Modular structure system, device for separating organic compounds and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a system with a self-supporting tubular modular structure, for electrowinning metals, in an operative cell or in a tub, and for recovering organic compounds, which comprises: anodic guides (4) interposed with cathodic guides (3) designed to be secured by tubes, which are attached to an upper tubular frame (53), and tubular feet (7) connected to connector tubes (15, 16, 17, 18), forming a lower longitudinal beam (34), the feet being separated by base cross members (64), wherein the various elements are standardised and connected according to the length and width of the tub or cell, allowing adaptation to the walls of the tub or cell. The invention further relates to a device for separating organic compounds and a method for separating organic compounds.

Description

[0001] Modular structure system; organic separation device and its procedure

[0002] Scope and description of the technical problem

[0003] The field of application of this system is limited to the area of ​​electrometallurgy for obtaining metal cathodes through the electrowinning process.

[0004] The technical problem solved by the present invention relates to obtaining a self-supporting tubular structure system for anodic and cathodic guides, without the need for a general support frame for the system, easy to assemble, structurally resistant, without leaks and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, this self-supporting tubular structure system is arranged in the form of a Meccano by hooking (assembling), whereby, through small standardized parts, it adapts to the space available in the work for the electro-obtaining process or, failing that, for the sought-after production capacity. The objective of this self-supporting tubular structure system is the stable positioning of all these elements within the site of a pre-existing electrolytic cell, such that the system is lightweight, easy to assemble and install through simple manual or automated assembly.The system also comes in parts, which improves its transport to the site because special trucks are not required to transport large and heavy parts, as they do not exist. Furthermore, the assembly method, the simple tubular design, and the spatial arrangement of the parts generate an interior space with high volumetric insulation. Operation is also improved because, if for any reason, when removing the copper cathodes, they seize up in their guide, dragging the tubular structure, the latter can be mechanically disassembled in just that section, avoiding dragging the entire structure, and easily replacing that section to continue the operation.All these features significantly improve the quality and speed of the installation and operation of the job, the adaptability of a standard system to any type of pre-existing job, resulting in excellent product quality, energy efficiency, reduction of the failure and stoppage rate, and thus allowing an increase in the productivity of the process, since by achieving a job in operations more quickly, with a system that delivers a stable and uniform separation of cathodes and anodes, allowing a uniform and stable circulation of the electrolyte, the final result is a clear overall improvement in the assembly process and in turn in the production process.

[0005] Another aspect of this invention is to achieve, within the elements of the self-supporting tubular structure system, the ability to collect, separate, and recirculate contaminating organic waste from the pre-electrowinning stage. In the solvent extraction (SX) stage, some of the solvents are not retained and end up in the electrowinning stage, resulting in poor cathode harvesting yields and contamination of the cathodes. The element associated with the self-supporting tubular structure system can also be used in other electrowinning equipment or tanks outside of the self-supporting tubular system. In general, this element operates like a pool skimmer, where this floating waste is dragged and then captured and recirculated from the surface of the electrowinning tank to the solvent extraction tank.

[0006] Electrometallurgical processes are becoming increasingly important in the metallurgical industry, especially in the copper, zinc, aluminum, and other metals industries, where the production of high-purity metals increasingly depends on the quality and productivity of these processes. In the case of copper, demand for the electrorefining process is growing.

[0007] Currently, there are disclosed technologies in this area, but their structural robustness has been related to structure thickness dimensions that are prohibitive for their application in many of the current electro-metallurgy cells, and especially in electro-refinery cells, where the spaces available for the positioning of a structure system are around 2 to 3 centimeters between electrodes and the inner wall of the cell, which prevents the use of a structure like those disclosed so far, and makes necessary a change of concept in the type of structure to be used.

[0008] Specifically, there are technologies from the same inventor that already reproduce a self-supporting frame for assembly. However, the application of this technology and its associated costs generated new, unexpected problems in the production phase, field implementation, and operational performance of the parts themselves. These are the problems that this development aims to solve.

[0009] Brief description of the invention

[0010] The present invention consists of a system of self-supporting tubular cathodic and anodic guides that do not require a frame to be maintained in their correct position. This system is defined as pieces or blocks that have the capacity to adapt to the physical location where they are deployed. The system comprises: anodic structural guides, cathodic structural guides, an upper tubular skeleton, tubular feet with their respective connecting tubes, and anchoring elements. Regarding the number of guides, taking into account limited space availability and the desired production quantity, both the upper tubular skeleton and the tubular feet with their respective connecting tubes are assembled to lengthen or shorten the length of the cell.All these pieces are made of polymeric materials, and comprise a series of ribs, depressions, perforations, and cutouts in their designs that allow for high mechanical resistance structure to be provided to the entire system, where the previously mentioned elements interact and cooperate.

[0011] In a first aspect of the present invention, a system of self-supporting tubular cathodic and anodic guides is presented, but with an upper and lower adjustment of the tubular concave beam type (Figure 4 / 29)

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention involves the transportation of the system. Since the small parts, including the tubular beams, can be packed in small containers, it is possible to transport 10 or more systems in the same truck. While previously, a truck could carry only one system for a single tank, the present invention allows for transporting 10 or more systems in the same truck. However, the old self-supporting systems required transporting the upper and lower beams in lengths adjusted to the tank (extremely long). The new configuration, with tubular feet and their respective connecting tubes, reduces these sizes for optimal transport and adjustment.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention lies in the fact that all the joints of the pieces are made via clips, clamps, protuberances, endless threads, support stops or structures developed in the same pieces, making bolts and nuts unnecessary to join the pieces.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention lies in the fact that this system can also retain and return the residual organic compounds from the self-supporting tubular system to the tank where the solvent extraction is carried out.

[0015] Description of what is known in the field

[0016] The closest document to the state of the art is the document of the same applicant PCT / CL2018 / 050091 , which describes a self-supporting structure system assembled in pieces and adaptable to the space provided for the electro-obtaining of metals, both in an already operational cell or in a tank, (SELE NG) comprising the following pieces arranged in the system from top to bottom as follows: a plurality of upper longitudinal beams, a plurality of accessory support bars, a plurality of lower longitudinal beams, a plurality of basal crossbars, a plurality of cathodic structural guides, a plurality of anodic structural guides, a plurality of general connectors, and a plurality of sludge trapping trays; the assembly method; and the sludge extraction method.The present system is an evolution of the SELE NG system, where the lower and upper longitudinal beams have a tubular shape, not as described in the PCT application, and all the rest of the parts and pieces are adapted to this new configuration. There are also a series of documents, already cited in application PCT / CL2018 / 050091 , such as application CL 3001-2006, application PCT / CL2014 / 000050, application CL 1300-2006, application CL 2341-2006 and patent application CL 1190-2011 .

[0017] In general, all the aforementioned reviews use frames that house separators, guides, and various devices to keep the cathodes and anodes vertically arranged. No previous documentation uses guides as a mechanical part of the structure, with an upper tubular frame and tubular feet with their respective connecting tubes. Furthermore, all the systems described in the prior art are prefabricated to fit exactly inside the cell; they do not adapt to it.

[0018] Detailed description of the invention

[0019] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications described herein, as these may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology employed herein is used solely for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope and potential of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the system, part, element, use, and method here, in the specification and throughout the text, do not exclude the plural, unless clearly implied by the context. Thus, for example, a reference to a "use or method" is a reference to one or more uses or methods and includes equivalents known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, as another example, a reference to "a step," "a stage," or "a mode" is a reference to one or more steps, stages, or modes, and may include implicit and / or supervening sub-steps, stages, or modes.

[0021] All conjunctions used must be understood in their least restrictive and most inclusive sense possible. Thus, for example, the conjunction "or" must be understood in its orthodox logical sense, and not as an "exclusive or," unless the context or the text expressly requires or indicates it. The structures, materials, and / or elements described must also be understood to refer to their functional equivalents, thus avoiding endless exhaustive lists.

[0022] Expressions used to indicate approximations or conceptualizations should be understood as such, unless the context dictates a different interpretation.

[0023] All technical and / or scientific names and terms used herein have the common meaning given to them by a lay person qualified in these matters, unless otherwise expressly indicated.

[0024] Methods, techniques, elements, systems and parts similar and / or equivalent to those described may be used or preferred in the practice and / or testing of the present invention.

[0025] All patents and other publications are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and / or reporting, for example, the methodologies described in such publications that may be useful in connection with the present invention. In particular, patent application PCT / CL2018 / 050091 , where specifications not indicated in the current specification may be extracted.

[0026] These publications are included only for their information prior to the filing date of this patent application.

[0027] In this regard, nothing should be considered as an admission or acceptance, rejection or exclusion, that the authors and / or inventors are not entitled to be so, or that said publications are backdated by virtue of previous ones, or for any other reason.

[0028] Some concepts applied in the present invention are based on the definition of vat and cell. We will refer to the vat when there is no apparatus or device installed within the electrowinning pool. On the other hand, we will refer to the cell when a previous electrowinning device already exists or when the system or part of the system of the present invention is being assembled. Also referring to "organics" for solvent extraction (SEX), they generally refer to liquid hydrocarbons (not restricted to this family), such as paraffin, among many others.

