• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Procedure and system for the maintenance of permanent cathodes. The present invention relates, although without limitation, to a method and a system associated therewith, for the maintenance of permanent copper cathodes of an electrolytic refinery. Said procedure preferably comprises: the following stages: transport (1) of the permanent cathodes from the refinery to the maintenance plant; removal (2) of the plastic profiles (103); removal (4) of the copper adhered to the plates (100) of the cathodes; cleaning (5) of the cathodes; polishing (6) of the plates (100); control (7) of the flatness of the plates (100); control (9) of the conductivity of the plates (100); control (10) of the verticality of the plates (100); mounting (8) of the plastic profiles (103); transportation (14) and return to the refinery. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
    公开号:ES2755502A2
    申请号:ES201831010
    申请日:2018-10-17
    公开日:2020-04-22
    发明作者:Pérez Cano Abraham
    申请人:Rectificados Lemar S L；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001]
    [0002] PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PERMANENT CATHODS
    [0003]
    [0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [0005]
    [0006] The present invention is framed within the technical field corresponding to the techniques to support the electrolytic refining processes. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and system for the maintenance and / or repair of permanent cathodes used in said electrolytic processes.
    [0007]
    [0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [0009]
    [0010] The electrolytic refining of copper is the process by which said element is purified through an electrochemical reaction, which allows this metal to be separated from its impurities. For this, copper plates are introduced into a conductive solution (electrolyte) and an electric current is passed through it, which causes the copper atoms to deposit on cathodes and the impurities are separated around the anodes. This process is also used in the refining of other metals, such as zinc, cobalt or nickel.
    [0011]
    [0012] Generally, electrorefining of copper is carried out in vats, in which the anode copper and the cathodes are successively introduced, and which contain an electrolytic liquid. Also, in current metal electrolysis procedures, the so-called permanent cathode technology is mainly used, which is based on the reduction of a metal, such as copper, on the surface of the motherboard of a permanent cathode, preferably made of a steel of the right quality.
    [0013]
    [0014] Once the electrolytic process is completed, the metal in the form of cathode metal foil, such as a cathode copper foil, is easily detached from the surface of said motherboard, by means of a machine specially adapted to perform the detachment of the copper. An advantage of this procedure over conventional starting sheet technology, includes the ability to recycle permanent cathodes and reincorporate them to the process, in addition to high flatness of the cathodes, which allows improving the efficiency of the processes and the storage and transportation of the resulting products.
    [0015]
    [0016] The first plants for obtaining permanent cathodes were based on the so-called ISA technology, in which the release of the cathode metal was guaranteed by using a suitable wax, both for the bands on the edges of the sides of the motherboard, as well as for the bottom edge of it. In the procedure, a permanent cathode always generates two individual cathode metal halves (both halves grow separately). However, the wax used in the process can cause problems, both in the electrolysis process and in the quality of the cathode metal. The low weight of the cathode metal halves is also considered by some to be a problem as it influences the casting capacity of the foundry, in foundries where the cathodes are introduced into the furnace one by one.
    [0017]
    [0018] Another preponderant permanent cathode technology is based on the so-called Kidd procedure, in which waxing of the bottom edge of the permanent cathode motherboard is omitted and the cathode metal halves are allowed to grow attached by their bottom edges, which gives rise to a taco-type cathode. If the bottom edge of the permanent cathode plate is completely flat, problems with peeling off the metal may arise as the metal jams partially at the bottom edge of the motherboard. Therefore, the cathode metals thus obtained must be pressed or otherwise straightened because, on peeling, the lower parts of the cathode metal halves exhibit some degree of curvature and a fold / pocket is formed.
    [0019]
    [0020] During the large-scale production of copper (or other metal) cathodes, it is usual that some of them do not meet the minimum quality requirements for their commercialization, due to, for example, excessive deposition of salts on said cathodes, degradation of their plastic profiles, or other reasons. In these situations, and since refined metals are valuable materials, the rejected cathodes are subjected to a repair and / or maintenance process that involves correcting their properties until they reach the required quality parameters again. Said maintenance processes also involve the recovery of the metal deposited on the cathodes, which makes these processes, on the whole, very laborious, since in practice they involve treating the cathodes individually. This implies considerable reductions in the effective number of cathodes that can be used to production in the refining plants and, consequently, a loss of efficiency and economic performance of the same.
