, and the insulating pad is disposed between the outer bottom surface of the electrolytic cell and the protective sleeve.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electrorefining device includes a cooling assembly, and at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly is provided with the cooling assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrolytic refining device includes a lifting module, and at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly is provided with the lifting module.

[0026] In the electrolytic refining device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the cathode head is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the cathode head and the ultrasonic transducer are integrated to simplify the structure, eliminate the need for complex mechanical scraping or rotating devices, reduce mechanical movement, reduce the complexity of equipment operation and maintenance costs, and allow operators to control the electrolysis process more easily, reduce human intervention, and improve production efficiency and safety. Ultrasonic energy acts directly on the cathode head, and the mechanical vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer is transmitted to the cathode head, driving the cathode head to vibrate. During the electrolytic refining process, the cathode head can use ultrasound to enhance the mass transfer of reactants in the electrolyte, generate local vibrations and eddy currents in the electrolyte, and effectively promote the dissolution and diffusion of ions in the electrolyte; the ultrasonic transducer can also be used to drive the cathode head to vibrate so that dendrites accumulated on the surface of the cathode head fall off, reduce the accumulation of dendrites on the surface of the cathode head, keep the cathode head surface active, extend the service life of the cathode structure, and improve the electrolytic refining reaction rate and stability. The electrolytic refining reaction can proceed continuously and evenly, reducing energy consumption during the electrolysis process, reducing maintenance costs and production downtime, and improving current efficiency and the collection rate of the target metal. The reduction of dendrites on the cathode head surface can reduce the risk of short circuit between the cathode structure and the anode assembly, improve the safety of the electrolytic refining process, and solve the problems of low current efficiency, easy mechanical failure, and impurities introduced into the product in related technologies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electrolytic refining device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of assembling an anode assembly and a cathode assembly provided for some embodiments of the present application, wherein a fan-shaped sub-portion is not illustrated;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 a schematic diagram of another view of the structure shown;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure shown in yet another perspective;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure shown in another viewing angle;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0033] Description of Reference Numerals

[0034] 1. Anode assembly; 11. Annular mesh basket; 111. Fan-shaped sub-section; 111a. Holding chamber; 111b. Current outlet; 111c. Placement port; 12. Conductive disk; 13. Conductive member; 2. Cathode assembly; 21. Cathode structure; 211. Ultrasonic transducer; 212. Cathode head; 213. Amplitude enhancement member; 22. End cover; 23. Heat insulation board; 24. Collection basket; 25. Insulating connector; 3. Electrolytic cell; 4. Heating tube; 5. Protective cover; 6. Insulating pad; 7. Cooling assembly; 8. Lifting module; 9. Controller; 100. Reference electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following is a further detailed description of the implementation of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present application but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application.

[0036] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the specific implementation methods can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different specific technical features / embodiments. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features / embodiments in this application are no longer described separately. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] It should be noted that the "multiple" in the embodiments of the present application includes two and more than two. Down is the direction toward the ground, and up is the direction opposite to down.

[0038] In the related art, in order to enable the electrolytic refining to proceed normally, the traditional high-temperature molten salt electrolytic refining device structure adopts the following methods to remove the dendrites on the cathode surface: 1) The first method is to set a scraper next to the cathode to scrape off the longer dendrites on the sides and bottom of the dendrites growing on the cathode; the dendrites that fall from the bottom are then recovered in a more complicated way. The electrolytic refining device of this structure obtains less products on the cathode at a single time, and the cathode needs to be taken out many times, and the process of recovering the products at the bottom of the electrolytic cell is more complicated, resulting in low efficiency and complex operation of this electrolytic refining method. 2) The second method is to set the cathode and the anode as a concentric structure, and set a scraper at one end of the anode. During the electrolytic refining, the anode rotates and scrapes off the dendrites on the cathode; and periodic reverse pulse electrolysis is performed to dissolve and drop the dendrites that have not been scraped off the cathode; the electrode structure of this type of electrolytic refining device is extremely complex, the current efficiency is low, and the mechanical rotation scraping process is prone to the occurrence of the rotating motor getting stuck. 3) The third method is to set the cathode to graphite material. During the electrolytic refining process, the reduction product on the cathode has a small adhesion to the graphite, which will cause self-detachment. A certain mass of reduction product will automatically fall off the cathode because the adhesion is less than gravity. This method has the problem of introducing more carbon impurities into the product, and dendrites will not fall off. 4) The fourth method is that after each electrolysis, the cathode transfer unit transfers the cathode from the electrolytic cell to the stripping collection chamber, and the product is stripped and cleaned by the automatic stripping unit, and then returned to the electrolytic cell. The equipment needs to stop electrolysis after each electrolysis cycle to complete the stripping and cleaning of the product. This semi-automatic continuous production mode still requires periodic operation pauses, which affects the continuity and stability of production. The above four traditional methods for removing metal reduction products have limited effects, and it is difficult to achieve effective dendrites of metal reduction products from the cathode. There may also be problems such as operational safety risks, low current efficiency, easy mechanical failures, and impurities introduced into the product.

[0039] See also Figure 1 to Figure 2 An embodiment of the present application provides an electrolytic refining device, which includes an anode assembly 1, a cathode assembly 2 and an electrolytic cell 3.

