Electrolytic multi-contact assemblies for enhancing a distribution of electrical current in adjacent electrolytic cells

Abstract

Electrolytic systems for resting on electrolytic vessels and for holding electrodes to refine metals in a plurality of adjacent electrolytic cells, the electrolytic systems comprising multi-contact assemblies to selectively provide insulation and electric current to the electrodes, together with modular cellhouses for refining metals comprising the electrolytic systems and associated electrode configurations.

Description

ELECTROLYTIC MULTI-CONTACT ASSEMBLIES FOR ENHANCING A DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT IN ADJACENT ELECTROLYTIC CELLSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to electrolytic cells for refining metals, and more particularly relates to electrolytic assemblies comprising contact bars and capping boards for distributing electrical current in electrolytic cells.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the purification or refining of metals, it is of common practice to use electrolysis, especially in electrolytic cells designed for this purpose. The metals to be refined are usually conventional metals such as copper, zinc, nickel or cadmium, or precious metals such as silver, platinum or gold, and others.

[0003] Various configurations of contact elements / bars and capping boards / insulators can be positioned in adjacent electrolytic cells for contacting and supporting a plurality of anodes and cathodes being partially immersed in electrolytic baths. The contact bars and insulators can have different forms, constructions, compositions and assembly methods.

[0004] However, short circuits are a common problem in hydrometallurgy refineries that can result in production downtime, increased energy consumption, and costly maintenance. More particularly, traditional capping boards are often designed based on a group of adjacent electrolytic cells being connected in series, a result of which is the high potential of facing efficiency challenges in the presence of bad contacts or short circuits and electric leaks. These issues can result in instant drop of plating quality and rate of the electrolytic cells and subsequently a costly downtime and reduced production.

[0005] There is still a need for a technology that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of what is known in the field, and provides a more accurate and reliable distribution of cell voltage and current across adjacent electrolytic cells.SUMMARY

[0006] The present techniques relate to multi-contact and capping board assemblies having a segmented configuration and providing multiple independent electrical contacts to electrodes, thereby offering redundant electrical pathways and enhanced fault tolerance when positioned along adjacent electrolytic cells for contacting and supporting the plurality of electrode. Higher current densities can be thus used in cellhouse processes for both electrowinning and electrorefinery plants, potentially augmenting the productivity and efficiency of non-ferrous metal production.

[0007] In one aspect, there is provided an electrolytic system for resting on an electrolytic vessel and for holding electrodes to refine metals in a plurality of adjacent electrolytic cells. The system includes a first multi-contact assembly positionable on a top surface of a side wall of the electrolytic vessel to selectively provide insulation and electric current to the electrodes, and a second multi-contact assembly positionable on the top surface of an opposed side wall of the electrolytic vessel to selectively provide insulation and electric current to the electrodes. Each of the first and second multicontact assemblies includes: a capping board comprising spaced-apart protrusions to support and maintain the electrodes isolated from one another when resting on the capping board, and multiple contact bars that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the capping board when laying thereon, the plurality of contact bars comprising:- a plurality of primary contact bars provided as a first longitudinal row and comprising an offset primary contact bar, wherein the primary contact bars are insulated from one another by the protrusions of the capping board, and- a plurality of bypass contact bars provided as two spaced-apart longitudinal rows, wherein the bypass contact bars are insulated from one another by the protrusions of the capping board;wherein the offset primary contact bar of the first multi-contact assembly has a number of primary electrical contacts being offset from the number of primary electrical contacts of the offset primary contact bar of the second multi-contact assembly, thereby producing a staggering of the primary contact bars of the first multi-contact assembly with respect to the primary contact bars of the second multi-contact assembly; and wherein the offset in the number of primary electrical contacts is equal to at least one and is an odd number.

[0008] In some implementations of the system, the offset primary contact bar is an end primary contact bar being located at a proximal end or a distal end of the capping board. In other implementations of the system, the offset primary contact bar can be a central primary contact bar being located at a center of the capping board.

[0009] In some implementations of the system, the offset is 1, 3 or 5. For example, the offset is one.

[0010] In some implementations of the system, the capping board can include: a primary insulator defining: a main elongated channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board to receive the primary contact bars when resting thereon as the first longitudinal row, and a side elongated channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board along the main elongated channel 26 to receive a first series of the bypass contact bars when resting thereon as another longitudinal row; and a top insulator being positioned above the primary insulator 16 and defining another elongated channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board to receive a second series of the bypass contact bars when resting thereon in yet another longitudinal row.

