Edge protector assembly

Abstract

An edge protector in which the edge protector is configured to encircle an edge of an electro-deposition cathode. The edge protector has an internal channel, and, in the preferred embodiment, a pair of lips which engage opposing faces of the cathode. In the preferred embodiment, the internal channel is shaped so that the portion of the internal channel closest to or proximate to the lips has a width substantially greater than a width of said cathode and which tapers so that the other side of the channel approximates the width of the cathode. A key is provided which is secured to the cathode and which is configured to substantially fill a void between the cathode and walls of the internal channel. In the preferred embodiment, the edge protector further includes an externally accessible slot into which an expansion pin is inserted to force the edge protector to fully engage both the key and the faces of the cathode.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to smelting of ores and more particularly to edge protectors for cathodes.

Electro-deposition is used for the refining of many minerals including copper. Copper is extracted from the ore using large metal sheets made of titanium or stainless steel. These sheets are suspended in tanks containing the copper ore, a 5%-10% solution of sulfuric acid, plus other chemicals.

In Solvent Extraction-Electro Winning (SXEW), the copper is leached out of the copper bearing ore using sulfuric acid. The acid containing the copper drains to a collection system (pumps, pipes), ending up in tanks containing the large metal plates.

Low voltage/high amperage direct current electricity is applied, using lead as the anode, and the titanium/stainless steel plate as the cathode. The copper is electro-deposited (plated) on the metal to a pre-determined time/thickness.

Removal of the deposited copper requires the “peeling” of the copper from the cathode using a “knife” arrangement. Should the copper become deposited around the edge of the cathode, then its removal is significantly encumbered.

There is a significant need to provide for a mechanism which curtails depositing of the copper into a defined area. To this end, a variety of techniques have been developed including the use of various edge strips of CPVC, HDPE, Sponge/Spring combinations, etc.

All too often though, the edge strips break due to rough handling, copper getting underneath the strips, impact, age, etc. Protection such as wax, silicone, etc., must be re-applied each cycle; these are messy and create occupational and safety hazards, increase production costs.

Another problem associated with traditional edge strips is that when they are exposed to the high temperatures of their working environment, the maters used in the edge strip tend to degrade or unduly expand; this creates gaps in the seal between the edge protector and the cathode (allowing copper to be deposited in these gaps).

Gaps in the seals are also created during the grinding process to clean the cathode for subsequent uses. This narrows the width of the cathode; hence, the edge protector (designed for a particular width cathode) does not seal as well as it previously did.

When the edge strips break or fails to form a proper seal around the edge of the cathode, removal of the deposited copper is a major problem.

It is clear there is a need to provide secure edge protectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a edge protector in which the edge protector is configured to encircle an edge of a cathode.

While the present discussion relates to cathodes used in the electrowinning process, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that the present invention is useful in a variety of situations where an edge of a material is to be protected from physical damage and also in the fields where electro-deposition of metals is to be curtailed along an edge of a plate.

The edge protector of the present invention is configured to encase an edge of the cathode. This is accomplished by sliding or slipping the edge of the cathode into an internal channel established within the edge protector. As such, in the preferred embodiment, once the cathode has be placed on the cathode, a pair of lips on the edge protector address opposing faces of the cathode and the edge of the cathode is contained within the edge protector.

In the preferred embodiment, the internal channel is shaped in a “triangular” arrangement. In this embodiment, the widest portion of the triangular shape is closest or proximal to the lips with the narrowest portion distal from the lips. The narrowest portion has a width which approximates the width of the cathode. This arrangement provides a “gripping” or engagement relationship between the edge protector and the cathode.

In another embodiment of the invention, the triangular shape of the internal channel is reversed; that is, the widest part of the channel is distal from the lips.

A key is provided and is secured to the cathode. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the key fits on both faces/sides of the cathode and is secured through holes in the cathode to each other. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the key is secured to a single side of the cathode.

The key is configured to substantially fill a void between the cathode and walls of the internal channel. This configuration of the key creates optimal contact between the elements so that the edge protector is firmly secured to the cathode.

In the preferred embodiment, where the widest part of the internal channel is proximal to the lips, the key is shaped with its widest part proximal to the lip; in the alternative embodiment where the internal channel is widest at a distal point from the lips, the key is widest at the distal location from the lips.