[0029] The present development is based on a series of improvements to that described in application PCT / CL2018 / 050091 , also called SELE NG in order to deliver a more versatile product, easy to manufacture, easy to replace in case of failure, structurally leak-free and that removes solvents that contaminate the electro-winning tank. In order to improve existing systems, such as SELE NG for electro-metallurgy cells in general, and especially in electro-refinery cells that maintain availability in very small installation spaces and with variables between different tasks, the present invention consists of a modular tubular structural system comprising anodic guides (4) adapted for tubes, cathodic guides (3) adapted for tubes, upper tubular skeleton (53), tubular feet (7) with their respective connecting tubes, basal crossbars and general tubular anchoring elements, as seen in figure 4 / 29.This system is assembled manually or automatically inside the cell or tank. The system comes in standardized parts that are assembled based on the length and width of the tank or cell, they do not come in large one-dimensional parts that cover the entire space of the cell as was done in the state of the art, here the different pieces are assembled in the form of a meccano until covering the entire area of ​​the cell or tank. It is part of the same installed structure, a portion of wall opening generated by the worm screw (26), which allows the free circulation of the electrolyte through them, and where the longitudinal vertical walls of the system comprise a series of segments of the upper tubular skeleton (53) and the tubular feet (7) with their respective connecting tubes, connected to each other, which are supported superiorly on the cathodic and anodic guides (1) and (2).

[0030] In the present invention, longitudinal external vertical walls (frames) are not required because the support of the upper tubular skeleton is given by the same cathodic and anodic guides, both adapted for tubes, which are regularly spaced, uninterrupted from the upper tubular skeleton (53) and up to the tubular feet with their respective connector tubes (7), the latter positioned in the lower part along the tank or cell, allowing to achieve great rigidity and structural resistance, lower than the space between cathodes and anodes and the interior walls of the electrolytic cells or tanks. The cathodic and anodic guides, adapted for tubes, are arranged alternately along the entire tank.All connections between the structural guides adapted for tubes, the upper tubular skeleton and the tubular feet with their respective connecting tubes are free of bolts and nuts for assembly; they simply use small worm threads, volumetric fillers and clip or male-female systems for anchoring, which makes assembly and disassembly easier without the need for tools. Another advantage of the shape of the tubular skeleton, in general, is that it manages to make the organics remaining on the surface of the cell easily dragged away because there are no sharp edges or surface elements where they are retained. Furthermore, the volume that defines the organic layer when it is separated is smaller with curved edges than with flat edges, as described in the state of the art.

[0031] Also, the present invention, in its plasticity, allows for the provision of tubular feet with their respective connector tubes (7) and basal crossbars, with their respective connectors (6).

[0032] Analyzing and describing the parts in detail and in light of document PCT / CL2018 / 050091 , we can mention the cathodic guide (3) adapted for pipes, made in a single piece, as seen in figure 16 / 29, which is materialized in polymers of high mechanical, thermal and abrasive resistance, of the type Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), High density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Structurally, this guide comprises four parts: the first part, starting from its upper area (based on how it is installed) corresponds to the head of the cathodic guide (44), which fulfills the function of correctly guiding the entrance of the cathode when it is introduced into the system and avoiding the deposition of metal on the edges of the head that limit the recovery of the charged cathode in a simple way.The geometric arrangement of this head from the operator's perspective is two walls that form a "V" or initial contact area of ​​the cathode on its guide on the sides that leads or empties into the cathode guide channel (41). At the bottom of this "V" conformation, there is an angular surface with respect to the horizontal of approximately 135 °, not limited to that specific angle, but always above 90 °, which forces the cathode to be led to the cathode guide channel (41), preventing that in the operation of the cathodes, they drift when entered into their guides. On the opposite side of the head with respect to the operator's point of view, there is a groove that follows the previously mentioned angle. This groove is crossed by resistance ribs of the cathode channel (57) in order to give resistance to the structure of the head.

[0033] The second part, starting from its upper area (based on how it is installed) corresponds to the neck of the cathodic guide (58), which serves as the anchoring area to the upper tubular skeleton (53). To achieve this objective, this area, which is not visible to the operator, is hooked by means of the fastening tabs to the guide (50) that emerge from the back of the double grip clamp (35), and which, by means of a polymeric endless screw (26), two aligned thread fillings (48), one inside a double clamp (35) and the other inside the double counter-clamp (49), embrace and anchor the neck of the cathodic guide (58) to the upper tubular skeleton (53), to anchor the double clamp (35) to the cathodic guide. The geometric arrangement of the neck, on the operator's side, is a symmetrical channel or groove, part of the channel of the cathodic guide (41).This groove begins where the “V” of the head ends and ends where the body of the cathodic guide begins. Also for the purpose of structuring the channel, there are optional cathodic channel resistance ribs (57). The previously mentioned interactions give mechanical strength to the relationship between the cathodic guide (3), the double clamp (35) and the upper tubular skeleton (53).

[0034] The third part, starting from its upper area (based on how it is installed) corresponds to the body of the cathodic guide (59), which fulfills the function of laterally channeling the cathodes, both in the descent and in the ascent. The channel (41) that is formed in its central part, from the point of view of the operator, is symmetrical with respect to its edges, in addition those edges are curved to avoid the lack of traction when there is formation of thickenings due to accumulation of cathodic copper on the edges of the channel (41). In addition, throughout the length of the body it optionally has resistance ribs (57) to maintain the uniform opening of the channel.

[0035] The fourth part of this cathodic guide is the lower area of ​​the cathodic guide (42), which performs the function of positioning and / or anchoring the base of the guide through the heel of the cathodic guide (13) to the upper tubular skeleton (53). This area of ​​the guide is a continuation of the body of the guide (59) that simply ends in a 45° tip, where this tip plus the channel (41) are inserted into the heel (13) by means of the rail (33), where the heel (13) is anchored to the lower flange of the first element (23) by means of the perforation of the heel (31) for the cathodic guide. Finally, in the lower area of ​​the cathodic guide (42), inside the channel (41), a piece called anti-nodule bellows (43) (state of the art) is positioned, described in figure 16 / 29. This piece electrically isolates the cathode and also prevents lateral copper permeation, preventing the formation of copper nodules at the base of the guide, thus facilitating the extraction of filled cathodes.The anti-nodule bellows is an elastic piece of polymeric material (plasticized PVC or other similar) capable of entering the channel (41) and allowing it to protrude below the cathodic guide.

[0036] Continuing with the detailed analysis of the parts, we can mention the anodic guide (4), made in a single piece, as seen in figure 14 / 29, which is materialized in polymers of high mechanical, thermal and abrasive resistance, of the type Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), High density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Structurally, this guide comprises four parts: the first part, starting from its upper area (based on how it is installed) corresponds to the head of the anodic guide (60), which fulfills the function of guiding and correctly positioning the anode when it is introduced into the system. The geometric arrangement of this head from the operator's perspective is two parallel walls or initial contact area of ​​the anode in its guide, which lead or empty into the anodic channel (38).At the bottom of this parallel conformation, there is an angular surface with respect to the horizontal of approximately 135 °, not limited to that specific angle, but always above 90 °, which forces the anode to be driven into the anodic channel (38), preventing that, in the operation of the anodes, they drift when entered into their guides. Complementarily, and anchored in the head (60) by the operator, there may be a piece, in the shape of a "Y" called anode entrance sub-cone (47), which fulfills the function of narrowing the entrance to the anodic guide channel (38) to direct and adjust the anode to its guide. On the opposite side of the head (60) with respect to the operator's point of view, there is a groove that follows the previously mentioned angle. This groove is crossed by resistance ribs of the anodic channel (61) in order to give resistance to the head structure.

[0037] The second part, starting from its upper area (based on how it is installed) corresponds to the neck of the anodic guide (63), which serves as the anchoring area to the upper tubular skeleton (53). To achieve this objective, this area, which is not visible to the operator, is hooked by means of the fastening tabs to the guide (50) that emerge from the back of the double grip clamp (35) and which, by means of a polymeric endless screw (26), two aligned thread fillings (48), one inside a double clamp (35) and the other inside the double counter-clamp (49), embrace and anchor the neck of the anodic guide (63) to the upper tubular skeleton (53). The geometric arrangement of the neck, on the operator's side, is a symmetrical channel or groove, part of the anodic channel (38). This groove begins where the parallel structure of the head ends and ends where the body of the anodic guide (61) begins.Also in order to structure the groove, there are ribs of the anodic canal (62).

[0038] The third part, starting from its upper area (based on how it is installed) corresponds to the body of the anodic structural guide (61), which fulfills the function of laterally channeling the anodes, both in the descent and in the ascent. The channel (38) that is formed in its central part, from the point of view of the operator, is symmetrical with respect to its edges, in addition those edges are straight to leave the fall freely of the anode residues. In the lower area of ​​this third part there is a narrowing of the channel (39) that operates by squeezing the anode so that it remains in position during its operation. In addition, throughout the length of the body it has ribs (62) to maintain the uniform opening of the channel.

