Metal collection system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a metal collecting system which comprises a circulating tank, an electrolytic tank, a collector, a communicating pipeline and a circulating pipeline. Electrolyte is stored in the electrolytic tank and the circulating tank; the collector is used for collecting a metal solution in the electrolyte; the communicating pipeline is arranged between the electrolytic bath and the collector, so that the electrolyzed metal solution enters the collector, and the electrolyte in the collector can overflow to the electrolytic bath through the communicating pipeline; and the circulating pipeline can enable the electrolyte to circularly flow between the electrolytic tank and the circulating tank. The electrolyte in the electrolytic bath is electrolyzed to separate out a metal solution, the metal solution enters the collector through the communicating pipeline, the collector collects the metal solution, the electrolyte in the collector can overflow into the electrolytic bath through the communicating pipeline, and the circulating pipeline enables the electrolyte to circularly flow in the circulating tank and the electrolytic bath. The mobility of the electrolyte in the electrolytic bath can be improved, so that the electrolyte is uniformly mixed and fully contacted with the electrode plate, and the electrolysis effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of metal processing, and in particular, relates to a metal collection system. Background Art

[0002] Crude gallium is used to manufacture electronic devices such as gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, gallium phosphide and low-melting alloys, as well as epitaxial wafers and optoelectronic devices. It is widely used in optoelectronic and microelectronic fields such as mobile communications, broadband fiber-optic communications, personal computers, communication satellites, and there is huge market demand.

[0003] At present, there are many methods for producing crude gallium, mainly repeated electrolysis and repeated crystallization. Among them, the electrolysis method has simple equipment requirements and a relatively short production cycle, which is conducive to the industrial production of crude gallium. In the process of producing crude gallium by electrolysis, there may be insufficient circulation of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, resulting in insufficient contact between the electrolyte and the electrode plate, and poor electrolysis effect. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is that the electrolyte circulation is not sufficient in the existing electrolysis process for producing crude gallium, which affects the electrolysis effect. A metal collection system is provided to avoid and ensure sufficient circulation of the electrolyte, so that the electrolyte is in full contact with the electrode plate, thereby improving the electrolysis effect.

[0005] The technical solution proposed in this application is:

[0006] A metal collection system, comprising:

[0007] The electrolytic tank and the circulation tank both store electrolyte;

[0008] A collector, used for collecting metal solution in the electrolyte;

[0009] A connecting pipe is provided between the electrolytic tank and the collector, so that the metal solution after electrolysis enters the collector, and the electrolyte in the collector can overflow to the electrolytic tank through the connecting pipe;

[0010] The circulation pipeline is arranged between the electrolytic tank and the circulation tank so that the electrolyte circulates between the electrolytic tank and the circulation tank.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting pipeline includes a drain pipe and a first overflow pipe, one end of the drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the electrolytic cell, and the other end is connected to the collector, and one end of the first overflow pipe is connected to the collector, and the other end is connected to the electrolytic cell.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting pipeline includes a plurality of drainage pipes, and the connecting pipeline also includes a collecting pipe, one end of each of the drainage pipes is connected to the electrolytic cell, and the other end is connected to the collecting pipe, and the collecting pipe is connected to the collector.

[0013] Further, it also includes a delivery pump;

[0014] The circulation pipeline includes a liquid inlet pipe and a second overflow pipe, the delivery pump is arranged in the circulation tank and connected to the liquid inlet pipe, one end of the liquid inlet pipe away from the delivery pump is located above the electrolytic tank, one end of the second overflow pipe is connected to the electrolytic tank, and the other end is connected to the circulation tank;

[0015] Wherein, the height of the electrolytic tank is higher than the height of the circulation tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the circulation pipeline also includes a plurality of liquid inlet branch pipes, one end of each of the liquid inlet branch pipes is connected to a portion of the liquid inlet pipe located above the electrolytic cell, and the other end of each of the liquid inlet branch pipes extends toward the electrolytic cell.