    [0021]
    [0022] The present invention is intended to solve the aforementioned problem, by means of a novel method of repair and maintenance of permanent cathodes that has improved efficiency compared to known procedures.
    [0023]
    [0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0025]
    [0026] An object of the present invention relates, although without limitation, to a process for the maintenance of permanent copper cathodes of an electrolytic refinery, said cathodes of the type comprising a main steel plate superiorly attached to a support bar, one or more hooking holes and one or more perimeter profiles.
    [0027]
    [0028] Advantageously, said procedure comprises the following steps carried out in any technically possible order, in a maintenance plant for said cathodes:
    [0029] - transport of permanent cathodes from the refinery to the maintenance plant;
    [0030] - removal of the plastic profiles;
    [0031] - removal of the copper adhered to the cathode plates;
    [0032] - cleaning the cathodes;
    [0033] - polishing of the plates;
    [0034] - control of the flatness of the plates;
    [0035] - control of the conductivity of the plates;
    [0036] - control of the verticality of the plates;
    [0037] - assembly of the plastic profiles;
    [0038] - transportation and return to the refinery.
    [0039]
    [0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step for marking the cathodes, said marking being manual or optical marking. More preferably, the marking is done with a laser, including a datamatrix type code, and where it is read and recorded in a database. And, even more preferably, the information in the database is configured with a web service for real-time control.
    [0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of repairing the support bar.
    [0042]
    [0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a verification step for inspection of the cathodes and quality control thereof.
    [0044]
    [0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of storing the cathodes in the maintenance plant.
    [0046]
    [0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport stage comprises the use of a self-loading truck with a crane arm.
    [0048]
    [0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport step comprises the use of Teflon protections in the supports of the cathodes of the support bars.
    [0050]
    [0051] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport step comprises the use of one or more loading and / or unloading tools, where:
    [0052] - the loading tools comprise a fixing system consisting of a central bar in which a plurality of spacers are arranged, distributed with a separation between adjacent spacers; a plurality of side hooks configured for insertion into the hooking holes of the cathodes; and a plurality of loading lugs;
    [0053] - the unloading tools are equipped with a support structure that includes, in turn, two arms configured for insertion into the holes of the cathodes, and a connection element to a lifting device.
    [0054]
    [0055] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of removing plastic profiles and marking the cathodes comprises placing the cathodes in an upright position and removing the cathodes by performing a lever movement on them.
    [0056]
    [0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of removing the copper adhered to the cathode plates is carried out manually by one or more operators, and where the plates are deposited on an automated vertical support, suspended at the end of their bars on chains protected with Teflon supports.
    [0058] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning stage of the cathodes comprises the transfer of the cathodes by means of a lifting system, until the entrance of a washing device, where a transport chain is in charge of passing the cathodes, in vertical position, inside said device.
    [0059]
    [0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cathode cleaning step comprises the use of pressurized water at a controlled pH and / or electrical conductivity.
    [0061]
    [0062] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning step of the cathodes is carried out without operator contact with the cathode.
    [0063]
    [0064] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning step comprises brushing the bar.
    [0065]
    [0066] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plate polishing step comprises the use of a pneumatic grinder with interchangeable discs, with controlled roughness.
    [0067]
    [0068] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plate polishing step comprises the use of one or more laser roughness meters.
    [0069]
    [0070] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stage of control of the flatness of the plates and / or the stage of control of the verticality of the cathodes comprises the use of a hydraulic press adapted to the shape of the cathode, by which it is introduce transversely to correct these plates.
    [0071]
    [0072] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly stage of the profiles comprises the arrangement of the cathodes on a work table equipped with lateral edges where said profiles are inserted and where, then, by means of pneumatic actuation and / or hydraulic, the plate is pushed towards the profiles, being embedded by its lateral sides in them.
    [0073]
    [0074] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of controlling the conductivity of the plates comprises placing conductive clamps on the plates, taking the conductivity reading, and recording it in a database directly associated with the measured plate.