[0039] Finally, the fourth part of this anodic guide is its lower area (36), which fulfills the function of anchoring the base of the guide through two anchoring openings (37) to the heel of the anodic guide (9) by means of its joining perforations to the anodic guide (28) crossed by two connecting tubes (10) and their respective covers (14). This heel, in turn, by its lower part by means of the joining perforation of the heel of the anodic guide to the first anchor element (30), forms a structure supported on the shoulder (29) that gives resistance, position and operability to the anodic guide. This lower area of ​​the guide (36), on the side opposite to the operation, has two depths of the anodic channel, near the body of the anodic guide (61), it maintains the same depth and then when approaching the heel, this depth changes to half, ending the channel in a point to be able to physically couple to the heel.This difference in depth is supported, on the side opposite the operation, by the support shoulder (29), mentioned above.

[0040] For both the cathodic guide and the anodic guide, their length, width and channel depth will depend on the type of anodic or cathodic electrode used. However, it can be defined for both cases that they consist of elongated structures in a length range from 20 cm to 500 cm, preferably 100 cm and / or preferably 120 cm and / or preferably 150 cm, with a channel depth in a range between 1 to 10 cm, preferably 2, 4, 5 and 8 cm and a width in the range of 0.1 cm to 5 cm, preferably 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 cm.

[0041] Continuing with the description of the parts and pieces of the system is the upper tubular skeleton (53), made in several pieces, as seen in figure 21 / 29, which is materialized in polymers of high mechanical, thermal and abrasive resistance, of the type Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), High density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Structurally, more components are integrated into this skeleton to make it functional. Concentrating only on one unit of the skeleton, it consists of a rectangular double tubular structure, where a rectangle that runs along the entire perimeter of the tubular self-supporting structure system is superimposed on a second rectangle of equal dimensions to the first. The dimensions of these rectangles will vary depending on the size of the task and the size of the electrowinning tank to be operated.These two rectangular structures are separated, positioned and held by double grip clamps (35), their double counter-clamp (49), thread fillings that cross the clamps and counter-clamps, the endless screws (26) and the major tube separators (56). These aforementioned structures are arranged in a range of 10 cm to 100 cm. Structurally, these rectangles are formed by smooth major connecting tubes (16) and minor connecting tubes (18), where the 90° angles of the rectangle are formed by the smooth major elbows (55). In general, these smooth major connecting tubes have a length range between 10 to 150 cm, preferably 100 cm, preferably 30 cm, an external diameter of between 10 to 4 cm, preferably 6 cm. An inner diameter of between 9 and 3 cm, preferably 5 cm, with wall thicknesses in the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 cm, 0.6 cm and 1 cm.On the other hand, smaller connecting tubes have a length range between 10 and 50 cm, preferably 10 cm, preferably 20 cm, an outer diameter between 6 and 3 cm, preferably 5 cm. An inner diameter between 5 and 2 cm, preferably 3.7 cm, with wall thicknesses in the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 cm, 0.6 cm and 1 cm.

[0042] The double grip clamps (35), mentioned above, hold the neck of the cathodic and anodic guides to the upper tubular skeleton (53), structuring and self-supporting the guides without the need for a frame.

[0043] Continuing with the description of the parts and pieces of the system is the lower longitudinal tubular beam (34), made in several pieces, as seen in figures 8 / 29, 11 / 29 and 13 / 29, which is materialized in polymers of high mechanical, thermal and abrasive resistance, of the type Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), High density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Structurally, more components are integrated into this beam to make it functional. Concentrating only on one beam unit, it comprises lower longitudinal feet (7) and larger (15), (16) and (17) and smaller (18) connecting tubes. The lower longitudinal feet (7) are in turn composed of between 1 and 5 units of lower longitudinal tubular bases (5), preferably three units connected to each other.The lower longitudinal tubular base (5), as a unit, has the shape of a “flat eggplant” (see figure 9 / 29), comprises a central minor hole (19), the upper minor hole (20) and the lower major hole (21), in that order from top to bottom. Also visible above the upper minor hole (20) is the upper anchoring slot (22), where the first anchor element (8) is positioned (state of the art) through its lower flange (23). On the underside, the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), next to the lower major hole (21), has two connection depressions (24) when connecting the basal crossbar (State of the art, figures 1 / 29 and 3 / 29) with the lower longitudinal tubular beam. From a front view, below the upper minor hole (20) and above the central minor hole (19), there is a half perforation (25) for an endless screw, where two lower longitudinal tubular bases (5) together form the complete perforation for the endless screw (26).Where this endless screw (26) fulfills the function of stabilizing the entire piece against the wall of the tank, so that the lower longitudinal tubular feet (7) do not remain loose inside the tank.

[0044] The measurements of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5) include a length range from 3 cm to 10 cm, preferably 5.5 cm and / or preferably 7.5 cm, a height from 10 cm to 50 cm, preferably 25 cm and / or preferably 30 cm and a variable width in the range between 3 and 30 cm.

[0045] With respect to the major and minor connecting tubes, there are different ways of connecting them, between themselves or with structures such as the lower longitudinal tubular base (5). The minor connecting tubes (18) give connectivity and structurability to the self-supporting tubular structure system (2) of the present development. The major connecting tubes (15), (16) and (17), partially wrap around the minor conductive tubes (18), to connect them to each other, generating larger structural tubes, of greater dimensions.

[0046] On the other hand, the major connecting tubes come in three forms depending on their function, such as:

[0047] Smooth major connecting tube (16) that mainly reinforces structures by wrapping the minor connecting tube (18) that passes through the central minor hole (19) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5),

[0048] Slotted major connecting tube (17) that mainly guides and anchors the first anchor elements (8) (state of the art) and also reinforces structures by wrapping the minor connecting tube (18) that passes through the upper minor hole (20) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), and

[0049] The perforated major connecting tube (15) that mainly conducts the electrolyte inside the tank, passes through the lower major hole (21) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5) and is structural in itself, because it does not involve any minor connecting tube (18).

[0050] Connected to the lower longitudinal tubular beam (34) are the connectors of the basal crossbar with lower longitudinal tubular foot (6) to the basal crossbar (64), both pieces part of the state of the art. As mentioned in the state of the art, the basal crossbar has a hollowed prism shape with internal tensioners to support its structure. These tensioners define three sub-holes called: an upper triangle to support the basal crossbar and two lower support structures of the basal crossbar. The length dimensions of this basal crossbar are in the range of 30 cm to 200 cm, preferably 80 cm, 90 cm, 100 cm, 120 cm, 150 cm, in general length dimensions associated with the length of the standard cathodes and anodes. The height of this piece is in the range of 10 cm to 40 cm, preferably 10, 11, 12, 15 cm.This basal crossbar may optionally have a recess along its length, extending to the middle of the crossbar in depth, called the median groove of the basal crossbar, which serves to allow the passage of some type of conduit. In the lower arrangement along the crossbar, it has two anchoring guides for the basal crossbars when connected to the basal crossbar, which run along the crossbar itself, as seen in Figures 11 / 29, 12 / 29, 13 / 29, and 15 / 29.

[0051] The basal crossbeam connector (6) is part of the state of the art, where its use seeks to mechanically connect or join the lower longitudinal tubular beam (34) with the basal crossbeams (64). This connector is specific to join, on the one hand, with the area formed by the connection depressions when connecting the crossbeam (24), part of the lower longitudinal tubular beam, with the support shoulder of the connector (65) and the horizontal anchoring guides of the connector (66), respectively (State of the art). This connector is made in one piece and / or optionally in two pieces, which are materialized in polymers of high mechanical, thermal and abrasive resistance, of the Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), High density polyethylene (HDPE) type, preferably Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0052] Part of this development and distributed in the tubular system with guides (1), is the organic separation device (67). This device comprises three parts, where the first part is the residence box (68), the wall with locks (69) and the meshes (70).The function of the organic separation device is based on the use of the structure of the tubular system with guides or any other electrowinning system, preferably the tubular system with guides of the present development, where through air bubbling and the generation of surface flows, the organic solvents, remaining from the solvent extraction (EX) process prior to electrowinning, are forced to be channeled and recirculated to the EX stage, generating better yields in the production of cathodes (due to the decrease in organic contamination) and a decrease in contamination by reusing organics that are not in the EX stage, but in later stages. Both improvements result in savings and economic optimizations of the electrowinning process.

[0053] As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the device consists of three parts, the first part is the residence box (68) which in turn comprises a rectangular box that covers the front side of the tubular system with guides (1). This box comprises in turn, the electrolyte macro injector (71), which corresponds to a grid of major electrolyte injection connecting tubes (72) connected at their ends by two "T" larger tubes (73) and four smooth larger elbows (55), in the shape of a Theta "0". The major electrolyte injection connecting tubes (72) comprise different types of elongated cuts in their upper part in order to distribute the electrolyte from the surface of the box downwards, this way of distributing the electrolyte promotes the organic matter, which contaminates the electrolyte, to accumulate in the upper part of the box. The electrolyte enters the macro injector through a smooth elbow (55) and a smooth larger connecting tube (16).The latter corresponds to one of the lower tubes of the upper tubular skeleton (53), or failing that, if it is not the tubular system with guides of the present development, to any inlet of the electrolyte to the tank. Also the macro electrolyte injector (71) is arranged in the first upper fifth, with respect to the height, of the residence box (68).