In this manner, the key is configured to mimic the internal channel's configuration.

To further increase the amount of physical contact between the edge protector, key, and cathode, in the preferred embodiment, the edge protector includes an externally accessible slot located at the far side away from the lips. An expansion pin is inserted into this externally accessible slot which acts as a “lever” arrangement on the edge protector and forces the edge protector to contract around the lips region. This provides an action which encourages the edge protector to fully engage both the key and the faces of the cathode.

The invention, together with various embodiments thereof, will be more fully explained by the accompanying drawings and the following descriptions thereof.

DRAWINGS IN BRIEF

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate the assembly of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate alternative embodiments of the edge protector.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the assembly of the invention.

DRAWINGS IN DETAIL

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are end views and illustrate the assembly of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referencing FIG. 1A, edge protector 10A is shaped with an internal channel 19 and lips 9A. Note, internal channel 19 is wider near lips 9A than it is at the distal location.

Further, edge protector 10A has an externally accessible channel 15A located at a location opposite lips 9.

Electrode 11A is equipped with hole 18 through which pin 17 from key 12A is inserted to engage with key 13A as illustrated by arrows 16B. Ideally there are a series of holes with associated pins for attaching key 12A and key 13A to each other so that key 12A and key 13A are secured to opposing faces/surfaces of cathode 11A. These additional holes are not visible from this angle.

Note, key 12A and key 13A are shaped to mimic the walls of the internal channel 19.

Once key 12A and key 13A are fully secured to cathode 11A, edge protector 10A is placed over the keys 12A and 13A as illustrated by arrows 16A (typically by sliding edge protector 10A over keys 12A and 13A), resulting in the state illustrated in FIG. 113.

Once edge protector 10B is placed over keys 12B and 13B, expansion pin 14A is inserted into externally accessible slot 16B. The diameter of expansion pin 14A is greater than the width of externally accessible slot 15B, resulting in a force illustrated by arrows 16C which create a compression force illustrated by arrows 16D. This compression force 16D causes edge protector 10B to fully engage keys 12B and 13B together with forcing lips 9B to engage the faces of cathode 11B.

Once fully assembled, the combination of edge protector 10C, keys 12C and 13C, and expansion pin 14B, fully engage cathode 11C.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate alternative embodiments of the edge protector. In any of these edge protectors, there is an associated key which is shaped to substantially fill the internal channel.

Referencing FIG. 2A, edge protector 20A has internal channel 21A which is wider at a point distal from the lips.

Another shape for the internal channel is shown in FIG. 21B in which internal channel 21B of edge protector 20B is shaped irregularly (not triangular) and provides additional contact space along the walls of the internal channel 21B.

Still another shape for the internal channel is shown in FIG. 2C in which a single key is used to secure the edge protector 20C. Internal channel 21C is shaped to engage a single key on one face of the cathode with one wall of the internal channel fully engaging a face of the cathode.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the assembly of the invention.

In this embodiment of the invention, key 32 is located on one surface of cathode 30. Edge protector 31 encircles key 32 and, on the opposing face, fully contacts the surface of cathode 30.

This embodiment provides for enhanced contact between the edge protector and the cathode.

It is clear that the present invention provides for a highly improved and secure edge protector.

Claims

1. An edge protector assembly comprising:

a) an edge protector configured to encircle an edge of a cathode and having, 1) a pair of lips configured to engage opposing faces of the cathode, and, 2) an internal channel adapted to receive the edge of said cathode, A) a portion of said internal channel proximate to said pair of lips having a width substantially greater than a width of said cathode, and, B) a portion of said channel distal to said pair of lips having a width approximating the width of said cathode; and,

b) a key mechanism securable to said cathode and configured to substantially fill a void between the cathode and walls of said internal channel when the edge of said cathode is placed within said internal channel.

2. The edge protector according to claim 1,

a) wherein said edge protector further includes, an externally accessible slot located on a side of said edge protector opposite a location of said lips; and,

b) further including an expansion pin configured to be inserted into said externally accessible slot, a diameter of said expansion pin being greater than a width of said externally accessible slot.

