Joint workbench for electrode bar and joint work method for electrode bar

Abstract

To provide a workbench that enables safe and efficient handling of an electrode bar.SOLUTION: A joint workbench (51) for an electrode bar comprises a first bearing member (62) that supports and positions one electrode unit bar (22-2) horizontally among the multiple electrode unit bars (22-1 to 22-3) constituting the electrode bar (21), and a second bearing member (76) that supports the other electrode unit bar (22-3) horizontally on the extension of the central axis of the one electrode unit bar (22-2) supported by the first bearing member (62), with the central axes of the two electrode unit bars substantially aligned, where the second bearing member (76) is configured with a pair of rollers spaced apart in a direction intersecting the center axis, the electrode bar (21) is formed by joining multiple electrode unit bars (22-1 to 22-3) via screw fitting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode rod connecting work table and an electrode rod connecting work method for connecting a new electrode unit rod to an electrode rod that wears out with use, and in particular to an electrode rod connecting work table and an electrode rod connecting work method that can be suitably used in copper electrolytic refining. [Background technology]

[0002] In copper electrolytic refining, a technique is known in which an electrode rod is inserted into the liquid and heated by Joule heat when heating and concentrating an electrolytic solution or a decoppered final solution (for example, Patent Document 1). As a configuration of the electrode rod, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 2 is known. Patent Document 2 describes a main electrode configuration in which multiple cylindrical electrode rods are connected by nipples. In the configuration of Patent Document 2, a male thread portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the end of the cylindrical electrode rod, and a female thread portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the nipple, and the female thread portion and the male thread portion are connected by screwing together (screw fitting). Electrodes that heat an object with Joule heat wear and tear and become shorter with use, but in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, when the electrode rods wear out and the entire main electrode becomes shorter, the nipple and electrode rod are extended to increase the overall length of the main electrode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-06302 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-152674 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, as the electrode rods wear and become shorter, the length of the electrode rods immersed in the liquid becomes shorter, and the efficiency of thermal concentration decreases, so the electrode rods are configured to be movable up and down in accordance with wear. Therefore, the electrode rods are used in a suspended state up and down. Furthermore, when performing maintenance on shortened electrodes (adding or replacing worn parts), it was common practice to pull them out of the solution tank and then perform the work while the electrodes were hanging vertically (upright position). Electrodes are quite large and heavy, so screwing the nipples and electrodes while they are hanging, or carrying the electrodes to be added, can be dangerous, and there was also the problem that the work took a long time while ensuring safety, resulting in low work efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has as its technical object the provision of an electrode rod connecting workbench and an electrode rod connecting work method that enable the electrode rod connecting work to be performed safely and efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, the electrode rod connecting workbench of the invention described in claim 1 is as follows: a first work table having a first support member for supporting and positioning one of a plurality of electrode unit rods constituting the electrode rod in a horizontal orientation; a second work table having a second support member that supports one of the electrode unit rods laterally on an extension of the central axis of the other electrode unit rod supported by the first support member with the central axis of the other electrode unit rod substantially aligned with the first support member, the second support member is composed of a pair of rollers spaced apart in a direction intersecting the central axis, The electrode rod is formed by connecting a plurality of electrode unit rods by screw fitting.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the electrode rod connecting workbench described in claim 1, a position adjustment device that moves one of the first work table and the second work table relative to the other to adjust the position of the central axis of one electrode unit rod and the central axis of the other electrode unit rod; It is equipped with:

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the electrode rod connecting workbench described in claim 1, The electrode rod is a used electrode rod that has been used in an electroevaporation tank used in copper electrorefining.