[0040] See also Figures 1 to 6 The cathode assembly 2 includes a cathode structure 21, and the cathode structure 21 includes an ultrasonic transducer 211 and a cathode head 212. The cathode head 212 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 211, and the ultrasonic transducer 211 converts ultrasonic electrical signals into mechanical vibrations. The electrolytic cell 3 is used to contain electrolytes, and at least part of the anode assembly 1 and at least part of the cathode head 212 are arranged in the electrolytic cell 3. Specifically, the cathode head 212 can be suspended in the electrolytic cell 3. The cathode head 212 is suspended in the electrolytic cell 3, which means that the cathode head 212 is in a suspended state and does not contact the wall of the electrolytic cell 3.

[0041] The electrolytic refining device is used for electrolytic refining of metals. The principle of electrolytic refining of metals can be as follows:

[0042] When an electrolyte is loaded in the electrolytic cell 3 and voltage and current are applied to the anode assembly 1 and the cathode head 212, the active metal in the substance to be electrolyzed, such as crude metal, undergoes an oxidation reaction in the anode assembly 1 to lose electrons to form ions and dissolve in the electrolyte; the target metal ions undergo a reduction reaction on the surface of the cathode head 212 to generate the target metal.

[0043] The ultrasonic transducer 211 converts high-frequency ultrasonic electrical signals into high-frequency vibrations, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. Ultrasonic vibrations act on the surface of the cathode head 212 and in the electrolyte, generating cavitation effects and acoustic streaming effects in the electrolyte. Microbubbles generated by the cavitation effect form, expand, and quickly burst in the liquid electrolyte, generating tiny turbulence and enhancing the diffusion rate of ions in the electrolyte.

[0044] In the electrolytic refining device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the cathode head 212 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 211, and the cathode head 212 and the ultrasonic transducer 211 are integrated to simplify the structure, eliminate the need for complex mechanical scraping or rotating devices, reduce mechanical movement, reduce the complexity of equipment operation and maintenance costs, and allow operators to more easily control the electrolysis process, reduce human intervention, and improve production efficiency and safety. Ultrasonic energy directly acts on the cathode head 212, and the mechanical vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer 211 is transmitted to the cathode head 212, driving the cathode head 212 to vibrate. During the electrolytic refining process, the cathode head 212 can use ultrasound to enhance the mass transfer of reactants in the electrolyte, generate local vibrations and eddy currents in the electrolyte, and effectively promote the dissolution and diffusion of ions in the electrolyte; the ultrasonic transducer 211 can also drive the cathode head 212 to vibrate so that dendrites accumulated on the surface of the cathode head 212 fall off, reduce the accumulation of dendrites on the surface of the cathode head 212, keep the surface of the cathode head 212 active, extend the service life of the cathode structure 21, and improve the electrolytic refining reaction rate and stability. The electrolytic refining reaction can proceed continuously and evenly, reduce energy consumption during the electrolysis process, reduce maintenance costs and production downtime, and improve current efficiency and the collection rate of the target metal. The reduction of dendrites on the surface of the cathode head 212 can reduce the risk of short circuit between the cathode structure 21 and the anode assembly 1, improve the safety of the electrolytic refining process, and solve the problems of low current efficiency, easy mechanical failure, and impurities introduced into the product in the related technology.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 211 includes a piezoelectric ceramic structure or a magnetostrictive structure.

[0046] Piezoelectric ceramic structure refers to a structure made of piezoelectric ceramics.

[0047] Piezoelectric ceramics are a type of material that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Piezoelectric ceramics deform under the action of an electric field. In other words, the piezoelectric ceramic structure can vibrate mechanically under the action of ultrasonic electrical signals.

[0048] A magnetostrictive structure refers to a structure that can repeatedly expand and contract under the action of an alternating magnetic field, thereby generating vibrations.

[0049] The magnetostrictive structure may be made of magnetostrictive materials such as ferromagnetostrictive materials and / or giant magnetostrictive materials, for example, magnetostrictive materials such as metal oxides, alloys and / or rare earth metal compounds.

[0050] The shape of the ultrasonic transducer 211 is not limited. For example, the ultrasonic transducer 211 may be a plate-shaped structure.

[0051] The cathode head 212 is used for generating an electrochemical reaction. The shape of the cathode head 212 is not limited, and the cathode head 212 can be in a rod shape or a plate shape.

[0052] The cathode head 212 has a conductive function and can be made of metal. For example, the cathode head 212 can be made of titanium alloy or other metal materials that are resistant to high-temperature molten salt corrosion.

[0053] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 5 The cathode structure 21 includes an amplitude enhancement member 213 , and the amplitude enhancement member 213 connects the ultrasonic transducer 211 and the cathode head 212 .

[0054] Specifically, the amplitude enhancement member 213 can amplify and transmit the vibration energy of the ultrasonic transducer 211 .

[0055] In this embodiment, the amplitude enhancement member 213 can amplify the vibration energy of the ultrasonic transducer 211 and transmit it to the cathode head 212, so as to increase the amplitude of the cathode head 212 and enhance the vibration effect.