    [0075] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stage of transportation and return to the refinery comprise the separation of the bars of consecutive cathodes between 80-120 mm.
    [0076]
    [0077] A second object of the invention relates to a maintenance system for permanent copper cathodes of an electrolytic refinery, said cathodes being of the type comprising a steel main plate superiorly attached to a support bar, one or more hooking holes and one or more perimeter profiles. Said system comprises, at least, the following operating stations installed in a maintenance plant, said stations being configured to carry out a procedure according to any of the embodiments described herein:
    [0078] - transport station for permanent cathodes from the refinery to the maintenance plant;
    [0079] - removal station for plastic profiles;
    [0080] - station for removing the copper adhered to the cathode plates;
    [0081] - cathode cleaning station;
    [0082] - plate polishing station;
    [0083] - station for checking the flatness of the plates;
    [0084] - plate conductivity control station;
    [0085] - station for checking the verticality of the plates;
    [0086] - assembly station for plastic profiles;
    [0087] - transport station and return to the refinery.
    [0088]
    [0089] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
    [0090]
    [0091] Figure 1 shows a general scheme of the procedure of the invention
    [0092]
    [0093] Figure 2 represents a permanent cathode and its main elements.
    [0094]
    [0095] Figures 3a-3b show an embodiment of a charging tool according to the invention.
    [0096]
    [0097] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a discharge tool according to the invention.
    [0098]
    [0099] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a tool for fixing and marking cathodes, according to the invention.
    [0100] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of an automated vertical support for the removal of copper adhered to the cathodes, according to the invention.
    [0101]
    [0102] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a work table for mounting (8) the profiles of the cathodes, according to the invention.
    [0103]
    [0104] NUMERICAL REFERENCES USED IN THE FIGURES
    [0105]
    [0106] In order to help a better understanding of the technical characteristics of the invention, the aforementioned figures are accompanied by a series of numerical references where, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following is represented:
    [0107]
    [0108]
    [0109]
    [0110]
    [0111] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0112]
    [0113] We now proceed to describe a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided for illustrative but not limiting purposes thereof. Although in the paragraphs of this description we will mainly refer to the repair of permanent copper cathodes, its realization must be understood as directly applicable to cathodes of other metals, such as zinc, cobalt or nickel, among others.
    [0114]
    [0115] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure of the cathodes to be treated is shown in Figure 1 and comprises a main plate (100) upperly attached to a support bar (101) attached to one end of the main plate (100) of the cathode, and where the ends of the bar (101) extend beyond the width of the plate, so that they serve as elements that can be arranged between two support points (for example, the opposite edges of the electrolytic cells, thus, the plate (100) being submerged in them). Additionally, to facilitate its extraction and handling, the plates (100) comprise one or more holes (102) configured as attachment points, to facilitate the transport or manipulation of the cathodes by means of a crane, hoist, or the like. For the perimeter protection of the plates (100), these can optionally be configured with one or more protective profiles (103), preferably made of plastic materials.
    [0116]
    [0117] Likewise, the method of the invention according to this preferred embodiment will refer to permanent stainless steel cathodes, although other types of materials can also be used within the object of the invention.
    [0118]
    [0119] As shown in Figure 2 of this document, in a preferred embodiment of the process of the invention, it comprises a combination in any technically possible order of the following steps:
    [0120]
    [0121] - Transport (1) of the permanent cathodes from the refinery:
    [0122] The cathodes are collected at the refinery, preferably by means of a transport vehicle such as, for example, a self-loading truck with a crane arm. The collection of the cathodes is subordinated to the operational needs of the refining plant, and is preferably carried out in compliance with its specifications and safety standards contained in the work procedure delivered to the client. Typically, each cathode is attached to an upper support bar (101), which allows it to be placed in a semi-submerged position in the electrolytic cells, supporting each end of said bar (101) on opposite edges of the cell.
    [0123]
    [0124] Transport operations are performed with the cathodes oriented in a preferably vertical position, limiting the appearance of oscillations in them. For this, it is possible to use protections, for example Teflon, on the cathode supports, so as not to damage the support bars. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to weigh the transport vehicle, in order to have an approximate control of the copper that is extracted from the facilities of the refinery, and that is initially adhered to the plates of the cathodes to be recovered. .