[0011] In some implementations of the system, the electrodes can include rows of anodes and cathodes being positioned in alternance in each electrolytic cell and symmetrically from one electrolytic cell to another electrolytic cell. Each primary contactbar provides primary electrical contacts to a group of anodes from a first electrolytic cell and to a group of cathodes from a second electrolytic cell being adjacent to the first electrolytic cell. The first series of the bypass contact bars consists of secondary contact bars, and each secondary contact bar provides bypass contacts to a group of anodes from the second electrolytic cell. Additionally, the second series of the bypass contact bars consists of tertiary contact bars, and each tertiary contact bar provides bypass electrical contacts to a group of cathodes from the first electrolytic cell.

[0012] In some implementations of the system, the offset primary contact bar of each multi-contact assembly is an end primary contact bar, with the offset primary contact bar of the first multi-contact assembly having N primary electrical contacts for anodes of the first electrolytic cell, and the opposed offset primary contact bar of the second multicontact assembly having N+x primary electrical contacts for anodes of the second electrolytic cell, wherein x is the offset.

[0013] In some implementations of the system, an end secondary contact bar of the first multi-contact assembly has N+x bypass electrical contacts for anodes of the second electrolytic cell, and an opposed end secondary contact bar of the second multi-contact assembly has N bypass electrical contacts for anodes of a third electrolytic cell being adjacent to the second electrolytic cell.

[0014] In some implementations of the system, an end tertiary contact bar of the first multi-contact assembly has N bypass electrical contacts for cathodes of the first electrolytic cell, and an opposed end tertiary contact bar of the second multi-contact assembly has N bypass electrical contacts for cathodes of the second electrolytic cell.

[0015] In some implementations of the system, N can be equal to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. Optionally, N can be equal to at least 3 and the offset is equal to at least 1. Further optionally, N can be equal to 6 and the offset is equal to 3.

[0016] In another aspect, there is provided a cellhouse for refining metals including: a plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels being provided in juxtaposition, each electrolytic vessel comprising a base wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed front and rear walls to define an electrolytic cavity;at least one electrolytic system as defined herein, wherein the first multi-contact assembly is positioned on a top surface of the side wall of at least one electrolytic vessel of the plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels, and the second multicontact assembly is positioned on the top surface of the opposed side wall of said at least one electrolytic vessel; and a plurality of rows of electrodes, each row of electrodes comprising an alternation of anodes and cathodes extending in the electrolytic cavity of the plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels, and at least one row of electrodes having one side resting on the first multi-contact assembly and another side resting on the second multi-contact assembly.

[0017] In some implementations of the cellhouse, the plurality of rows of electrodes can be symmetrical with respect to one another.

[0018] In some implementations of the cellhouse, each electrolytic vessel can be provided with the electrolytic system as defined herein.

[0019] While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included as defined by the present description. The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent and be better understood upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of the invention, given with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Implementations of the multi-contact assembly and related use in an electrolytic system are represented in and will be further understood in connection with the following figures.

[0021] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a cellhouse including a plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels being provided in juxtaposition and a plurality of rows of electrodes, each row of electrodes comprising an alternation of anodes and cathodes extending in the electrolytic cavity of the plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels.

[0022] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a cathode.

[0023] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of an anode.

[0024] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a zoomed portion of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of another zoomed portion of Figure 1 showing an alternation of electrolytic systems as defined herein.

[0026] Figure 6 is a top perspective exploded view of a multi-contact assembly as defined herein.

[0027] Figure 7 is a top view of a distal portion of an electrolytic system resting on three adjacent electrolytic vessels within a cellhouse.

[0028] Figure 8 is a top view of proximal and distal portions of an electrolytic system resting on three adjacent electrolytic vessels within a cellhouse.

[0029] Figure 9 is a top perspective view of a capping board of a second multi-contact assembly of the electrolytic system as defined herein.

[0030] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a proximal portion of the capping board of Figure 9.

[0031] Figure 11 is a top view of a proximal portion of the capping board of Figure 9.

[0032] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a distal portion of the capping board of Figure 9.

[0033] Figure 13 is a top view of a distal portion of the capping board of Figure 9.

[0034] Figure 14 is a top perspective view of a capping board of a first multi-contact assembly of the electrolytic system as defined herein.

[0035] Figure 15 is a top perspective view of a proximal portion of the capping board of Figure 14.

[0036] Figure 16 is a top view of a proximal portion of the capping board of Figure 14.

[0037] Figure 17 is a top perspective view of a distal portion of the capping board of Figure 14.

[0038] Figure 18 is a top view of a distal portion of the capping board of Figure 14.

[0039] Figure 19 is a schematic representation of the electric current circulating bidirectionally in an anode and a cathode of an electrolytic cell defined herein.

[0040] Figure 20 is a schematic representation of a simulation model for a circuit simulator to model an electrical behaviour of a cellhouse as defined herein.

