Complete parallel flow electrolysis device and method

Abstract

The invention provides a complete parallel flow electrolysis device and method.The device comprises a liquid feeding tank, multiple electrolytic tanks and a liquid return tank which are sequentially arranged, a plurality of first through holes are formed in the side, close to the electrolytic tanks, of the liquid feeding tank, and the multiple electrolytic tanks are sequentially arranged; a plurality of second through holes and a plurality of third through holes are formed in the two sides of each electrolytic cell respectively, a plurality of fourth through holes are formed in the side, close to the electrolytic cells, of the liquid return tank, the first through hole of the liquid supply tank corresponds to the second through hole of the first electrolytic cell, and the second through holes and the third through holes of the adjacent electrolytic cells correspond to one another. And the third through hole of the last electrolytic tank corresponds to the fourth through hole of the liquid return tank. According to the complete parallel flow electrolysis device, parallel and uniform flow of the electrolyte between the polar plates in the electrolysis device is achieved, and the complete parallel flow electrolysis device can be used for electrolysis of metals such as copper, lead, zinc, nickel and manganese.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metallurgical technology, and in particular to a fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus and method. Background Technology

[0002] The advantages of increasing the current density in metal purification electrolysis are mainly reflected in the reduction of the number of electrolytic cells and the floor space required for production workshops, as well as lower investment. However, increasing the current density is subject to certain technical constraints. When the current density increases, the deposition of metal ions on the cathode accelerates, while the metal ions dissolved at the anode do not have enough time to migrate to the cathode through the electrolyte, resulting in concentration polarization. This leads to an increase in the electrode potential of impurities near the cathode, which then precipitate and deposit on the cathode, causing a decrease in the purity of the deposited metal.

[0003] Therefore, the technological advancements in metal refining electrolysis can be divided into three eras: the first generation is the traditional electrolysis method using starter plates, with current densities of 260~300 A / m² for copper electrolysis as an example. 2 The second generation is stainless steel cathode electrolysis, with a current density of 300~340 A / m² for copper electrolysis as an example. 2 The third generation is parallel-flow stainless steel cathode electrolysis, with the current density currently ranging from 360 to 400 A / m³, taking copper electrolysis as an example. 2 .

[0004] Parallel flow electrolysis technology has been developed and applied worldwide for decades. This technology features high production current density, large single-cell capacity, low investment, small footprint, short electrolysis cycle, fast capital turnover, low steam consumption, avoidance of concentration polarization and anode passivation, high current efficiency, high silver recovery rate, and good economic benefits. In the early 1980s, the Onahama refinery in Japan used parallel-flow electrolysis in extra-large tanks to produce electrolytic copper (referred to as extra-large tank parallel-flow electrolysis). In 2005, the Austrian company Mettop developed PFD electrolysis (referred to as jet parallel-flow electrolysis) at its Montanwerke Brixlegg smelter. In 2011, China introduced this technology and further developed upper and lower parallel-flow electrolysis and bidirectional parallel-flow electrolysis technologies, as evidenced by numerous patents such as CN105297079B, CN104831319A, CN101781770A, CN103255443B, CN204550732U, and CN206089846U.

