Abstract: A conveyor conveys electrodes edgewise along a path, and may include a conveyor belt for supporting a bottom peripheral edge of each electrode. The conveyor belt may include support cleats and safety stops. A plurality of wash nozzles are positioned adjacent to the path on opposing sides thereof. Wash spray from the nozzles is directed to impinge sides of the electrode. An enclosure for enclosing a washing section associated with the wash nozzles includes an entrance and an exit. An exhaust system may maintain the space within the enclosure at negative pressure. A drying system may be located at the exit of the enclosure and may include a pair of plenums. The plenums may include vertically extending longitudinal slots for drawing air along side surfaces of the electrode, and the plenums may be connected to the exhaust system for venting the air.

Abstract: An electrolytic cathode assembly includes a hollow hanger bar, and a deposition plate including an upper edge attached to the hanger bar. The hanger bar can be formed substantially of copper. At least one supporting element can be configured to support the hanger bar. The supporting element(s) can be internally disposed within the hanger bar, and can extend partially between bar ends of the hanger bar. The supporting element(s) can include first and second supporting elements, with each disposed adjacent to a respective one of the bar ends. The hanger bar can include an overhanging portion, and the supporting element(s) can be at least partially disposed within the overhanging portion. The supporting element(s) can include an inward end that is offset inwardly relative to the plate edges of the deposition plate.

Abstract: Electrodes are conveyed edgewise along a path. The electrodes can be supported by their bottom peripheral edge and can be maintained generally vertically. A plurality of wash nozzles are positioned adjacent to the path on opposing sides thereof. Wash spray from the nozzles is directed to impinge sides of the electrode. The nozzles can be arranged linearly to form a nozzle array angled so that the wash spray impinges an upper portion prior to a bottom portion of the electrode. Separate sections for rinsing or pre-washing can be provided within a washing chamber. Used water can be collected and recycled.

Abstract: Electrodes are conveyed edgewise along a path. The electrodes can be supported by their bottom peripheral edge and can be maintained generally vertically. A plurality of wash nozzles are positioned adjacent to the path on opposing sides thereof. Wash spray from the nozzles is directed to impinge sides of the electrode. The nozzles can be arranged linearly to form a nozzle array angled so that the wash spray impinges an upper portion prior to a bottom portion of the electrode. Separate sections for rinsing or pre-washing can be provided within a washing chamber. Used water can be collected and recycled.

Abstract: An electrolytic cathode assembly includes a hollow hanger bar, and a deposition plate including an upper edge attached to the hanger bar. The hanger bar can be formed substantially of copper. At least one supporting element can be configured to support the hanger bar. The supporting element(s) can be internally disposed within the hanger bar, and can extend partially between bar ends of the hanger bar. The supporting element(s) can include first and second supporting elements, with each disposed adjacent to a respective one of the bar ends. The hanger bar can include an overhanging portion, and the supporting element(s) can be at least partially disposed within the overhanging portion. The supporting element(s) can include an inward end that is offset inwardly relative to the plate edges of the deposition plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.