Metal Cementing Apparatus with Dynamic Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cementation processes in metallurgical industries face issues such as decreased kinetics and contamination due to the noble metal settling on the surface of the less noble metal, leading to unreacted cores and higher operating costs, especially since these processes are often discontinuous and require excess cementing metal.
Innovation Solution
A cementing apparatus where one phase moves at a high speed relative to the other, allowing for simultaneous cementation and detachment of the noble metal, with adjustable rotational speeds to maintain maximum surface interaction and continuous operation, eliminating the need for excess cementing metal and mechanical scrapers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the noble metal is allowed to settle on the surface of the less noble metal during cementation, then the cementation reaction occurs, but the kinetics decreases and the less noble metal becomes contaminated with unreacted cores
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamic movement to the less noble metal particles through vibration or rotation, preventing the noble metal from settling and forming unreacted cores. This continuous movement maintains high cementation kinetics while ensuring complete reaction and high purity of the noble metal product
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses mechanical vibration applied to the less noble metal particles during cementation to prevent settling of the noble metal. The vibration keeps the particles in constant motion, maintaining reaction kinetics and preventing contamination with unreacted cores
2Productivity
If excess cementing metal is used to maintain reaction kinetics, then the cementation process continues, but the operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dynamically moving the less noble metal particles through vibration or rotation, the invention maximizes the active surface area available for reaction. This prevents the formation of unreacted cores and allows complete utilization of the cementing metal, eliminating the need for excess material while maintaining high kinetics
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the energy input for vibration or rotation to self-maintain the reactive surface area of the less noble metal particles. The continuous movement automatically prevents settling and maintains optimal reaction conditions without requiring additional cementing metal
3Device complexity
If discontinuous cementation processes are used, then the equipment is simpler, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous cementation by applying continuous vibration or rotation to the less noble metal particles. This allows the process to run continuously without interruption for scraping or maintenance, significantly improving productivity while keeping the equipment relatively simple
4Manufacturing precision
If mechanical scrapers are used to remove settled noble metal, then the surface is cleared, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates mechanical scrapers by using dynamic vibration or rotation to prevent noble metal settling in the first place. The continuous movement keeps the surface clean without requiring additional scraping mechanisms, reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical scraping system with a vibration or rotation system. Instead of using mechanical contact to remove settled metal, the system uses oscillatory motion to prevent settling, simplifying the overall apparatus structure
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 approach optimizes the cementation kinetics, maintains high purity of the noble metal, reduces contamination, and allows for continuous operation, thereby lowering costs and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
achieve chemical reduction of said noble metal by means of using another less noble metal that comes into contact with the solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates, on one hand, to a metal cementing apparatus (1) formed by a vessel (2) with a liquid phase formed by a solution (3) containing noble metal, and a solid phase formed by a cementing metal or a less noble metal in contact with the solution (3), where one of said phases moves at a high speed with respect to the other one, and the difference in speeds allows the cementation of the noble metal on the solid phase, and the simultaneous detachment and separation thereof, and comprises means for generating the movement of at least the phase with the high speed and removing means for removing the precipitated noble metal. The invention describes, on the other hand, a continuous cementation method consisting of passing a continuous flow of solution in a vessel (2); reacting the solid phase with the liquid phase, where one of said phases moves at a high speed with respect to the other one, causing the fixing of the noble metal and the simultaneous detachment thereof; removing the precipitated noble metal.