[0041] Figures 21 and 22 are schematic representations of the results of a circuit simulation based on the simulation model of Figure 20 in different stages of initiation and progress of short-circuits for a conventional single or multi-contact assembly (Figure 21) and for the multi-contact assemblies as described herein (Figure 22).DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Aspects of the present invention relate to a multi-contact assembly for implementation in an electrolytic cell, and to an electrolytic system including multicontact assemblies as further defined herein.

[0043] The multi-contact assemblies of the system are configured to be positioned in a repetitive pattern along opposed side walls of a plurality of adjacent electrolytic cells. The assemblies are configured to transfer electrical current from both sides of an electrolytic cell, i.e. from electrodes of both adjacent electrolytic cells. It is noted that the multi-contact assemblies of the electrolytic system are similar in terms of components and structure, but the number of electrical contacts and insulating supports provided per assembly segment varies from one assembly to another assembly of the overall system as will be described in further details.Multi-contact assembly

[0044] Figures 1, 4 and 5 illustrate an implementation of multiple adjacent electrolytic cells 2 that can be used for refining metals. Each electrolytic cell 2 is shown as including a vessel 4 that can contain an electrolytic bath. The electrolytic cells of the series are shown provided with electrodes (including an alternation of anodes 6 and cathodes 8 asbest seen on Figures 2 to 4) that are sized for plunging in the electrolytic bath, and a pair of multi-contact and capping board assemblies 10 laying on a top portion of both side walls of the vessel 4. Each multi-contact and capping board assembly 10 is configured to provide support, insulation and / or electrical contact to the anodes 6 and cathodes 8 resting thereon.

[0045] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, it is noted that anodes 6 and cathodes 8 can be defined as metal plates of a given thickness, which are provided at their upper end with two laterally extending projections, called hanging bars for cathodes and anode logs for anodes. Such hanging bars or anode logs facilitate positioning and hanging of the plates on opposed side walls of adjacent electrolytic cells. These hanging bars or anode logs also serve to electrically contact or insulate the electrodes depending on their position with respect to the electrical distribution assembly as seen in Figures 1, 4, 7 and 8, for example. Therefore, when referring to the cooperation between electrodes and the assemblies and / or components thereof defined herein, one skilled in the art will readily understand that said assemblies and / or components thereof can be cooperating with the hanging bars or anode logs of such electrodes.

[0046] Referring to Figure 6, the multi-contact assembly 10 includes a capping board 12 for providing support and insulation to the electrodes resting thereon, and multiple contact elements 14 for providing four electrical contacts to the electrodes resting thereon. Figure 6 shows an implementation of a multi-contact assembly 10 that is designed for symmetrical electrodes, which means that a cathode (or anode) of an electrolytic cell will be provided in alignment with another cathode (or anode) of the adjacent electrolytic cell as better seen for example in Figure 7. Still referring to Figure 6, for symmetrical electrodes, the capping board 12 of the multi-contact assembly 10 includes a primary insulator 16 that is sized and shaped to rest on a side wall of the electrolytic vessel, and a top insulator 18 that is positioned above the primary insulator 16. The capping board is made of an insulating material and can include reinforcing elements, such as elements made of pultruded material.

[0047] It should be understood that the term “configured” when used in combination with any component of the assembly or electrolytic cell described herein refers to the shape, sizing, positioning and material provided to give a desired effect to the component.

[0048] A longitudinal direction refers herein to a length of the capping board, whereas a transverse direction refers to a width of the capping board. Electrodes from adjacent electrolytic cells are aligned in a transverse direction of the capping board and electrodes are provided adjacently to one another in an electrolytic cell along the longitudinal direction of the opposed capping boards.

[0049] Still referring to Figure 6, the multiple contact elements 14 of the multi-contact assembly 10 include a primary contact bar 20, a secondary contact bar 22 and a tertiary contact bar 24. The contact elements 14 are made of on an electrically conductive material so as to be in electrical contact with the electrodes resting thereon. The primary contact bar 20, the secondary contact bar 22 and the tertiary contact bar 24 are provided as bar segments having a size tailored to provide electrical contact to a specific number of electrodes. The bar segments are isolated from another via the capping board, namely the primary insulator, the top insulator or both.

[0050] Referring to Figure 6, the primary contact bar 20 which is shown can be referred to as a dog bone contact element, and is shaped to include a pair of opposed bulges for providing first and second electrical contacts to a series of cathodes from a first electrolytic cell and a series of anodes from a second adjacent electrolytic cell respectively, when resting on the bulges. The secondary and tertiary contact bars 22, 24 are used as bypass contact bars (i.e. , bypassing the primary contact bar) for redirecting electricity among neighbouring cathodes (or anodes) being rested on specific secondary or tertiary contact bars 22, 24. The secondary and tertiary contact bars can have various shaped and design, such as the one exemplified in Figure 6 having a triangular cross- sectional shape.