[0017] Furthermore, a discharge port is provided at the bottom of the circulation tank, and a discharge valve is provided at the discharge port.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes an exhaust gas treatment mechanism, which is arranged corresponding to the electrolytic cell and is used to extract the exhaust gas generated by the electrolytic cell and treat the exhaust gas.

[0019] Furthermore, the exhaust gas treatment mechanism includes an exhaust hood, a spray tower and a fan, the exhaust hood is arranged above the electrolytic cell, and the exhaust hood, the spray tower and the fan are connected in sequence.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a cooling mechanism, which is at least partially arranged in the circulation tank and is used to cool the electrolyte in the circulation tank.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a waste liquid discharge pump, which is connected to the collector.

[0022] With the above-mentioned metal collection system, the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell will be separated into a metal solution after electrolysis, and the metal solution will enter the collector through the connecting pipe. The collector collects the metal solution, and the electrolyte in the collector can overflow into the electrolytic cell through the connecting pipe. At the same time, the circulation pipe can make the electrolyte circulate in the circulation tank and the electrolytic cell. In this way, the fluidity of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell can be increased, so that the electrolyte is evenly mixed and fully in contact with the electrode plate, thereby improving the electrolysis effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings are used to provide further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the specification. They are used to explain the present application together with the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation of the present application.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the principle of a metal collection system provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connecting pipes and related parts in the metal collection system shown;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the metal collection system recirculation piping and related parts is shown.

[0027] Description of labels:

[0028] 11. Circulation tank; 12. Electrolytic cell; 13. Collector; 14. Connecting pipeline; 15. Circulation pipeline; 16. Rectifier; 17. Bracket; 18. Exhaust hood; 19. Spray tower; 20. Fan; 141. Drain pipe; 142. First overflow pipe; 143. Collecting pipe; 144. Drain valve; 21. Waste liquid discharge pump; 22. Discharge valve; 151. Delivery pump; 152. Inlet pipe; 153. Second overflow pipe; 154. Overflow branch pipe; 155. Inlet branch pipe; 23. Cooling mechanism; 231. Cooling pipe; 232. Input pipe; 233. Output pipe; 234. Cooling valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicating orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a metal collection system, including a circulation tank 11, an electrolytic tank 12, a collector 13, a connecting pipeline 14 and a circulation pipeline 15.

[0032] Electrolyte is stored in both the circulation tank 11 and the electrolytic tank 12. The connecting pipe 14 is arranged between the electrolytic tank 12 and the collector 13 so that the metal solution after electrolysis enters the collector 13, and the electrolyte in the collector 13 can overflow to the electrolytic tank 12 through the connecting pipe 14. The circulation pipe 15 is arranged between the circulation tank 11 and the electrolytic tank 12 so that the electrolyte circulates between the circulation tank 11 and the electrolytic tank 12.

[0033] Furthermore, a plurality of electrode plates are provided in the electrolytic cell 12 , and the metal collection system further comprises a rectifier 16 , which is electrically connected to the plurality of electrode plates via wires, so that the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 12 is electrolyzed via the electrode plates.

[0034] With the above-mentioned metal collection system, the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 12 will be separated into a metal solution after electrolysis, and the metal solution will enter the collector 13 through the connecting pipe 14. The collector 13 collects the metal solution, and the electrolyte in the collector 13 can overflow into the electrolytic cell 12 through the connecting pipe 14. At the same time, the circulation pipe 15 can make the electrolyte circulate in the circulation tank 11 and the electrolytic cell 12. In this way, the fluidity of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 12 can be increased, so that the electrolyte is evenly mixed and fully contacted with the electrode plate, thereby improving the electrolysis effect.

[0035] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the metal is gallium, and in other embodiments, the metal may also be other metals suitable for electrolytic collection.

[0036] In addition, it is necessary to explain that during the electrolysis process, the metal solution is separated from the electrolyte and attached to the electrode plate. As the metal solution increases, under the action of the metal solution's own gravity, the metal solution will slide off the electrode plate and sink into the collector 13 for collection. Since the density of the metal solution is greater than the density of the electrolyte, the metal solution flows into the collector 13. The electrolyte in the collector 13 overflows into the electrolytic cell 12 through the connecting pipe 14.

