Abstract: An assembly for use in refining metals includes two adjacent capping board segments defining a joint interface there-between, a contact bar that may be a contact bar segment and is sized and configured to lay on the two capping boards and to span across the joint interface, and two engagement mechanisms provided on respective sides of the joint interface, to hold the capping board segments together. Each engagement mechanism may include a projecting anchor element and a retaining cavity sized and configured to receive a corresponding projecting anchor element. The contact bar may include the projecting anchor elements and the capping board segments may include the retaining cavities. Methods and uses of such contact bars and capping board segments are also provided for hydrometallurgical refining operations.

Abstract: Sealing devices are provided as configured for use with cathode devices of an electrolytic cell for production of aluminum. In particular, the seals are specifically configured to provide an outlet seal for the cathode bars. The sealing devices are made of a material that is elastic, gas-proof, and heat-proof, and can create a hermetic seal around the cathode bar in such a way as to be able to move synchronously or asynchronously with the movement of the cathode bar as it undergoes thermally induced movement during aluminum production.

Abstract: Disclosed are cup assemblies for holding, sealing, and providing electrical power to a semiconductor substrate during electroplating which may include a cup bottom element having a main body portion and a moment arm, an elastomeric sealing element disposed on the moment arm, and an electrical contact element disposed on the elastomeric sealing element. The main body portion may be such that it does not substantially flex when a substrate is pressed against the moment arm, and it may be rigidly affixed to another feature of the cup structure. The ratio of the average vertical thickness of the main body portion to that of the moment arm may be greater than about 5. The electrical contact element may have a substantially flat but flexible contact portion disposed upon a substantially horizontal portion of the sealing element. The elastomeric sealing element may be integrated with the cup bottom element during manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell for recovery of metal. The assembly includes a hanger bar, a first perimeter bar, a second perimeter bar, optionally one or more center conductor bars, a base bar, a first tab coupled to the first perimeter bar and/or the base bar, and a second tab coupled to the second perimeter bar and/or the base bar. The assembly may also include insulating separators coupled to the tabs and/or insulators coupled to an active area of the anode assembly. A system includes the anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to an inert anode which is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell, such that a conductor rod is connected to the inert anode in order to supply current from a current supply to the inert anode, where the inert anode directs current into the electrolytic bath to produce nonferrous metal (where current exits the cell via a cathode).

Abstract: In a method of corrosion protection of rebar in concrete the sacrificial anode is held in place by wrapping a first wire around a first rebar portion and a second wire at second rebar portion and twisting together the first and second free ends to tension the wrappings. This can be used either on two separate rebars which are parallel or at right angles or can be used at longitudinally spaced positions on a single rebar where the rebar roughening prevents the two wrappings from sliding as the wires are tensioned by the twisting. In many cases a covering material such as a porous mortar is cast onto the outer surface of the anode and in this case the mortar and the wire are located such that the wire exits from the sacrificial anode at a position separate from the layer of covering material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods with applicability in the coating of surfaces, in particular three-dimensional surfaces, via anodization reactions. For example, the disclosed devices, systems and methods find use in the formation of microstructured or nanostructured layers, e.g., metal oxide microstructured or nanostructured layers, via anodization on a variety of devices including, e.g., medical devices. Devices modified with one or more microstructured or nanostructured layers are also provided.

Abstract: An electrolytic protection system for stern drive marine motors having a cavitation plae, said system comprising an adaptors fixedly secured to said cavitation plate, and an anode mateable with said adopter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an edge protector for a cathode plate includes inserting a first retention plate into a slit in a first edge strip, proximate an end of the first edge strip. The first retention plate is also inserted into a slit in a second edge strip, proximate a first end of the second edge strip. Additionally, the first retention plate is inserted into a gap of a first plug, such that the first plug abuts both the end of the first edge strip and the first end of the second edge strip. A corner cap is then overmolded on the end of the first edge strip, the first plug, and the first end of the second edge strip.

Abstract: A plating jig that can form a metal plating film simultaneously on both surfaces of a semiconductor wafer by one plating process. The plating jig includes a base section and a cover section that can hold a substrate to be plated, and a center section that holds the substrate between the base section and cover section; the base section, the cover section and the center section each having an annular portion having an opening at a center thereof; seal packings each having a conductive ring disposed thereon being attached to each of facing surfaces of the annular portions of the base section and the cover section; the substrate to be plated being disposed inside the opening of the center section; and the substrate to be plated being held from front and back surfaces thereof with the seal packings attached to the cover section and the center section.