[0051] As better shown in Figures 7 and 8, it is noted that the positioning of the electrodes on the multi-contact assemblies 10a, 10b is such that one end of the log of an anode 6 is resting on one of the secondary contact bars 22a of a first assembly 10a and the other end of the log of the anode 6 is resting on a primary contact bar 20b of a second multi-contact assembly 10b laying on the opposed side wall of the electrolytic cell (and vice-versa for symmetrical anodes in the pair of directly adjacent electrolytic cells). With respect to the positioning of cathodes 8 on the multi-contact assemblies 10a, 10b, it is noted that one end of the hanging bar of each cathode 8 is resting on a primary contact bar 20a of the first assembly 10a and the other end of the hanging bar of thecathode 8 is resting on one tertiary contact bar 24b of the second multi-contact assembly 10b laying on the opposed side wall of the electrolytic cell (and vice-versa for symmetrical cathodes in the pair of directly adjacent electrolytic cells).

[0052] Such positioning of the electrodes on the primary contact bars 20 allow for a bidirectional current feed to the electrodes, while the secondary and tertiary contact bars 22, 24 (serving as bypass contact elements) favor the redirection of electricity along a bypass pathway among neighboring electrodes.

[0053] The capping board is configured to include multiple members for separating and supporting the electrodes and contact elements, so as to prevent electrical contact between certain electrodes and further prevent electrical contact between the contact bars. For example, referring to Figure 6, the primary insulator 16 of the capping board 14 can include a main elongated channel 26 extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board 14 to receive the primary contact bars 20 when resting thereon in a first longitudinal row, and a side elongated channel 28 extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board 14 (along the main elongated channel 26) to receive the secondary contact bars 22 (provided as a first series of bypass contact bars) when resting thereon in another longitudinal row. Equally, the top insulator 18 can include another elongated channel 30 extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board 14 to receive the tertiary contact bars 24 (provided as a second series of the bypass contact bars) when resting thereon in yet another longitudinal row. The capping board 14 further includes protruding wall members 32, 34, 36 that are provided across the elongated channels 26, 28, 30 in the transverse direction of the capping board 14 so as to define a plurality of resting zones for the respective primary, secondary and tertiary contact bars 20, 22, 24. The wall members 32, 34, 36 provide separation and insulation between the contact bars 20, 22, 24 laying in the resting zones of the corresponding elongated channels 26, 28, 30.

[0054] It is noted that the terms “segment’ and “segmented” can be used in relation with the capping board and are to be understood as portions of the capping board defined by transverse insulating wall members that provide insulation between primary contact bar elements laying across the central channel of the capping board. Segments of the capping board can be provided separately or as a one-piece structure.

[0055] Still referring to the assembly 10 of Figure 6, each one of the primary and top insulators 16, 18 of the capping board 14 further includes a row of protrusions 38, 40 being defined as upwardly extending members of the capping board for avoiding any slippage or slippery or displacements by the transverse and lateral directions of the anodes and cathodes. The protrusions 38, 40 are spaced-away from one another to define a gap between two adjacent seats, each gap allowing a corresponding electrode requiring electrical contact to cross the row of seats 38, 40 and reach corresponding contact bars 20, 22, 24 of assembly 10.

[0056] Yet referring to the assembly 10 of Figure 6, the primary insulator 16 of the capping board 14 further includes first and second opposed rows of support projections 42, 44 extending upwardly from lateral edges of the primary insulator 16. The first and second opposed rows of support projections 42, 44 are spaced apart from each other in the transversal direction to make space for the main elongated channel 32 and side elongated channel 34 of the primary insulator 16. Optionally, the support projections 42, 44 of a same row may be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, according to a first distance and a second distance respectively, so as to define an alternation of a first lateral recess 46 and a second lateral recess 48 for maintaining each anode and each cathode respectively when inserted through the corresponding recess 46, 48. Optionally, the support projections of the first row 42 may be aligned with the support projections of the opposed second row 44 to comply with a symmetrical configuration of the electrodes.

[0057] Still referring to the assembly 10 of Figure 6, the top insulator 18 of the capping board 14 can further include a longitudinal wall 50 extending along the elongated channel 30 and spaced apart from the row of seats 40 of the top insulator 18. The longitudinal wall 50 is extending upwardly to provide abutment side surfaces to facing anodes when resting on adjacent primary contact bar 20 and secondary contact bar 22 of a same assembly 10.