[0037] In one embodiment, the metal collection system further includes a support 17, and the electrolytic cell 12 is supported on the support 17. Specifically, the support 17 is made of steel.

[0038] In one embodiment, the metal collection system further includes an exhaust gas treatment mechanism, which is arranged corresponding to the electrolytic cell 12 and is used to extract and treat the exhaust gas generated by the electrolytic cell 12. It should be explained that when the gallium-containing electrolyte is electrolyzed, hydrogen and acid mist will be generated. The exhaust gas treatment mechanism can extract and treat the hydrogen and acid mist and discharge them after the exhaust gas meets the emission standards.

[0039] Furthermore, the exhaust gas treatment mechanism includes an exhaust hood 18, a spray tower 19 and a fan 20. The exhaust hood 18 is arranged above the electrolytic cell 12, and the exhaust hood 18, the spray tower 19 and the fan 20 are connected in sequence, so that a negative pressure is formed in the exhaust hood 18 through the fan 20 to extract the exhaust gas, and then the exhaust gas enters the spray tower 19, where the exhaust gas is treated and discharged through the fan 20 after the treatment is completed.

[0040] It should be noted that the exhaust hood 18 and the spray tower 19, as well as the spray tower 19 and the fan 20 are connected by pipes. A gas detection alarm can be set in the pipe between the exhaust hood 18 and the spray tower 19, which can detect the concentration of hydrogen in the gas and send out an audible and visual alarm when the concentration exceeds a preset concentration value.

[0041] In one embodiment, the connecting pipeline 14 includes a drain pipe 141 and a first overflow pipe 142. One end of the drain pipe 141 is connected to the bottom of the electrolytic cell 12, and the other end is connected to the collector 13, so that the heavier metal solution flows into the collector 13. One end of the first overflow pipe 142 is connected to the collector 13, and the other end is connected to the electrolytic cell 12, so that the electrolyte in the collector 13 overflows into the electrolytic cell 12 through the first overflow pipe 142.

[0042] It should be explained that, in the present embodiment, the first overflow pipe 142 can connect the electrolytic cell 12 and the collector 13, and the end of the first overflow pipe 142 away from the collector 13 is located above the drain pipe, so that when a heavier metal solution flows into the collector 13, the electrolyte in the collector 13 can overflow into the electrolytic cell 12 through the first overflow pipe 142.

[0043] Of course, in other embodiments, in order to further improve the fluidity of the electrolyte, a power pump may be provided at the collector 13 or the first overflow pipe 142 , and the power pump may be used to guide the electrolyte to circulate between the electrolytic cell 12 and the collector 13 .

[0044] Furthermore, the connecting pipeline 14 includes a plurality of drain pipes 141, and the connecting pipeline 14 also includes a liquid collecting pipe 143. One end of each drain pipe 141 is connected to the electrolytic cell 12, and the other end is connected to the liquid collecting pipe 143. One end of the liquid collecting pipe 143 is connected to the collector 13, and the liquid collecting pipe 143 is inclined, and the liquid collecting pipe 143 gradually rises from one end connected to the collector 13 to another section, so as to facilitate the transportation of the metal solution to the collector 13.

[0045] It should be noted that a drain valve 144 may be provided on each drain pipe 141, and electrolysis may be performed in the initial stage, during which the electrolyte circulates between the circulation tank 11 and the electrolytic tank 12. After a period of electrolysis, the drain valve 144 is opened, and the metal solution at the bottom of the electrolytic tank 12 is discharged through the drain pipe 141.

[0046] In one embodiment, the metal collection system further includes a waste liquid discharge pump 21, which is connected to the collector 13 and is used to discharge the waste liquid after the electrolysis is completed. It can be understood that the height of the collector 13 is lower than the height of the electrolytic cell 12, so when discharging the waste liquid, the waste liquid discharge pump 21 is connected to the collector 13 to discharge the waste liquid cleanly.