[0009] In order to solve the above technical problem, the electrode rod connecting method of the invention described in claim 4 comprises: a first supporting step of supporting and positioning a used electrode rod, which is formed by connecting a plurality of electrode unit rods by screw fitting, laterally on a first supporting member provided on a first work table; a second supporting step of supporting the new electrode unit rod laterally on a second supporting member that is provided on a second work table and is composed of a pair of rollers that are spaced apart in a direction intersecting the central axis of the used electrode rod supported by the first supporting member, with the central axis of the new electrode unit rod being aligned substantially on an extension of the central axis of the used electrode rod supported by the first supporting member; a connecting step of rotating the used electrode rod and the new electrode unit rod relatively around an axis to connect them by thread engagement; Includes.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the electrode rod connecting method described in claim 4, The first supporting step is a step of supporting the used electrode rod on the first supporting member in a state in which the worn side of the electrode rod is positioned on the opposite side from the second work table.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the electrode rod connecting method described in claim 4, the first supporting step is a step of supporting the used electrode rod on the first supporting member in a state in which a worn side of the electrode rod is positioned on the second work table side, and supporting a worn electrode unit rod of the used electrode rod on the second supporting member, In the process before the second supporting process The method further includes a removing step of removing the worn electrode unit rod by rotating it relatively to an unworn electrode unit rod connected to the worn electrode unit rod. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the electrode rod connecting workbench of the invention described in claim 1, one electrode unit rod is supported horizontally on a first workbench, and the other electrode unit rod is supported horizontally on a second workbench with their central axes roughly aligned, and one electrode unit rod and the other electrode unit rod are rotated relatively around their central axes using rollers and connected by a screw fit, making it possible to perform the electrode rod connecting work safely and efficiently compared to conventional electrode rod connecting workbenches.

[0013] According to the invention as set forth in claim 2, it is possible to accommodate individual differences and manufacturing errors in the electrode rods and electrode unit rods, compared to a case where no position adjustment device is provided. According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, the operation of connecting worn electrode rods used in copper electrolytic refining can be carried out safely and efficiently.

[0014] According to the electrode rod connecting method described in claim 4, a used electrode rod is supported horizontally on a first workbench, a new electrode unit rod is supported horizontally on a second workbench with their central axes roughly aligned, and the used electrode rod and the new electrode unit rod are rotated relatively around their central axes to connect them by screw fitting, thereby making it possible to connect electrode rods safely and efficiently compared to conventional electrode rod connecting methods. According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, the operation of adding a new electrode unit rod to the side opposite to the worn-out side of a used electrode rod can be carried out safely and efficiently. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operation of replacing a worn electrode unit rod with a new electrode unit rod can be carried out safely and efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of an electroevaporation tank used in copper electrorefining. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the electrode rod of the first embodiment, where FIG. 2A is an external view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the main part. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electrode rod connecting workbench according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a main part of the fixing base according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the turntable according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting work on the connecting workbench of embodiment 1, where Figure 6(A) is an explanatory diagram of a worn, used electrode rod, Figure 6(B) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a used electrode rod is supported on a fixed base and a new electrode unit rod is supported on a rotating base, Figure 6(C) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a new electrode unit rod has been added and connected to the used electrode rod in the state of Figure 6(B), and Figure 6(D) is an explanatory diagram of the electrode rod after the connecting work. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of another example of connection work on a connection workbench, where Figure 7(A) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a used electrode rod is supported on a fixed base, Figure 7(B) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the electrode unit rod on the immersion side has been removed, Figure 7(C) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a new electrode unit rod has been connected to the used electrode rod from the state in Figure 7(B), and Figure 7(D) is an explanatory diagram of the electrode rod after the connection work. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting workbench according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the specific examples of the following embodiments. In the following explanation using the drawings, for ease of understanding, only the components necessary for the explanation are shown. are omitted as appropriate.

[0017] (Embodiment 1) Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of a typical electric evaporation tank will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of an electroevaporation tank used in copper electrorefining. As shown in Fig. 1, the electroevaporation tank 10 is a tank capable of containing a treatment solution therein, and its top is covered with a lid 11. The lid 11 is formed with a supply port 12 for supplying the treatment solution into the electroevaporation tank 10. The lid 11 also has three insertion holes formed at predetermined intervals, into each of which a graphite electrode rod 21 is inserted and immersed in the treatment solution in the electroevaporation tank 10. An electric wire (not shown) is connected to the electrode rod 21, and by passing an electric current between the electrode rods 21 through the electric wire, electricity is passed through the treatment solution in the electroevaporation tank 10, and the treatment solution is heated by Joule heat, evaporating the water and concentrating it.

