High purity electrolytic cobalt refining apparatus

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment, including electrolytic cell, heat exchange fin group and electrode sheet. Heat exchange fin group is in continuous S shape structure and is fixedly installed in electrolytic cell inside, its bottom surface is sealedly connected with the inner wall of tank body, and S-shaped flow passage is formed in tank body inside. Electrode sheet is fixedly arranged on the surface of heat exchange fin group and located inside flow passage, and the surface of electrode sheet adopts mesh grid structure, for realizing uniform ion transfer and deposition reaction under the flow scouring of electrolyte. Heat exchange fin group can adopt heat pipe type structure or high-temperature-resistant composite ceramic material, for uniformly heat-exchanging regulation and control to electrolyte in flow passage, keep stable electrolysis temperature field. The utility model realizes the homogenization of electrolyte concentration and temperature distribution by controlled flow passage design and stable electrode arrangement, improves the deposition efficiency of cobalt ion and the compact uniformity of deposition layer, has the advantages of mass transfer enhancement, temperature control stability, reliable electrode structure and high refining quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cobalt refining technology, specifically to a high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Electrolytic cobalt refining processes commonly employ a tank-type electrolysis structure. The electrolytic cell contains fixed cathode and anode plates, and the electrolyte flows primarily through natural convection or localized replenishment. Most existing electrolysis equipment uses cylindrical or rectangular tanks, with the electrolyte entering from the top or side and subsequently forming a slow, disordered flow within the cell. Due to the lack of an effective flow-guiding structure, a thick concentration boundary layer easily forms as the electrolyte flows across the electrode surfaces, reducing the diffusion mass transfer rate of cobalt ions and consequently decreasing the efficiency of the electrolysis reaction.

[0003] In traditional technologies, electrolyte temperature control is mostly achieved through external circulation heat exchange or heating the outer wall of the tank. However, it is difficult to maintain a uniform temperature field inside the tank, and temperature stratification often occurs in local areas, affecting the deposition quality of cobalt ions. In addition, the current density on the fixed electrode surface is greatly affected by the electrolyte flow conditions. When the flow is uneven, current density concentration is likely to occur, resulting in problems such as rough deposition layer, dendritic growth, or unstable purity of the finished product.

[0004] Existing electrolysis equipment often employs rigid support structures for electrode installation. After prolonged use, the fixed connection between the electrodes and the tank is susceptible to displacement due to electrolyte corrosion or crystal buildup, leading to variations in electrode spacing and further exacerbating the problem of uneven current density. Simultaneously, the lack of targeted flow-guiding components within the tank often results in electrolyte stagnation in localized areas, hindering continuous rinsing and renewal of the electrode surfaces and negatively impacting the density and uniformity of cobalt deposition.

[0005] In summary, traditional electrolytic cobalt refining equipment generally suffers from technical problems such as unclear electrolyte flow paths, uneven temperature control, unstable electrode stress environments, and deposition quality significantly affected by flow conditions. These problems severely limit the purity, particle uniformity, and long-term stable operation of electrolytic cobalt products. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an electrolytic refining device with a clearly defined flow path, capable of achieving uniform internal temperature control while maintaining stable electrode arrangement, to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention aims to solve the technical problems in existing electrolytic cobalt refining equipment, such as poor electrolyte fluidity, uneven distribution of concentration and temperature field, unstable current density due to fixed electrode structure, and fluctuation in the quality of the deposited layer on the electrode surface. It proposes a high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment that can form a controlled flow path inside the tank, achieve stable heat exchange regulation, and maintain stable installation of the electrode structure, so as to improve the uniformity and purity of cobalt deposition.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0008] This invention provides a high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining device, comprising an electrolytic cell, a heat exchanger assembly, and electrode plates. The heat exchanger assembly is sealed to the inner wall of the electrolytic cell, forming a continuous S-shaped flow channel penetrating the interior of the cell. This forces the electrolyte to flow sequentially through each electrode region within the cell. The electrode plates are fixed to the surface of the heat exchanger assembly and located inside the S-shaped flow channel, ensuring full contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes during flow, thereby improving electrolytic reaction efficiency and deposition uniformity. Head and tail boxes are located at both ends of the electrolytic cell and are connected to an external circulation pump group via inlet and outlet pipes, creating a continuous circulation path for the electrolyte within the equipment. The heat exchanger assembly can employ a heat pipe structure or high-temperature resistant composite ceramic material, and can heat or regulate the heat exchange of the electrolyte to maintain a suitable and stable electrolytic temperature field.