[0058] It is noted that the capping board as encompassed herein can be adapted to an asymmetrical configuration for the positioning of the electrodes. For example, the capping board can be provided as a single-piece insulator having discrete resting zones for each one of the primary contact bars, secondary contact bars and tertiary contact bars being provided in three separate longitudinal rows.Electrolytic system including a pair of multi-contact assemblies

[0059] The proposed electrolytic system includes a pair of multi-contact assemblies as defined herein and being configured to lay on opposed side walls of an electrolytic vessel, thereby forming an electrolytic cell when combined with electrodes being positioned on said pair of assemblies and further plunged in an electrolytic bath contained in the electrolytic vessel. More particularly, the pair of multi-contact assemblies of the electrolytic system includes a first multi-contact assembly and a second multi-contact assembly, with the first multi-contact assembly having a contact pattern being offset with respect to that of the second multi-contact assembly.

[0060] The contact pattern is a direct result of the number of electrodes that are allowed to contact each primary contact bar, secondary contact bar and tertiary contact bar in a segment of the capping board of the multi-contact assembly. The contact pattern can for example be controlled by varying the size of the primary contact bar in a corresponding end capping board segment, so as to create an offset in the number of primary contacts per capping board segment between the first multi-contact assembly laying on one side of the electrolytic vessel and the second multi-contact assembly laying on the other side of the electrolytic vessel.

[0061] It is noted that the capping board includes two end capping board segments, i.e. a distal end capping board segment and a proximal end capping board segment. Figure 7 shows the distal end capping board segment being referred to as an end capping board segment. Explanations provided herein with respect to an end capping board segment are to be understood as applicable to the proximal end capping board segment or the distal end segment. Similarly, the primary contact bar being positioned as the last contact bar over the end capping board segment can be referred to as an end primary contact bar, and more particularly to a distal end primary contact bar or a proximal end primary contact bar. The same line of reasoning can be applied to the last secondary and tertiary contact bars that can be referred to as the end secondary contact bar and the end tertiary contact bar.

[0062] It is further noted that a primary contact refers to an electrical contact provided by a primary contact bar as defined herein, whereas a bypass contact refers to an electrical contact provided by a secondary and / or tertiary contact bar as defined herein.

[0063] The proposed system thus provides for a tailored positioning and grouping of the electrodes of the multi-contact assemblies in order to discharge any excessive current density from one segment of the system and transfer the excessive current to be absorbed by electrodes resting on an adjacent segment on the system, thereby facilitating uniformity in the electric density distribution in the system. As shown in figures 7, 8, 20 and 22, the adjustments in the electrode positioning and grouping are done through an offset among the primary contact bars and the bypass contact bars (secondary and tertiary contact bars) in the longitudinal direction from one multi-contact assembly to an adjacent multi-contact assembly.

[0064] Optionally, the offset can be of at least one primary electrical contact and corresponds to an odd number. The primary contact bar from the first longitudinal row of primary contact bars that triggers the offset can be referred to as the offset primary contact bar. An example of the offset in the contact pattern among a pair of multi-contact assemblies is shown in Figures 7 and 8, wherein the offset primary contact bar from each multi-contact assembly is an end primary contact bar, and more particularly a distal end primary contact bar.

[0065] Referring to Figure 7 and 8, the number of primary contacts of the end primary contact bar 20a of the end capping board segment 140a of the first multi-contact assembly 10a can be of six (e.g., three (3) primary contacts for anodes 6 and three (3) primary contacts for cathodes 8) whereas the number of primary contacts of the end primary contact bar 20b of the end capping board segment 140b of the second multicontact assembly 10b can be of seven (e.g., three (3) primary contacts for cathodes 8 and four (4) primary contacts for anodes 6).

[0066] In the illustrated implementation, the remaining capping board segments of the pair of assemblies 10a, 10b include primary contact bars having the same number of primary contacts, e.g., each having six primary contacts (three (3) primary contacts for anodes and three (3) primary contacts for cathodes). Although the number of primary contacts and bypass contacts of the remaining capping board segments can be the same between the pair of multi-contact assemblies, the offset in the number of primary contacts enabled by the primary contact bar of the first capping board segments 140a, 140b further produces a staggering of the bypass contact bars from the first multicontact assembly 10a with respect to the opposed second multi-contact assembly 10b inthe longitudinal direction of the electrolytic cell. This inherent staggering between end tertiary contact bars of two adjacent multi-contact assemblies is for example shown in Figures 7 and 8. Given that the second multi-contact assembly 10b has an end primary contact bar 20b having four (4) primary contacts for anodes, the end tertiary contact bar 24a of the first (opposed) multi-contact assembly 10a has equally four (4) tertiary contacts. However, the end tertiary contact bar 24b of the second multi-contact assembly 10b has room for three (3) tertiary contacts only, to provide equal current distribution to the three anodes (not shown in Figure 7 but shown in Figure 8) further resting on the end primary contact bar having room for three (3) primary contacts in the next adjacent electrolytic cell.

[0067] Still referring to Figure 7 and 8, as the number of primary contacts for cathodes 8 in both end primary contact bars 20a, 20b of the first and second multi-contact assemblies 10, 10b remain the same for the illustrated implementation, there is no inherent staggering in the secondary contact bars 22a, 22b between adjacent multicontact assemblies (all being of three (3) secondary contacts).