[0018] Here, the electrode rod 21 is consumed as current is passed through it, gradually shortening. If the amount of electrode rod 21 inserted into the treatment solution decreases as the electrode rod 21 shortens, the current flowing through the treatment solution decreases, and the heating of the treatment solution slows down. Therefore, the electrode rod 21 is pulled down by the amount of consumption, and the amount of insertion into the treatment solution is adjusted to remain approximately constant. In addition, the end of the electrode rod 21 is shaped so that it can be connected to another graphite electrode rod, and if the tip electrode rod 21 becomes too short, the length of the electrode rod 21 can be maintained by connecting a new graphite electrode rod.

[0019] To perform this operation, the electrode rod 21 is movable up and down relative to the electric evaporation tank 10. More specifically, one end of a wire (not shown) is connected to the upper end of the electrode rod 21, and the electrode rod 21 is suspended by the wire. A winch is attached to the other end of the wire, and operation of the winch allows the electrode rod 21 to be moved up and down relative to the electric evaporation tank 10.

[0020] An outlet 14 is provided on the side wall of the electroevaporation tank 10, located above the center in the height direction, and a gutter 15 is attached to the outlet 14 toward the outside of the electroevaporation tank 10. The concentrated treatment solution is discharged from the outlet 14 and guided by the gutter 15 to the equipment for the next process.

[0021] 1 is for use with a three-phase AC power supply and therefore has three electrode rods 21 inserted, but the number of inserted electrode rods 21 may be more or less than three. For example, two electrode rods 21 may be inserted for use with a two-phase AC power supply, or six electrode rods 21 may be inserted so that two sets of three-phase AC power supplies are connected. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the dimensions of the electrode rods 21, but the diameter of the electrode rods 21 typically inserted into the electric evaporation tank 10 is 100 to 500 mm.

[0022] Next, a method of operating an electric evaporation tank according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a processing solution is supplied into the electroevaporation tank 10 through the supply port 12. The processing solution may be supplied into the electroevaporation tank 10 constantly or intermittently. Here, when the electroevaporation tank 10 is provided as part of the liquid purification process of the electrolyte used in copper electrorefining or electrowinning, a copper-depleted final liquid (an example of a liquid to be treated) obtained by removing copper contained in the electrolyte as a treatment solution is supplied into the electroevaporation tank 10. More specifically, the electrolyte discharged from the electrolytic tank for copper electrorefining or electrowinning is concentrated by vacuum evaporation and rapidly cooled to precipitate and remove supersaturated copper as crude copper sulfate, and then the copper, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth remaining after copper removal electrolysis are precipitated on the cathode or removed as copper-depleted slime, and the obtained copper-depleted final liquid is supplied into the electroevaporation tank 10. The liquid to be treated is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid that requires concentration, in addition to the above-mentioned decopperized end liquid, but the following description will be given taking the decopperized end liquid as an example.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, three electrode rods 21 are immersed to a predetermined depth in the decopperized final solution L in an electric evaporation tank 10. Then, an electric current is passed between the electrode rods 21 to energize the decopperized final solution L, and the decopperized final solution L is heated by Joule heat to evaporate the water and concentrate it. Generally, the decoppering end solution L has a high boiling point, and therefore, in order to ensure a sufficient evaporation rate, the liquid temperature must be maintained in the range of 150 to 200°C. Therefore, the insertion depth of the electrode rod 21 is adjusted so that this liquid temperature can be maintained. Furthermore, when the electrode rod 21 becomes worn and shortened, the electrode rod 21 is pulled down to adjust the insertion depth into the decoppering end solution L so that it remains approximately constant. Copper electrolytic refining is well known and is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-107042, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] (Configuration of the electrode rod of the first embodiment) 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the electrode rod of the first embodiment, where FIG. 2A is an external view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the main part. 2, an electrode rod 21 according to the first embodiment is configured such that a plurality of electrode unit rods 22 are connected to one another by nipples 23. Each electrode unit rod 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and recesses 22a are formed at both ends of each electrode unit rod 22, recessed inward from the axial end. A male thread portion 22b is formed on the inner circumferential surface of each recess 22a. A female thread portion 23a that can be threadably fitted onto the male thread portion 22b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the nipple 23.