Abstract: The planchet holder for electrodeposition of materials includes a container cover configured to securely fit over the mouth of a beaker. An elongate suspension post passes through a through-hole in the cover a predetermined distance, and a holder assembly is coupled to the suspension post to be suspended within the beaker at a select height from the bottom of the beaker. A planchet receptacle extends axially from a body of the holder assembly, and a substrate recess is formed at a distal end of the planchet receptacle for selective placement of a planchet. An endcap is secured onto the planchet receptacle to securely capture the planchet, and a port in the endcap exposes one face of the planchet for electrodeposition of a material. The planchet holder holds the planchet stationary within the beaker and exposes only one face for electrodeposition and subsequent analysis, thereby reducing time and costs.

Abstract: A monitored anode apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a metal body having an exterior and a core, and a plurality of electrically conductive probes passing through the exterior and disposed at respective depths within the core. At least one of the plurality of conductive probes is disposed at a first depth, and at least one of the plurality of conductive probes is disposed at a second depth greater than the first depth. A bonding conductor is in electrical communication with the body and configured to create electrical continuity between the body and a protected structure. The metal body is configured as a galvanic anode, and at least one of the plurality of probes is configured to break electrical conductivity with the body upon galvanic consumption thereof.

Abstract: An anode assembly is disclosed for use in a cathodic protection system. The anode assembly includes an elongated housing, an electrical cable, an anode, and electrically conductive backfill. The housing has a leading end and a trailing end through which the electrical cable extends. The anode is located within the housing and is in the form of a plurality of electrically conductive segments which are spaced apart from each other and which are electrically connected to the electrical cable at respective electrically conductive joints. The backfill surrounds the anode and cable within the housing.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system is provided for a subterranean well casing having an enclosed upper section of the well casing being substantially shielded by a cellar from an impressed-current cathodic protection circuit passing through earth media. The impressed-current cathodic protection circuit is provided to protect an unenclosed lower section of the well casing. To protect the enclosed upper section of the well casing, a supplemental cathodic protection circuit is provided. The supplemental cathodic protection circuit is a galvanic anode cathodic protection circuit comprising the enclosed upper section of the well casing and one or more bracelet galvanic anodes being circumferentially mounted to the enclosed upper section. The enclosed upper section of the well casing and the one or more bracelet galvanic anodes are substantially surrounded by a cellar backfill, and the galvanic anode cathodic protection circuit is equally effective throughout a broad range of non-homogeneity within the cellar backfill.

Abstract: A system configured to provide cathodic protection to buried and/or submerged metal components and/or structures, such as pipes is disclosed. The system includes a cathodic protection apparatus having at least one upright support and a plurality of sacrificial anodes secured to the at least one upright support in a vertical orientation to provide variable cathodic protection to the metallic structures.

Abstract: A marine cathodic protection system configured to protect a metal structure exposed to seawater from corrosion. The system includes a first anode provided on or adjacent the protected metal structure at a first position. The first anode is exposed to seawater, is electrically insulated from the protected metal structure, and is formed of a metal having a greater negative potential than the protected metal. The system further includes a second anode provided on or adjacent the protected metal structure at a second position. The second anode is electrically connected to the first anode. The first position is preferably substantially submerged in said seawater such that the protected metal and the first anode cooperate to define a seawater battery configured to apply an electrical current to the second anode, the second anode thus being an impressed current anode.

Abstract: An assembly of parts has a first metal part having a first surface having a corrosion resistant surface treatment and a second surface being free of corrosion resistant surface treatment, a second metal part having a third surface having a corrosion resistant surface treatment and a fourth surface being free of corrosion resistant surface treatment. The second metal part defines a recess that defines the fourth surface. The first and third surfaces are in contact. A conductive member is disposed at least in part in the recess and is in contact with the second and fourth surfaces. A sealing member disposed in the recess around the conductive member. A sacrificial anode is mounted and conductively connected to one of the first and second metal parts.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cathodic protection device include an anchor bar operably connected to a metallic structure placed in a marine or aquatic environment, a plurality of articulated bars and a joining mechanism. The plurality of articulated bars are connected to one another in a chain-like manner. The joining mechanism is configured to connect the anchor bar to the plurality of articulated bars.

Abstract: Galvanic anodes and barrier corrosion control for metal pipelines, tanks, and equipment under thermal insulation includes the use of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys in fresh water at high temperatures to protect steel elements in hot water without sufficient chlorides. Sacrificial aluminum and sacrificial zinc-aluminum powders in a mixed primer provide long-term, effective corrosion control of steel under thermal insulation can be achieved in all water temperature ranges regardless of the presence of sufficient chlorides. At temperatures below 75° C., the zinc particles in the primer act to protect the substrate steel. At temperatures above 75° C., the aluminum particles in the primer, and galvanic aluminum tape protect the substrate steel in chloride free neutral pH water and also reduce the consumption of zinc particles in the primer. When the electrolyte water for CUI is sufficiently contaminated with chlorides, the aluminum particles in the primer and the galvanic aluminum become active.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods of protecting a surface (e.g., a metal surface) from corrosion by conformably attaching a hybrid device comprising at least one multilayer energy storage device and at least one energy conversion device.