[0056] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 5 The amplitude enhancement member 213 is a rod-shaped structure, and the two ends of the amplitude enhancement member 213 along the length direction are connected to the ultrasonic transducer 211 and the cathode head 212.

[0057] In this embodiment, the amplitude enhancement member 213 is a rod-shaped structure, which is simple in structure and easy to manufacture. The ultrasonic transducer 211 and the cathode head 212 are respectively connected to the two ends of the amplitude enhancement member 213 along the length direction to enhance the amplitude.

[0058] In some embodiments, the amplitude enhancement member 213 may be detachably connected to the cathode head 212. In this way, the cathode head 212 of different shapes may be replaced according to different requirements.

[0059] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the amplitude enhancement member 213 includes a first section, a transition section, and a second section. The diameter of the first section may be greater than the diameter of the second section. The transition section connects the first section and the second section. The ultrasonic transducer 211 is connected to an end of the first section away from the transition section. The cathode head 212 is connected to an end of the second section away from the transition section. The diameter of the first section is relatively large to increase the contact area with the ultrasonic transducer 211 and conduct the mechanical vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 211 more stably. The diameter of the second section is relatively small, which can increase the amplitude to a greater extent.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first section may also be connected to the second section, so that no transition section may be provided.

[0061] In some embodiments, the amplitude enhancement member 213 is a conductive structure.

[0062] Specifically, the amplitude enhancement member 213 can transfer voltage and current to the cathode head 212 .

[0063] In this embodiment, the amplitude enhancement member 213 can not only increase the amplitude, but also transfer voltage and current to the cathode head 212. It serves two purposes in one, which can save electrical conductors used to conduct voltage and current to the cathode head 212 and simplify the layout of the electrical conductors.

[0064] The amplitude enhancement member 213 may be made of a conductive material. For example, the amplitude enhancement member 213 may be made of a titanium alloy or a stainless steel material. Such materials have excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, and can ensure efficient transmission of voltage, current and ultrasonic energy to a certain extent.

[0065] In some embodiments, the amplitude enhancement member 213 is formed with a connector, and the controller 9 is electrically connected to the connector through a cable. Exemplarily, the connector can be formed in the first section of the amplitude enhancement member 213. The controller 9 is used to conduct voltage and current to the amplitude enhancement member 213 through the connector.

[0066] For some examples, see Figures 1 to 5 The cathode assembly 2 includes an end cover 22, the cathode structure 21 is insulated and connected to the end cover 22, the electrolytic cell 3 has an upwardly open access opening, and the end cover 22 covers at least a portion of the access opening.

[0067] The cathode structure 21 and the end cover 22 are insulated and connected, which means that there is no electrical conduction between the cathode structure 21 and the end cover 22 .

[0068] In this embodiment, the end cover 22 can not only provide a fixed position for the cathode structure 21, but also be used to shield at least part of the access port, reduce the probability of debris entering the electrolytic cell 3 through the access port, and reduce the heat exchange between the electrolytic cell 3 and the external environment.

[0069] The material of the end cap 22 is not limited, and for example, the end cap 22 can be made of metal or plastic, etc. For example, the end cap 22 is made of titanium alloy.

[0070] When the end cover 22 is made of metal, an insulating separator can be set between the end cover 22 and the cathode structure 21. The insulating separator has an insulating function. The insulating separator insulates and isolates the end cover 22 and the cathode structure 21. The end cover 22 and the cathode structure 21 are not in contact with each other, thereby achieving an insulated connection between the cathode structure 21 and the end cover 22.

[0071] Exemplarily, the end cap 22 forms a port, the cathode structure 21 can be inserted into the port, for example, the ultrasonic transducer 211 or the amplitude enhancement member 213 is inserted into the port, the cathode structure 21 is separated from the wall of the port, and the insulating separator can be clamped between the outer periphery of the cathode structure 21 and the wall of the port.

[0072] In some embodiments, the end cap 22 may form a sampling port connected to the electrolytic cell 3. The operator may sample the substance in the electrolytic cell 3, such as the target metal, through the sampling port to facilitate tracking of the progress of the electrolytic refining reaction.

[0073] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 The cathode assembly 2 includes a plurality of heat insulation plates 23 spaced apart in the up-down direction, and the plurality of heat insulation plates 23 are all located below the end cover 22 .

[0074] In this embodiment, a plurality of heat insulation boards 23 are spaced apart in the up-and-down direction, and an air spacer is formed between two adjacent heat insulation boards 23. The thermal conductivity of air is relatively small, which can reduce heat transfer and achieve a heat insulation effect.

[0075] The material of the heat insulation board 23 is not limited. For example, the heat insulation board 23 can be made of metal, plastic or other materials. The heat insulation board 23 can be made of a material with a small thermal conductivity.

[0076] The shape of the heat insulation board 23 is not limited. For example, the heat insulation board 23 may be a plate-shaped structure. The thickness direction of the heat insulation board 23 may be consistent with the up-down direction.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heat insulation board 23 can be fixed to the end cover 22. Exemplarily, the heat insulation board 23 can be connected to the end cover 22 via a connecting column.

[0078] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 There are multiple cathode structures 21 , and the multiple cathode structures 21 are arranged at intervals on the end cover 22 .

