A copper refining electrolytic cell

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electrolytic cell, and one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a copper refining electrolytic cell, which comprises an electrolytic cell body and a pair of support tables arranged at the two ends of the bottom of the electrolytic cell body, an anode plate and a cathode plate are inserted and installed in the electrolytic cell body, an insulating plate installation assembly is arranged at the top of the electrolytic cell body, and a homogenization treatment assembly is arranged in the bottom of the electrolytic cell body, wherein the homogenization treatment assembly comprises a liquid supplementing pipe and a liquid outlet pipe, the liquid supplementing pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are arranged in the two sides of the electrolytic cell body respectively, an inner pipeline is connected between the liquid supplementing pipe and the liquid outlet pipe, and a plurality of dispersion holes are formed in the top of the inner pipeline. Through the above technical scheme, the technical problem that the existing copper refining electrolytic cell generally lacks a stirring and dispersing structure after the electrolyte is supplemented, resulting in uneven composition of the supplemented electrolyte and the original electrolyte in the tank is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and more specifically, to a copper refining electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] In copper refining, the electrolytic cell is the core equipment for purifying crude copper. By continuously applying current, the crude copper anode dissolves, and copper ions are deposited at the cathode to form high-purity cathode copper (purity must reach 99.95% or higher). During electrolysis, the electrolyte (a mixed solution containing copper sulfate and sulfuric acid) undergoes compositional changes due to copper ion consumption and water evaporation. Fresh electrolyte needs to be added periodically to maintain a stable concentration and ensure the continuous and efficient electrolytic reaction. However, existing copper refining electrolytic cells generally lack a stirring and dispersing structure after electrolyte replenishment, resulting in uneven composition between the replenished electrolyte and the original electrolyte in the cell. This directly affects the electrolysis effect and restricts product quality and production efficiency.

[0003] In traditional electrolytic cells, fresh electrolyte is typically injected directly into one side or corner of the cell via pipes without any mixing. The fresh electrolyte differs from the existing electrolyte in concentration and temperature, and its poor fluidity easily creates localized high-concentration areas in the replenished region, while other areas remain at low concentrations. This compositional difference leads to uneven cathode copper deposition. High-concentration areas are prone to excessive copper ion deposition, resulting in a rough, porous cathode copper surface; low-concentration areas may experience hydrogen ion discharge due to insufficient copper ions, generating hydrogen bubbles and causing defects such as pinholes and peeling on the cathode copper.

[0004] Therefore, developing a copper refining electrolytic cell that can achieve efficient stirring and dispersion after electrolyte replenishment has become an urgent need for the industry to increase electrolyte volume and reduce energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a copper refining electrolytic cell, which solves the technical problem that existing copper refining electrolytic cells generally lack a stirring and dispersing structure after the electrolyte is added, resulting in uneven composition between the added electrolyte and the original electrolyte in the cell.

[0006] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a copper refining electrolytic cell, comprising: An electrolytic cell body and a pair of support platforms, wherein the support platforms are disposed at both ends of the bottom of the electrolytic cell body; An anode plate, cathode plate, and insulating plate mounting assembly are provided, wherein the anode plate and cathode plate are both inserted into the main body of the electrolytic cell, and the insulating plate mounting assembly is located on the top of the main body of the electrolytic cell. A homogenization treatment component is disposed inside the bottom of the electrolytic cell body; The homogenization treatment component includes a replenishment pipe and an outlet pipe, which are respectively located on both sides of the main body of the electrolytic cell. An inner pipe connects the replenishment pipe and the outlet pipe, and a plurality of dispersion holes are opened at the top of the inner pipe.

[0007] As a further technical solution, a disc is provided at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body. The disc is driven by electricity to rotate at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body. Several propulsion blades are provided on the surface of the disc. The disc is located directly below the center of the inner pipe.

[0008] According to another aspect, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating plate mounting assembly includes a pair of fixed platforms, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the outer wall of the electrolytic cell body, and a pair of movable columns are vertically and movably connected inside one of the fixed platforms.

[0009] As a further technical solution, a bracket is provided at the upper end of the movable column, and a telescopic cylinder is installed vertically upward at the bottom of the fixed platform on the other side. The output end of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the bottom of the bracket, and several mounting slots are provided at both ends of the top of the bracket.

