Turnable Stripping Element for Electrolytic Cathode Deposit Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing metal deposits from cathode surfaces in electrolytic refining are inefficient, causing mechanical strain on the cathodes and not allowing for complete removal in a single stroke, leading to prolonged process interruptions and reduced cathode lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A turnably movable stripping element is used to bend the cathode, allowing for flexible and controlled detachment of deposits without sudden motions, supported by rollers for smooth sliding and controlled by a motor or cylinder for precise operation, enabling efficient removal of deposits from both sides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional stripping methods (bending, wedging, blasting) are used to remove deposits from cathode surfaces, then deposits can be detached, but mechanical strain is applied to the cathode and complete removal cannot be achieved in one stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestripping speedVSAvoidcathode structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying force directly to the deposit to remove it, the invention applies force to the cathode itself to bend it, causing the deposit to detach due to the bending motion. This inverted approach allows complete removal in one stroke without requiring direct mechanical contact with the deposit, thereby preventing mechanical strain on the cathode while achieving complete deposit removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a turnably movable stripping element that can rotate around its support point, creating dynamic bending motion in the cathode. This dynamic approach allows the cathode to be bent flexibly to the required degree for complete deposit detachment, then returned to initial position, enabling complete removal in one stroke without excessive mechanical strain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If thicker deposits are allowed to accumulate on cathodes, then process interruptions between removals are minimized, but complete removal becomes more difficult and requires more strokes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess interruption timeVSAvoidstripping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the stripping approach to bend the cathode rather than directly attacking the deposit, the invention achieves complete removal of even thick deposits in a single stroke. This eliminates the need for multiple strokes that would otherwise be required for thick deposits, thereby reducing process interruption time while maintaining high stripping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical striking tools (hammers) are used to remove deposits, then deposits can be detached, but disturbing noise is generated and complete removal cannot be achieved in one stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit detachmentVSAvoidnoise and incomplete removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces direct mechanical striking (hammers) with a bending mechanism that uses controlled cathode deformation to detach deposits. This substitution eliminates the disturbing noise associated with hammering while achieving complete deposit removal in one stroke, thereby improving ease of operation without generating harmful noise or requiring multiple strokes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 speeds up the stripping process, reduces mechanical strain on the cathodes, and allows for complete removal in fewer strokes, extending cathode lifetime and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the cathode can be bent owing to the contact of said element... a wave motion is created in the cathode, and the cathode is bent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The cathode is supported at its bottom edge and held in a vertical position during the bending operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8696817B2Equipment and method for removing deposits created in electrolytic refining

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 OUTOTEC FINDLAND OY

AI summary

The invention relates to an equipment for removing deposits accumulated in electrolytic refining on the surface of an electrode, such as a cathode, said equipment including at least one element for stripping the deposits and at least one element for controlling the stripping element; said equipment includes at least one stripping element that is turnably movable in the vertical direction of the cathode, and the cathode can be bent owing to the contact with said stripping element. The invention also relates to a method realized by said equipment.