[0047] Furthermore, a discharge port is also provided at the bottom of the circulation tank 11, and a discharge valve 22 is provided at the discharge port for discharging waste liquid.

[0048] In one embodiment, the metal collection system also includes a delivery pump 151, and the circulation pipeline 15 includes a liquid inlet pipe 152 and a second overflow pipe 153. The delivery pump 151 is arranged in the circulation tank 11 and is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 152, and is used to pump the electrolyte in the circulation tank 11 into the liquid inlet pipe 152. The end of the liquid inlet pipe 152 away from the delivery pump 151 is located above the electrolytic cell 12 to deliver the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 12; one end of the second overflow pipe 153 is connected to the electrolytic cell 12, and the other end is connected to the circulation tank 11.

[0049] Preferably, the height of the electrolytic tank 12 is higher than that of the circulation tank 11 , so that the electrolyte in the electrolytic tank 12 can return to the circulation tank 11 through the second overflow pipe 153 .

[0050] Furthermore, the circulation pipeline 15 also includes a plurality of overflow branch pipes 154, and one end of the second overflow pipe 153 away from the delivery pump 151 extends into the electrolytic cell 12, and the plurality of overflow branch pipes 154 are connected to the part of the second overflow pipe 153 extending into the electrolytic cell 12. The electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 12 can flow into the second overflow pipe 153 through the overflow branch pipe 154, and then flow back to the circulation tank 11 through the second overflow pipe 153.

[0051] Furthermore, the circulation pipeline 15 also includes a plurality of liquid inlet branch pipes 155 , one end of the plurality of liquid inlet branch pipes 155 is connected to the portion of the liquid inlet pipe 152 located above the electrolytic cell 12 , and the other end extends toward the electrolytic cell 12 to discharge the electrolyte input by the liquid inlet pipe 152 into the electrolytic cell 12 .

[0052] In one embodiment, the metal collection system further includes a cooling mechanism 23, which is at least partially disposed in the circulation tank 11 and is used to cool the electrolyte in the circulation tank 11. It should be explained that when the metal is gallium, the electrolysis temperature of the electrolyte is preferably 40-60°C. In order to ensure a suitable temperature, the electrolyte in the circulation tank 11 is cooled by the cooling mechanism 23. Since the electrolyte flows between the electrolytic tank 12 and the circulation tank 11 through the circulation pipeline 15, the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic tank 12 is adjusted.

[0053] Furthermore, the cooling mechanism 23 includes a cooling pipe 231, an input pipe 232 and an output pipe 233. The cooling pipe 231 is located in the circulation tank 11. Both ends of the cooling pipe 231 are respectively connected to two through-holes on the inner wall of the circulation tank 11. The input pipe 232 and the output pipe 233 are located outside the circulation tank 11 and are connected to the two through-holes, thereby achieving communication with both ends of the cooling pipe 231. Cooling water is input into the cooling pipe 231 through the input pipe 232, and then refluxes through the input pipe 232, thereby achieving circulation of the cooling water.

[0054] Furthermore, the cooling mechanism 23 further includes a temperature detector and a cooling valve 234. The temperature detector is disposed in the circulation tank 11 or the electrolytic tank 12 to detect the temperature of the electrolyte. The cooling valve 234 is disposed in the input pipe 232 to control the input of cooling water. In this way, the opening of the cooling valve 234 can be controlled according to the detection result of the temperature detector, that is, the electrolyte is cooled according to the detection result of the temperature detector to ensure that the temperature of the electrolyte is controlled within the required temperature range.

[0055] In one embodiment, the metal collection system further includes a control mechanism, which is electrically connected to the electrical components in the above-mentioned mechanisms to realize the automatic operation of the metal collection system and reduce the workload of the staff.

[0056] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, Figure 1 The working process of the metal collection system in the above embodiment is described as follows:

[0057] Initially, both the circulation tank 11 and the electrolytic tank 12 store electrolyte, and the delivery pump 151 pumps the electrolyte in the circulation tank 11 to the electrolytic tank 12, and the electrolyte in the electrolytic tank 12 returns to the circulation tank 11 through the second overflow pipe 153. The rectifier 16 is turned on to electrolyze the electrolyte through the electrode plates in the electrolytic tank 12, and the spray tower 19 and the fan 20 are also turned on to extract and treat the tail gas generated during the electrolysis process.