[0010] As a further technical solution, control valves are installed on both the replenishment pipe and the outlet pipe.

[0011] As a further technical solution, overflow troughs are provided on both sides of the main body of the electrolytic cell, and a lower pipe is provided at the bottom of the overflow trough.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the inner pipe has an overall rectangular frame structure, and the position of the inner pipe is higher than that of the disc.

[0013] As a further technical solution, a cleaning and waste discharge pipe is provided at the lower end of one side of the main body of the electrolytic cell.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows: In this disclosure, the homogenization treatment component solves the problem of uneven electrolyte mixing in traditional electrolytic cells through a dispersion replenishment and rotating propulsion design. Internal pipes and dispersion holes evenly disperse the electrolyte within the cell, preventing sudden changes in local concentration. The rotating disc and propulsion blades rapidly fuse the electrolyte, eliminating compositional differences and ensuring consistent electrolyte concentration and temperature across all areas of the cell. This structure prevents deposition defects in cathode copper due to localized concentration imbalances, improving product purity and surface quality. Electrolyte circulation reduces impurity accumulation, lowers subsequent purification costs, meets the stringent requirements for electrolyte stability in copper refining, and simultaneously improves electrolysis efficiency and shortens the production cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is an isometric drawing of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is an isometric drawing from another perspective of this disclosure; In the diagram: 1. Electrolytic cell body; 2. Support platform; 3. Anode plate; 4. Cathode plate; 5. Homogenization treatment assembly; 5-1. Liquid replenishment pipe; 5-2. Liquid outlet pipe; 5-3. Internal pipe; 5-4. Dispersion hole; 5-5. Disc; 5-6. Flow propulsion blade; 6. Insulation plate mounting assembly; 6-1. Fixed platform; 6-2. Movable column; 6-3. Bracket; 6-4. Telescopic cylinder; 6-5. Mounting slot; 7. Control valve; 8. Overflow slot; 9. Lower pipe; 10. Waste discharge pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0018] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the disclosure; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0019] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0021] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0022] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] like Figures 1-3 As shown, it illustrates a copper refining electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising: An electrolytic cell body 1 and a pair of support platforms 2, wherein the support platforms 2 are disposed at both ends of the bottom of the electrolytic cell body 1; The anode plate 3, cathode plate 4, and insulating plate mounting assembly 6 are provided. The anode plate 3 and cathode plate 4 are both inserted and installed in the electrolytic cell body 1. The insulating plate mounting assembly 6 is located on the top of the electrolytic cell body 1. Homogenization component 5, wherein the homogenization component 5 is disposed inside the bottom of the electrolytic cell body 1; The homogenization treatment component 5 includes a replenishment pipe 5-1 and an outlet pipe 5-2. The replenishment pipe 5-1 and the outlet pipe 5-2 are respectively disposed on both sides of the electrolytic cell body 1. An inner pipe 5-3 connects the replenishment pipe 5-1 and the outlet pipe 5-2. Several dispersion holes 5-4 are opened at the top of the inner pipe 5-3. A disc 5-5 is disposed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body 1. The disc 5-5 is driven by electricity to rotate at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body 1. Several propulsion blades 5-6 are disposed on the surface of the disc 5-5. The disc 5-5 is located directly below the center of the inner pipe 5-3.

[0024] In some examples, in order to achieve uniformity of electrolyte concentration and temperature during copper refining, avoid uneven cathode copper deposition due to local electrolyte composition imbalance, ensure electrolysis efficiency and product purity, and meet the stringent requirements of copper refining for electrolyte stability, a homogenization treatment component 5 was designed. This component includes a replenishment pipe 5-1 and an outlet pipe 5-2 respectively installed on both sides of the electrolytic cell body 1, forming an electrolyte circulation channel. The replenishment pipe 5-1 can be connected to an external electrolyte supply system to replenish the cell with fresh electrolyte or a solution for adjusting the composition.

[0025] The outlet pipe 5-2 is connected to the waste liquid recovery device to discharge the aged electrolyte. The electrolyte is dynamically renewed through circulation to prevent impurities from accumulating over a long period of time and affecting the refining effect.