[0025] The electrode unit rod 22 and nipple 23 can be connected or disconnected by rotating one of them circumferentially relative to the other so that the female screw portion 23a and the male screw portion 22b are tightened or loosened. The wire W for moving the electrode rod 21 up and down within the electric evaporation tank 10 and the electric wire for power supply can be detachably connected via a connector 24 that fits into the recess 22a at the upper end of the electrode rod 21, or via a connector that is connected to a nipple 23 attached to the recess 22a at the upper end.

[0026] Although the electrode unit rod 22 in the first embodiment has been exemplified as having a cylindrical shape, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may have a cylindrical shape as in Patent Document 2. Furthermore, although the electrode unit rod 22 has been exemplified as having a male thread portion 22b on the electrode unit rod 22 side and a female thread portion 23a on the nipple 23 side, the male and female threads may be interchanged. In addition, in FIG. 2, the electrode rod 21 is illustrated as having two electrode unit rods 22 connected together, but this is not limited thereto, and it is also possible for the electrode rod 21 to have a configuration in which three or more electrode unit rods 22 are connected together. Furthermore, although the electrode unit rod 22 and the nipple 23 are separate bodies, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to form a recess 22a and a male thread portion 22b at one end of the electrode unit rod 22, and to have the nipple 23 integrally formed or fixed to the other end.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electrode rod connecting workbench according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a main part of the fixing base according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, an electrode rod connecting workbench 51 according to the first embodiment has a fixed table 52 as an example of a first workbench, and a rotating table 53 as an example of a second workbench. 3 and 4, the fixed base 52 has a frame 61 as an example of a frame body.

[0028] Positioning protrusions 62, which are an example of a first support member and an example of a first positioning member, are supported on the upper surface of the fixed base 52. The positioning protrusions 62 come into contact with and position the electrode unit rod 22 placed laterally on the connecting workbench 51. In the first embodiment, the positioning protrusions 62 are arranged in a set (two protrusions) on either side of the central axis of the electrode unit rod 22, and two sets of positioning protrusions 62 are arranged at positions spaced apart in the axial direction, i.e., two sets (four in total). The surface 62a of the positioning protrusions 62 on the side that comes into contact with the electrode unit rod 22 is formed in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical electrode unit rod 22.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the turntable according to the first embodiment. 3 and 5, the rotating table 53 has an adjustment stage 71 as an example of a position adjustment device. The adjustment stage 71 has a Z stage 72 whose position can be adjusted in the vertical direction (Z direction) relative to the floor surface, an X stage 73 whose position can be adjusted along the axial direction (X direction) of the electrode unit rod 22 relative to the Z stage 72, and a Y stage 74 whose position can be adjusted along the vertical direction and an intersecting direction (Y direction) that intersects the axial direction relative to the X stage 73. The Z stage 72 is configured similarly to a so-called pantograph-type jack. The X stage 73 is configured to be slidable along an X rail 72a that is supported on the upper surface of the Z stage 72 and extends in the X direction. The Y stage 74 is configured to be slidable along a Y rail 73a that is supported on the upper surface of the X stage 73 and extends in the Y direction. In the embodiment, the position adjustment of each of the stages 72 to 74 is performed manually, but it is also possible to configure the positions to be adjusted automatically using a motor, hydraulics, etc. by detecting any positional deviation between the electrode unit rod 22 on the fixed base 52 and the electrode unit rod 22 on the rotating base 53 using a sensor, camera, etc.