[0009] In this invention, the heat exchanger assembly has a continuous S-shaped structure and is fixedly installed inside the electrolytic cell. The bottom and sides of the heat exchanger assembly are sealed to the inner wall of the electrolytic cell, forming a continuous S-shaped flow channel inside the cell. The electrode plates are fixedly disposed on the surface of the heat exchanger assembly and located inside the S-shaped flow channel. The flowing electrolyte contacts the electrode plates sequentially along the S-shaped path, resulting in uniform flow scouring of the electrode surface. This helps to thin the concentration boundary layer, improves the mass transfer efficiency of cobalt ions to the electrode surface, and thus obtains a denser and purer cobalt deposition layer.

[0010] Specifically, the controlled flow direction achieved through the S-shaped flow channel can significantly improve the problem of uneven flow in traditional electrolytic cells, keeping the electrolyte in a uniform flow state within the cell, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the electrolytic refining process and the deposition quality.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the head box and tail box are respectively located at both ends of the electrolytic cell, with inlet pipes and outlet pipes respectively provided on their surfaces, and connected by an external circulation pump group to realize continuous pumping of electrolyte inside the head box and tail box, so that the electrolyte forms a closed loop flow throughout the entire device.

[0012] Specifically, the fluid circulation driven by the circulating pump can eliminate dead flow zones inside the tank, making the electrolyte composition, temperature and flow rate more uniform, and improving the stability of electrolytic deposition and refining efficiency.

[0013] In a preferred example, the heat exchanger assembly adopts a heat pipe structure with internal refrigerant channels and connection ports at both ends, which can be connected to an external liquid flow heating component to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0014] Specifically, the heat pipe structure enables the heat exchanger assembly to conduct heat quickly and evenly, effectively stabilizing the electrolyte temperature in the tank, avoiding crystallization defects caused by local overheating or temperature gradients, and improving the purity of the final cobalt product.

[0015] In another preferred example, the heat exchanger assembly is further configured such that it is made of high-temperature resistant composite ceramic material, which provides a stable heating source for the electrolyte in the S-shaped flow channel by taking advantage of the good thermal stability and acid resistance of the composite ceramic.

[0016] Specifically, the composite ceramic structure can operate for a long time in high-temperature acidic environments, avoiding corrosion and contamination of the electrolyte by the metal heat exchange structure, thereby improving equipment durability and ensuring the cleanliness of the electrolyte.

[0017] In a preferred example, the electrode sheet is further configured such that: the electrode sheet is formed by splicing together several sheet-like electrode bodies, and the surface of each sheet-like electrode body has a mesh grid structure, so that the flowing electrolyte can fully pass through the mesh area and make uniform contact with the electrode surface.

[0018] Specifically, the mesh-like surface can increase the contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte, improve the current density distribution, make the cobalt deposition layer more uniform and dense, and reduce impurity co-deposition and dendritic growth phenomena.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the electrolytic cell is further configured with an anti-corrosion coating on the inside to resist the acidic corrosion of the electrolyte.

[0020] Specifically, the anti-corrosion coating can significantly extend the service life of the main structure of the electrolytic cell, while preventing corrosion products from mixing into the electrolyte and affecting the deposition quality.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the electrode plates are further configured such that they are fixedly connected to the surface of the heat exchange plate assembly via insulating support pillars to maintain a stable spacing between the electrode plates.

[0022] Specifically, the insulating support column can prevent the electrode plates from shifting under the influence of current, electrohydraulic erosion, or temperature changes, maintain a stable electric field distribution, reduce the risk of short circuits, and improve the reliability of the electrolysis process.

[0023] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows:

[0024] 1. In this invention, a continuous S-shaped flow channel is formed by the sealed fit between the heat exchange plate assembly and the inner wall of the electrolytic cell. This allows the electrolyte to flow in a controlled manner across the electrode surface within the cell, significantly improving the problems of concentration polarization, temperature stratification, and low ion mass transfer efficiency commonly found in traditional static electrolyte environments. The electrode plates are fixed to the surface of the heat exchange plate assembly in a mesh grid pattern, enabling uniform surface contact and current density distribution of the electrolyte during flow and scouring. This results in a denser and more uniform cobalt deposition layer, improving the purity and consistency of the final product.