[0005] Extra-large parallel-flow electrolysis is a type of fully parallel-flow electrolysis. Onahama's electrolytic cells fall into the category of "extra-large cells," measuring 8-12 meters in length and 2-3 meters in width. However, extra-large parallel-flow electrolysis employs a multi-group parallel electrode plate series arrangement, which results in high loads on the electrode plate support beams, easy deformation of the support structure, difficulties in production, operation, and maintenance, and increased safety risks for personnel. Therefore, it has not been further promoted and applied. According to the literature "Analysis of PFD Technology for Electrolytic Copper" Hydrometallurgy, August 2013, Issue 130 and "Theoretical Research and Application of New Parallel Flow Electrolysis Technology" Nonferrous Metals (Smelting Section), Issue 2, 2018, the parallel flow jet technology of Austrian company Mettop is introduced. It uses a PFD device (tank-side parallel flow guide box and nozzle) to allow the electrolyte to enter from the side of the electrolytic cell through the tank-side parallel flow guide box and the nozzle installed on the guide box. The electrolyte exits from both ends of the electrolytic cell. The electrolyte circulates in a single cell to enhance the electrolyte flow between the plates and avoid differential polarization. Jet parallel flow electrolysis solves the problem of parallel flow electrolysis in extra-large tanks. However, due to the use of a side-mounted jet box for electrolyte supply, the electrolyte rotates between the cathode and anode, resulting in uneven electrolyte flow on the plate surface. The rotated electrolyte returns from both ends of the electrolytic cell, and the electrolyte flow is not completely parallel. Furthermore, the high jet velocity from the nozzles makes the cathode copper products prone to porosity and particle formation. The jet nozzles and supply boxes are also prone to scaling and clogging, leading to a large workload in production and operation, and difficult maintenance. The addition of jet nozzles and supply boxes also increases investment and power consumption, making it difficult to rapidly and comprehensively promote it as a mainstream process. However, patents CN206089846U and CN204550732U, based on the PFD principle, expand the side-mounted parallel flow guide box in the height direction and increase the number of nozzles from one row to five or six rows, aiming to improve the parallel flow of the electrolyte. However, since the outlet is still a single-tank outlet, it is impossible for the electrolyte to achieve completely parallel flow. Meanwhile, since 5 or 6 rows of nozzles are installed on a flow guide box, and the height of the upper and lower nozzles is within 900mm (taking a 1m2 electrode plate as an example), the pressure in the lower part of the electrolytic cell is high and the pressure in the upper part is low. With the liquid supply from a flow guide box, the upper nozzles spray out most of the supplied electrolyte, and the lower nozzles basically have no effect. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a fully parallel flow electrolysis device, which aims to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art and realize a fully parallel flow mode in which liquid enters from one side of the electrolysis cell and exits from the other side.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: A fully parallel flow electrolysis device, characterized in that it comprises a feed tank, an electrolytic cell, and a return tank arranged sequentially. The feed tank has multiple first through holes on the side near the electrolytic cell. Multiple electrolytic cells are arranged sequentially, each with multiple second and third through holes on both sides. The return tank has multiple fourth through holes on the side near the electrolytic cell. The first through holes of the feed tank correspond to the second through holes of the first electrolytic cell, the second and third through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells correspond to each other, and the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell corresponds to the fourth through hole of the return tank. The first through holes of the feed tank are connected to the second through holes of the first electrolytic cell, the second and third through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells are connected, and the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell is connected to the fourth through hole of the return tank. The electrolyte flows sequentially through the first through holes, the second through holes, the third through holes, and the fourth through holes. According to one aspect of the above technical solution, a first connecting liquid guide pipe is fixedly connected between the first through hole of the liquid supply tank and the second through hole of the electrolytic cell, a second connecting liquid guide pipe is fixedly connected between the second through hole and the third through hole of the adjacent electrolytic cell, and a third connecting liquid guide pipe is fixedly connected between the third through hole of the electrolytic cell and the fourth through hole of the return liquid tank.

[0008] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the two ends of the first connecting liquid guide tube are respectively disposed in the first through hole and the second through hole, the two ends of the second connecting liquid guide tube are respectively disposed in the second through hole and the third through hole, and the two ends of the third connecting liquid guide tube are respectively disposed in the third through hole and the fourth through hole.

[0009] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the number of the first through hole in the liquid supply tank, the second and third through holes in the electrolytic cell, and the fourth through hole in the return tank along the height direction is n, n≥2, and the number along the length direction is m, 2≤m≤2x+2, where x represents the number of cathodes in the electrolytic cell.

[0010] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the positions of the first through hole of the liquid supply tank, the second and third through holes of the electrolytic cell, and the fourth through hole of the liquid return tank are the same; the sizes of the first through hole of the liquid supply tank, the second and third through holes of the electrolytic cell, and the fourth through hole of the liquid return tank are the same.

[0011] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the inner and outer surfaces of the liquid supply tank, the electrolytic cell, and the return tank are all made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the first connecting liquid guide pipe, the second connecting liquid guide pipe, and the third connecting liquid guide pipe are made of corrosion-resistant materials.

[0012] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are circular, rectangular, and elliptical in shape, and the first connecting liquid guide tube, the second connecting liquid guide tube, and the third connecting liquid guide tube are circular, rectangular, and elliptical in shape, and the shapes of the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are consistent with the shapes of the first connecting liquid guide tube, the second connecting liquid guide tube, and the third connecting liquid guide tube.

[0013] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the top heights of the liquid supply tank, the plurality of electrolytic cells, and the liquid return tank decrease sequentially, and the height difference between the tops of adjacent liquid supply tanks, electrolytic cells, and liquid return tanks is 0 mm to 6 mm.