[0030] Rollers 76, which are an example of a second support member, an example of a second positioning member, and an example of a rotating member, are rotatably supported on the upper surface of the Y stage 74. The rollers 76 come into contact with the electrode unit rod 22 placed horizontally to position it. Similar to the positioning protrusions 62, two sets of rollers 76 (four in total) are arranged in the first embodiment. The rollers 76 support the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical electrode unit rod 22 and also support the electrode unit rod 22 in a state where it can rotate around the central axis of the electrode unit rod 22. In the first embodiment, the rollers 76 are configured so that they can be rotated by an operator manually rotating the rollers 76 or by pressing the outer circumferential surface of the electrode unit rod 22 in the circumferential direction. That is, in the first embodiment, the electrode unit rod 22 supported by the turntable 53 is configured so that it can be rotated manually in the circumferential direction. It is also possible to configure the rollers 76 to be rotated automatically by a motor or the like.

[0031] Although rollers have been given as an example of the rotating member, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a belt-like member that comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the electrode unit rod 22 may also be used. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, both positioning and rotation are performed by the rollers 76, but it is also possible to provide a support member (second support member) similar to the positioning protrusion 62 separately from the rollers 76.

[0032] (Explanation of connection work) Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting work on the connecting workbench of embodiment 1, where Figure 6(A) is an explanatory diagram of a worn, used electrode rod, Figure 6(B) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a used electrode rod is supported on a fixed base and a new electrode unit rod is supported on a rotating base, Figure 6(C) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a new electrode unit rod has been added and connected to the used electrode rod in the state of Figure 6(B), and Figure 6(D) is an explanatory diagram of the electrode rod after the connecting work. 6(A), the electrode rod 21 used in the electrical evaporation tank 10 has an immersed-side electrode unit rod 22 (22-1) and a power supply-side (non-immersed-side) electrode unit rod 22 (22-2), and the immersed-side electrode unit rod 22-1, which was immersed in the copper removal final solution L, has worn down and is now short. That is, the immersed-side electrode unit rod 22-1 has worn down with use, while the non-immersed-side electrode unit rod 22-2 is not worn down.

[0033] When a connecting operation is performed to lengthen the shortened electrode rod 21, first, the electrode rod 21 removed from the electrical evaporation tank 10 is supported on a fixing table 52 (first supporting step) as shown in Fig. 6(B). In Fig. 6(B), when the electrode rod 21 is supported sideways on the fixing table 52, the electrode unit rod 22-2 on the power source side is positioned on the rotating table 53 side, and the electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side is positioned on the opposite side from the rotating table 53. The wires or electrical cables connected to the electrode unit rod 22-2 on the power supply side may be removed before placing it sideways on the fixed base 52, or may be removed after placing it sideways on the fixed base 52.

[0034] Next, the new electrode unit rod 22 (22-3) is supported on the turntable 53 with its central axis substantially aligned with that of the used electrode rod 21 (with the axis of the electrode unit rod 22-3 positioned on an extension of the central axis of the electrode rod 21) (second supporting step). In the first embodiment, with the new electrode unit rod 22-3 placed on the rollers 76 of the turntable 53, its position is adjusted using the adjustment stage 71 so that its central axis substantially aligned with that of the used electrode rod 21. Therefore, the central axis of the new electrode unit rod 22-3, which is an example of one electrode unit rod, is substantially aligned with an extension of the central axis of the power supply side electrode unit rod 22-2, which is an example of one electrode unit rod. Note that the electrode unit rod 22-3 can be placed on the turntable 53 prior to the first supporting step, but the position adjustment is performed after the first supporting step in which the used electrode rod 21 is supported.

[0035] 6(B) and 6(C), next, the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3 are rotated relative to each other around the central axis by the rollers 76 to couple them by screw engagement (coupling step). In the first embodiment, the nipple 23 is coupled to the used electrode rod 21, and then the new electrode unit rod 22-3 is coupled to the nipple 23 by screw engagement, but this is not limiting. For example, it is also possible to couple the new electrode unit rod 22-3 to the used electrode rod 21 while the nipple 23 is attached to the new electrode unit rod 22-3. Note that as the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3 are screwed together, the gap between them narrows, but the new electrode unit rod 22-3 can move in the X direction along the X stage 73. Therefore, the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3 are smoothly coupled. Therefore, in the connection work of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6(D), an electrode rod 21' is created in which a new electrode unit rod 22-3 is added to the electrode unit rod 22-1 (consumed electrode unit rod 22-1) on the immersion side and the electrode unit rod 22-2 (unconsumed electrode unit rod 22-2) on the power source side.