[0068] Although not exemplified in the Figures, it is noted that an offset in the number of primary contacts for cathodes (and not anodes) in opposed end primary contact bars from a pair of multi-contact assemblies would lead to a staggering in the end secondary contact bars in the longitudinal direction. Thus, in general, it is understood herein that the offset in the number of primary contacts in the end primary contact bars further produces a staggering of the bypass contact bars in the longitudinal direction from one multi-contact assembly to another adjacent multi-contact assembly.

[0069] It is noted that the Figures illustrate an implementation for symmetrical electrodes wherein the offset primary contact bar from each multi-contact assembly is an end primary contact bar. However, the offset primary contact bar that triggers the controlled staggering among the rows of contact bars from one assembly to another could be located somewhere else along the capping board. For example, the offset primary contact bar can be a central primary contact bar being located at a center of the capping board (in the longitudinal direction). Other contact patterns can be developed for symmetrical and asymmetrical system as long as the offset in the number of primary electrical contacts from one assembly to another adjacent assembly in longitudinal direction is present.

[0070] The present system ensures uniform electrical conductivity throughout the electrolytic cell(s) and effectively manage the flow of current. The offset between assemblies of the electrolytic system minimizes the risk of localized hotspots and uneven electrolysis, thereby promoting a more efficient and stable electrorefining / electrowinning process.

[0071] It is further noted that, in the longitudinal direction of a same multi-contact assembly, the length of the primary contact bars (and thus the number of primary contacts) can differ from one capping board segment to another capping board segment to comply with a given requirement for an existing number of electrodes to be contacted in the electrolytic cell. In general, the number of primary contacts and / or bypass contacts per contact bar can differ along the capping board of a multi-contact assembly. Optionally, depending on the cellhouse and metal refining requirements, the number of primary contacts for anodes or cathodes in the offset primary contact bar can be referred to as N and can be equal to at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7 or at least 8, and further optionally at most 8.

[0072] For example, Figure 8 shows the first multi-contact assembly 10a including a distal end primary contact bar 20a having six (6) primary contacts (three (3) for anodes 6 and three (3) for cathodes 8) whereas the proximal end primary contact bar 200a has seven (7) primary contacts (four (4) for anodes 6 and three (3) for cathodes 8). The distal end secondary contact bar 22a is further shown having four (4) tertiary contacts for anodes 6 whereas the proximal end tertiary contact bar 220a has three (3) tertiary contacts for anodes 6. Intermediate contact bars (located between proximal end contact bar and distal end contact bar) can have the same number of contacts or a different number of contacts. Figures 9 to 18 selectively show in greater details the capping boards 12a and 12b of the respective first multi-contact assembly 10a and second multicontact assembly 10b illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, so that one can see differences in the number and length of the spaces provided for resting each primary / secondary / tertiary contact bar along a same capping board 12a, 12b from a proximal end 120a, 120b thereof to a distal end 121a, 121b thereof.

[0073] Advantageously, the present system can be adapted to existing electrolytic vessels and related number of electrodes by tailoring the number of primary contact bars, secondary contact bars and tertiary contact bars, and further the number ofelectrical contacts per contact bar along each capping board (while respecting the offset defined by the offset primary contact bar from one multi-contact assembly to another adjacent multi-contact assembly).

[0074] In another aspect, there is provided a cell house comprising a plurality of adjacent electrolytic cells being provided in juxtaposition. Each electrolytic cell comprises an electrolytic system as defined herein, i.e. , including a pair of multi-contact assemblies as defined herein being positioned on a top surface of the respective pair of opposed side walls of the electrolytic vessel to selectively provide insulation and electric current to the electrodes resting thereon. Figure 5 shows an exemplary implementation of the cellhouse 200 including multiple electrolytic systems as defined herein such that an alternation of a first multi-contact assembly 10a and a second multi-contact assembly 10b is provided to enhance the distribution of electrical current and to reduce the number of short circuits within the cellhouse 200.EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

[0075] The performance of the proposed multi-contact assemblies and related system was evaluated under various operating conditions using Falstad Circuit Simulator software. This circuit simulator was used to model the electrical behaviour of a cellhouse (comprising the multiple adjacent electrolytic cells) under normal operation and simulated fault conditions. Simulation models were set up and adjusted for investigating the performance in various operating conditions. A variety of custom codes and functions were developed to help with post-processing the data from the software for scaling to large-scale models. For demonstration purposes and to have better visibility, Figure 20 only shows a portion of the simulation model that was implemented.