[0054] Lower, with respect to the electrolyte macro injector (71) inside the residence box (68) is the aeration network (74). This aeration network is supplied from one of the larger smooth connecting tubes (16) of the upper tubular skeleton (53), specifically, from the tube above. The other tube above, parallel to the previous one of the upper tubular skeleton (53), supplies air to the aeration network of the electrodeposition tank (State of the art CL 54942). The aeration network (74) is composed of an array of smaller perforated tubes (75) of between 4 to 15 tubes arranged in parallel, preferably 7. These tubes are connected to each other by the smaller "T" (77) and at the corners they are closed with the smaller elbows (76).The function of this network is the generation of bubbles and microbubbles that drag the organic matter separating it from the electrolyte and confining it to the upper part of the residence box (68), where the removal of the organic matter is carried out manually or with surface suction. On the other hand, the electrolyte by simple gravity moves through the larger perforated connecting tubes (15) and is distributed within the tank. One of the objectives of the residence box (68) is to achieve a decrease in the speed of the electrolyte flow to give the organic matter more time to float to the surface.

[0055] The second part of the organic separation device (67) is located at the end of the tank and corresponds to the wall with airlocks (69). If the drawer fails to retain all the organics and part of these are distributed by the electrolyte distributor (State of the art PCT / CL2018 / 050092), these, due to the lower aeration in the tank and the special inlet of the electrolyte from below, tend to move the organic remains to the surface and forward, channeling them through the outlet squimer (79). The wall with airlocks (69) comprises an independent wall with the same polymer alternatives used in other parts previously, in the shape of a “U” with short sides, at its two upper ends it has two rectangular spaces of the outlet squimer type (79) from where the remaining organics come out. Covering the skimers are the airlocks (78), which are held and guided by means of the airlock guides (80).These locks move horizontally and have a series of cuts in the corner adapted to allow air to enter the wall (81) and the electrolyte to enter the wall (82) without losing the hermetic seal in the separation of the organic matter. These locks are controlled manually or automatically through mechanisms suitable for this purpose. The recovered organic matter is transported back to the solvent extraction phase EX, by means of containers or a piping system suitable for this purpose.

[0056] Finally, the third part of the organic separation device (67) is the mesh (70). This mesh is a polymer mesh with a light beam small enough to retain the anti-acid mist balls. This mesh is placed or circumscribes the entire tubular system with guides (1), specifically, in the upper tubular skeleton, between the two lines of major connecting tubes. The mesh is caught with the double clamps that grip the upper tubular skeleton (35). The mesh also passes through the front of the outlet squimer to prevent the escape of the anti-acid mist balls, depending on whether or not there is a bulkhead in the sump.

[0057] A final aspect of the present development is the process of separating contaminating organics in the organic separation device (67), where the separation process is carried out in the following stages:

[0058] I) Carryover of organic contaminants in the electrolyte from the solvent extraction (SX) phase to the electrowinning zone, due to operational problems;

[0059] II) Conduction of the electrolyte contaminated with organic matter that enters the cells towards the residence box (68) through the electrolyte macro-injector (71) generating an ascending flow;

[0060] III) Increase in the “buoyancy” of the organic by bubbling air from below the residence box (68) through the aeration network (74), generating a second ascending flow that, combined with the one described in stage (II), generates the migration of the organic and its accumulation at the upper end of the residence box (68);

[0061] IV) Mechanically and / or automatically remove the retained organic matter;

[0062] V) Injection of clean electrolyte, but with possible traces of organic matter, through the larger perforated tubes (15) from the lower part of the residence box (68) to the electro-obtaining tank or cell;

[0063] VI) Migration of traces of organic matter from the bottom of the electrowinning cell or tank to its surface, carried by the outflow of the electrolyte, by the density of the organic matter and by the air delivered by the aeration grill of the cell or tank;

[0064] VII) Accumulation of the organic matter on the surface of the cell or tank, specifically between the electrodes, where the surface flow is forced by the flow forces described in stage (VI), towards the sides of the cell, free of acid fog spheres by means of the perimeter mesh (70) and towards the bulkhead (69), from where the organic matter exits through the adjustable outlet Squimer (79), towards an area between the bulkhead (69) and the inner end of the cell or tank, where it remains; and

[0065] VIII) Mechanically and / or automatically remove the retained organic matter.

[0066] Application Example

[0067] A first operational prototype was generated for a volume of 1.5 cubic meters comprising a tank materialized in polymers of high mechanical, thermal and abrasive resistance, where the residence box was positioned in front of the tank covering the front side of the tank (1 m), with a macro electrolyte injector with its larger connecting tubes for electrolyte injection, where these larger connecting tubes have elongated cuts in their upper part of 20 cm where the organic (mineral oil for testing) was promoted to accumulate in the upper part of the box.On the other hand, at the bottom, inside the residence box, there is an aeration network that is composed of a matrix of four smaller perforated tubes, tubes arranged in parallel, where, by said network, bubbles and microbubbles were generated that dragged the organic matter separating it from the liquid that simulated the electrolyte and confining it to the upper part of the residence box, where the organic matter was removed manually.

[0068] At the other end of the tank, a bulkhead with airlocks was positioned, where, if the box initially failed to retain all the organic matter and some of it was distributed on the surface of the tank (it tends to move to the surface and forward, due to the effect of aeration at the bottom of the tank and the entry of the electrolyte from below the tank), it was channeled through an outlet squimer and finally, the remaining organic matter (not recovered in the box) was recovered manually in that area.

[0069] In summary, this first conceptual and operational test of the system managed to use the entire organic separation device in a simple tank without requiring other attachments within the same extraction tank, such as the self-supporting tubular modular system. This means that this part of the system, referring to the organic separation device, can operate independently of the type of tank and its implementation.

[0070] A pilot test was carried out where a tubular frame system with an organic retainer, as described in this development, was installed in cell No. 6, west side of bank No. 1 of the Codelco RT electro-obtaining facility.

[0071] For the experimental part of the prototype, a protocol was defined for the different tests performed.

[0072] Initially, a daily photographic record of the retaining box was taken. Then, prior to each harvest, the organic matter was removed from the box and transferred to a fixed container located near the cell. This quantified the retention / capture rate of the organic matter with the tubular frame with the organic matter retainer. If there was organic matter in the screen area, it was removed in the same way. Finally, samples were taken from both for analysis of degradation and, consequently, recoverability.

[0073] Using a bandometer (which measures the level of the organic layer outside the tank), the thickness of the organic phase in the cell was measured. Also, if the organic layer was evenly distributed in the storage box (68), the thickness of the organic layer in the box was also measured. This measurement was taken every other day and compared with the measurement in a reference cell.

[0074] A photographic record was also made of the bandometer measurements of the organic matter retention box, the cell itself, and the reference cell. Finally, the measured values ​​were recorded on a corresponding record sheet, and the results are presented in Table I, as shown below:

[0075] Table I

[0076] * Each book consists of two revised copper plates

[0077] * OFF refers to cathodes that do not meet organic cleanliness requirements

[0078] Summarized in the following table II: Table II

[0079] Codelco RT's individual cells operate in six cell banks, with banks 1, 2, 3, and 4 each comprising 176 cells. Banks 5 and 6 each comprising 148 cells. Overall, cathode harvesting in all of these cell groups has historically been 5% lower in quality due to the cathode's high organic content. The general expectation is to harvest copper cathodes with over 80% grade A and reduce the need for rehandling cathode plates. Tests were conducted in bank 1, using cells 8 West of bank 1 as the reference cell, and for testing, including the modification with the present system, cells 6 West of bank 1.

[0080] The system of this development, referred to as a tubular frame with organic recovery, used the following elements for its configuration within the cells:

[0081] 14 anode guides

[0082] 122 lower longitudinal tubular bases

[0083] 14 basal crossbar connectors with lower longitudinal tubular foot

[0084] 122 first anchor elements

[0085] 14 anode guide studs

[0086] 14 connecting tubes from the heel of the anodic guide to the first anchor element and the second pivoting trapping element

[0087] 28 connecting tubes to the first anchor element to the anodic guide 122 second pivoting trapping elements

[0088] 2 lines of perforated major connecting tubes (14)

[0089] 36 smooth major connecting tubes

[0090] 32 major slotted connecting tubes

[0091] 32 minor connecting tubes

[0092] 14 worm screws

[0093] 14 double clamp gripping the upper tubular skeleton

[0094] 14 anodic adjustment sub-guides

[0095] 14 thread fillers 14 double counter-clamps

[0096] 1 upper tubular skeleton (made up of the previously mentioned pieces)

[0097] 1 electrolyte distribution device (state of the art)

[0098] 8 smooth major cubits

[0099] 12 larger tube separators

[0100] 7 basal crossbars (state of the art)

[0101] 1 organic separation device

[0102] 1 Residence drawer

[0103] 1 Bulkhead with airlocks

[0104] 2 meshes

[0105] The assembled structure has a total length of 6292 mm, while its width is 1062 mm at the top and 1104 mm at the bottom.

