Abstract: An electrolytic process and an electrolytic cell for recovering metal values from low grade concentrates. The said concentrate is introduced into the cell containing an aqueous electrolyte so that it is retained in proximity to an anode or anodes and kept out of contact from the or each cathode. The cell is energized so that electrolysis takes place and acid is released at the anode(s) which dissolves the metal values which form cations which migrate to and are discharged at the cathode(s). The impurities in the concentrate form fine particles which are separated from the concentrate by screening, e.g. by means of a grid or grids separating the anodes from the cathodes.

Abstract: A technique and arrangement for the continuous electrolytic refining or electric extraction from solution of copper or other non-ferrous metal is described. An elongated electrolysis chamber is divided into a pair of separated compartments by means of a membrane which is permeable to the electrolyte used in the process but impermeable to solid, sludge-like impurities generated at the anode of the installation during electrolysis. The anode is fixedly supported in a receptacle disposed in one of the compartments, while the cathode, which preferably is in the form of an elongated continuous rod of circular cross-section, is supported for continuous longitudinal movement through the other compartment. The interface between the moving cathode and the adjacent electrolyte in the associated compartment is preferably agitated in order to increase the speed of transfer of the metallic ions and associated surface-active substances in the electrolyte to the cathode surface.

Abstract: A method and cell are provided for anodically oxidizing a metal hydroxide slurry from a state of lower valence to a state of higher valence, the cell comprising an anode in the form of a bed of nickel pellets and a plurality of parallel-connected cathodes extending into said bed of pellets, each of the cathodes being covered by a perforated layer of insulating material to inhibit electrical shorting of said cathodes with said bed of nickel pellets.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the treatment of aqueous solutions, comprising a closed container with an inlet aperture and an outlet orifice for water flowing through the container having at least two electrodes positioned within said container which can be connected to the positive and negative poles of a direct current source, at least one electrode being constituted of an elastically deformable electrically conductive body.

Abstract: A chemical process of isotopic enrichment of uranium makes use of isotopic exchange between an aqueous phase loaded with uranium III and another phase charged with uranium IV. Reduction and oxidation of uranium in aqueous phase are carried out using the same electrolyzer. Reduction may be by zinc amalgam which is later electrolytically reduced.

Abstract: An electroplating test cell comprises a tank having a housing supported within it, the housing being divided into an annular anode compartment and an inner cathode compartment. A cylindrical cathode support is mounted for rotation within the cathode compartment and is vertically adjustable therein to vary its position relative to electrolyte flowed within the compartment. The housing is supported near the bottom of the tank so that different levels of electrolyte may be maintained above the housing to provide varying liquid conditions ranging from a static pressure head to spray chamber plating. Rotation speed of the cathode support is variable to simulate different speeds of material movement through a plating bath.

Abstract: A substantially sealed electrolyte container is provided for electroplating articles, and an evacuating means is provided for evacuating the space above the electrolyte surface in the electrolyte container. The article to be electroplated forms the anode or cathode electrode. The electrolyte container is subdivided by porous partitions, which do not disturb the electrical field of force, into cathode and anode chambers, and separate gas extraction means are provided for said chambers. Beneath the electrolyte level in the cathode and anode chambers electrolyte extraction and supply means are provided by means of which the electrolyte is extracted, degassed and returned to the cathode and anode chambers.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is provided with a vessel containing an electrolyte and in which a lower temperature portion and a higher temperature portion are respectively defined, and with stirring devices or the like for forming circular flows of the electrolyte within the lower and higher temperature portions respectively and for circulating the electrolyte between the lower and higher temperature portions to permit the electrolysis to be carried out.

Abstract: A process for the electrodeposition of metal onto the particles of a fluidised bed cathode is of particular use in the electro-winning of metals. Agglomeration of particles is substantially avoided by the elimination of sharp corners within the portion of the cell where there is electrodeposition and by the removal of particles from the fluidised bed cathode before they reach a size where they tend to lodge adjacent structural surfaces within the cathode compartment. Flow of electrolyte into the base of the cathode compartment may conveniently be distributed by a porous plate or a "V" shaped trough.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell for use in the continuous hydroelectrometallurgical production of a metal by the electrolytic deposition of the metal on the surface of suspended seed particles of pure metal comprising a vertical cylindrical cell comprising an upper anode zone including a horizontal anode and a lower cathode zone including a horizontal network cathode, said network cathode partitioning the cathode zone into an upper and a lower part, and a stirrer positioned below said network cathode. Thus, the seed particles are maintained in a stable state of suspension in the electrolyte in the upper part of the cathode zone, where they are electronegatively charged by their collision with the network cathode, with the consequence that the electrolysis is carried out with extreme effectiveness.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising a rectangular tank divided into a plurality of adjacent compartments by a plurality of spaced apart parallel electrode plates. The outboard electrodes may form one pair of the opposite tank walls. Alternate electrodes are of opposite polarity. The intermediate electrodes terminate short of the tank ends so that the slurry or solution may pass around both ends of the electrode. An agitator is mounted in each compartment. The agitators are shaped and positioned to direct a predetermined volume of slurry against each electrode, the amount being directed against the cathode and anode respectively may be equal or unequal depending on the metal being recovered and the chemical reaction required at the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for elctrolytically removing silver from a spent photographic processing solution. A thin flexible cathode sheet is removably fitted within the inside periphery of a tank which receives the solution. A lid unit is removably secured over the tank and rotatably supports an anode assembly extending within the tank. A power unit is removably secured on the lid unit and carries a motor for driving the anode assembly to circulate the solution. An electric power conducting circuit in the power unit is automatically connected to the anode assembly and the cathode when the power unit is secured.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrochemical process wherein an electrolyte is passed through one electrode compartment of an electrochemical cell, said one electrode compartment comprising a particulate electrode and being separated from a second electrode compartment of said electrochemical cell containing a counter-electrode by a separator having an ion-permeable wall inclined away from the vertical and towards the particulate electrode.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes a vessel defining an electrolysis chamber and a cover for the vessel. A tubular diaphragm divides the vessel into a cathode chamber extending inwardly from the diaphragm and an anode chamber extending outwardly from the diaphragm. A tubular anode is positioned in the anode chamber and a cathode is positioned in the cathode chamber. The cathode comprises a plurality of angularly spaced sheets positioned about a center axis which is common to the anode and diaphragm.