Cyclone Electrowinning Cell for Low-Concentration Metal Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrowinning methods face challenges in recovering noble metals from waste solutions with low concentrations of metal ions, as the process is inefficient and unable to effectively deposit metals when concentrations are below 30 g/L, particularly at concentrations as low as 1 g/L.
Innovation Solution
A cyclone-shaped electrolytic cell with a ring-shaped cathode and a hollow anode coated with iridium oxide is used, where the aqueous solution is introduced tangentially to create turbulence, increasing the velocity and mass transfer of metal ions, allowing for efficient deposition even at low concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electrowinning method is used, then the process is simple and easily applicable, but the metal recovery rate is low when metal ion concentration is low (below 30 g/L)
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic cell is divided into distinct functional zones: a conical settling zone for solid particle removal, a cylindrical electrowinning zone for metal deposition, and a baffle structure to separate flow paths. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve high recovery rates at low concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conical portion at the bottom of the electrolytic cell that transitions from a vertical to a horizontal flow path, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern. This dimensional change enhances turbulence and metal ion transport to the cathode surface, significantly improving deposition efficiency at low metal ion concentrations.
2Manufacturing precision
If metal ion concentration in aqueous solution is low (1 g/L), then the solution can be treated with high purity metal output, but the speed of metal ions moving to cathode surface is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs turbulence promoters and baffle structures that create chaotic flow patterns and enhance mass transfer coefficients. This mechanical disruption of laminar flow creates turbulent eddies that rapidly transport metal ions to the cathode surface, overcoming the low concentration limitation and maintaining high deposition rates even at 1 g/L metal ion concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by designing a conical settling zone and baffle structures that create controlled water circulation and turbulence. The flow dynamics are optimized to maximize metal ion transport to the cathode through pressure-driven flow and rotational motion, significantly enhancing ion delivery speed despite low bulk concentration.
3Productivity
If aqueous solution is introduced directly into electrolytic cell, then the process is simple, but metal ion deposition efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a conical settling zone and baffle structures that pre-separate solid particles from the aqueous solution before the solution enters the electrowinning zone. This preliminary action removes interfering solids that would otherwise compete for electrodeposition, ensuring that metal ions are deposited efficiently without contamination, thereby improving overall deposition efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces turbulence promoters and baffle structures as intermediary elements that facilitate metal ion transport from the bulk solution to the cathode surface. These intermediaries create enhanced flow mixing and mass transfer, acting as mediators that bridge the gap between low concentration solution and high deposition efficiency requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the recovery of over 90% of metal ions, such as gold and platinum, from solutions with concentrations as low as 1 g/L, significantly improving the metal recovery rate compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the aqueous solution is introduced tangentially to create turbulence, increasing the velocity and mass transfer of metal ions
Implementation Method 2
electrowinning is a method of depositing a target noble metal on the cathode surface by electrolytic reduction of an aqueous solution or a leach solution containing noble metals
Implementation Method 3
depositing a target noble metal on the cathode surface by electrolytic reduction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrowinning apparatus and method are provided. The electrowinning apparatus includes: an electrolytic cell including a body portion which has an inlet for introducing an aqueous solution containing metal ions into the body portion and a conical portion which is gradually reduced in diameter from top to bottom and disposed under the body portion; a ring-shaped cathode coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the body portion of the electrolytic cell and having an entrance hole which extends from an outer circumferential surface of the cathode through to an inner circumferential surface of the cathode and is connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell; and a hollow anode having an upper end disposed outside the electrolytic cell and inserted into the cathode. In the electrowinning method, a metal can be recovered from an aqueous solution containing a low concentration of metal ions using the above cyclone-shaped electrowinning apparatus.