[0106] The electrolyte flow for each cell is between 180 and 250 [It / min],

[0107] Description of the figures

[0108] The symbols used are as follows:

[0109] (1 ) Tubular system with guides

[0110] (2) Tubular Structure

[0111] (3) Cathodic Guides

[0112] (4) Anodic guides

[0113] (5) Lower longitudinal tubular base

[0114] (6) Connect basal crossbar with lower longitudinal tubular foot (State of the art)

[0115] (7) Lower longitudinal tubular foot

[0116] (8) First anchor element (State of the art)

[0117] (9) Anodic guide heel

[0118] (10) Tube connecting the heel of the anodic guide to the first anchor element and to the second pivoting trapping element

[0119] (11 ) Connecting tubes from the first anchor element to the anodic guide

[0120] (12) Second pivoting catching element (State of the art)

[0121] (13) Cathodic guide heel

[0122] (14) Cover of the connecting tubes

[0123] (15) Tube connect larger perforated

[0124] (16) Smooth connecting tube

[0125] (17) Pipe connect major slotted

[0126] (18) Connect minor tube

[0127] (19) Central minor foramen

[0128] (20) Superior minor foramen

[0129] (21 ) Inferior major foramen

[0130] (22) Upper anchor slot

[0131] (23) Bottom tab of the first anchor element (state of the art)

[0132] (24) Connection depressions when connecting the basal crossbar with the lower longitudinal tubular base

[0133] (25) Half drill for worm screw

[0134] (26) Endless thyme

[0135] (27) Anchoring channel for the anodic guide of the heel of the anodic guide

[0136] (28) Drillings for joining to the anodic guides of the heel of the anodic guide

[0137] (29) Support shoulder

[0138] (30) Drilling of the connection of the heel of the anodic guide to the first anchor element

[0139] (31 ) Drilling of the connection of the heel of the cathodic guide to the first element

[0140] (32) Cathodic guide heel base funnel, for cathodic guide

[0141] (33) Rail

[0142] (34) Lower longitudinal beam

[0143] (35) Double clamp for gripping the upper tubular skeleton

[0144] (36) Lower anodic guide zone

[0145] (37) Anchoring openings to the heel of the anodic guide

[0146] (38) Anodic guide channel

[0147] (39) Narrowing of the canal

[0148] (40) Hooking point to the first anchor element (State of the art)

[0149] (41) Cathodic guide channel (42) Lower area of ​​the cathodic guide

[0150] (43) Antinode bellows (State of the art)

[0151] (44) Cathodic guide head

[0152] (45) Anodic adjustment sub-guide

[0153] (46) Anodic guide anchoring paddle

[0154] (47) Anode inlet subcone

[0155] (48) Filling with thread

[0156] (49) Double counter-clamp

[0157] (50) Guide fastening tab

[0158] (51 ) Double Clamp Bridge

[0159] (52) Double Clamp Stabilization Bridge

[0160] (53) Upper tubular skeleton

[0161] (54) Electrolyte distribution device (State of the art)

[0162] (55) Smooth major elbow

[0163] (56) Larger tube separator

[0164] (57) Resistance ribs

[0165] (58) Cathode guide collar

[0166] (59) Cathodic guide body

[0167] (60) Anode guide head

[0168] (61 ) Anodic guide body

[0169] (62) Ribs of the anodic canal

[0170] (63) Anode guide neck

[0171] (64) Basal crossbar (State of the art)

[0172] (65) Shoulder support when connecting

[0173] (66) Horizontal anchor guides when connecting

[0174] (67) Organic separation device

[0175] (68) Residence drawer

[0176] (69) Wall with locks (Bulkhead)

[0177] (70) Mesh

[0178] (71 ) Macro Electrolyte Injector

[0179] (72) Major injection connecting tube

[0180] (73) “T” major tube

[0181] (74) Aeration network

[0182] (75) Minor perforated tube

[0183] (76) Minor cubit

[0184] (77) Minor “T”

[0185] (78) Lock

[0186] (79) Squimer exit

[0187] (80) Lock guides

[0188] (81 ) Air inlet from the wall

[0189] (82) Electrolyte inlet from the wall

[0190] Figure 1 / 29

[0191] Figure 1 shows the state of the art of a part of the self-supporting system of anodic and cathodic guide structure, in a side view where the arrangement and introduction of its elements in the assembly operation of the structure can be clearly seen, where the indicated numerals are based on what is indicated in the application PCT / CL2018 / 050091. Figure 2 / 29

[0192] Figure 2 shows the state of the art from a side front view, of the pivoting anodic capture device with all its parts and pieces, where the indicated numerals are based on what is indicated in the application PCT / CL2020 / 050023.

[0193] Figure 3 / 29

[0194] Figure 3 shows the state of the art from a front view of the electrolyte distribution device from the base of the electrowinning cell or tank, where the indicated numerals are based on what is indicated in the application PCT / CL2018 / 050092.

[0195] Figure 4 / 29

[0196] Figure 4 shows a top isometric view of the self-supporting tubular frame system with guides in its assembled configuration.

[0197] The numbers have the following components:

[0198] (1) Self-supporting tubular structure system with guides of the present development

[0199] (2) Tubular structure

[0200] (3) Tubular cathodic structural guides

[0201] (4) Tubular anodic structural guides

[0202] Figure 5 / 29

[0203] Figure 5 shows four three-dimensional isometric views of the formation of the lower longitudinal tubular foot (7), the upper left representation represents a unit of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5) and the connector of the basal cross member (6) (part of the state of the art). The upper right figure shows three units of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5) and the connector of the basal cross member (6) cooperating with each other as a unit, the lower longitudinal tubular foot (7). The lower left representation includes the lower longitudinal tubular foot (7) and three units of the first anchor element (8) (state of the art) and finally the lower right representation shows the integration of the previously mentioned elements.

[0204] The numbers have the following components:

[0205] (5) Lower longitudinal tubular base

[0206] (6) Connecting the basal crossbar (State of the art)

[0207] (7) Lower longitudinal tubular foot

[0208] (8) First anchor element (State of the art)

[0209] (65) Shoulder support when connecting

[0210] (66) Horizontal anchor guides when connecting

[0211] Figure 6 / 29 Figure 6 shows five three-dimensional isometric views of the lower longitudinal tubular foot (7) with a single first anchor element (8) (state of the art) and an anodic guide heel (9) in position (top left representation). The top right and bottom left representations show the aforementioned elements anchored, in part, through a connecting tube (10). The lower middle and right representations include in the lower longitudinal tubular foot (7), the second pivoting catching element (12) (state of the art) and two first anchor elements (8) (state of the art). Also in the lower middle representation, the connecting tubes of the first anchor element to the anodic guide (11) are seen.

[0212] The numbers have the following components:

[0213] (7) Lower longitudinal tubular foot

[0214] (8) First anchor element (State of the art)

[0215] (9) Anodic guide heel

[0216] (10) Tube connecting the heel of the anodic guide to the first anchor element and to the second pivoting catching element

[0217] (11 ) Connecting tubes from the first anchor element to the anodic guide

[0218] (12) Second pivoting catching element (State of the art)

[0219] (66) Horizontal anchor guides when connecting

[0220] Figure 7 / 29

[0221] Figure 7 shows five three-dimensional isometric views, as a continuation of Figure 6 where, to the lower longitudinal tubular foot (7), the second pivoting trapping element (12) (state of the art) and two first anchor elements (8) (state of the art) are attached two cathodic guide heels, anchored by two extra cathodic guide heel connecting tubes (10) and in turn covered by the connecting tube covers (14), in the lower left view. Also in the aforementioned view and in the lower right view, it can be seen how two smaller connecting tubes (18) and a perforated connecting tube (15) cross the lower longitudinal tubular foot (7).

[0222] The numbers have the following components:

[0223] (7) Lower longitudinal tubular foot

[0224] (8) First anchor element

[0225] (10) Extra cathode guide stub

[0226] (12) Second pivoting trapping element

[0227] (14) Connect tube caps

[0228] (15) Perforated connecting tube

[0229] (18) Connect minor tube

[0230] Figure 8 / 29

[0231] Figure 8 shows two groups of views of the different forms of connection of the major and minor connecting tubes, between themselves or with structures such as the lower longitudinal tubular base (5). The minor connecting tubes (18) give connectivity and structurability to the Self-supporting Tubular Structure System (2) of the present development. The major connecting tubes (15), (16) and (17), partially wrap around the minor conducting tubes (18). On the other hand, the major connecting tubes are presented in three forms, such as:

[0232] Smooth major connecting tube (16) that mainly reinforces structures by wrapping the minor connecting tube (18) that passes through the central minor hole

[0233] (19) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5),

[0234] Slotted major connecting tube (17) that mainly guides and anchors the first anchor elements (8) (state of the art) and also reinforces structures by wrapping the minor connecting tube (18) that passes through the upper minor hole (20) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), and

[0235] The perforated major connecting tube (15) that mainly conducts the electrolyte inside the tank, passes through the lower major hole (21) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5) and is structural in itself, because it does not involve any minor connecting tube (18).