3. The edge protector assembly according to claim 2, wherein said key mechanism has a first component and a second component, said first component being securable to a first face of said cathode and said second component being securable to a second face of said cathode.

4. The edge protector assembly according claim 3,

a) wherein said first component of said key mechanism includes at least two pins configured to be inserted through holes proximate to an edge of said cathode; and,

b) wherein said second component of said key mechanism includes means for engaging said at least two pins of said first component of said key mechanism.

5. The edge protector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, when said edge protector is positioned around an edge of said cathode and said key mechanism is contained within the internal channel of said edge protector, and upon insertion of said expansion pin into said externally accessible slot, the walls of said internal channel engage said key mechanism.

6. The edge protector assembly according to claim 2, wherein said key mechanism is securable to a first face of said cathode.

7. The edge protector assembly according to claim 6, wherein, when said edge protector is applied to the edge of said cathode, a wall of said internal channel is proximate to a second face of said cathode.

8. The edge protector assembly according to claim 7, wherein, when said edge protector is positioned around an edge of said cathode and said key mechanism is contained within said internal channel of said edge protector, and upon insertion of said expansion pin into said externally accessible slot, one of said walls of said internal channel engages said key mechanism.

9. An edge protector combination for a cathode having a first face and a second face, said combination comprising:

a) an edge protector configured to encircle an edge of the cathode and engage opposing faces of said cathode with a pair of lips, said edge protector further having an internal channel therein and wherein, 1) a first portion of said internal channel has a width substantially greater than a width of said cathode, and, 2) a second portion of said internal channel has a width approximating the width of said cathode; and,

b) a key mechanism securable to said cathode and configured to substantially fill a void between the cathode and walls of said internal channel when said edge protector is placed enclose the edge of said cathode.

10. The edge protector according to claim 9,

a) wherein said first portion of said internal channel is distal from said lips; and

b) wherein said second portion of said internal channel is proximal to said lips.

11. The edge protector according to claim 9,

a) wherein said first portion of said internal channel is proximal to said lips; and

b) wherein said second portion of said internal channel is distal from said lips.

12. The combination according to claim 11,

a) wherein said edge protector further includes, an externally accessible slot located on a side of said edge protector; and,

b) further including an expansion pin configured to be inserted into said externally accessible slot, a diameter of said expansion pin being greater than a width of said externally accessible slot.

13. The combination according to claim 12, wherein, when said edge protector is positioned around an edge of said cathode and said key mechanism is contained within said internal channel of said edge protector, and upon insertion of said expansion pin into said externally accessible slot, the walls of said internal channel engage said key mechanism.

14. The combination according to claim 13, wherein said key mechanism has a first component and a second component, said first component being securable to the first face of said cathode and said second component being securable to the second face of said cathode.

15. The combination according to claim 13, wherein said key mechanism is securable to the first face of said cathode.

16. An edge protector assembly comprising:

a) an edge protector configured to encircle an edge of a cathode and having, 1) lips configured to engage opposing surfaces of the cathode, and, 2) an internal channel configured to receive the edge of the cathode, A) a portion of said channel having a width substantially greater than a width of said cathode, and, B) a portion of said channel having a width approximating the width of said cathode, and, 3) an externally accessible slot located on a side of said edge protector opposite a location of said lips;

b) a key mechanism securable to said cathode and configured to substantially fill a void between the cathode and walls of said internal channel when an edge of said cathode is placed within said internal channel; and,

c) an expansion pin configured to be inserted into said externally accessible slot, a diameter of said expansion pin being greater than a width of said externally accessible slot.

17. The edge protector assembly according to claim 16 wherein, when said edge protector is positioned around an edge of said cathode and said key mechanism is contained within said internal channel of said edge protector, and upon insertion of said expansion pin into said externally accessible slot, the walls of said internal channel engage said key mechanism.

18. The edge protector according to claim 17,

a) wherein said first portion of said internal channel is distal from said lips; and

b) wherein said second portion of said internal channel is proximal to said lips.

19. The edge protector according to claim 17,

a) wherein said first portion of said internal channel is proximal to said lips; and

b) wherein said second portion of said internal channel is distal from said lips.