[0014] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the liquid supply tank is provided with multiple first partitions in layers, which divide the liquid supply tank into multiple liquid supply zones. The liquid supply tank is provided with an inlet pipe, and each inlet pipe is provided with an inlet branch pipe in each liquid supply zone. Each inlet branch pipe is provided with a flow regulating valve, which is used to supply liquid to each liquid supply zone as needed. The return liquid tank is provided with multiple second partitions in layers, which divide the return liquid tank into multiple return liquid zones. Each return liquid zone in the return liquid tank is provided with a return liquid pipe, and the return liquid pipe is provided with a liquid level regulator.

[0015] The present invention also provides a fully parallel flow electrolysis method, implemented based on the fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus described above, comprising the following steps: The electrolyte is fed into the supply tank; The electrolyte flows into the electrolytic cell through the first through hole of the feed tank and the second through hole of the electrolytic cell; The electrolyte flows sequentially through the third and second through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells, and flows in multiple electrolytic cells; The electrolyte flows into the return tank through the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell and the fourth through hole of the return tank, so that the electrolyte flows uniformly and parallel to the electrode plates in multiple electrolytic cells, thereby realizing parallel flow electrolysis.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By sequentially setting up a feed tank, multiple electrolytic cells, and a return tank, and by setting multiple first through holes on the feed tank, multiple second through holes and multiple third through holes on both sides of each electrolytic cell, and multiple fourth through holes on the return tank, electrolyte can be injected into the feed tank through the feed pipe. The electrolyte flows through the first through holes in the feed tank to the second through holes in the electrolytic cells, and flows parallel to the cathode and anode plates in the electrolytic cells. Finally, it flows into the fourth through holes in the electrolytic cells and into the return tank at the very end. The electrolyte overflows into the return pipe through the liquid level regulator in the return tank and is sent back to the system for processing, thereby achieving parallel and uniform flow of electrolyte between the plates in the electrolysis device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of the fully parallel flow electrolysis device in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural elevation diagram of the fully parallel flow electrolysis device in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the intermediate liquid supply tank along its length; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Top view of the intermediate fluid supply tank; Figure 5 for Figure 1 Elevation view of the intermediate feed tank; Figure 6 for Figure 1 Top view of the electrolytic cell; Figure 7 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell along its length; Figure 8 for Figure 1 Elevation view of the electrolytic cell; Figure 9 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the middle-return night trough along its length; Figure 10 for Figure 1 Top view of the intermediate return tank; Figure 11 for Figure 1 Elevation view of the intermediate return tank; Explanation of key component symbols:

[0018] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete.

[0020] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 11 The image shows a fully parallel flow electrolysis device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising a feed tank 4, an electrolysis cell 1, and a return tank 10 arranged sequentially. The feed tank 4 has multiple first through holes 13 on the side near the electrolysis cell 1. Multiple electrolysis cells 1 are arranged sequentially, each with multiple second through holes 2 and multiple third through holes 3 on both sides. The return tank 10 has multiple fourth through holes 12 on the side near the electrolysis cell 1. The first through holes 13 of the feed tank 4 correspond to the second through holes 2 of the first electrolysis cell 1. The second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3 of adjacent electrolytic cells 1 are correspondingly arranged, the third through hole 3 of the last electrolytic cell 1 is correspondingly arranged with the fourth through hole 12 of the return liquid tank 10, the first through hole of the supply liquid tank is connected to the second through hole of the first electrolytic cell, the second through holes and the third through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells are connected, and the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell is connected to the fourth through hole of the return liquid tank. The electrolyte flows sequentially through the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole and the fourth through hole.

[0023] Understandably, this invention sequentially sets up a feed tank 4, multiple electrolytic cells 1, and a return tank 10, with multiple first through holes 13 on the feed tank 4, multiple second through holes 2 and multiple third through holes 3 on both sides of each electrolytic cell 1, and multiple fourth through holes 12 on the return tank 10. In this way, electrolyte can be injected into the feed tank 4 through the feed pipe, and the electrolyte flows through the first through holes 13 in the feed tank 4 to the second through holes 2 in the electrolytic cell 1, and flows parallel to the cathode plate and anode plate in the electrolytic cell 1. Finally, it flows into the fourth through holes 12 through the third through holes 3 in the electrolytic cell 1, and then flows into the return tank 10 at the end from the fourth through holes 12. The electrolyte overflows into the return pipe 14 through the liquid level regulator 15 of the return tank 10 and is sent back to the system for processing, thereby achieving parallel and uniform flow of electrolyte between the plates in the electrolysis device.