[0079] In this embodiment, the contact area between the target metal ions and the cathode head 212 can be increased by using multiple cathode structures 21, thereby improving the reaction efficiency.

[0080] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 The cathode assembly 2 includes a collecting basket 24 which is open upwards, and the collecting basket 24 is located below the cathode head 212 .

[0081] The collecting basket 24 is used to receive the target metal falling off from the cathode head 212 .

[0082] In this embodiment, the collection basket 24 is located below the cathode head 212. The target metal that falls off from the cathode head 212 under the action of vibration can fall into the collection basket 24 through the upward opening of the collection basket 24, thereby reducing the difficulty of collecting the target metal.

[0083] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 , taking the plane perpendicular to the up and down direction as the projection plane, the projection of the cathode head 212 is located within the projection range of the collection basket 24 .

[0084] Exemplarily, when there are multiple cathode structures 21 , the projections of the cathode heads 212 of all cathode structures 21 are located within the projection range of the collection basket 24 .

[0085] In this embodiment, the projection of the cathode head 212 is located within the projection range of the collecting basket 24 , so that the collecting basket 24 can more comprehensively collect the target metal that has fallen off from the cathode head 212 .

[0086] The collecting basket 24 may be made of metal. For example, the collecting basket 24 may be made of a high temperature resistant and corrosion resistant material such as molybdenum alloy or stainless steel.

[0087] In some embodiments, at least one of the bottom wall and the peripheral side wall of the collection basket 24 forms a through hole. The number of through holes can be multiple. In the case where the target metal in the collection basket 24 needs to be unloaded, the electrolyte in the collection basket 24 can flow back to the electrolytic cell 3 through the through hole, thereby improving the convenience of collecting the target metal.

[0088] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 , the collection basket 24 is suspended in the electrolytic cell 3. For example, the collection basket 24 can be connected to the end cover 22 or the heat insulation board 23 through the insulating connector 25. The collection basket 24 is suspended in the electrolytic cell 3, which means that the collection basket 24 is in a suspended state and does not contact the wall of the electrolytic cell 3. The insulating connector 25 has an insulating function, and there is no electrical conduction between the end cover 22 and the collection basket 24, and between the heat insulation board 23 and the collection basket 24, thereby improving safety.

[0089] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 The anode assembly 1 includes an annular mesh basket 11, which surrounds the outer circumference of the cathode head 212 and is used to hold the substance to be electrolyzed.

[0090] The substance to be electrolyzed can be a crude metal.

[0091] The annular mesh basket 11 is roughly annular in structure, and the cathode head 212 is located in the space formed by the annular mesh basket 11 .

[0092] The outer contour shape of the annular mesh basket 11 is not limited. The outer contour shape of the annular mesh basket 11 includes but is not limited to a circle, an ellipse or a polygon, etc. The polygon includes but is not limited to a quadrilateral, a pentagon or a hexagon, etc.

[0093] It is understandable that the annular mesh basket 11 can be connected to the electrolytic cell 3, and the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 3 can enter and exit the annular mesh basket 11, so that the ions formed by the substance to be electrolyzed move to the cathode head 212 along with the electrolyte.

[0094] In this embodiment, the annular mesh basket 11 surrounds the outer circumference of the cathode head 212, and the distance between the annular mesh basket 11 and the cathode head 212 is relatively close, and the distance between each part of the annular mesh basket 11 and the cathode head 212 is equivalent. During the electrolysis reaction, the annular mesh basket 11 is charged, and the substance to be electrolyzed in the annular mesh basket 11 undergoes an oxidation reaction to form ions that dissolve in the electrolyte. The ions can reach the cathode head 212 by moving a short distance, which is convenient for quickly generating the target metal.

[0095] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 The anode assembly 1 includes a conductive disk 12 and a conductive member 13. The conductive disk 12 is located above the annular mesh basket 11. The conductive disk 12 forms an escape hole, and the cathode assembly 2 can enter or escape from the electrolytic cell 3 through the escape hole; the conductive member 13 electrically connects the conductive disk 12 and the annular mesh basket 11.

[0096] Specifically, the conductive disk 12 and the conductive member 13 are both structures that can conduct electricity. The conductive member 13 electrically connects the conductive disk 12 and the annular mesh basket 11 , and current can be conducted among the conductive disk 12 , the conductive member 13 and the annular mesh basket 11 .

[0097] Exemplarily, the conductive disk 12 may shield part of the access opening of the electrolytic cell 3. For example, the end cap 22 may be substantially flush with the conductive disk 12 to cover the access opening together. It is understood that the end cap 22 may be isolated from the conductive disk 12, that is, the end cap 22 does not contact the conductive disk 12, and there may be a gap between the two.

[0098] When the cathode assembly 2 needs to be removed, for example, when the target metal collected in the collection basket 24 needs to be unloaded, the cathode assembly 2 can escape from the electrolytic cell 3 through the avoidance port, thereby unloading the target metal in the collection basket 24; when an electrolytic refining reaction needs to be performed, the cathode assembly 2 can enter the electrolytic cell 3 through the avoidance port.