[0026] The inner pipe 5-3 connecting the replenishment pipe 5-1 and the outlet pipe 5-2 is laid along the bottom of the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell. Several dispersion holes 5-4 are evenly distributed on its top, which can evenly spray the electrolyte delivered by the replenishment pipe 5-1 to the bottom of the cell through the dispersion holes 5-4, avoiding the sudden change in local concentration caused by concentrated injection of electrolyte. The diameter and spacing of the dispersion holes 5-4 are adapted to ensure that the electrolyte can cover the entire bottom area of ​​the cell, laying the foundation for subsequent uniform flow.

[0027] The disc 5-5 at the bottom of the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell is located directly below the center of the inner pipe 5-3. It is driven by electricity to rotate. Several pusher blades 5-6 on its surface are distributed radially or spirally. When the disc 5-5 rotates, it can generate a combined radial and axial thrust on the electrolyte in the cell, breaking the stratification phenomenon of the electrolyte when it is stationary. This allows the fresh electrolyte discharged from the dispersion hole 5-4 to mix quickly with the original electrolyte in the cell. At the same time, it drives the overall flow of the electrolyte, ensuring that the electrolyte concentration and temperature are consistent in all areas of the cell (especially around the anode plate 3 and the cathode plate 4), and avoiding defects such as nodules and looseness on the cathode copper surface due to local concentration differences. During operation, fresh electrolyte enters the tank evenly through the replenishment pipe 5-1, inner pipe 5-3, and dispersion hole 5-4. The electrically driven disc 5-5 rotates the propulsion blades 5-6, promoting uniform mixing of the electrolyte. Aged electrolyte is discharged through the outlet pipe 5-2. Layered replenishment ensures uniform supply, rotating propulsion accelerates mixing, and multi-point dispersion covers the entire area. The coordinated operation of all components achieves electrolyte homogenization, providing a stable electrolytic environment for copper refining and improving the quality and efficiency of cathode copper products.

[0028] like Figures 1-3As shown in the figure, the insulating board mounting assembly 6 in this embodiment includes a pair of fixed platforms 6-1. The fixed platforms 6-1 are respectively arranged on both sides of the outer wall of the electrolytic cell body 1. A pair of movable columns 6-2 are vertically and movably connected inside the fixed platform 6-1 on one side. A bracket 6-3 is provided at the upper end of the movable column 6-2. A telescopic cylinder 6-4 is vertically and upwardly installed at the bottom of the fixed platform 6-1 on the other side. The output end of the telescopic cylinder 6-4 is connected to the bottom of the bracket 6-3. Several mounting slots 6-5 are opened at both ends of the top of the bracket 6-3.

[0029] In some examples, in order to facilitate the installation and removal of the insulating plate on the top of the electrolytic cell body 1 and provide stable support, avoid short circuits or leakage of electrodes caused by the installation misalignment of the insulating plate, adapt to the installation requirements of insulating plates of different thicknesses, simplify the operation process, and improve the efficiency of insulating plate replacement and maintenance in copper refining operations, an insulating plate installation assembly 6 was designed. This assembly includes fixed platforms 6-1 set on both sides of the outer wall of the electrolytic cell body 1, which are symmetrically distributed to provide installation support for components such as movable columns 6-2 and telescopic cylinders 6-4, ensuring the overall structural stability of the assembly and preventing components from loosening due to electrolytic cell vibration.

[0030] A pair of movable columns 6-2, vertically mounted within one side of the fixed platform 6-1, are evenly distributed along the length of the fixed platform 6-1. The bracket 6-3 at the upper end of the column provides a horizontal support surface for the insulating plate. Several mounting slots 6-5, opened at both ends of the top of the bracket 6-3, are arranged along the length of the bracket 6-3. The shape of the slots is adapted to the edge of the insulating plate, which can laterally position the insulating plate and prevent it from sliding along the length of the bracket 6-3 during use. This ensures that the insulating plate can accurately correspond to the electrode gap at the top of the electrolytic cell and avoids short circuits caused by electrode contact with the cell due to displacement of the insulating plate.