[0024] Specifically, in this embodiment, a first connecting liquid guide pipe 8 is fixedly connected between the first through hole 13 of the liquid supply tank 4 and the second through hole 2 of the electrolytic cell 1; a second connecting liquid guide pipe 16 is fixedly connected between the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3 of the adjacent electrolytic cell 1; and a third connecting liquid guide pipe 9 is fixedly connected between the third through hole 3 of the electrolytic cell 1 and the fourth through hole 12 of the return liquid tank 10. The two ends of the first connecting liquid guide pipe 8 are respectively disposed in the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 2; the two ends of the second connecting liquid guide pipe 16 are respectively disposed in the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3; and the two ends of the third connecting liquid guide pipe 9 are respectively disposed in the third through hole 3 and the fourth through hole 12.

[0025] Understandably, to allow the electrolyte in the supply tank 4 to be transported to the electrolytic cell 1, and to allow the electrolyte to flow through multiple electrolytic cells 1 and finally exit from the return tank 10, a first connecting liquid guide pipe 8 is provided between the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 2, a second connecting liquid guide pipe 16 is provided between the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3, and a third connecting liquid guide pipe 9 is provided between the third through hole 3 and the fourth through hole 12. The first connecting liquid guide pipe 8, the second connecting liquid guide pipe 16, and the third connecting liquid guide pipe 9 are all located inside the through holes, allowing the liquid guide pipes to better guide the electrolyte into the next cell. It should be noted that each liquid guide pipe is fixedly connected within each through hole. Figure 1 For ease of demonstration, only the first column of liquid guide tubes is shown.

[0026] Furthermore, the number of the first through hole 13 in the liquid supply tank 4, the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3 in the electrolytic cell 1, and the fourth through hole 12 in the return tank 10 along the height direction is n, where n ≥ 2, and the number along the length direction is m, where 2 ≤ m ≤ 2x + 2, where x represents the number of cathodes in the electrolytic cell 1. In this embodiment, for copper electrolysis, n is 6, x is 56, and m is 58. This device is only applicable when the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 2 have two or more rows. For each through hole, the hole spacing in each row (height direction) is 160mm. The distance between the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3 in the first row and the top surface of the electrolytic cell 1 is 150mm. A row of through holes is set along the length direction according to the same electrode distance (same electrode distance is 100mm) for each cathode. A row of through holes is set at the beginning and end, 100mm away from the center line of the first cathode. In this way, the electrolyte can flow into the electrolytic cell 1 from the through hole on one side wall and flow out of the electrolytic cell 1 from the through hole on the other side wall, so as to realize the parallel and uniform flow of electrolyte between the electrode plates in the electrolytic cell 1. The liquid supply tank 4 is provided with multiple first partitions 7 in layers, which divide the liquid supply tank 4 into multiple liquid supply zones. The liquid supply tank 4 is provided with an inlet pipe 5, and each inlet pipe 5 is provided with an inlet branch pipe 6 in each liquid supply zone. Each inlet branch pipe 6 is provided with a flow regulating valve, which is used to supply liquid to each liquid supply zone as needed. The return liquid tank 10 is provided with multiple second partitions 11 in layers, which divide the return liquid tank 10 into multiple return liquid zones. Each return liquid zone on the return liquid tank 10 is provided with a return liquid pipe 14, and the return liquid pipe 14 is provided with a liquid level regulator 15. The return tank 10 is equipped with a return pipe 14 for discharging electrolyte. Each electrolytic cell 1 is equipped with a (a≥1) cathodes and b (b≥1) anodes, which are placed alternately. The cathodes, anodes, inter-cell conductive plates, electrolytic power supply, etc. constitute an electrolytic unit. The electrolyte flows in the electrolytic cell 1 through the side opening of the supply tank 4, parallel to the surfaces of the a cathodes and b anodes in the electrolytic cell 1, and finally flows into the return tank 10 at the end. The electrolyte overflows into the return pipe 14 through the liquid level regulator 15 of the return tank 10 and is sent back to the system for processing. It should be noted that the liquid supply tank 4 is equipped with an inlet pipe 5, and each inlet pipe 5 has an inlet branch pipe 6 in each liquid supply zone. Each inlet branch pipe 6 is equipped with a flow regulating valve, which is used to supply liquid to each liquid supply zone as needed. The return pipe 14 is equipped with a liquid level regulator 15, which is used to adjust the liquid level in the return tank 10 so that the flow rate of the electrolyte discharged from the return pipe 14 matches the flow rate of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1, thereby ensuring the parallel and uniform flow of the electrolyte throughout the electrolysis process. By setting multiple first baffles 7 in the liquid supply tank 4, the electrolyte in all the first through holes 13 at the wall of the liquid supply tank 4 can achieve stable parallel flow during liquid supply. Similarly, by setting multiple second baffles 11 in the return tank 10 and setting liquid level regulators 15 at multiple ends of the return pipe 14, the electrolyte at each fourth through hole 12 can also flow out in a parallel and uniform manner.

