Insulating Clamp for Zinc Electrolysis Cathode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In zinc hydrometallurgy, the existing cathode assembly for zinc electrolysis faces issues with irregular zinc sheet formation due to liquid level fluctuations, leading to difficulties in zinc stripping, pre-stripping sheet loosening and corrosion, increased manufacturing costs, and complex replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic cathode assembly featuring a cathode plate with edge-covering strips and an H-shaped insulating clamp that provides a sealed pre-stripping region without modifying the cathode, allowing easy replacement and maintaining a secure clamping force to prevent electrolyte entry and facilitate zinc stripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pre-stripping sheet is cast in a machined hole on the cathode plate, then a pre-stripping port is formed for feeding a blade to strip the zinc sheet, but the pre-stripping sheet loosens or falls off due to frequent heating and cooling alternation and acid corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-stripping sheet is extracted from the cathode plate structure and replaced by an insulating clamp that is not permanently bonded to the cathode. The clamp can be removed and repositioned, eliminating the reliability issues of bonded sheets while maintaining the pre-stripping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating clamp is positioned in advance at the desired location on the cathode plate to create a pre-stripping region. The clamp's insulating properties prevent zinc deposition in the clamped region, creating a ready-made entry point for the stripping blade before the stripping operation begins.
2Ease of operation
If the pre-stripping sheet is fixed on the cathode plate, then a pre-stripping port is formed, but the loosening of the pre-stripping sheet causes the stripping blade to shovel onto the aluminum cathode plate, damaging the blade
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-stripping function is extracted from the permanently bonded sheet and implemented through a removable insulating clamp. This allows the clamp to remain securely in position during stripping operations, preventing blade damage, while being replaceable if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating clamp acts as an intermediary between the cathode plate and the stripping blade. It provides a stable, positioned entry point that guides the blade properly, preventing the blade from accidentally contacting and damaging the aluminum cathode plate.
3Ease of operation
If machined holes are processed on the cathode plate for the stripping port, then pre-stripping ports are formed, but the manufacturing costs of the cathode increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-stripping port formation is extracted from the cathode manufacturing process itself. Instead of machining holes into the cathode plate, the insulating clamp is simply positioned on the cathode surface, eliminating the need for expensive machining operations on the cathode plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-stripping function is segmented from the cathode plate structure and implemented as a separate, removable insulating clamp component. This allows the cathode plate to remain simple and inexpensive to manufacture, while the clamp provides the necessary pre-stripping capability.
4Reliability
If the pre-stripping sheet is bonded to the cathode plate, then the pre-stripping port is secured, but the replacement of the pre-stripping sheet becomes complex when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-stripping sheet is extracted from the bonded configuration and replaced by a removable insulating clamp. The clamp is held on the cathode plate by clamping force rather than permanent bonding, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced when damaged without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the pre-stripping element and the cathode plate is changed from static (permanent bonding) to dynamic (removable clamping). The insulating clamp can be easily attached and detached, providing both security during operation and ease of replacement when needed.
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
The solution enables reliable and efficient zinc stripping with reduced manufacturing costs, as the insulating clamp's long-lasting clamping force prevents electrolyte entry and allows for easy replacement, simplifying the production process and maintaining the cathode's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating clamp, disposed above the first edge-covering strip and clamping the cathode plate
Implementation Method 2
the insulating clamp is clamped on the cathode plate, such that a clamped region is sealed, and an electrolyte will not enter an inside of the insulating clamp
Implementation Method 3
In a zinc hydrometallurgy process
Implementation Method 4
an electrolytic metal is completely cladding the cathode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided are an electrolytic cathode assembly and an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cathode assembly therein comprises a cathode plate; a wrapping strip, which seals a side of the cathode plate; and an insulating clamp, which is located above the wrapping strip on one side and which sealedly clamps on the cathode plate.