    [0125]
    [0126] In another embodiment of the invention, an operator or the driver of the transport vehicle may carry out an inventory of all the loaded cathodes to be transported. The truck will be weighed empty and loaded to record the weight of the cathodes, thus being able to control the copper adhered to them at all times. The management of the weighing information will preferably be carried out through a PDA, tablet or mobile phone communication and data entry terminal that the operator will carry. After loading and weighing the vehicle, it moves to the place where the cathode repair work will be carried out.
    [0127]
    [0128] For handling the plates, in a preferred embodiment of the invention one or more loading / unloading tools (300, 400) can be used, as shown in Figures 3a-3b and 4 of the invention.
    [0129]
    [0130] The loading tool (300) (Figures 3a-3b) is in charge of loading the cathode plates and, thanks to their distribution, correctly depositing them at the delivery points, preferably configured as lines (generally called “racks ”). As can be seen in the aforementioned figure, the loading tool (300) comprises a fixing system consisting of a central bar (301) in which a plurality of spacers (302) are arranged, preferably distributed with a separation between Adjacent spacers (302) between 70-130 mm, in order to safely support the cathode plates. Likewise, the loading tool (300) comprises a plurality of lateral hooks (303) configured for insertion into complementary holes (102) that the cathodes typically have in the lower area of their support bar (101).
    [0131]
    [0132] Figures 3a-3b show two views of this caga tool (300) and the arrangement of its hooks (303) to support the plates in their storage prior to unloading at the factory. Preferably, the maximum allowable load is typically 500-1000 kg. For its lifting and handling, a crane and a chain sling are preferably used, with a plurality of branches (suitable for connection to complementary lugs (304) installed on the tool (300)), which allow the tool (300) to be lifted ) in a balanced way and preferably have safety hooks (not shown in the figures), in order to avoid possible accidents due to falling objects in motion.
    [0133]
    [0134] For its part, Figure 4 shows a view of the unloading tool (400). This tool (400) is in charge of unloading the plates pending repair and, thanks to their distribution, correctly depositing them in the collection racks. As can be seen in Figure 3, the discharge tool is equipped with a structural support structure (401) which, in turn, comprises two arms (402) configured for insertion into complementary windows that the cathodes typically present in the area bottom of its support bar, and a connection element (403) to a lifting device (for example, a crane).
    [0135]
    [0136] - Removal (2) of plastic profiles (103) and marking (3) of the cathodes:
    [0137]
    [0138] Usually, the permanent cathodes are equipped with one or more plastic profiles (103) that it is convenient to remove to carry out the repair and / or maintenance work. The removal of the profiles (103) (see Figure 1) can be done at the refinery itself, or at the place where the cathodes are maintained. To do this, said cathodes are preferably placed in a vertical position and, by using one or more extraction tools that wrap around the profile (103), the cathodes are extracted by performing a lever movement on them.
    [0139] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, before or after the removal of the profiles (103) is carried out, the marking of the plates (100) of the cathodes is carried out individually. This marking can be done, for example, with laser marking, with chalk or with another similar tool, preferably on the horizontal bar (101) of the cathode. The marking may include, for example, information on the status of the profiles (103), type of cathode, plate (100) or profile (103), number of faces with copper attached to the plate (103), etc.
    [0140]
    [0141] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a specific tool (500) (see Figure 5) configured with mechanical means configured to fix the position of the cathodes (preferably oriented vertically), remove the profiles (103) and carry out the marking of the plates (103).
    [0142]
    [0143] For adequate traceability of the cathodes subjected to the maintenance procedure of the invention, preferably all of them will be marked by manual and / or laser engraving. Thanks to this marking, it will be possible to carry out an effective control of the cathodes stored in the chain, thanks to the markings made on them in one or more stages of quality control. In general, if the cathode is in good condition to advance the process, it will be marked by laser, for example with a “datamatrix” type code. This code will be an individual identification for each cathode, and it will include, in addition to its identification number, the individualized information that the operator wishes to enter manually, such as the area in which the profiles are affected, faces with adhered copper, type of profile (103) removed, etc. Once the permanent cathode is marked, the legibility of the datamatrix code is verified. Thus, each maintenance operation will be registered automatically by reading the cathode code and, automatically, by a datamatrix code reader. This process can be synchronized, for example via Ethernet communication, with other quality measurement equipment (laser roughness tester, durometer, etc.) of the cathodes, using traceability software configured with a database where all operations will be registered and measurements performed sequentially on each of the permanent cathodes.