[0099] In this embodiment, the conductive member 13 electrically connects the conductive disk 12 and the annular mesh basket 11, and the current can be transmitted to the annular mesh basket 11 through the conductive disk 12 and the conductive member 13. The conductive disk 12 forms an escape opening to facilitate the cathode assembly 2 to enter or escape from the electrolytic cell 3, thereby achieving unloading of the target metal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the annular mesh basket 11 is suspended in the electrolytic cell 3. The annular mesh basket 11 is suspended in the electrolytic cell 3, which means that the annular mesh basket 11 is in a suspended state and does not contact the wall of the electrolytic cell 3.

[0101] The conductive disk 12 may be substantially in the form of a hollow disk.

[0102] The number of the conductive member 13 can be one or more. For example, see Figures 2 to 6 , four conductive members 13 can be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction on the conductive disk 12. For example, four conductive members 13 can be evenly arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction on the conductive disk 12, and multiple conductive members 13 can not only strengthen the connection stability with the annular mesh basket 11, but also conduct voltage and current to the annular mesh basket 11 more stably.

[0103] For some examples, see Figures 2 to 6 The annular mesh basket 11 includes a plurality of fan-shaped sub-sections 111, which are sequentially spliced ​​along the circumferential direction to form the annular mesh basket 11, and the fan-shaped sub-sections 111 form a containing chamber 111a for containing the material to be electrolyzed, and both radial side walls of the fan-shaped sub-section 111 form a flow port 111b communicating with the containing chamber 111a, and the upper side wall of the fan-shaped sub-section 111 forms a placement port 111c communicating with the containing chamber 111a.

[0104] Specifically, the substance to be electrolyzed, such as crude metal, can enter the containing chamber 111 a through the placement port 111 c.

[0105] In this embodiment, a plurality of sector-shaped sub-sections 111 are sequentially spliced ​​along the circumferential direction to form an annular mesh basket 11. The sector-shaped sub-sections 111 can be manufactured separately first, and then assembled to form the annular mesh basket 11, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty. Both radial side walls of the sector-shaped sub-section 111 form flow ports 111b that are connected to the containing chamber 111a. The electrolyte can enter or flow out of the containing chamber 111a through the flow ports 111b, so that the ions formed by the oxidation of the crude metal can enter the electrolyte and then move to the cathode head 212 with the electrolyte.

[0106] The shape of the flow opening 111b is not limited. For example, the flow opening 111b may be a hole-shaped structure or a long strip-shaped structure extending in the up-down direction.

[0107] The area of ​​the placement port 111c can be designed as needed. The area of ​​the placement port 111c can be larger than the flow port 111b. The area of ​​the placement port 111c is relatively large to facilitate the material to be electrolyzed to enter the holding chamber 111a. The area of ​​the flow port 111b is relatively small to reduce the risk of the material to be electrolyzed escaping from the holding chamber 111a through the flow port 111b.

[0108] The annular mesh basket 11, the conductive member 13 and the conductive plate 12 are all made of metal. For example, the metal materials used by the annular mesh basket 11, the conductive member 13 and the conductive plate 12 include but are not limited to molybdenum alloy, nickel-based alloy or stainless steel, etc. The above metal materials have the characteristics of high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. Specifically, inconel625 material can be used.

[0109] It is understandable that the annular mesh basket 11, the conductive member 13 and the conductive disk 12 can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0110] For some examples, see Figure 1 The electrolytic refining device includes a heating cylinder 4, the heating cylinder 4 includes a heating tank, and at least a part of the electrolytic cell 3 is located in the heating tank.

[0111] The heating cartridge 4 can provide heat to heat the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 3 .

[0112] In this embodiment, the heating cylinder 4 heats the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 3 to keep the electrolyte in a molten state, thereby meeting the working temperature requirements of high-temperature molten salt electrolytic refining. The high-temperature molten salt electrolytic refining process is relatively short, which can save energy and reduce environmental pollution.

[0113] The heating tube 4 can convert electrical energy into thermal energy. For example, a resistance wire can be passed through the inner part of the peripheral wall of the heating tube 4, and the resistance wire generates heat when it is energized to provide a heating function.

[0114] The electrolytic cell 3 may be made of metal. For example, the electrolytic cell 3 may be made of high temperature resistant and corrosion resistant metal materials such as molybdenum or stainless steel.

[0115] The electrolyte is designed according to the requirements of the electrolytic refining reaction. The electrolyte can be a molten salt in a molten state. For example, the electrolyte includes but is not limited to chloride molten salts such as LiCl-KCl (lithium chloride-potassium chloride), NaCl-KCl (sodium chloride-potassium chloride), NaCl-CsCl (sodium chloride-cesium chloride), LiCl (lithium chloride), or fluoride molten salts, etc. can be used.

[0116] For some examples, see Figure 1 The electrolytic refining device includes a protective cover 5 and an insulating pad 6. The protective cover 5 is sleeved on the outside of the electrolytic cell 3, and the insulating pad 6 is arranged between the outer bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 3 and the protective cover 5.

[0117] For example, the protective cover 5 can be located in the heating tank. The protective cover 5 can isolate the electrolytic tank 3 and the heating tube 4, protect the heating tube 4 from corrosion by electrolytes such as molten salt, and ensure safe operation of the equipment.