[0027] Furthermore, the positions of the first through hole 13 of the liquid supply tank 4, the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3 of the electrolytic cell 1, and the fourth through hole 12 of the return tank 10 are the same; the sizes of the first through hole 13 of the liquid supply tank 4, the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3 of the electrolytic cell 1, and the fourth through hole 12 of the return tank 10 are the same.

[0028] Understandably, when the number and position of the first through-hole 13, the second through-hole 2, the third through-hole 3, and the fourth through-hole 12 correspond, the electrolyte can flow more evenly from the first through-hole 13 to the corresponding second through-hole 2, from the second through-hole 2 to the third through-hole 3, and from the third through-hole 3 to the fourth through-hole 12. If the number and position of the first through-hole 13 and the second through-hole 2 do not correspond, the electrolyte flowing into the first through-hole 13 will flow unevenly and non-parallelly to the second through-hole 2, the third through-hole 3, and the fourth through-hole 12, thus increasing power consumption. Similarly, setting the size of the first through-hole 13, the second through-hole 2, the third through-hole 3, and the fourth through-hole 12 to be consistent can further make the electrolyte flow more uniform, avoiding the increase or decrease in electrolyte flow rate at the outlet of the through-holes due to inconsistencies in the size of the first through-hole 13, the second through-hole 2, the third through-hole 3, and the fourth through-hole 12, thus preventing uneven flow.

[0029] In the prior art, a single electrolytic cell 1 is generally used to carry the electrolyte. The electrolyte is directly poured into the electrolytic cell 1 through a feed box, and then the electrolyte is made to flow in the electrolytic cell 1 by a pressurization device and flow out through a single outlet hole to complete the electrolyte circulation of a single electrolytic cell. However, this application combines multiple electrolytic cells 1 and sets a feed tank 4 and a return tank 10 at the front and rear ends of the electrolytic cell 1, respectively. Electrolyte is poured into the feed tank 4, and then the electrolyte flows from the feed tank 4 to the electrolytic cell 1 and finally flows out from the return tank 10. This electrolysis mode avoids the problem of directly pouring electrolyte into the electrolytic cell 1, which would cause uneven and non-parallel flow of electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1. This is because as long as the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 2 are set to correspond, the electrolyte will flow from the supply tank 4 to the electrolytic cell 1, and the electrolyte can generate a uniform and parallel flow at the very beginning of the electrolytic cell 1. Then, as long as the second through hole 2 and the third through hole 3 in each electrolytic cell 1 are set to correspond, the electrolyte can achieve uniform and parallel flow at every position in the electrolytic cell 1. Finally, by adjusting the liquid level regulator 15 on the return pipe 14 so that the flow rate of the electrolyte discharged from the return pipe 14 can match the flow rate of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 1, the overall flow rate of the electrolysis device can be stabilized.

[0030] Furthermore, the inner and outer surfaces of the liquid supply tank 4, the electrolytic cell 1, and the return tank 10 are all made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the first connecting liquid guide pipe 8, the second connecting liquid guide pipe 16, and the third connecting liquid guide pipe 9 are all made of corrosion-resistant materials.