[0076] The performance of the multi-contact assemblies was evaluated based on the extent to which a single or a group of short circuits or deficient contacts affected the overall system. This involved simulating various scenarios in which such events (short circuit and deficient contact) occurred and analyzing the resulting effects on the refinery operations and plating processes. By measuring a parameter, such as production losses on a portion or full length of a cell, a thorough understanding of the assemblies' effectiveness in preventing and mitigating these events was obtained.

[0077] Thus, a series of numerical simulations were conducted in circuit simulation software to assess the performance of the multi-contact assemblies. Analyses were aimed toward quantifying the effect of the multi-contact and capping board assemblies on the refinery process in different conditions and also on the energy consumption. A comparison was then made between the efficiency of multi-contact assemblies and traditional electrolytic assemblies under various operating conditions.Deficient contact and short circuit

[0078] It is noted that a deficient contact event was simulated by deliberately increasing the resistance at a contact point to mimic the reduced electrical conductivity associated with a faulty contact. This simulation approach facilitated the evaluation of the assembly's capability to sustain efficiency when confronted with a deficient contact.

[0079] Similarly, to simulate a short circuit event, the resistance between two electrodes was intentionally decreased to emulate the heightened electrical conductivitytypical of a short circuit. This simulation enabled the assessment of the assembly's ability to maintain efficiency under such conditions.

[0080] Figures 21 and 22 show the results extracted from the circuit simulation of a cellhouse (multiple adjacent electrolytic cells) in different stages of initiation and progress of short-circuits. A visual comparison is presented where Figure 21 highlights the situation for a conventional single-contact assembly (i.e., a single elongated contact bar along the capping board) or for a conventional multi-contact assembly (i.e., single one-piece primary, secondary, tertiary contact bars positioned along the capping board). Figure 22 shows the results for the staggered system including the multi-contact assemblies as described herein. Subfigures a-c present, respectively, the normal current distribution with no short circuit (a), initiation (b) and growth (c) of a short circuit in one cell in the group shown.

[0081] For better visualization, only a few cells are shown (5 cells next to each other in the horizontal direction), each with 128 electrodes. Comparing the figures show that the growth of the short-circuit in traditional insulator systems results gradually in complete loss of production in a cell, repetition of which can result in a significant loss of production in the cellhouse. As it is shown in Figure 21. d, the zones highlighted in green are representing the normal production and the red zones are zones with very low or no plating mainly due to short circuit.

[0082] On the contrary, in a cellhouse with the present system, the effects from the short-circuit stays limited to the segment that the short-circuit happens in, even with an increase in the intensity. This is a result of segmented design which isolates the path of electric current of other segments from the faulty segment, securing the production efficiency in other segments for a better productivity. Expanding the results, it was observed that the repetition of short-circuit in adjacent cells in the cellhouse still can be addressed efficiently with the remarkable performance resulted from the segmented and staggered design of the present system (Figure 22. d). The zones with low production stayed quite limited even with multiple short-circuits.

[0083] The bypass contact elements within the assembly were shown to effectively redirected the flow of electricity to an alternative contact point, thereby mitigating the impact of the deficient contact. The presence of staggered bypass contact elementswithin the insulator system was shown to facilitate the redirection of electrical current to an adjacent cell, effectively bypassing the short-circuited path and minimizing any adverse effects on overall system performance.Energy consumption

[0084] Upon analyzing the data pertaining to total energy consumption, a noteworthy observation emerged regarding the impact of short-circuits in traditional systems. It was found that the occurrence of a short-circuit in conventional systems led to a significant 9% increase in cell energy consumption compared to normal operating conditions. In contrast, when utilizing the present multi-contact assemblies in a staggered fashion from one electrolytic cell to another, minimal changes in the energy consumption of the cell were observed.

[0085] However, the true significance of this difference becomes even more apparent when considering its compounded effect with the imperfect plating resulting from variations in electric current intensity in the adjacent cells. The electrolytic system, as proposed herein, presents clear advantages in terms of energy consumption within the cellhouse due to its ability to ensure an even distribution of electric current. In fact, estimates indicate that substantial energy savings of approximately 23% and 22% per ton of plating can be achieved for copper and zinc, respectively, with the implementation of the present electrolytic system.

[0086] It should be noted that the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only. Therefore, the descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.

[0087] It is worth mentioning that throughout the following description when the article “a” is used to introduce an element it does not have the meaning of “only one” it rathermeans of “one or more”. For instance, the unit according to the invention can be provided with one or more reaction and / or separation chamber, one or more confining openwork structure, etc. without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0088] Although the embodiments of the assemblies and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the assemblies, as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0089] In the present description, the term “about” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. It is commonly accepted that a 10% precision measure is acceptable and encompasses the term “about”.