[0031] On the other side, a telescopic cylinder 6-4 is installed vertically upward at the bottom of the fixed platform 6-1. Its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom of the bracket 6-3, providing power for the lifting and lowering of the bracket 6-3. When it is necessary to install or remove the insulating board, the telescopic cylinder 6-4 retracts to drive the bracket 6-3 to descend, reducing the operating height and making it easier for operators to pick up and put down the insulating board. After installation, the telescopic cylinder 6-4 extends to drive the bracket 6-3 to rise to the target height, so that the insulating board fits tightly against the preset position on the top of the electrolytic cell, forming a reliable insulation barrier.

[0032] The movable column 6-2 works in conjunction with the vertical movable assembly of the fixed platform 6-1 to ensure that the bracket 6-3 remains horizontal during the lifting and lowering process, preventing the bracket 6-3 from tilting and causing the insulation board to slip off. At the same time, the movable column 6-2 can adaptively adjust its length according to the extension and retraction of the telescopic cylinder 6-4, working together with the telescopic cylinder 6-4 to ensure the smooth lifting and lowering of the bracket 6-3.

[0033] During operation, the telescopic cylinder 6-4 retracts to lower the bracket 6-3, and the insulating plate is positioned in the mounting slot 6-5; the telescopic cylinder 6-4 then extends to raise the bracket 6-3 to the installation height. Disassembly is performed by reversing the operation. The telescopic adjustment facilitates easy installation and disassembly, the positioning slot ensures precise installation, and the horizontal support ensures stable insulation. All components work together to achieve convenient installation and reliable support of the insulating plate, providing safe insulation for the copper refining electrolysis process.

[0034] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, both the replenishment pipe 5-1 and the outlet pipe 5-2 are equipped with control valves 7.

[0035] In some examples, control valves 7 are installed on both the replenishment pipe 5-1 and the outlet pipe 5-2. These valves can precisely regulate the replenishment rate of fresh electrolyte and the discharge rate of aged electrolyte, respectively. This prevents electrolyte overflow due to excessive replenishment or excessive discharge that could lead to a low electrolyte level and affect electrolysis operations. Operators can adjust the opening of the control valves 7 based on the electrolyte concentration and level monitoring data within the electrolytic cell to achieve dynamic matching between the electrolyte circulation rate and the electrolysis reaction rate, ensuring that the electrolyte in the cell is always maintained within the optimal concentration and level range.

[0036] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, overflow troughs 8 are provided on both sides of the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell, and a lower pipe 9 is provided at the bottom of the overflow trough 8.

[0037] In some examples, overflow tanks 8 are provided on both sides of the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell to collect overflow liquid caused by excessive replenishment, thermal expansion of the electrolyte, or bubbles generated by the electrolytic reaction, preventing the electrolyte from directly spilling onto the outside of the equipment and causing corrosion or safety hazards. A drain pipe 9 at the bottom of the overflow tank 8 can centrally guide the collected overflow electrolyte to a recovery container or waste liquid treatment system, enabling the electrolyte to be recycled or disposed of in compliance with regulations, avoiding resource waste and environmental pollution.

[0038] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inner pipe 5-3 has a rectangular frame structure, and the inner pipe 5-3 is positioned higher than the disc 5-5.

[0039] In some examples, the inner pipe 5-3 has a rectangular frame structure and is positioned higher than the disk 5-5. The rectangular frame structure allows the inner pipe 5-3 to fit the rectangular outline of the bottom of the electrolytic cell body 1, so that the top dispersion hole 5-4 can evenly cover the entire bottom area of ​​the cell, avoiding dead corners in electrolyte dispersion and ensuring that fresh electrolyte can be evenly diffused to the area below the anode plate 3 and the cathode plate 4.

[0040] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a cleaning and waste discharge pipe 10 is provided at the lower end of one side of the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell.

[0041] In some examples, the cleaning and waste discharge pipe 10 installed at the lower end of one side of the electrolytic cell body 1 can quickly discharge residual electrolyte and electrolytic residues (such as anode mud and impurity precipitates) in the cell during breaks in copper refining operations (such as when replacing electrodes or maintaining equipment). This eliminates the need for manual entry into the cell for cleaning, significantly reducing labor intensity and improving cleaning and maintenance efficiency. Located at the lower end of the electrolytic cell body 1, the cleaning and waste discharge pipe 10 utilizes gravity to allow residual electrolyte and residue to naturally converge and drain, ensuring that there is no liquid accumulation or residue buildup at the bottom of the cell. This prevents long-term residue adhesion from affecting subsequent electrolysis efficiency or contaminating newly injected electrolyte.