[0036] In the connecting workbench 51 of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, a used electrode 21 can be supported horizontally, and then a new electrode unit rod 22-3 can be connected by aligning the position and rotating it. Therefore, compared to the conventional case where the electrode rods are replaced in an upright position, the electrodes can be replaced safely and efficiently. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3 can be rotated relative to each other using the simple structure of the rollers 76. Therefore, compared with a complex structure, costs are reduced and malfunctions are less likely to occur.

[0037] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3 can be positioned by the positioning protrusions 62 and the rollers 76, respectively, and the central axes can be easily aligned. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the adjustment stage 71 can adjust the positions of the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3. If the outer shapes of the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3 are formed with precision and the positioning protrusions 62 and rollers 76 are precisely positioned, the adjustment stage 71 is not necessary (see the second embodiment, described later). However, the electrode rod 21 or its outer circumferential surface may wear out and become inconsistent in shape, or the diameter or curvature of the electrode rod 21 or the electrode unit rod 22-3 may vary due to manufacturing errors or individual differences. Furthermore, there may be misalignment due to manufacturing errors or assembly errors in the positioning protrusions 62 and rollers 76. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the adjustment stage 71 can accommodate wear, individual differences, manufacturing errors, and the like, and the used electrode rod 21 and the new electrode unit rod 22-3 can be smoothly connected.

[0038] (Explanation of other examples of connection work) Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of another example of connection work on a connection workbench, where Figure 7(A) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a used electrode rod is supported on a fixed base, Figure 7(B) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the electrode unit rod on the immersion side has been removed, Figure 7(C) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a new electrode unit rod has been connected to the used electrode rod from the state in Figure 7(B), and Figure 7(D) is an explanatory diagram of the electrode rod after the connection work. In the connection work shown in Fig. 6, the length of the electrode rod 21' after extension is longer than the original length of the electrode rod (the length of two electrode unit rods 22-1 and 22-2 before they are consumed). In controlling the up and down movement of the electrode rod 21 in the electrical evaporation tank 10, it may be undesirable if the length of the electrode rod 21' is too long. In addition, when the electrode rod 21' after extension is used in the electrical evaporation tank 10, the nipple 23 will also be consumed after the electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side is consumed, but there may be cases where it is undesirable to allow the nipple 23 to be consumed from the standpoint of the cost of the parts, electrical performance, etc.

[0039] In such a case, it may be desirable to replace the electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side (the worn electrode unit rod 22-1) with a new electrode unit rod 22-3 during the connection work, rather than simply adding a new electrode unit rod 22-3 to the used electrode rod 21. In FIG. 7(A), when replacing the immersed electrode unit rod 22-1 with a new electrode unit rod 22-3, first, when placing the used electrode rod 21 on the fixed base 52, the immersed electrode unit rod 22-1 is positioned so that it is supported by the rotating base 53 (first supporting step). Next, after bringing the roller 76 into contact with the electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side on the adjustment stage 71, the electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side is rotated by the roller 76 to loosen the screw engagement, and the electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side is removed from the electrode unit rod 22-2 on the power supply side (removal process, see Figure 7(B)).

[0040] Next, the removed electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side is removed from the turntable 53, and a new electrode unit rod 22-3 is placed and supported on the turntable 53, and its position is adjusted using the adjustment stage 71 (second support step). Then, the new electrode unit rod 22-3 is rotated and connected to the electrode unit rod 22-2 on the power supply side (the unworn electrode unit rod 22-2) by screw fitting (connecting step, see FIG. 7(C)). Therefore, in the connecting operation shown in FIG. 7, an electrode rod 21'' is produced by connecting a new electrode unit rod 22-3 to replace the worn electrode unit rod 22-1 on the immersion side.