    [0144]
    [0145] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information in the database will be accessible from a web service, for example through a client application, or through the implementation of a "business intelligence" tool, to that the maintenance process can be monitored in real time and historical maintenance records can be accessed. These applications or tools may also be implemented as mobile applications for phones, tablet-type devices or the like.
    [0146]
    [0147] In case the cathode is not suitable to continue, it is preferably stored in an output rack where, once complete, it will be separated by a crane. At this point, one or more operators will be in charge of separating the cathodes based on the problems detected on them, be they, for example: level of damage to the plate (100), need for polishing, type of plate (100 ) (specific or regulatory family) and / or plates (100) with various non-recoverable damages. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to use a support robot to move the plate (100) to the continuation rack or to the reject rack, in the same way that it is capable of placing the plate (100 ) in the laser marking and reading area.
    [0148]
    [0149] - Removal (4) of the copper adhered to the plates (100) of the cathodes:
    [0150]
    [0151] At this stage of the procedure, the adhering and non-skinned copper remains are removed from the plates (100), preferably by manual means (for example, with a chisel and hammer), taking care not to damage the surface of the stainless steel plate. (scratches, dents, etc.). For this, the plates (100) are preferably deposited on an automated vertical support (see an example of said support in Figure 6). They are suspended by the end of their bars (101) in protected chains, for example with Teflon supports, which prevent contamination of the cathode when it comes into contact with any metallic element. These advance progressively controlled by an operator, or automatically. Once the copper is detached, it is removed in packages, to be subsequently weighed and delivered back to the refinery.
    [0152]
    [0153] Sometimes the copper layer is extremely thin. In these cases, the cathode is transported by means of a load lift (for example, a crane) to a horizontal table with supports protected by teflon elements. There, the copper is carefully removed and the plate is returned to the marking station.
    [0154]
    [0155] - Cleaning (5) of the cathodes:
    [0156]
    [0157] The cathodes, when removed from the refinery, can have waxes, salts, dust, etc. attached. Once the marking of the plates (100) is carried out, they are transferred, preferably by means of a lifting system, up to the entrance of a washing device. There, a transport chain is responsible for passing the plate (100), in a preferably vertical position, into said device.
    [0158]
    [0159] Individual cleaning of each cathode will be carried out. Using pressurized water, adhering residues are removed. The water from the cleaning stage will preferably be reusable through an osmosis process that controls the pH and electrical conductivity. Once the plate (100) completes the washing process, fans are in charge of removing the water from its surface with the aim of, if it is necessary to polish the plate, it reaches this stage dry. Preferably, the washing step is carried out without operator contact with the cathode, so that possible damage from contact with corrosive products will be avoided.
    [0160]
    [0161] To finish the washing, the bar (101) is preferably brushed at both ends, through the contact area, for example thanks to the use of polishing rollers, installed after turning the plate into its horizontal position, once comes out of the washing machine.
    [0162]
    [0163] - Polishing (6) of the plates (100):
    [0164]
    [0165] A fundamental characteristic for a correct behavior in the copper electro-deposit process is the roughness of the surface of the stainless steel plate (100). Therefore, the inspection of the surface quality of the plate (100) is decisive to ensure that the copper cathode does not adhere too much to it, since it would hinder the skinning of the copper cathode and would force the use of an alternative method. takeoff. In addition to the increase in the roughness due to the corrosion of the cathode surface, it is very common to find encrustations of salts (usually calcium silicates) on the surface itself, usually at the interface. Salt encrustations in the interface area are visible to the naked eye and must be removed when they appear. To eliminate the fouling produced by the mentioned salts, the plates (100) will be polished, for example with a pneumatic grinder with interchangeable discs, with the indicated roughness to obtain the desired result.
