Flat oval floating device that inhibits acid mist

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device that inhibits acid mist, comprising a flat oval body with an upper face and a lower face, designed to float on a liquid solution and to overlap, at least partly, with one or more other devices.

Description

[0001] FLOATING, OVAL AND FLATTENED DEVICE, OVERLAPPING, WITH OR WITHOUT CAVITIES, TO INHIBIT ACID MIST

[0002] DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM

[0003] 1. Technical field

[0004] The invention lies in the field of hydrometallurgical metallurgical processes that employ electrolytic cells, particularly in electrowinning and / or electrorefining processes of metals (e.g., copper), and relates to floating devices and systems intended to inhibit or reduce the formation and release of acid mist from the surface of an electrolytic solution (electrolyte) contained in a cell.

[0005] 2. Background

[0006] In metal electrowinning and electrorefining processes, electrolytic cells comprise anodes and cathodes immersed in an electrolyte solution rich in the metals to be deposited. During operation, gas bubbles are generated, primarily oxygen at the anode and, to a lesser extent, hydrogen at the cathode. As these bubbles rise and reach the surface of the electrolyte, they can burst or collapse, projecting microdroplets of the electrolyte into the environment as an acid mist, which can be a significant contaminant, posing a risk to the health of operators and the surrounding environment.

[0007] To reduce exposure to acid vapors and aerosols, smooth floating spheres have been used, arranged on the electrolyte surface, often in two or more layers. However, because they have smooth surfaces and interstitial spaces, these spheres can allow vapor-rich bubbles to pass through, resulting in the continued release of mist, albeit in smaller quantities.

[0008] 3. Technical problem

[0009] An alternative or improvement to existing surface covering systems is required, which will allow for a more effective barrier over the electrolyte, reducing the passage of bubbles and the release of microdroplets, and thus decreasing the acid mist associated with the operation of electrolytic cells.

[0010] 4. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention proposes an acid mist inhibitor device comprising an oval-shaped, flattened body (1) with an upper and a lower face, configured to float on a liquid solution, such as an electrolytic solution (electrolyte), and to be overlapped between devices, allowing one or more layers to form on the surface of the electrolyte and create an acid mist inhibitor barrier.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the body (1) has a tapered and / or beveled peripheral edge, which, together with the buoyancy and low weight of the device, allows multiple devices to overlap naturally, forming superimposed layers on the electrolyte surface. This multilayer configuration creates a mechanical barrier that hinders the direct ascent of bubbles to the free surface and helps reduce the projection of microdroplets into the environment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device may comprise a plurality of cavities (2) arranged in any area along the length and width of at least one of the upper and lower faces of the body (1). These cavities may be configured to capture microdroplets of the electrolyte and / or promote vapor condensation and the return of the electrolyte to the solution, complementing the inhibition achieved by the physical barrier formed by the overlapping devices.

[0014] The invention also contemplates an acid mist inhibitor system comprising at least one layer formed by a plurality of devices according to the invention arranged on the surface of the electrolyte.

[0015] 5. Brief description of the figures

[0016] For a better understanding of the invention, preferred configurations illustrated in the figures are described below, which are merely exemplary and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter:

[0017] • Figure 1: Isometric view of the oval and flattened device with multiple cavities configured as quadrants, according to one modality.

[0018] • Figure 2: Isometric view similar to Figure 1, in contrasting tone to facilitate appreciation of the device.

[0019] • Figure 3: Top view of the device with cavities configured as oscillators.

[0020] • Figure 4: Isometric view of the oval, flattened device without cavities on its surface. • Figure 5: Isometric view similar to Figure 4, in contrasting color.

[0021] • Figure 6: Top view and cross-sections and longitudinal sections of the oval and flattened device.

[0022] 6. Detailed description of achievements

[0023] 6.1. Inhibitor device (oval and flattened body)

[0024] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the acid mist inhibitor device comprises an oval-shaped, flattened body (1) with an upper and a lower face. The oval, flattened shape allows multiple devices to be placed on the electrolyte and partially or completely overlapped, for example, in a flaking manner, forming a more continuous surface coating than that obtained with smooth spherical elements.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the body (1) comprises a peripheral contour defining a tapered edge provided with a bevel, configured to facilitate the partial mounting of one device under / on top of another upon contact, promoting a "scale" overlap. The bevel may extend continuously along the perimeter or in sections thereof, and may be located on the upper face, the lower face, or both.

