Vertical Electrolytic Cell for Noble Metal Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting noble metals from inorganic granular waste catalysts face inefficiencies due to decreased metal leaching efficiency with increased distance between the anode and cathode, high energy consumption, and the need for high-concentration acids, along with complex apparatus designs and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A vertical electrolytic cell with a three-dimensional cathode filled with activated carbon granules, using a hydrochloric acid electrolyte with 0.1-5% aluminum chloride, where leaching and precipitation occur simultaneously, allowing for improved metal extraction efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the distance between anode and cathode is increased, then the electrolyte circulation path is extended, but the metal leaching efficiency decreases due to hydrochloric oxide concentration reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal electrolyte flow configuration to a vertical configuration where electrolyte flows upward through the catalyst bed. This dimensional change allows the electrolyte to contact catalyst particles more effectively throughout the entire bed depth, maintaining high leaching efficiency even with extended circulation paths. The vertical flow arrangement ensures uniform distribution of hydrochloric oxide throughout the catalyst bed, preventing concentration depletion issues.
2Productivity
If high-concentration acid (5-35% hydrochloric acid) is used, then the leaching process can proceed, but energy consumption increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrolyte composition by using lower-concentration hydrochloric acid (5-35%) combined with aluminum chloride (0.1-5%), rather than relying on high-concentration acid alone. This parameter change maintains effective leaching while reducing energy consumption and environmental harm. The aluminum chloride component enhances leaching efficiency at lower acid concentrations, achieving the same productivity with reduced resource consumption.
3Device complexity
If the electrolyte is pumped once through the electrolytic cell, then the process is simple, but a large amount of solution flows out requiring additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous circulation system where electrolyte is pumped upward through the catalyst bed and then flows downward through the cathode, creating a continuous loop. This continuous action ensures complete utilization of the electrolyte, preventing waste and eliminating the need for additional equipment to handle large volumes of lost solution. The closed-loop system maintains constant electrolyte concentration and maximizes extraction efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If a horizontal type electrolytic cell with diffusion lattice is used, then the apparatus can be constructed, but the design becomes complex and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolytic cell into distinct functional zones: an upper chamber for catalyst bed placement and a lower chamber for cathode placement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design compared to integrated horizontal configurations with diffusion lattices. The modular structure facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while maintaining effective electrolyte circulation and metal extraction functionality.
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 method significantly increases the yield of platinum-group metals, reduces electricity consumption and extraction time, minimizes liquid waste, and enhances ecological compatibility while simplifying apparatus design and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemically leaching noble metals in an electrolytic cell
Implementation Method 2
leaching is carried out in the anode chamber of a horizontal type electrolytic cell
Implementation Method 3
precipitating the noble metals in a cathode
Implementation Method 4
an electrolyte is circulated upward through the diffusion lattice
Data Source
AI summary
The leaching and precipitation of noble metals when circulating an electrolyte through a vertical cylindrical electrolytic cell comprising a fixed granular catalyst bed and a three-dimensional cathode filled with activated carbon granules are performed in the same step. Because the electrochemical leaching process and the electrochemical sorption process are performed simultaneously, the consumption of electric energy is reduced and the use of equipment becomes easy. An apparatus for extracting noble metals from inorganic granular waste catalysts comprises a vertical type electrolytic cell, conduit lines, an electrolyte circulating pump, a unit for automatically maintaining the required acidity of the electrolyte being circulated, a filter for filtering activated carbon particles from the electrolyte, control valves, and stop valves. The electrolytic cell comprises a heat exchanger for heating the electrolyte being circulated, an insoluble anode and a three-dimensional cathode filled with activated carbon granules.