[0090] In the present description, an embodiment or an implementation is an example of the invention. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “some implementations” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments / implementations. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment / implementation, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments / implementations for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment / implementation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electrolytic system for resting on an electrolytic vessel and for holding electrodes to refine metals in a plurality of adjacent electrolytic cells, the system comprising: a first multi-contact assembly positionable on a top surface of a side wall of the electrolytic vessel to selectively provide insulation and electric current to the electrodes, and a second multi-contact assembly positionable on the top surface of an opposed side wall of the electrolytic vessel to selectively provide insulation and electric current to the electrodes; wherein each of the first and second multi-contact assemblies comprises: a capping board comprising spaced-apart protrusions to support and maintain the electrodes isolated from one another when resting on the capping board, and multiple contact bars that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the capping board when laying thereon, the plurality of contact bars comprising:- a plurality of primary contact bars provided as a first longitudinal row and comprising an offset primary contact bar, wherein the primary contact bars are insulated from one another by the protrusions of the capping board, and- a plurality of bypass contact bars provided as two spaced-apart longitudinal rows, wherein the bypass contact bars are insulated from one another by the protrusions of the capping board; wherein the offset primary contact bar of the first multi-contact assembly has a number of primary electrical contacts being offset from the number of primary electrical contacts of the offset primary contact bar of the second multi-contact assembly, thereby producing a staggering of the primary contact bars of the first multi-contact assembly with respect to the primary contact bars of the second multi-contact assembly; andwherein the offset in the number of primary electrical contacts is equal to at least one and is an odd number.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the offset primary contact bar is an end primary contact bar being located at a proximal end or a distal end of the capping board.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the offset primary contact bar is a central primary contact bar being located at a center of the capping board.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the offset is 1 , 3 or 5.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the offset is one.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the capping board 14 comprises: a primary insulator 16 defining: a main elongated channel 26 extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board 14 to receive the primary contact bars 20 when resting thereon as the first longitudinal row, and a side elongated channel 28 extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board 14 along the main elongated channel 26 to receive a first series of the bypass contact bars 24 when resting thereon as another longitudinal row; and a top insulator 18 being positioned above the primary insulator 16 and defining another elongated channel 30 extending in the longitudinal direction of the capping board 14 to receive a second series of the bypass contact bars 22 when resting thereon in yet another longitudinal row.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrodes comprise rows of anodes and cathodes being positioned in alternance in each electrolytic cell and symmetrically from one electrolytic cell to another electrolytic cell; and wherein:each primary contact bar provides primary electrical contacts to a group of anodes from a first electrolytic cell and to a group of cathodes from a second electrolytic cell being adjacent to the first electrolytic cell; the first series of the bypass contact bars consists of secondary contact bars, and each secondary contact bar provides bypass contacts to a group of anodes from the second electrolytic cell; and the second series of the bypass contact bars consists of tertiary contact bars, and each tertiary contact bar provides bypass electrical contacts to a group of cathodes from the first electrolytic cell.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the offset primary contact bar of each multicontact assembly is an end primary contact bar, with the offset primary contact bar of the first multi-contact assembly having N primary electrical contacts for anodes of the first electrolytic cell, and the opposed offset primary contact bar of the second multi-contact assembly having N+x primary electrical contacts for anodes of the second electrolytic cell, wherein x is the offset.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein an end secondary contact bar of the first multicontact assembly has N+x bypass electrical contacts for anodes of the second electrolytic cell, and an opposed end secondary contact bar of the second multi-contact assembly has N bypass electrical contacts for anodes of a third electrolytic cell being adjacent to the second electrolytic cell.

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein an end tertiary contact bar of the first multicontact assembly has N bypass electrical contacts for cathodes of the first electrolytic cell, and an opposed end tertiary contact bar of the second multi-contact assembly has N bypass electrical contacts for cathodes of the second electrolytic cell.

11. The system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein N is equal to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

12. The system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein N is equal to at least 3 and the offset is equal to at least 1.

13. The system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein N is equal to 6 and the offset is equal to 3.

14. A cellhouse for refining metals comprising: a plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels being provided in juxtaposition, each electrolytic vessel comprising a base wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed front and rear walls to define an electrolytic cavity; at least one electrolytic system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first multi-contact assembly is positioned on a top surface of the side wall of at least one electrolytic vessel of the plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels, and the second multi-contact assembly is positioned on the top surface of the opposed side wall of said at least one electrolytic vessel; and a plurality of rows of electrodes, each row of electrodes comprising an alternation of anodes and cathodes extending in the electrolytic cavity of the plurality of adjacent electrolytic vessels, and at least one row of electrodes having one side resting on the first multi-contact assembly and another side resting on the second multi-contact assembly.

15. The cellhouse of claim 14, wherein the plurality of rows of electrodes are symmetrical with respect to one another.

16. The cellhouse of claim 14 or 15, wherein each electrolytic vessel is provided with the electrolytic system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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