[0026] The body (1) can have a generally lenticular or biconvex profile (as seen in the cross-sections of Figure 6), and the faces can be symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on the application. The design allows the devices to self-adjust on the electrolyte surface in response to liquid movement, convective currents, and rising bubbles.

[0027] 6.2. Surface cavities

[0028] In one embodiment, the body surface (1) comprises, in any area and along the length and width of at least one of the upper and lower faces, a plurality of cavities (2), as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The cavities may be distributed as quadrants or occiants, or other configurations, and may have triangular, cubic, conical, cylindrical, multiform geometry or combinations thereof.

[0029] The cavities (2) can act as areas for the retention of microdroplets and / or condensation of vapors, facilitating coalescence and return of the electrolyte to the solution, contributing to obstructing the passage of the acid mist into the environment together with the physical barrier formed by the overlapping devices.

[0030] 6.3. Buoyancy, internal structure and materials

[0031] The device is configured to float on the electrolyte and, in general, on liquid process solutions. In various embodiments, the body (1) may be solid or hollow, or have any structure that ensures flotation, as required for chemical compatibility, mechanical strength, and operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the body (1) is made of plastic.

[0032] Notwithstanding the foregoing, other materials or combinations of materials compatible with acidic solutions and the operating temperature may be used, provided they allow for flotation and the required performance. The manufacturing method may include, for example, injection molding, blow molding, or other processes suitable for forming the body with or without cavities.

[0033] 6.4. System and mode of use in electrolytic cells

[0034] In a preferred configuration, a plurality of devices are arranged on the electrolyte surface to form at least one layer. Because the devices float and are lightweight, and preferably due to their beveled, tapered edges, they tend to naturally overlap, forming a swarm or multilayer structure of superimposed devices. This structure acts as a mechanical barrier, hindering the direct ascent of bubbles to the free electrolyte surface. Instead, bubbles can become trapped in the swarm's interstices and condense; the associated electrolyte returns to the solution, reducing the release of microdroplets and vapors into the environment.

[0035] Additionally, two or more layers may be arranged to increase acid mist inhibition, as required by operational conditions.

[0036] 7. Technical advantages and effects (non-limiting)

[0037] The oval, flattened geometry, along with the ability to overlap between devices, allows for the formation of a surface coating that can reduce the passage spaces for bubbles and microdroplets compared to granular coatings of smooth, spherical elements. The optional inclusion of cavities can promote electrolyte capture, coalescence, and return, further contributing to acid mist inhibition. In particular, the tapered and / or beveled edge, when present, promotes self-overlap and the formation of stable layers, improving barrier continuity and bubble trapping.

[0038] 8. Industrial application

[0039] The invention is susceptible to industrial application in electrowinning and electrorefining plants, as well as in installations that use acid electrolytic baths where it is necessary to reduce the emission of mist, vapors and aerosols from the surface of the electrolyte.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An acid mist inhibitor device, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises an oval-shaped, flattened body (1) with an upper and a lower face, configured to float on a liquid solution and to overlap, at least partially, with one or more other devices.

2. The inhibitor device according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the surface of the body (1) comprises, in any area and along the length and width of at least one of the upper and lower faces, a plurality of cavities (2).

3. The inhibitor device according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the cavities (2) are configured to capture microdroplets of the electrolyte and / or promote the condensation of vapors and the return of the electrolyte to the solution.

4. The inhibitor device according to claim 2 or 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the plurality of cavities (2) corresponds to quadrants.

5. The inhibitor device according to claim 2 or 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the plurality of cavities (2) corresponds to oscillants.

6. The inhibitor device according to any of claims 2 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the plurality of cavities (2) corresponds to 2, 6 or more cavities in at least one of the upper and lower faces of the body (1).

7. The inhibitor device according to any of claims 2 to 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the plurality of cavities (2) corresponds to triangular, cubic, conical, cylindrical, multiform cavities or a combination thereof.

8. The inhibitor device according to any of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the body (1) comprises a tapered and / or beveled peripheral edge configured to facilitate overlap with one or more other devices.

9. The inhibitor device according to any of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the body (1) is solid inside.

10. The inhibitor device according to any of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the body (1) is hollow inside.

11. The inhibitor device according to any of claims 1 to 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the body (1) is made of plastic.

12. An acid mist inhibitor system, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises at least one layer comprising a plurality of acid mist inhibitor devices according to any of claims 1 to 11, arranged floating on the surface of the electrolyte.

13. The system according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises two or more layers of the plurality of devices arranged on the surface of the electrolyte.

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