[0236] The numbers have the following components:

[0237] (2) Self-supporting tubular structure system

[0238] (5) Lower longitudinal tubular base

[0239] (15) Tube connect larger perforated

[0240] (16) Smooth connecting tube

[0241] (17) Pipe connect major slotted

[0242] (18) Connect minor tube

[0243] (19) Minor central hole of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5)

[0244] (20) Upper minor hole of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5)

[0245] (21 ) Lower major hole of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5)

[0246] (24) Connection depressions when connecting the basal crossbar with the lower longitudinal tubular base

[0247] Figure 9 / 29

[0248] Figure 9 shows two three-dimensional isometric views of a unit of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), where the central minor hole (19), the upper minor hole (20) and the lower major hole (21) can be clearly seen. Also seen, above the upper minor hole (20), is the upper anchoring slot (22), where the first anchor element (8) is positioned (state of the art) through its lower tab (23). On the lower side of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), next to the lower major hole (21), there are two connection depressions (24) when connecting the basal crossbar with the lower longitudinal beam (State of the art). From a front view, under the upper minor hole (20) and above the central minor hole (19), there is a half perforation (25) for a worm screw, where two lower longitudinal tubular bases (5) together form the complete perforation for the worm screw.Where this endless screw (26) fulfills the function of stabilizing the entire piece against the wall of the tank, so that the lower longitudinal tubular feet (7) do not remain loose inside the tank.

[0249] The numbers have the following components: (5) Lower tubular base

[0250] (7) Lower longitudinal tubular feet

[0251] (8) First anchor element (state of the art)

[0252] (19) Central minor foramen

[0253] (20) Superior minor foramen

[0254] (21 ) Inferior major foramen

[0255] (22) Upper anchor slot

[0256] (23) Bottom tab of the first anchor element (8) (state of the art)

[0257] (24) Connection depressions when connecting the basal cross member with the lower longitudinal beam (State of the art).

[0258] (25) Half hole for endless screw

[0259] (26) Thyme without stabilization

[0260] Figure 10 / 29

[0261] Figure 10 shows two three-dimensional isometric views of the cathode guide bead on the right and the anode guide bead on its left.

[0262] The numbers have the following components:

[0263] (9) Anodic guide heel

[0264] (13) Cathodic guide heel

[0265] (27) Fitting channel for the anode guide heel of the anode guide

[0266] (28) Drillings for joining to the anodic guides of the heel of the anodic guide

[0267] (29) Support shoulder on the first anchor element (8) (state of the art) of the heel of the anodic guide

[0268] (30) Drilling of the connection to the first anchor element (8) (state of the art) of the heel of the anodic guide

[0269] (31) Drilling of the connection to the first anchor element (8) (state of the art) of the cathodic guide heel

[0270] (32) Cathodic guide heel base funnel, for cathodic guide

[0271] (33) Cathodic guide heel positioning rail, for cathodic guide

[0272] Figure 11 / 29

[0273] Figure 11 shows two views of the lower tubular structure with its respective lower longitudinal tubular feet formed by groups of three lower longitudinal tubular bases.

[0274] The numbers have the following components:

[0275] (5) Lower longitudinal tubular bases

[0276] (7) Lower longitudinal tubular feet

[0277] (34) Lower tubular structure

[0278] (65) Shoulder support when connecting

[0279] (66) Horizontal anchor guides when connecting Figure 12 / 29

[0280] Figure 12 shows a lateral view of a lower tubular structure interacting with a state-of-the-art electrolyte distribution device (PCT / CL2018 / 050092). The upper image shows a lower longitudinal tubular base coupled to a basal crossbar (state-of-the-art). Below the previous image, the same lower longitudinal tubular base, the basal crossbar, and the electrolyte distribution device (state-of-the-art) can be seen.

[0281] The numbers have the following components:

[0282] (6) Connect basal crossbar with lower longitudinal tubular foot (State of the art)

[0283] (64) Basal crossbar (State of the art)

[0284] (65) Shoulder support when connecting

[0285] (66) Horizontal anchor guides when connecting

[0286] Figure 13 / 29

[0287] Figure 13 shows two three-dimensional isometric views of lower longitudinal tubular bases, the basal crossbar (state of the art) and its connection with the major and minor connecting tubes.

[0288] The numbers have the following components:

[0289] (34) Lower tubular structure

[0290] (64) Basal crossbar (State of the art)

[0291] (65) Shoulder support when connecting

[0292] (66) Horizontal anchor guides when connecting

[0293] Figure 14 / 29

[0294] The figure in this section shows a full-length anode guide in the center. It also shows specific areas where the guide serves a purpose.

[0295] The numbers have the following components:

[0296] (35) Double clamp for gripping the upper tubular structure

[0297] (36) Lower anodic guide zone

[0298] (37) Anchoring openings to the heel of the anodic guide

[0299] (38) Anodic guide channel

[0300] (39) Narrowing of the anodic guide channel

[0301] (40) Hook point to first anchor element (State of the art)

[0302] (45) Anodic adjustment sub-guide

[0303] (46) Anodic guide anchoring paddle

[0304] (47) Anode inlet sub-cone

[0305] (58) Cathodic guide neck (62) Anodic channel ribs

[0306] Figure 15 / 29

[0307] This figure shows the connection of the anodic guide to the lower longitudinal tubular foot.

[0308] Figure 16 / 29

[0309] This figure shows a cathodic guide in its entirety, with some zooms to view specific parts.

[0310] The numbers have the following components:

[0311] (35) Double clamp for gripping the upper tubular structure

[0312] (41 ) Cathodic guide channel

[0313] (42) Lower zone of cathodic guide

[0314] (43) Anti-nodule bellows (State of the art)

[0315] (44) Cathodic guide head

[0316] Figure 17 / 29

[0317] This figure specifically shows the double clamp that grips the upper tubular structure (35) with all its parts and pieces.

[0318] The numbers have the following components:

[0319] (26) Worm gear

[0320] (35) Double clamp for gripping the upper tubular structure

[0321] (48) Filling with thread

[0322] (49) Double counter clamp

[0323] (50) Guide fastening tab

[0324] (51 ) Double Clamp Bridge

[0325] (52) Double Clamp Stabilization Bridge

[0326] Figure 18 / 29

[0327] This figure shows the assembly of the lower part of the tubular self-supporting structure system.

[0328] The numbers have the following components:

[0329] (3) Anodic guide

[0330] (4) Cathodic Guide

[0331] (7) Lower tubular longitudinal foot

[0332] (12) Second pivoting catching element (State of the art)

[0333] Figure 19 / 29 This figure shows the lower part of the tubular self-supporting structure system from the front, but with the integration of the cathodic and anodic guides, and the connection with the major and minor connecting tubes.

[0334] Figure 20 / 29

[0335] This figure shows the assembly of the tubular self-supporting structure system comprising several units of the lower longitudinal tubular foot, anodic guides, electrolyte distribution device and the upper tubular skeleton.

[0336] The numbers have the following components:

[0337] (4) Cathodic Guide

[0338] (7) Lower tubular longitudinal foot

[0339] (53) Upper tubular skeleton

[0340] (54) Electrolyte distribution device

[0341] Figure 21 / 29

[0342] This figure shows the assembly of the upper tubular skeleton assembly comprising two discontinuous tubes mounted one above the other and separated from each other by clamps and separators, which form two rectangles of mounted tubes.

[0343] The numbers have the following components:

[0344] (16) Smooth connecting tube

[0345] (18) You connect minor

[0346] (26) Worm gear

[0347] (35) Double clamp for gripping the upper tubular structure

[0348] (48) Filling with thread

[0349] (55) Smooth major elbow

[0350] (56) Larger tube separator

[0351] Figure 22 / 29

[0352] This figure shows the assembly, in part, of the entire tubular self-supporting structure system comprising several units of the lower longitudinal tubular foot, anodic guides, cathodic guides, electrolyte distribution device and the upper tubular skeleton.

[0353] Figure 23 / 29

[0354] This figure shows the assembly of the tubular system with some anodic guides and the organic separation device.

[0355] The numbers have the following components:

[0356] TI (4) Anodic guides

[0357] (7) Lower longitudinal tubular foot

[0358] (15) Tube connect larger perforated

[0359] (53) Upper tubular skeleton

[0360] (67) Organic separation device

[0361] (68) Residence drawer

[0362] (69) Wall with locks

[0363] Figure 24 / 29

[0364] The present figure on the left shows the detail of the Residence Drawer, where the figure on the right shows the interior detail of the drawer.

[0365] The numbers have the following components:

[0366] (16) Smooth connecting tube

[0367] (53) Upper tubular skeleton

[0368] (55) Smooth major elbow

[0369] (68) Residence drawer

[0370] (71 ) Electrolyte macro injector

[0371] (72) Major injection connecting tube

[0372] (73) “T” of larger tube

[0373] (74) Aeration network

[0374] (75) Minor perforated tube

[0375] (76) Minor cubit

[0376] (77) Minor “T”

[0377] Figure 25 / 29

[0378] In this figure, on the left you can see the electrolyte macro injector in detail and on the left the aeration network in detail.

[0379] The numbers have the following components:

[0380] (16) Smooth connecting tube

[0381] (55) Smooth major elbow

[0382] (71 ) Electrolyte macro injector

[0383] (72) Major injection connecting tube

[0384] (73) “T” of larger tube

[0385] (74) Aeration network

[0386] (75) Minor perforated tube

[0387] (76) Minor cubit

[0388] (77) Minor “T”

[0389] Figure 26 / 29

[0390] This figure shows, on the right, the detail and integration of the lock wall into the current development system, and on the left, the detail of the wall itself. The numbers represent the following components:

[0391] (69) Wall with locks

[0392] (78) Lock

[0393] (79) Squimer Exit

[0394] (80) Lock guides

[0395] (81 ) Air inlet from the wall

[0396] (82) Wall electrolyte inlet

[0397] Figure 27 / 29

[0398] The present figure, on the left, shows a zoom from inside the tank and how the mesh is positioned to prevent the anti-fog balls from escaping; on the right, the same configuration mentioned above is shown, but from outside the tank and how this mesh is attached to the upper tubular skeleton, integrated into an old electro-obtaining system in its cell.