[0031] Furthermore, the first through hole 13, the second through hole 2, the third through hole 3, and the fourth through hole 12 are circular, rectangular, and elliptical in shape, respectively. The first connecting liquid guide tube 8, the second connecting liquid guide tube 16, and the third connecting liquid guide tube 9 are also circular, rectangular, and elliptical in shape. The shapes of the first through hole 13, the second through hole 2, the third through hole 3, and the fourth through hole 12 are consistent with the shapes of the first connecting liquid guide tube 8, the second connecting liquid guide tube 16, and the third connecting liquid guide tube 9. In this embodiment, all through holes and liquid guide tubes are circular, the diameter of each through hole is 42 mm, the outer diameter of each liquid guide tube is 40 mm, and the material of each liquid guide tube is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0032] Furthermore, the height of the top of the supply tank 4, the plurality of electrolytic cells 1, and the return tank 10 decreases sequentially, and the height difference between the tops of adjacent supply tanks 4, electrolytic cells 1, and return tanks 10 is 0 mm to 6 mm. In this embodiment, there is a 1 mm height difference between the top surfaces of adjacent supply tanks 4, electrolytic cells 1, and return tanks 10, with the top surface of the supply tank 4 being the highest and the top surface of the return tank 10 being the lowest, arranged from high to low; the supply tank 4, electrolytic cells 1, and return tank 10 are integral resin tanks.

[0033] Compared to patent CN105297079B, its liquid supply is provided by a liquid supply box set on the side of the tank body, and liquid is supplied by nozzles set at intervals along the length of the tank. The return liquid is a transverse flow channel. The electrolyte is sprayed out from the liquid supply hole, spreads upward through the electrode plate and then turns back to the transverse flow channel of the return liquid. This makes the flow direction of the electrolyte not parallel, and the electrolyte flows out of the transversely set liquid supply nozzles in a non-parallel and uneven manner. Compared to patent CN104831319A, its inlet hole is also located on the side wall of the tank. Similar to the problem with patent CN105297079B, the flow of electrolyte is neither parallel nor uniform. Compared to patents CN204550732U and CN206089846U, although they have multiple inlet holes, they are still based on Metatop's PFD model, directly feeding the electrolyte into the electrolytic cell. Both of these prior art documents have multiple inlet holes. After the electrolyte enters the electrolytic cell through these holes, a pressurization device causes the electrolyte to flow in the electrolytic cell. Because the pressure is low at the top and high at the bottom of the electrolytic cell, the electrolyte flow is such that more electrolyte flows out from the upper inlet holes and relatively less from the lower ones. The electrolyte rises after exiting, which requires increasing the electrolyte outlet pressure. The electrolyte is subjected to greater pressure, which agitates the anode mud. In contrast, this application uses a feeding tank, a set of electrolytic cells, and a return tank, which makes the electrolyte flow parallel and uniform throughout the entire electrolysis process.

[0034] In summary, the fully parallel flow electrolysis device in the above embodiments of the present invention, by sequentially arranging a feed tank, multiple electrolysis cells, and a return tank, and by providing multiple first through holes on the feed tank, multiple second through holes and multiple third through holes on both sides of each electrolysis cell, and multiple fourth through holes on the return tank, allows electrolyte to be injected into the feed tank through the feed pipe. The electrolyte flows through the first through holes in the feed tank to the second through holes in the electrolysis cells, and flows parallel to the cathode and anode surfaces in the electrolysis cells. Finally, it flows through the third through holes in the electrolysis cells into the fourth through holes, and from the fourth through holes into the return tank at the very end. The electrolyte overflows through the level regulator in the return tank and flows back to the system for processing via the return pipe, thereby achieving parallel and uniform flow of electrolyte between the electrode plates in the electrolysis device.

[0035] This invention employs a single electrolysis unit (a set of electrolytic cells) for electrolyte circulation, replacing the existing single-cell electrolyte circulation mode of PFD. This overcomes the difficulties and shortcomings of the two types of parallel-flow electrolysis mentioned above, ensuring that the electrolyte flows completely parallel to the electrode direction between the electrodes and maintains uniform vertical flow. It retains all the advantages of parallel-flow electrolysis, while requiring less investment. Production, operation, and maintenance are essentially equivalent to ordinary electrolysis, making it advantageous for large-scale promotion. This invention can be used for the electrolysis of metals such as copper, lead, zinc, nickel, and manganese.

[0036] The second embodiment of the present invention provides a fully parallel flow electrolysis method, which is implemented based on the fully parallel flow electrolysis device in the first embodiment, and includes the following steps: S10, the electrolyte is fed into the supply tank; S20, the electrolyte flows into the electrolytic cell through the first through hole of the liquid supply tank and the second through hole of the electrolytic cell; S30, the electrolyte flows sequentially through the third and second through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells in multiple electrolytic cells; S40, the electrolyte flows into the return tank through the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell and the fourth through hole of the return tank, so that the electrolyte flows uniformly and parallel to the electrode plates in multiple electrolytic cells, realizing parallel flow electrolysis.