    [0166]
    [0167] In addition to the encrustations, it is also necessary to carry out an exhaustive control of the roughness of the cathode surface, due to the presence of “pitting” (generated by corrosion) or deep scratches on the plate (100). By using tools Such as laser roughness meters, the roughness of the surface finish of the plate is analyzed at various points on both sides. To do this, once the plate is in a horizontal position, two installed roughness gauges are in charge of measuring this data on both sides. Because the roughness measurement is instantaneous, it is possible to carry out the measurement at 100% of the cathodes and record each one of the measurements with traceability software. Typically, the roughness of the stainless steel plate is between 1 and 1.5 pm.
    [0168]
    [0169] If the plate does not have the indicated roughness, it will be corrected by polishing. This process is of utmost importance, since it is the one that determines that the cathode finally has the surface finish tolerances required for the electrolysis process.
    [0170]
    [0171] For polishing, an automatic roller polisher is preferably used, for example made of very fine-grained silicon carbide, suitable for precision micro-deburring. The rollers work across the entire width of the plate, micro-deburring the entire plate surface at once from both sides of the plate.
    [0172]
    [0173] - Control (7) of the flatness of the plates (100):
    [0174]
    [0175] The flatness of the cathode, as well as its verticality, is of utmost importance to avoid cathode / anode contact within cells in electrolysis vessels. The flatness tolerance is typically ± 3mm at the center of the plate (100), and should be measured using a calibrated ruler for dimensional control.
    [0176]
    [0177] If the cathode does not meet this quality specification and cannot be repaired through a planning process, the type of reject is marked, separated, and documented. A reader, preferably located after the roughness meters, detects this deviation and prevents its passage to the polisher if it does not comply with the indicated tolerance, especially important since the introduction of plates that do not meet this requirement can cause damage to the polisher sandpaper. , when the gap of incidence of the paper on the plate (100) is affected. If the plate 100 does not have the indicated flatness, it will be corrected by means of a hydraulic press, for example a roller press adapted to the shape of the cathode, through which the cathode is introduced transversely.
    [0178] - Assembly (8) of the plastic profiles (103):
    [0179]
    [0180] The plastic profiles (103) that are in poor condition are replaced and managed for proper recycling. Preferably, the plate (100) is laid on a work table (see Figure 7, by way of example of said table) and the plastic profiles (103) are inserted into the lateral edges of the plate (100). Then, by means of pneumatic and hydraulic actuation, the plate (100) is pushed towards the profiles, being embedded on their lateral sides in them.
    [0181]
    [0182] - Control (9) of the conductivity of the plates (100):
    [0183]
    [0184] In this stage a conductivity test is carried out, which aims to evaluate the electrical conductance between the stainless steel plate (100) and the copper bar (101) (at the copper-stainless steel junction) at the cathodes. During their operation in the electrolytic cells, the cathodes are supplied with current by the ends of the copper bar (101) and evacuate the flow through the stainless steel plate (100) towards the electrolyte in which they are immersed. As a consequence and given the cathode geometry, an electric field is established that is complex, so that although Ohm's law is applicable, it is more appropriate to evaluate the electrical behavior through a continuous model. Indeed, since the electrical conductance is the inverse of the resistance, if a constant current flow is established at the cathode, it turns out that the resistance at each point of the cathode is directly proportional to the voltage loss, from which it is deduced that the latter Variable is a good measure of the resistance or conductance of a region of the continuum.
    [0185]
    [0186] Preferably, the conductivity measurement is performed on the profile mounting table (103). There, for example, conductive clips are placed on the plates (100), the indicated reading is taken. This is registered in a database directly associated with the measured plate (100). If there were any problems in the welding area, cracks or breaks, this procedure would be in charge of signaling the fault.
    [0187]
    [0188] - Control (10) of the verticality of the cathodes:
    [0189]
    [0190] Once the two previous processes have been completed, the vertical control of the entire assembly will be carried out, rectifying if necessary the position of the plate (100) with respect to the support bar (101), an operation that will be corrected by verticalizing.