[0399] The numbers have the following components:

[0400] (4) Anodic guides

[0401] (35) Double clamp for gripping the upper tubular skeleton

[0402] (53) Upper tubular skeleton

[0403] (70) Mesh

[0404] Figure 28 / 29

[0405] This image shows two photographs taken on August 30, 2022. On the right, a cathode harvest using the current system, with no organic residue visible on the top. The left image, on the other hand, shows cathodes stained with organic residue on the top.

[0406] Figure 29 / 29

[0407] This image shows the prototype of the present system tested at Codelco RT in operation. The upper part shows the residence box (68) and the lower part shows the entire tank with the different elements of the present system.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system for the electro-obtaining of metals, both in an already operative cell or in a tank, and for the recovery of organics, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: anodic guides (4) adapted to be held from tubes, interspersed with cathodic guides (3) adapted to be held from tubes, where said anodic and cathodic guides are attached to an upper tubular skeleton (53), tubular feet (7) connected with respective connecting tubes (15), (16), (17), (18), to form the lower longitudinal beam (34), where two of said beams are separated by means of basal crossbars (64) by means of connectors of the basal crossbar with the lower longitudinal tubular foot (6), where the different mentioned elements are standardized and are assembled based on the length and width of the tank or cell, where by means of endless screws (26),They allow the adaptation of the upper tubular skeleton (53) to the walls of the tank or cell, where it also includes an organic separation device (67). 2.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the entire system uses small connection pieces such as: worm screws (26), volumetric fillers (48) and cone systems (47), male-female elements for anchoring (49), (35), connecting tubes (10), which makes assembly and disassembly easy, on the ground, without the need to use tools. 3.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper tubular skeleton (53) is positioned in the upper part of the system, comprises smooth connecting tubes (16) interspersed and connected by smaller connecting tubes (18), larger smooth elbows (55) forming two large rectangles adapted to the area of ​​the tank or cell, where said rectangles are mounted one on top of the other and separated by larger tube separators (56) and also by double grip clamps (35), their respective filling with thread (48) and the endless screws (26), which helps in the adaptation of said upper tubular skeleton (53) to the internal surface of the cell or tank. 4.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the lower longitudinal beam (34) is positioned in the lower part of the system and comprises, as a structural unit, the lower longitudinal foot (7), which in turn correspond to a set of between 1 to 5 lower longitudinal tubular bases (5), which have the shape of a "flat eggplant", where said tubular bases comprise a central minor hole (19), an upper minor hole (20) and a lower major hole (21), where, on the upper minor hole (20), a lower longitudinal base (5) is positioned. an upper anchoring slot (22), where a first anchor element (8) is positioned through a lower tab (23), where on the other hand, the lower side of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), has two connection depressions (24) when connecting to the basal crossbar (6), also, from a front view, under the upper smaller hole (20) and above the central smaller hole (19), a half perforation (25) is located for an endless screw (26), where two units of lower longitudinal tubular bases (5) together form the complete perforation for said screw, which fulfills the function of stabilizing the entire piece against the wall of the tank or cell. 5.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the major and minor connecting tubes contain different forms of connection between themselves or with structures of the system, where the minor connecting tubes (18) provide connectivity and structurability to the system, where in general, the major connecting tubes (15), (16) and (17), partially wrap the minor conductive tubes (18), to join them together, generating structural major tubes, of larger dimensions, where the major connecting tubes come in three forms depending on their function, such as: a smooth major connecting tube (16) that reinforces structures by wrapping the minor connecting tube (18) that passes through the central minor hole (19) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), a slotted major connecting tube (17) that guides and connects some first anchor elements (8),also reinforcing structures by wrapping the smaller connecting tube (18) that passes through the upper smaller hole (20) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5), and a perforated larger connecting tube (15) that conducts electrolyte into the tank, passes through the lower larger hole (21) of the lower longitudinal tubular base (5) and is structural in itself, because it does not wrap any smaller connecting tube (18). 6.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the organic separation device is composed of three parts integrated into the self-supporting tubular modular structure system, where: on the front of the tank or cell, there is a residence box (68) consisting of a rectangular box that covers the front side of the tubular system, where said box comprises in turn, a macro electrolyte injector (71), which corresponds to a grid of larger electrolyte injection connecting tubes (72) connected at their ends by two larger tube "T"s (73) and four smooth larger elbows (55), in the shape of a Theta "0", where the larger electrolyte injection connecting tubes (72) comprise different types of elongated cuts in their upper part in order to distribute the electrolyte from the surface of the box downwards, promoting the organic matter to accumulate in the upper part of the box,where the electrolyte inlet to the macro injector is through a smooth elbow (55) and a larger smooth connecting tube (16), where the latter corresponds to one of the lower tubes of the upper tubular skeleton (53), where, in the lower part, inside the residence box (68), there is an aeration network (74) that is supplied from one of the larger smooth connector tubes (16) of the upper tubular skeleton (53), where the aeration network (74) is composed of a matrix of smaller perforated tubes (75) of between 4 to 15 tubes arranged in parallel, where these tubes are connected to each other by the smaller "T" (77) and in the corners they are closed with the smaller elbows (76), where in said network bubbles and microbubbles are generated that drag the organic separating it from the electrolyte and confining it to the upper part of the residence box (68), where the removal of the organic is carried out manually or with surface suction; At the end of the vat or cell there is a wall with locks (69), where, if the box (68) fails to retain all the organic matter and part of it is distributed,by the lower aeration in the tank and the special inlet of the electrolyte from below, they tend to move to the surface and forward to the remains of organic, channeling it through an exit squimer (79), where the wall with locks (69) comprises an independent wall in the form of a "U" with short sides, at its two upper ends it has two rectangular spaces for the exit squimer (79) from where the remaining organics come out, where to cover the skimers, there are the locks (78), which are held and guided by means of the lock guides (80), where said locks move horizontally and have in a corner a series of cuts adapted to let the entrance of air to the wall (81) and the entrance of the electrolyte to the wall (82) without losing the hermeticity in the separation of the organic, finally, the organic is recovered and transported to the solvent extraction phase,by means of containers or a piping system suitable for this purpose; and along the entire upper tubular skeleton (53), between the larger smooth tubes (16) is located the mesh (70) that retains the anti-acid mist balls, where said mesh is caught with the double clamps that grip the upper tubular skeleton (35), where also, said mesh passes through the front of the outlet squimer to prevent the escape of the anti-acid mist balls, depending on whether or not there is a bulkhead in the sump. 7.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that in the lower longitudinal tubular beam (34), there are the connectors of the basal crossbar with lower longitudinal tubular foot (6) to the basal crossbar (64), where said basal crossbar has a hollowed prism shape with internal tensioners to support its structure, where said basal crossbar can optionally have half of its length, a cut that reaches the middle of the crossbar in depth called middle groove of the basal crossbar, which allows some type of channeling to pass, where also, in the lower part, along the crossbar, there are two anchoring guides of the basal crossbars when connecting the basal crossbar (66) that run along the same crossbar, where said basal crossbar connector (6), mechanically connects or joins the lower longitudinal tubular beam (34) with the basal crossbars (64), where this connector is specific to join, on the one hand, with the area formed by the connection depressions to the crossbar connector (24), part of the lower longitudinal tubular beam, with the support shoulder of the connector (65) and the horizontal anchoring guides of the connector (66), respectively. 8.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the lower longitudinal tubular bases (5), on the upper minor hole (20), in interaction with the upper anchoring slot (22), the first anchor element (8) is positioned by means of its lower flange (23), where in turn an anodic guide heel (9) is placed and in between, in the lower part of the heel, by means of perforations for joining the anodic guides (30), a second pivoting trapping element (12) is connected, all connected by means of connecting tubes (10) (11). 9.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the anodic guide heel (9) is joined at its upper part by means of the anodic guide joining perforations (28) to an anodic guide (4) by means of the anchoring openings (37), where the anodic guide also comprises four parts: a first part, starting from its upper area (based on how it is installed) corresponds to the head of the anodic guide (60), which guides and correctly positions the anode, where the geometric arrangement of this head is two parallel walls or initial contact area of ​​the anode in its guide, which lead or empty into the anodic channel (38), where at the bottom of this parallel conformation, there is an angular surface with respect to the horizontal above 90 °, which forces the anode to be driven preventing them from drifting, where, complementarily, and anchored in the head (60) there is a piece, in the shape of a "Y" called the anode inlet sub-cone (47), which narrows the entrance to the anodic guide channel (38) to adjust the anode to its guide, on the opposite side of the head (60) there is a groove that is crossed by resistance ribs of the channel anodic (61 );a second part, corresponding to the neck of the anodic guide (63), which is the anchoring area to the upper tubular skeleton (53), where it is hooked by means of fastening tabs to the guide (50) that arise from the back of a double grip clamp (35), and that, by means of a polymeric worm screw (26), two aligned thread fillings (48), one inside a double clamp (35) and the other inside the double counter-clamp (49), embrace and anchor the neck of the anodic guide (63), to the upper tubular skeleton (53), where on the other hand, the geometric arrangement of the neck is a symmetrical channel or groove and part of the anodic channel; (38), where also in order to structure the groove, there are ribs of the anodic channel (62); a third part corresponds to the body of the anodic structural guide (61), which laterally channels the anodes, where the channel (38) that is formed in its central part, is symmetrical with respect to its edges, in addition, in its lower area, there is a narrowing of the channel (39) that squeezes the anode maintaining its position; and a fourth part which is the lower area of ​​the same guide (36), which anchors the base of the guide through two anchoring openings (37) to the heel of the anodic guide (9) by means of its perforations of union to the anodic guide (28) crossed by two connecting tubes (10) and their respective covers (14), where, this lower area of ​​the guide (36), presents two depths of the anodic channel, near the body of the anodic guide (61), it maintains the same depth and then when approaching the heel, this depth changes to half ending the channel in a point to be able to physically couple to the heel. 10.