[0037] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0038] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention patent shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fully parallel-flow electrolysis apparatus, characterized in that, The system includes a feed tank, an electrolytic cell, and a return tank arranged sequentially. The feed tank has multiple first through holes on the side near the electrolytic cell. Multiple electrolytic cells are arranged sequentially, each with multiple second and third through holes on both sides. The return tank has multiple fourth through holes on the side near the electrolytic cell. The first through holes of the feed tank correspond to the second through holes of the first electrolytic cell, the second and third through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells correspond to each other, and the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell corresponds to the fourth through hole of the return tank. The first through holes of the feed tank are connected to the second through holes of the first electrolytic cell, the second and third through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells are connected, and the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell is connected to the fourth through hole of the return tank. The electrolyte flows sequentially through the first through holes, the second through holes, the third through holes, and the fourth through holes.

2. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first connecting liquid guide pipe is fixedly connected between the first through hole of the liquid supply tank and the second through hole of the electrolytic cell. A second connecting liquid guide pipe is fixedly connected between the second through hole and the third through hole of the adjacent electrolytic cell. A third connecting liquid guide pipe is fixedly connected between the third through hole of the electrolytic cell and the fourth through hole of the return liquid tank.

3. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two ends of the first connecting liquid guide tube are respectively located in the first through hole and the second through hole, the two ends of the second connecting liquid guide tube are respectively located in the second through hole and the third through hole, and the two ends of the third connecting liquid guide tube are respectively located in the third through hole and the fourth through hole.

4. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the first through hole in the liquid supply tank, the second and third through holes in the electrolytic cell, and the fourth through hole in the return tank along the height direction is n, n≥2, and the number along the length direction is m, 2≤m≤2x+2, where x represents the number of cathodes in the electrolytic cell.

5. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positions of the first through hole in the liquid supply tank, the second and third through holes in the electrolytic cell, and the fourth through hole in the liquid return tank are the same; the sizes of the first through hole in the liquid supply tank, the second and third through holes in the electrolytic cell, and the fourth through hole in the liquid return tank are the same.

6. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner and outer surfaces of the liquid supply tank, the electrolytic cell, and the return tank are all made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the first connecting liquid guide pipe, the second connecting liquid guide pipe, and the third connecting liquid guide pipe are all made of corrosion-resistant materials.

7. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are circular, rectangular, and elliptical in shape. The first connecting liquid guide tube, the second connecting liquid guide tube, and the third connecting liquid guide tube are circular, rectangular, and elliptical in shape. The shapes of the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are consistent with the shapes of the first connecting liquid guide tube, the second connecting liquid guide tube, and the third connecting liquid guide tube.

8. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the top of the liquid supply tank, the plurality of electrolytic cells, and the liquid return tank decreases sequentially, and the height difference between the tops of adjacent liquid supply tanks, electrolytic cells, and liquid return tanks is 0 mm to 6 mm.

9. The fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid supply tank is provided with multiple first partitions in layers, which divide the liquid supply tank into multiple liquid supply zones. The liquid supply tank is provided with an inlet pipe, and each inlet pipe is provided with an inlet branch pipe in each liquid supply zone. Each inlet branch pipe is provided with a flow regulating valve, which is used to supply liquid to each liquid supply zone as needed. The liquid return tank is provided with multiple second partitions in layers, which divide the liquid return tank into multiple liquid return zones. Each liquid return zone in the liquid return tank is provided with a liquid return pipe, and the liquid return pipe is provided with a liquid level regulator.

10. A fully parallel flow electrolysis method, implemented based on the fully parallel flow electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The electrolyte is fed into the supply tank; The electrolyte flows into the electrolytic cell through the first through hole of the feed tank and the second through hole of the electrolytic cell; The electrolyte flows sequentially through the third and second through holes of adjacent electrolytic cells, and flows in multiple electrolytic cells; The electrolyte flows into the return tank through the third through hole of the last electrolytic cell and the fourth through hole of the return tank, so that the electrolyte flows uniformly and parallel to the electrode plates in multiple electrolytic cells, thereby realizing parallel flow electrolysis.

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