[0042] In actual use: The anode plate 3 and cathode plate 4 are respectively inserted into the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell. The telescopic cylinder 6-4 of the insulating plate mounting assembly 6 is activated, causing the bracket 6-3 to descend. The insulating plate is placed into the mounting groove 6-5 of the bracket 6-3 for positioning. The telescopic cylinder 6-4 extends, causing the bracket 6-3 to rise, and the insulating plate is fixed to the top of the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell. The control valve 7 of the homogenization treatment assembly 5's replenishment pipe 5-1 is opened, and fresh electrolyte flows into the inner pipe 5-3 through the replenishment pipe 5-1, and is evenly sprayed to the bottom of the cell through the top dispersion hole 5-4. Simultaneously, the electric drive is activated, causing the disc 5-5 and the pusher blades 5-6 to rotate, rapidly mixing the electrolyte and ensuring uniform fusion of the fresh and existing electrolytes. Aged electrolyte is discharged through the outlet pipe 5-2. During electrolysis, excess electrolyte flows into the overflow tanks 8 on both sides and is collected and recovered through the lower pipe 9. After electrolysis, control valve 7 is closed, and residual electrolyte and residue are discharged through waste discharge pipe 10. Electrolyte homogenization and easy installation of insulation board are achieved throughout the process, ensuring efficient copper refining.

[0043] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A copper refining electrolytic cell, characterized in that, include: An electrolytic cell body (1) and a pair of support platforms (2), wherein the support platforms (2) are disposed at both ends of the bottom of the electrolytic cell body (1); The anode plate (3), cathode plate (4) and insulating plate mounting assembly (6) are provided. The anode plate (3) and cathode plate (4) are both inserted into the electrolytic cell body (1). The insulating plate mounting assembly (6) is located on the top of the electrolytic cell body (1). A homogenization treatment component (5) is disposed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body (1); The homogenization treatment component (5) includes a replenishment pipe (5-1) and an outlet pipe (5-2). The replenishment pipe (5-1) and the outlet pipe (5-2) are respectively arranged inside the two sides of the electrolytic cell body (1). An inner pipe (5-3) is connected between the replenishment pipe (5-1) and the outlet pipe (5-2). The top of the inner pipe (5-3) is provided with a plurality of dispersion holes (5-4).

2. The copper refining electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, A disc (5-5) is provided at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body (1). The disc (5-5) is driven by electricity to rotate at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body (1). Several pusher blades (5-6) are provided on the surface of the disc (5-5). The disc (5-5) is located directly below the center of the inner pipe (5-3).

3. The copper refining electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating plate mounting assembly (6) includes a pair of fixed platforms (6-1), which are respectively arranged on both sides of the outer wall of the electrolytic cell body (1). A pair of movable columns (6-2) are vertically and movably connected inside one of the fixed platforms (6-1).

4. The copper refining electrolytic cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper end of the movable column (6-2) is provided with a bracket (6-3), and the bottom of the fixed platform (6-1) on the other side is vertically mounted with a telescopic cylinder (6-4). The output end of the telescopic cylinder (6-4) is connected to the bottom of the bracket (6-3). Several mounting slots (6-5) are opened at both ends of the top of the bracket (6-3).

5. A copper refining electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the replenishment pipe (5-1) and the outlet pipe (5-2) are equipped with control valves (7).

6. The copper refining electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, An overflow trough (8) is provided on both sides of the main body (1) of the electrolytic cell, and a lower pipe (9) is provided at the bottom of the overflow trough (8).

7. A copper refining electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner pipe (5-3) has a rectangular frame structure, and the inner pipe (5-3) is positioned higher than the disc (5-5).

8. A copper refining electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cleaning and waste discharge pipe (10) is provided at the lower end of one side of the main body (1) of the electrolytic cell.

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