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the lower longitudinal tubular bases (5), on the upper minor hole (20), in interaction with the upper anchoring slot (22), the first anchor element (8) is positioned by means of its lower tab (23), where in turn a cathodic guide heel (13) is placed, all connected by means of connecting tubes (10). 11.- Self-supporting tubular modular structure system, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the cathodic guide heel (13) is joined at its upper part by simple fitting to a cathodic guide (3), where the cathodic guide also comprises four parts: a first part, in the upper area is a head of the cathodic guide (44), which guides the entry of the cathode and avoids the deposition of metal on the edges of the head, where the geometric arrangement of this head is of two walls that form on the sides a "V" or initial contact zone that leads or empties into a channel of the cathodic guide (41), where at the bottom of this "V" conformation, there is an angular surface with respect to the horizontal above 90 °, which forces the conduction of the cathode, avoiding that they drift, where on the other side, there is a groove crossed by resistance ribs of the cathodic channel (57);a second part corresponds to the neck of the cathodic guide (58), which is the anchoring area to the upper tubular skeleton (53), where it is hooked by means of the fastening tabs to the guide (50) that are born from the back of a double grip clamp (35), a polymeric worm screw (26), two fillings with aligned thread (48) and the double counter-clamp (49), embrace and anchor the neck of the cathodic guide (58), to the upper tubular skeleton (53), where the geometric arrangement of the neck is a symmetrical channel or groove that is part of the channel of the cathodic guide (41), where said groove begins where the "V" of the head ends and ends where the body of the cathodic guide begins, where for structural resistance there are also resistance ribs of the cathodic channel (57); a third part, which corresponds to the body of the cathodic guide (59), which laterally channels the cathodes, where the channel (41) is formed in it; central part, is symmetrical with respect to its edges, where in addition these edges are curved to avoid the lack of traction when there is the formation of thickenings due to the accumulation of cathodic copper at the edges of said channel, where, in addition, throughout the length of the body it has resistance ribs (57); a quarter of this cathodic guide is the lower area of ​​the cathodic guide (42), which positions and / or anchors the base of the guide through the heel of the cathodic guide (13) to the upper tubular skeleton (53), where this area is a continuation of the body of the guide (59) that simply ends in a 45 ° tip, where said tip plus the channel (41) are inserted into the heel (13) by means of the rail (33), where the heel (13) is anchored to the lower flange of the first element (23) by means of the perforation of the heel (31) for the cathodic guide;and where, in the lower area of ​​the cathodic guide (42), inside the channel (41), a piece called anti-nodule bellows (43) is positioned, which electrically isolates the cathode and prevents the lateral permeability of copper, achieving the non-formation of copper nodules at the base of the guide, thus facilitating the extraction of the full cathodes.; 12.- Device for separating organics, CHARACTERIZED in that it is arranged in a tank or cell for electrowinning comprising three parts integrated into the tank or cell: on the front of the tank or cell, there is a residence box (68) consisting of a rectangular box that covers the front side of the tubular system, where said box comprises in turn, a macro electrolyte injector (71), which corresponds to a grid of larger connecting tubes for electrolyte injection (72) connected at their ends by two "T" of larger tube (73) and four smooth larger elbows (55), in the shape of a Theta "0", where the larger connecting tubes for electrolyte injection (72), comprise different types of elongated cuts in their upper part in order to distribute the electrolyte from the surface of the box downwards, promoting the organic matter to accumulate in the upper part of the box,where the electrolyte enters the macro injector through a smooth elbow (55) and a larger smooth connecting tube (16), where the latter corresponds to one of the lower tubes of the upper tubular skeleton (53), where, in the lower part, inside the residence box (68), there is an aeration network (74) that is supplied from one of the larger smooth connecting tubes (16) of the upper tubular skeleton (53), where the aeration network (74) is composed of a matrix of smaller perforated tubes (75) of between 4 to 15 tubes arranged in parallel, where these tubes are connected to each other by the smaller "T" (77) and in the corners they are closed with the smaller elbows (76), where in said network bubbles and microbubbles are generated that drag the organic separating it from the electrolyte and confining it to the upper part of the residence box (68), where the removal of the organic is carried out manually or with superficial suction;, at the end of the tank or cell there is a wall with locks (69), where, if the drawer (68) fails to retain all the organics and part of these are distributed, by the lower aeration in the tank and the special inlet of the electrolyte from below, they tend to move to the surface and forward to the remains of organic, channeling it through an exit squimer (79), where the wall with locks (69) comprises an independent wall in the form of a "U" with short sides, at its two upper ends it has two rectangular spaces for the exit squimer (79) from where the remaining organics come out, where to cover the skimers, there are the locks (78), which are held and guided by means of the guides of the lock (80),where said locks move horizontally and have in one corner a series of cuts adapted to allow the entry of air to the wall (81) and the entry of the electrolyte to the wall (82) without losing the hermeticity in the separation of the organic, finally, the organic is recovered and transported to the solvent extraction phase, by means of containers or a piping system suitable for this objective; and along the entire upper tubular skeleton (53), between the larger smooth tubes (16) is located the mesh (70) that retains the anti-acid mist balls, where said mesh is caught with the double clamps that grip the upper tubular skeleton (35), where also, said mesh passes through the front of the exit squimer to prevent the escape of the anti-acid mist balls, depending on whether or not there is a bulkhead in the sump. 13.- Procedure for separating organics by means of the system described in claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: I) Carryover of organic contaminants in the electrolyte from the solvent extraction (SX) phase to the electrowinning zone, due to operational problems; II) Conduction of the electrolyte contaminated with organic matter that enters the cells towards the residence box (68) through the electrolyte macro-injector (71) generating an ascending flow; III) Increase in the “buoyancy” of the organic by bubbling air from below the residence box (68) through the aeration network (74), generating a second ascending flow that, combined with the one described in stage (II), generates the migration of the organic and its accumulation at the upper end of the residence box (68); IV) Mechanically and / or automatically remove the retained organic matter; V) Injection of clean electrolyte, but with possible traces of organic matter, through the larger perforated tubes (15) from the lower part of the residence box (68) to the electro-obtaining tank or cell; VI) Migration of organic traces from the bottom of the electrowinning cell or tank to its surface, carried by the electrolyte outlet flow, by the density of the organic and by the air delivered by the cell or tank's aeration grill; VII) Accumulation of organic matter on the surface of the cell or tank, specifically between the electrodes, where the surface flow is forced by the flow forces described in stage (VI), towards the sides of the cell, free of acid fog spheres by means of the perimeter mesh (70) and towards the bulkhead (69), from where the organic matter exits through the adjustable outlet Squimer (79), towards an area between the bulkhead (69) and the inner end of the cell or tank, where it remains; and VIII) Mechanically and / or automatically remove the retained organic matter. 14.- Procedure for separating organics by means of the device described in claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: I) Carryover of organic contaminants in the electrolyte from the solvent extraction (SX) phase to the electrowinning zone, due to operational problems; II) Conduction of the electrolyte contaminated with organic matter that enters the cells towards the residence box (68) through the electrolyte macro-injector (71) generating an ascending flow; III) Increase in the “buoyancy” of the organic by bubbling air from below the residence box (68) through the aeration network (74), generating a second ascending flow that, combined with the one described in stage (II), generates the migration of the organic and its accumulation at the upper end of the residence box (68); IV) Mechanically and / or automatically remove the retained organic matter; V) Injection of clean electrolyte, but with possible traces of organic matter through the larger perforated tubes (15) from the bottom of the residence box (68) to the electrowinning cell or tank; VI) Migration of traces of organic matter from the bottom of the electrowinning cell or tank to its surface, dragged by the electrolyte outlet flow, by the density of the organic matter and by the air delivered by the aeration grill of the cell or tank; VII) Accumulation of organic matter on the surface of the cell or tank, specifically between the electrodes, where the surface flow is forced by the flow forces described in step (VI), towards the sides of the cell, free of acid fog spheres by means of the perimeter mesh (70) and towards the bulkhead (69), from where the organic matter exits through the adjustable outlet Squimer (79), towards an area between the bulkhead (69) and the inner end of the cell or tank, where it remains; and VIII) Mechanically and / or automatically remove the retained organic matter.

Images