[0025] 2. In this invention, the heat exchanger assembly can adopt a heat pipe structure or a composite ceramic structure to achieve rapid heat exchange and uniform temperature control of the electrolyte, maintaining a stable and consistent temperature in each section of the flow channel and avoiding deposition defects caused by local overheating or temperature differences. Simultaneously, the electrode plates are stably installed via insulating support columns, and combined with the continuous electrolyte circulation, the deposition environment during electrolysis remains stable, further improving the crystallization quality of electrolytic cobalt, reducing the risk of impurity co-deposition, and significantly enhancing the corrosion resistance and service life of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger assembly and electrode plate structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolyte flow direction according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the arrows indicate the flow direction.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 100. Electrolytic cell; 110. Head box; 120. Tail box; 111. Inlet pipe; 121. Drain pipe;

[0033] 200, heat exchanger assembly; 300, electrode plate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features of the present utility model can be combined with each other.

[0035] It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

[0036] The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of a high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining device provided by this utility model.

[0037] Combination Figures 1-5As shown, this utility model provides a high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining device, including an electrolytic cell 100, a heat exchanger assembly 200, and electrode plates 300. The electrolytic cell 100 forms a tank space for containing circulating electrolyte. The heat exchanger assembly 200 has a continuous S-shaped structure and is fixedly installed inside the electrolytic cell 100. Its bottom and sides are sealed to the inner wall of the electrolytic cell 100, so that the heat exchanger assembly 200 and the electrolytic cell 100 together form a through S-shaped flow channel.

[0038] The electrolytic cell 100 is provided with a head box 110 and a tail box 120 at its two ends, respectively, and is connected to an S-shaped flow channel, so that the electrolyte can enter from the head box 110 and flow out from the tail box 120. The electrode plate 300 is fixed to the surface of the heat exchange plate group 200 and is located inside the S-shaped flow channel to perform electrolytic refining on the flowing electrolyte.

[0039] The above structure allows the electrolyte to form a stable and continuous flow channel inside the electrolytic cell, and the electrode 300 maintains a good ion exchange interface in the flowing electrolyte, which is beneficial for achieving high-purity cobalt deposition.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, the surface of the head box 110 is provided with an inlet pipe 111, and the surface of the tail box 120 is provided with a drain pipe 121. The ports of the inlet pipe 111 and the drain pipe 121 are respectively connected to an external circulation pump group to drive the electrolyte to be continuously pumped into the head box 110 and to discharge the electrolyte from the tail box 120 after refining.

[0041] The circulation pump set allows the electrolyte to form a closed loop flow inside the equipment, continuously flushing the inner wall of the water flow channel and the surface of the electrode plate 300, so as to maintain continuous and uniform reaction conditions in the refining process and improve the stability and uniformity of electrolysis.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the heat exchanger assembly 200 has a heat pipe structure with refrigerant channels inside and connection ports at both ends for communication with external liquid flow heating components. When the refrigerant circulates inside the heat exchanger assembly 200, it can provide stable temperature regulation for the electrolyte in the S-shaped channels, achieving uniform temperature control inside the electrolytic cell 100.

[0043] The heat pipe structure can reduce temperature stratification and local overheating during electrolysis, thereby improving the density and purity of cobalt deposition.

[0044] In another embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 200 is made of a high-temperature resistant composite ceramic material. Composite ceramics have excellent thermal stability, acid corrosion resistance, and good thermal conductivity, and can operate stably for a long time in high-temperature and high-acidity environments.

[0045] The composite ceramic heat exchanger assembly 200 can provide uniform heating to the electrolyte, maintain a stable electrolysis temperature, avoid contamination caused by corrosion of traditional metal heat exchanger assemblies, and improve equipment life and refining quality.

[0046] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the electrode sheet 300 is composed of several sheet-like electrode bodies assembled together, and the surface of each sheet-like electrode body has a mesh-like structure. The mesh-like surface can increase the electrolytic contact area, so that the electrolyte forms a uniform flow distribution when flowing through the electrode sheet 300, reducing the rough deposition caused by local high current density and improving the uniformity of cobalt deposition.

[0047] The sheet electrode assembly method makes electrode replacement and maintenance more convenient, and the spacing between the sheets can be adjusted as needed, improving the flexibility of the electrolysis process.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, to improve overall corrosion resistance, the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 100 is covered with an anti-corrosion coating. The anti-corrosion coating can be a fluoropolymer coating, a composite ceramic coating, or other anti-corrosion materials resistant to strong acids and high temperatures, to resist long-term corrosion by the electrolyte and extend the service life of the electrolytic cell 100.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, to ensure a stable distance between the electrode plate 300 and the heat exchange plate assembly 200 and to prevent short circuits, the electrode plate 300 is fixedly connected to the surface of the heat exchange plate assembly 200 by an insulating support column. The insulating support column can be made of ceramic, polytetrafluoroethylene, or other highly insulating materials, and has good acid resistance and electrical insulation.