[0118] The insulating pad 6 has an insulating function, that is, the insulating pad 6 is substantially non-conductive.

[0119] In this embodiment, the protective cover 5 is sleeved on the outside of the electrolytic cell 3. If the electrolytic cell 3 leaks, the protective cover 5 can contain the electrolyte leaked from the electrolytic cell 3 to improve safety. The insulating pad 6 is arranged between the outer bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 3 and the protective cover 5. The insulating pad 6 can support the electrolytic cell 3 and bear the weight of the electrolytic cell 3 and the electrolyte. The insulating pad 6 can also insulate and isolate the electrolytic cell 3 and the protective cover 5. During the electrolysis process, the electrolytic cell 3 is charged, and the protective cover 5 is not charged, reducing the risk of leakage.

[0120] The protective cover 5 may be made of metal. For example, the protective cover 5 may be made of a high temperature resistant material such as an alloy.

[0121] The insulating pad 6 can be made of insulating materials such as high temperature resistant plastic.

[0122] For some examples, see Figure 1 The electrolytic refining device includes a cooling assembly 7 , and at least one of the anode assembly 1 and the cathode assembly 2 is provided with the cooling assembly 7 .

[0123] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, there may be one cooling assembly 7, and the anode assembly 1 is provided with the cooling assembly 7. In another embodiment, there may be one cooling assembly 7, and the cathode assembly 2 is provided with the cooling assembly 7. In yet another embodiment, there may be two cooling assemblies 7, and both the anode assembly 1 and the cathode assembly 2 are provided with the cooling assembly 7.

[0124] The cooling assembly 7 is a structure for providing cooling and heat dissipation functions.

[0125] Exemplarily, there may be two cooling components 7, one of which is disposed on the end cover 22, and the other end cover 22 is disposed on the conductive disk 12. Exemplarily, the cooling component 7 cools the end cover 22, the conductive disk 12 and the ultrasonic transducer 211, and the temperatures of the end cover 22, the conductive disk 12 and the ultrasonic transducer 211 can all be maintained below 50°C.

[0126] In this embodiment, at least one of the anode assembly 1 and the cathode assembly 2 is provided with a cooling assembly 7, and the cooling assembly 7 is used to provide cooling and heat dissipation function for at least one of the anode assembly 1 and the cathode assembly 2. For example, during and after the reaction, the cooling assembly 7 can reduce the temperature of structural parts such as the end cover 22, the conductive disk 12 and the ultrasonic transducer 211 to prevent overheating and damage to structural parts such as the end cover 22, the conductive disk 12 and the ultrasonic transducer 211.

[0127] The cooling assembly 7 can be liquid cooled or air cooled. A temperature detector can be provided in at least one of the anode assembly 1 and the cathode assembly 2. The controller 9 controls the working state of the cooling assembly 7 according to the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

[0128] For some examples, see Figures 1 to 3 The electrolytic refining device includes a controller 9, which is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 211, and the controller 9 can emit ultrasonic electrical signals.

[0129] Exemplarily, the controller 9 and the ultrasonic transducer 211 may be electrically connected via a cable.

[0130] In some embodiments, the controller 9 is electrically connected to the amplitude enhancement member 213, and the controller 9 is electrically connected to the conductive disk 12. The controller 9 provides current and voltage, the amplitude enhancement member 213 transmits the current and voltage to the cathode head 212, the conductive disk 12 and the conductive member 13 transmit the current and voltage to the annular mesh basket 11, and the cathode head 212, the annular mesh basket 11 and the electrolyte form an electrical circuit to achieve electrolytic refining of crude metals.

[0131] In some embodiments, the controller 9 is electrically connected to the heating cartridge 4 , and the heating cartridge 4 converts electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 3 .

[0132] In this embodiment, during the electrolysis process, the controller 9 can control parameters such as the applied voltage, current density, and heating temperature of the heating cylinder 4 to adjust the deposition rate of the target metal and the purity of the product.

[0133] For some examples, see Figure 1 The electrorefining device includes a reference electrode 100 , at least part of which is located in the electrolytic cell 3 .

[0134] In this embodiment, the reference electrode 100 is used to provide a potential reference, which is beneficial to the stable electrolytic refining.

[0135] The type of the reference electrode 100 is not limited, and for example, the reference electrode 100 may be an Ag / AgCl (silver / silver chloride) electrode. The diaphragm of the Ag / AgCl electrode is pyrex glass.

[0136] The number of reference electrodes 100 may be one or more. Exemplarily, the number of reference electrodes 100 may be two, wherein one reference electrode 100 is used to match the cathode assembly 2, and the other reference electrode 100 is used to match the anode assembly 1. The reference electrode 100 may be insulated and connected to the end cap 22 or the conductive disk 12.

[0137] In some embodiments, the electrolytic refining device includes an electrode sleeve, which is disposed on the outside of the reference electrode 100 and has a plurality of holes.

[0138] The holes in the electrode sleeve are used to circulate electrolyte.

[0139] In this embodiment, the electrode sleeve is used to protect the reference electrode 100 and reduce the risk of the reference electrode 100 being broken due to collision or other external forces.

