AUTOMATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLED SURFACE REMOVAL OF DEFECTS IN CAST METALLIC ANODES PRIOR TO ELECTROREFINING

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated system (100) and an automated method (300) for controlled surface removal of defects on cast metal anodes (110) prior to electrorefining, including anodes of copper, nickel, lead, or other electrochemically refinable metals. The system comprises a detection system (130), a surface removal head (140), a surface removal module or tool (141), a relative displacement system (150), a control unit (170), and optionally, a collection or extraction system (160). The control unit (170) obtains surface information from the anode, determines a surface conditioning zone (120), commands general surface removal, and subsequently determines localized zones with surface defects or residual contaminants (121) for selective surface removal.The surface removal module or tool (141) may comprise a mechanical tool, an abrasive tool, a pressure water nozzle, a very high pressure water nozzle, or a combination thereof, including cleaning with water without added abrasive. In one embodiment, the system integrates milling or conditioning of upper lugs (112) to prepare electrical contact surfaces prior to electrorefining.