[0050] The insulating support column structure prevents the electrode plates from shifting under the influence of fluid erosion or electromagnetic force, ensuring a stable electrode field distribution during the electrolysis process and improving the quality of electrolytic refining.

[0051] Working principle and usage process of this utility model:

[0052] In use, this invention uses an external circulation pump to sequentially deliver the electrolyte into the inlet pipe 111 of the head box 110. The electrolyte then enters the continuous S-shaped flow channel formed by the heat exchange plate assembly 200 fixed inside the electrolytic cell 100 via the head box 110. Because the bottom and sides of the heat exchange plate assembly 200 are sealed to the inner wall of the electrolytic cell 100, the electrolyte is forced to flow sequentially through each section of the flow channel along the S-shaped path, resulting in a continuous and organized flow of the electrolyte on the surface of the heat exchange plate assembly 200.

[0053] As the electrolyte flows along the S-shaped flow channel, its surface comes into full contact with the electrode plates 300 fixed to the surface of the heat exchange plate assembly 200. The electrode plates 300 are arranged in a plate-like array, and their surface has a mesh-like structure, which can maintain a good ion exchange interface under the scouring of the flowing electrolyte. Under the action of an external power source, the electrode plates 300 perform electrolytic refining on the flowing electrolyte, causing cobalt ions to selectively deposit or separate on the electrode surface, thereby achieving high-purity electrolytic refining.

[0054] During the flow process, the heat exchanger assembly 200 can perform corresponding thermal management functions according to its material and internal structure: when the heat exchanger assembly 200 is a heat pipe structure, the internal refrigerant flow channel can be regulated by an external liquid flow heating component to achieve stable temperature control of the electrolyte; when the heat exchanger assembly 200 is made of high-temperature resistant composite ceramic material, it provides uniform heating to the electrolyte through the thermal stability of the material itself, thereby maintaining a suitable electrolysis temperature and improving reaction efficiency.

[0055] After flowing through all the S-shaped channels, the electrolyte flows out from the drain pipe 121 of the tail box 120 and is then returned to the return box 110 via an external circulation pump, forming a closed-loop circulation flow. This circulation process ensures that the concentration, temperature, and flow state of the electrolyte remain stable and consistent, which helps to reduce factors that affect the electrolyte quantity, such as concentration polarization and temperature stratification.

[0056] Overall, this invention utilizes the heat exchange plate group 200 to guide the fluid in the tank into a controlled flow path, and at the same time, with the array arrangement of the electrode plates 300, it achieves efficient electrolytic refining of the electrolyte in a flowing state, thereby improving the uniformity of cobalt deposition, reducing the probability of impurity co-deposition, and achieving stable preparation of high-purity cobalt.

[0057] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present 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.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment, characterized in that, The system includes an electrolytic cell (100), a heat exchanger assembly (200), and electrode plates (300). The heat exchanger assembly (200) has a continuous S-shaped structure and is fixedly installed inside the electrolytic cell (100). The bottom and sides of the heat exchanger assembly (200) are sealed to the inner wall of the electrolytic cell (100) to form a continuous S-shaped flow channel inside the electrolytic cell (100). The two ends of the electrolytic cell (100) are respectively fixedly provided with a head box (110) and a tail box (120) communicating with the S-shaped flow channel. The electrode plates (300) are fixedly disposed on the surface of the heat exchanger assembly (200) and located inside the S-shaped flow channel, and are used to perform electrolytic refining on the flowing electrolyte.

2. The high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surfaces of the head box (110) and the tail box (120) are respectively provided with an inlet pipe (111) and an outlet pipe (121), and the ports of the inlet pipe (111) and the outlet pipe (121) are connected to an external circulation pump group for pumping electrolyte into the head box (110) and the tail box (120).

3. The high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger assembly (200) is a heat pipe structure with a refrigerant flow channel inside. Both ends of the heat exchanger assembly (200) are provided with connection ports for communicating with an external liquid flow heating component to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant.

4. The high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger assembly (200) is made of high-temperature resistant composite ceramic material and is used to provide stable heating treatment for the electrolyte inside the electrolytic cell (100).

5. The high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode sheet (300) is formed by splicing together several sheet-shaped electrode bodies, and the surface of each sheet-shaped electrode body has a mesh grid structure.

6. The high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the electrolytic cell (100) is provided with an anti-corrosion coating to resist electrolyte corrosion.

7. The high-purity electrolytic cobalt refining equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode sheet (300) and the heat exchange plate group (200) are fixedly connected by an insulating support column to maintain a stable electrode spacing and prevent short circuits.

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