[0140] The electrode sleeve may be made of metal material, for example, a metal material having high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0141] For some examples, see Figure 1 The electrolytic refining device includes a lifting module 8, and at least one of the anode assembly 1 and the cathode assembly 2 is provided with the lifting module 8. The lifting module 8 is used to lift the cathode assembly 2 and / or the anode assembly 1 in the up and down direction.

[0142] For example, there may be one lifting module 8, and the cathode assembly 2 may be connected to the lifting module 8. For another example, there may be one lifting module 8, and the anode assembly 1 may be connected to the lifting module 8. For another example, there may be two lifting modules 8, and both the cathode assembly 2 and the anode assembly 1 are connected to the lifting module 8.

[0143] The lifting module 8 can raise or lower the cathode assembly 2. Exemplarily, the lifting module 8 is connected to the end cover 22.

[0144] The lifting module 8 can raise or lower the anode assembly 1. Exemplarily, the lifting module 8 is connected to the conductive plate 12.

[0145] In this embodiment, when maintenance and cleaning of the cathode assembly 2 or the anode assembly 1 is required, the lifting module 8 can lift the cathode assembly 2 or the anode assembly 1 so that the cathode assembly 2 or the anode assembly 1 is removed from the electrolytic cell 3; after unloading or maintenance and cleaning, the lifting module 8 can lower the cathode assembly 2 or the anode assembly 1 into the electrolytic cell 3.

[0146] The lifting module 8 may include a motor, which provides power to drive the cathode assembly 2 or the anode assembly 1 to move up and down.

[0147] In some embodiments, the electrolytic refining device includes a guide rail, and the lifting module 8 and the cathode assembly 2 are slidably matched through the guide rail, and the lifting module 8 drives the cathode assembly 2 to slide along the guide rail. The guide rail enables the cathode assembly 2 to slide along a set track, and is used to quickly and accurately lift the cathode assembly 2.

[0148] In some embodiments, the lifting module 8 and the anode assembly 1 are slidably matched via a guide rail, and the lifting module 8 drives the anode assembly 1 to slide along the guide rail. The guide rail enables the anode assembly 1 to slide along a set track, and is used to lift the anode assembly 1 quickly and accurately.

[0149] In some embodiments, the electrolytic refining device includes a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature in the electrolytic cell 3.

[0150] In this embodiment, the controller 9 can control the switch of the heating cylinder 4 according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to provide stable heating for the electrolytic cell 3.

[0151] The temperature in the electrolytic cell 3 is determined according to the requirements of electrolytic refining. For example, the temperature in the electrolytic cell 3 may be around 1000° C. (Celsius).

[0152] The controller 9 can be used to monitor and control key parameters such as current, voltage, ultrasonic power and temperature in the electrolytic cell 3 in real time, and provide data recording and alarm functions to ensure experimental safety and process controllability.

[0153] The following uses a crude uranium-zirconium alloy metal block as the material to be electrolyzed to exemplarily illustrate the method for using the electrolytic refining device provided in the embodiment of the present application:

[0154] S10, Preparation stage

[0155] 1) Installing electrolyte and placing materials: Adding electrolyte into the electrolytic cell 3, and placing the crude uranium-zirconium alloy metal block into the annular mesh basket 11, and the annular mesh basket 11 is suspended in the electrolytic cell 3.

[0156] 2) Preheating the electrolytic cell 3: Start the heating cylinder 4 to gradually increase the temperature in the electrolytic cell 3 to the working temperature (the working temperature is set according to the melting point of the electrolyte and the refining requirements), keep the electrolyte completely molten, and prepare for the electrolytic reaction.

[0157] S20, electrolysis process

[0158] 1) Start the electrolysis power supply: Set and start the electrolysis power supply of the controller 9, apply a suitable current or voltage between the cathode head 212 and the annular mesh basket 11, so that the active metal in the crude metal is dissolved into the electrolyte.

[0159] 2) Ultrasonic assistance: Start the ultrasonic transducer 211. The main function of the ultrasonic transducer 211 is to prevent the excessive accumulation of dendrites deposited on the surface of the cathode head 212, to loosen the dendrites through vibration, and to promote the automatic shedding of the dendrites and collect them in the collection basket 24 below the cathode head 212.

[0160] 3) Real-time monitoring: The controller 9 monitors the current, voltage, working temperature and other parameters in real time and records the data. The cut-off voltage can be set. When the voltage reaches the set value, the controller 9 automatically adjusts or suspends the electrolysis to reduce the unstable factors in the electrolysis process.

[0161] S30, Target Metal Recovery

[0162] 1) Stop electrolysis: Stop electrolysis through the controller 9, lift the collection basket 24 to a suitable position through the lifting module 8, take out the collection basket 24 containing the target metal, and replace it with a new collection basket 24.

[0163] 2) Replenish electrolytes: According to the consumption of electrolytes, replenish electrolytes in appropriate amounts to ensure the stability of the ion concentration required for the electrolysis reaction.

[0164] 3) Repeat the electrolysis cycle: Start the electrolysis power supply and the ultrasonic transducer 211, and repeat the above electrolysis process. According to the process requirements, the electrolytic refining is continued until the required target metal refining amount is achieved.