    [0191] The tolerance for this verticality is typically ± 4-6 mm and is measured, for example, using a laser gauge specially designed for this effect. To carry out said measurement, the plate (100) is advanced through a roller chain horizontally, until it reaches the end of it. Subsequently, a robotic linear system is responsible for raising the cathode to a horizontal position, and keeping it suspended in that position while the laser works, and then unloading it in the output rack enabled for this purpose. If the cathode does not have the required verticality, it is corrected by verticalizing. In this way, the maintenance circuit would be complete in all its possible phases.
    [0192]
    [0193] - Verification (11) of the process and quality control:
    [0194]
    [0195] At this stage, the plate (100) passes a new verticality control, maintaining the same tolerance of ± 4-6 mm above the vertical, measured at the lower edge of said plate (100). If the previous measurement was superior, the cathode would not be accepted in the delivery as repaired. In addition, its correct cleaning and finish will be reviewed. It is the time to check all the plates (100) and apply different procedures on the rejected units.
    [0196]
    [0197] - Repair (12) of the support bar (101):
    [0198]
    [0199] It is important to inspect the existence of possible deformations in the copper bar (101) verifying its linearity on all its faces. The presence of deformations in the bar (101) transfers deformations to the stainless steel plate (100), thus increasing the probability of contacts between the cathodes and anodes. The tolerance on the bar arrow (100) must be less than 3 mm in 1 m. This inspection is performed using a calibrated ruler for dimensional control. Additionally, the contact area of the cathode copper bar with the intercell bar of the electrolysis plant must be verified. It must be verified that the lower curvature of the bar (100) is correct, in order to ensure contact with the intercell bar, limiting the voltage drop in the contact. If the cathode does not meet this quality specification and cannot be repaired through a straightening process, the type of reject is marked, separated, and documented.
    [0200] The lower part of the support bar (101), in the contact area, has to be thoroughly inspected. If it shows deterioration due to wear, corrosion or cracking, it will be repaired by welding and sanding, giving greater emphasis to mechanical polishing. It will be carried out periodically, since it is necessary to maintain the lowest possible resistivity.
    [0201]
    [0202] - Storage (13) of the cathodes:
    [0203]
    [0204] Once the entire process is completed, the cathodes will be placed on delivery supports, awaiting their loading in the truck crane and their transportation to the point of origin.
    [0205]
    [0206] - Transportation (14) and return to the refinery:
    [0207]
    [0208] The plates will travel with a spacing between bars, typically 80-120 mm, which implies that the ends of the bars will be positioned on slits that a support to prevent movement.
    权利要求:
    Claims (21)
    [1]
    one.
    [2]
    2. - Method according to the preceding claim, comprising a marking step (3) of the cathodes, said marking being manual or optical marking.
    [3]
    3.
    [4]
    Four.
    [5]
    5. - Method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a repair step (12) of the support bar (101).
    [6]
    6. - Procedure according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a verification step (11) of inspection of the cathodes and quality control thereof.
    [7]
    7.
    [8]
    8.
    [9]
    9.
    [10]
    10.
    [11]
    eleven.
    [12]
    12.
    [13]
    13.
    [14]
    14.
    [15]
    fifteen.
    [16]
    16. - Procedure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polishing step (6) of the plates (100) comprises the use of one or more laser roughness meters.
    [17]
    17.
    [18]
    18.
    [19]
    19.
    [20]
    twenty.
    [21]
    twenty-one. Maintenance system for permanent copper cathodes of an electrolytic refinery, said cathodes being of the type that comprise a main steel plate (100) upperly attached to a support bar (101), one or more hooking holes (102) and one or more perimeter profiles (103),
    characterized in that it comprises at least the following operating stations installed in a maintenance plant, said stations being configured to carry out a method according to claim 1:
    - transport station (1) for the permanent cathodes from the refinery to the maintenance plant;
    - station for removing (2) the plastic profiles (103);
    - station for removing (4) the copper adhered to the plates (100) of the cathodes;
    - cathode cleaning station (5);
    - polishing station (6) of the plates (100);
    - control station (7) of the flatness of the plates (100);
    - control station (9) for the conductivity of the plates (100);
    - control station (10) of the verticality of the plates (100);
    - assembly station (8) of the plastic profiles (103);
    - transport station (14) and return to the refinery;
    said stations being configured to carry out a method according to claim 1.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    CN101502986B|2011-01-05|Positioning apparatus for bonding silicon block
    ES2755502A2|2020-04-22|PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PERMANENT CATHODS |
    EP2959038B1|2016-12-07|Device for monitoring current distribution in interconnected electrolytic cells
    US8227345B2|2012-07-24|High capacity anode preparation apparatus
    US4038162A|1977-07-26|Method and apparatus for detecting and eliminating short-circuits in an electrolytic tank
    CA3064374C|2021-12-28|Package technology for intelligent source reduction of heavy metal pollutants of high-lead anode mud
    ES2268625T3|2007-03-16|INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR LAMINATED PRODUCTS OF A ROLLING INSTALLATION.