[0058] Next, the drain valve 144 on the drain pipe 141 is opened, and the metal solution at the bottom of the electrolytic cell 12 flows into the collector 13 through the drain pipe 141 and the collecting pipe 143, so that gallium in the metal solution is collected by the collector 13. The electrolyte in the collector 13 can overflow into the electrolytic cell 12 through the first overflow pipe 142. At the same time, the cooling mechanism 23 also cools the electrolyte in the circulation tank 11 according to the detection result of the temperature detector to ensure that the temperature of the electrolyte is 40-60°C.

[0059] After the electrolysis is completed, the waste liquid discharge pump 21 and the discharge valve 22 at the bottom of the circulation pump are opened to discharge the waste liquid in the electrolytic cell 12 and the waste liquid in the circulation cell 11; the discharge valve at the bottom of the collector 13 is opened to collect the gallium discharge in the collector 13.

[0060] The above metal collection system has at least the following advantages:

[0061] 1. During the electrolysis process, the electrolyte can circulate to ensure full contact between the electrolyte and the electrode plate, thereby improving the electrolysis effect;

[0062] 2. High degree of automation, convenient operation, reduced labor intensity and high production efficiency;

[0063] 3. The risk of environmental pollution and product pollution is low, the production safety factor is high, and the product quality is also higher.

[0064] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A metal collection system, characterized in that: include: The electrolytic tank and the circulation tank both store electrolyte; A collector, used for collecting metal solution in the electrolyte; A connecting pipe is provided between the electrolytic tank and the collector, so that the metal solution after electrolysis enters the collector, and the electrolyte in the collector can overflow to the electrolytic tank through the connecting pipe; The circulation pipeline is arranged between the electrolytic tank and the circulation tank so that the electrolyte circulates between the electrolytic tank and the circulation tank.

2. The metal collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting pipeline includes a drain pipe and a first overflow pipe, one end of the drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the electrolytic cell, and the other end is connected to the collector, and one end of the first overflow pipe is connected to the collector, and the other end is connected to the electrolytic cell.

3. The metal collection system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting pipeline includes a plurality of drainage pipes, and the connecting pipeline also includes a collecting pipe, one end of each of the drainage pipes is connected to the electrolytic cell, and the other end is connected to the collecting pipe, and the collecting pipe is connected to the collector.

4. The metal collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes a delivery pump; The circulation pipeline includes a liquid inlet pipe and a second overflow pipe, the delivery pump is arranged in the circulation tank and connected to the liquid inlet pipe, one end of the liquid inlet pipe away from the delivery pump is located above the electrolytic tank, one end of the second overflow pipe is connected to the electrolytic tank, and the other end is connected to the circulation tank; Wherein, the height of the electrolytic tank is higher than the height of the circulation tank.

5. The metal collection system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The circulation pipeline also includes a plurality of liquid inlet branch pipes, one end of each of which is connected to the portion of the liquid inlet pipe located above the electrolytic cell, and the other end of each of which extends toward the electrolytic cell.

6. The metal collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A discharge port is provided at the bottom of the circulation tank, and a discharge valve is provided at the discharge port.

7. The metal collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It also includes an exhaust gas treatment mechanism, which is arranged corresponding to the electrolytic cell and is used to extract the exhaust gas generated by the electrolytic cell and treat the exhaust gas.

8. The metal collection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tail gas treatment mechanism comprises an exhaust hood, a spray tower and a fan. The exhaust hood is arranged above the electrolytic cell. The exhaust hood, the spray tower and the fan are connected in sequence.

9. The metal collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It also includes a cooling mechanism, which is at least partially arranged in the circulation tank and is used to cool the electrolyte in the circulation tank.

10. The metal collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It also includes a waste liquid discharge pump, which is connected to the collector.

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