[0165] S40, End of operation and equipment cleaning

[0166] 1) Turn off the electrolysis power supply and the ultrasonic transducer 211: After completing all electrolysis tasks, turn off the electrolysis power supply, the ultrasonic transducer 211 and the heating tube 4, and let the temperature of the electrolytic cell 3 gradually cool down to a safe temperature.

[0167] 2) Equipment cleaning and maintenance: Clean the electrolytic cell 3, annular basket 11, cathode assembly 2 and other components, and check the status of the ultrasonic transducer 211, electrode connections, seals and other key components. Perform regular maintenance and replacement according to the frequency of equipment use to ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0168] The following is an example of using the electrolytic refining device provided in the embodiment of the present application for electrolytic refining of uranium alloy:

[0169] A lithium chloride-potassium chloride eutectic molten salt containing 5 wt% (mass percentage) of uranium trichloride is loaded into the electrolytic cell 3 as an electrolyte, and the heating cylinder 4 is controlled by the controller 9 to heat the electrolytic cell 3, and the temperature is increased to 500°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min (degrees Celsius per minute), and the temperature of the electrolytic cell 3 is kept constant at 500°C; after the molten salt is melted, 50 kg (kilograms) of uranium alloy is loaded into the annular mesh basket 11, and the annular mesh basket 11, the cathode head 212 and the reference electrode 100 are immersed in the electrolytic cell 3. During the electrolysis, a constant current of 20A (ampere) is applied between the annular mesh basket 11 and the cathode head 212 through the controller 9 for continuous electrolysis, and the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 211 is set to 20KHZ (kilohertz) and the power is set to 200W (watt); after the electrolytic refining reaction is completed, the annular mesh basket 11, the cathode head 212 and the reference electrode 100 are lifted upward from the molten salt, and the molten salt is cooled; the uranium metal product collected in the cooled collection basket 24 is taken out to obtain a finely divided electrolytically refined uranium metal product. The uranium content in the residue in the annular mesh basket 11 is less than 5wt%, and there is no obvious uranium metal product on the cathode head 212. The collection rate of dissolved uranium metal in the product collection basket 24 reaches 99.1%.

[0170] From the above example of electrolytic refining of uranium alloy, it can be concluded that the electrolytic refining device provided in the embodiment of the present application has the characteristics of sustainable reaction and high collection rate.

[0171] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "an embodiment", "some embodiments" and "exemplary" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are contradictory.

[0172] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without causing any contradiction. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of this application shall be included in the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electrolytic refining device, characterized in that: include: Anode assembly; A cathode assembly, comprising a cathode structure, wherein the cathode structure comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a cathode head, wherein the cathode head is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer converts an ultrasonic electrical signal into a mechanical vibration; The electrolytic cell is used to contain electrolyte, and at least a portion of the anode assembly and at least a portion of the cathode head are arranged in the electrolytic cell.

2. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode structure includes an amplitude enhancement member, which connects the ultrasonic transducer and the cathode head.

3. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The amplitude enhancement member is in a rod-shaped structure, and two ends of the amplitude enhancement member along the length direction are connected to the ultrasonic transducer and the cathode head.

4. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The amplitude enhancement member is a conductive structure.

5. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode assembly comprises an end cover, the cathode structure is insulated and connected to the end cover, the electrolytic cell has a take-in and take-out opening open upward, and the end cover covers at least a portion of the take-in and take-out opening.

6. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cathode assembly includes a plurality of heat insulation plates spaced apart in the up-down direction, and the plurality of heat insulation plates are all located below the end cover.

7. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode assembly comprises a collecting basket which is open upwards and is located below the cathode head.

8. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Taking a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction as a projection plane, the projection of the cathode head is located within the projection range of the collecting basket.

9. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode assembly comprises an annular mesh basket, which surrounds the outer circumference of the cathode head and is used for containing substances to be electrolyzed.

10. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The anode assembly comprises: A conductive disk is located above the annular mesh basket, the conductive disk forms a clearance opening, and the cathode assembly can enter or escape from the electrolytic cell through the clearance opening; A conductive member electrically connects the conductive disk and the annular mesh basket.

11. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The annular mesh basket includes a plurality of fan-shaped sub-sections, which are spliced ​​in sequence along the circumferential direction to form the annular mesh basket. The fan-shaped sub-sections form a holding cavity for holding the material to be electrolyzed. Both radial side walls of the fan-shaped sub-sections form flow ports connected to the holding cavity, and the upper side wall of the fan-shaped sub-sections forms a placement port connected to the holding cavity.

12. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolytic refining device comprises a heating cylinder, the heating cylinder comprises a heating tank, and at least a part of the electrolytic tank is located in the heating tank.

13. The electrolytic refining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolytic refining device comprises a protective sleeve and an insulating pad. The protective sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the electrolytic cell, and the insulating pad is arranged between the outer bottom surface of the electrolytic cell and the protective sleeve.

14. The electrolytic refining device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The electrorefining device includes a cooling assembly, and at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly is provided with the cooling assembly.

15. The electrolytic refining device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The electrolytic refining device includes a lifting module, and at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly is provided with the lifting module.

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