    JP6730971B2|2020-07-29|Decontamination apparatus for radioactive metal waste and decontamination method
    CN111077167A|2020-04-28|Bearing saddle detection system
    CN207143355U|2018-03-27|A kind of device for repairing minus plate Conductive beam hangers
    US1168280A|1916-01-18|Method and apparatus for electroplating pipes and other articles of magnetic material.
    US4436606A|1984-03-13|Electrolysis apparatus
    CN104498999B|2017-03-29|A kind of remaining double anode method for cleaning electrolyte and device
    CN211337976U|2020-08-25|Device for realizing quick replacement of travelling wheels of stacker-reclaimer
    EP3470826A1|2019-04-17|System for monitoring anodes used in electrolytic processes
    CN213975300U|2021-08-17|Rack body for storing roller
    KR100951245B1|2010-04-05|Vertical type exchanger for carbon bridge
    CN107034492B|2018-10-26|A kind of device and method for repairing cathode plate Conductive beam hangers
    CA1229817A|1987-12-01|Insoluble anodes for extracting lead from theelectrolyte in electrochemical processes forrecovering the metals contained in spent accumulators
    CN107986151B|2019-02-19|A kind of design method for the lifting of crack arrest steel jigsaw component
    CN204783856U|2015-11-18|Husky device is taken out in special use on water
    JP6047949B2|2016-12-21|Radiant tube changer in continuous annealing furnace
    CN212223940U|2020-12-25|Foundation and water storage system convenient for maintenance of bottom of flat-bottom storage tank
    CN213896033U|2021-08-06|Anodic oxidation treatment device for aluminum alloy
    CN209717371U|2019-12-03|A kind of automatic loading and unloading device
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    ES2755502R1|2020-04-23|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    JPS598505B2|1975-09-13|1984-02-24|Dowa Kogyo Kk|
    DE3307890C2|1983-03-05|1988-12-22|C.J. Wennberg AB, Karlstad|Method and device for cleaning cathode plates obtained in the electrolytic refining of metals, in particular Cu cathode plates|
    ES2112713B1|1994-05-31|1998-10-16|Asturiana De Zinc Sa|INSTALLATION TO DETACH THE ELECTROPOSED LAYERS ON CATODES.|
    US7807028B2|2005-03-09|2010-10-05|Xstrata Queensland Limited|Stainless steel electrolytic plates|
    ES2753888T3|2008-09-15|2020-04-14|Epcm Services Ltd|Electrode washing procedure and system|
    FI121628B|2009-06-30|2011-02-15|Outotec Oyj|METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING LABELS OF PERMANENT CATHODES FOR AUTOMATIC USE IN THE ELECTROLYTIC RECOVERY METAL|
    FI122461B|2009-06-30|2012-01-31|Outotec Oyj|Method and apparatus for preparing a parent plate for a permanent cathode for an electrolytic process|
    法律状态:
    2020-04-22| BA2A| Patent application published|Ref document number: 2755502 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: A2 Effective date: 20200422 |
    2020-04-23| EC2A| Search report published|Ref document number: 2755502 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: R1 Effective date: 20200416 |
    2021-03-09| FC2A| Grant refused|Effective date: 20210303 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    ES201831010A|ES2755502R1|2018-10-17|2018-10-17|PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PERMANENT CATHODES|ES201831010A| ES2755502R1|2018-10-17|2018-10-17|PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PERMANENT CATHODES|
    [返回顶部]