[0041] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting workbench according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, an adjustment stage 71 is provided, but as mentioned above, if there is little individual variation in the electrode rods 21, etc., or little tolerance in the positioning protrusions 62, etc., it is possible to configure a second support frame 71' instead of the adjustment stage, as shown in Fig. 8. In the second embodiment, rollers 76 are arranged on the upper surface of the second support frame 71'.

[0042] In the second embodiment having the above configuration, a used electrode 21 can be connected to a new electrode unit rod 22-3 while being supported horizontally, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, compared to the conventional case where the electrode is replaced in an upright position, the electrode can be replaced safely and efficiently. [Industrial Applicability]

[0043] The electrode rods used for connecting or replacing unit electrode rods on the electrode rod connecting workbench 51 according to the present invention are particularly suitable for use with electrode rods used in copper electrolytic refining, but are not limited to this. For example, the electrode rods may be used in ash melting furnaces as described in Patent Document 2, or any other electrode rods that wear down with use and require connecting work. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which a used electrode rod 21 is supported on the fixed base 52 and a new electrode unit rod 22-3 is supported on the rotating base 53 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to support a new electrode unit rod 22-3 on the fixed base 52 and support a used electrode rod 21 on the rotating base 53 (in this case, the rotating base 53 serves as the first work base, and the fixed base 52 serves as the second work base).

[0044] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the fixed table 52 is used as an example of the first work table to fix the used electrode rods 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, both the first and second work tables may be configured to rotatably support the electrode rods or electrode unit rods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 21...Used electrodes, 21,21′,21″…electrode rod, 22, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3...electrode unit rod, 22-1...Immersion side electrode unit rod, 22-2...One electrode unit rod, non-immersed electrode unit rod, 22-3...The other electrode unit rod, the new electrode unit rod, 51...electrode rod connection workbench, 52...First workbench, fixed base, 53...Second workbench, rotating table, 62...first support member, positioning protrusion, 71... Position adjustment device, adjustment stage, 76... Second support member, roller, L: Liquid to be treated, decoppered final liquid.

Claims

1. a first work table having a first support member for supporting and positioning one of a plurality of electrode unit rods constituting the electrode rod in a lateral direction; a second work table having a second support member that supports one of the electrode unit rods laterally on an extension of the central axis of the other electrode unit rod supported by the first support member with the central axis of the other electrode unit rod substantially aligned with the first support member, the second support member is composed of a pair of rollers spaced apart in a direction intersecting the central axis, The electrode rod is formed by connecting a plurality of electrode unit rods by screw fitting. Electrode rod connection workbench.

2. a position adjustment device that moves one of the first work table and the second work table relative to the other to adjust the position of the central axis of one electrode unit rod and the central axis of the other electrode unit rod; 2. The electrode rod connecting workbench according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The electrode rod is a used electrode rod that has been used in an electric evaporation tank used in copper electrorefining. The electrode rod connection workbench according to claim 1.

4. a first supporting step of supporting and positioning a used electrode rod, which is formed by connecting a plurality of electrode unit rods by screw fitting, laterally on a first supporting member provided on a first work table; a second supporting step of supporting the new electrode unit rod laterally on a second supporting member provided on a second work table and comprising a pair of rollers spaced apart in a direction intersecting the central axis of the used electrode rod supported by the first supporting member, with the central axis of the new electrode unit rod being aligned substantially on an extension of the central axis of the used electrode rod supported by the first supporting member; a connecting step of rotating the used electrode rod and the new electrode unit rod relatively around an axis to connect them by thread engagement; A method for connecting electrodes, comprising:

5. the first supporting step is a step of supporting the used electrode rod on the first supporting member in a state where a worn side of the electrode rod is positioned on an opposite side to the second work table; The electrode rod connecting method according to claim 4.

6. the first supporting step is a step of supporting the used electrode rod on the first supporting member in a state in which a worn side of the electrode rod is positioned on the second work table side, and supporting a worn electrode unit rod of the used electrode rod on the second supporting member, In a process prior to the second supporting process a removing step of removing the worn electrode unit rod by rotating it relative to an unworn electrode unit rod connected to the worn electrode unit rod. The electrode rod connecting method according to claim 4.

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