A permanent insulator system for hydrometallurgy with a significant increase in electric efficiency and without short circuit

Abstract

A permanent insulator system for hydrometallurgy has been developed with a significant increase in electric efficiency and without short circuits. The system consists of a double electric contact point for each cathode and anode and a new design of the insulating and contact system of the electrodes. The combination of these technologies provides a more uniform electric density inside each cathode and anode, in each cell, and also for the whole electric circuit in the cellhouse. Keeping a consistent maximum performance necessitates using parts with extreme durability against chemical attacks and short circuits. Hence, a comprehensive research into chemical stoichiometry and the behaviour of different molecules resulted in the development of an outstanding chemical resistance level to sulfuric acid and extremely high temperatures throughout the entire hydrometallurgical process. Field observations show that this formulation has been able to resist up to 19 years of continuous operation without maintenance. The goal of these developments combined with a new contact system was to reduce any type of short circuit by 70 to 80%, which in turn increases the electric current effectiveness by 8 to 10%. As a result, higher contact efficiencies have doubled the lifetime of the cathode and anode with this system. Consequently, the overall electric efficiency in a refinery cellhouse can be improved by 10-12%. Observations from real-world applications over the past decades have proven the efficiency of the earlier versions of this new concept. The system was found to be applicable to any type of contact system and has been used in various hydrometallurgical processes with great success. With the increasing price of energy and CO2 production, it has become more important to operate ecologically and efficiently to maximize profitability and this permanent insulator system can address many challenges which lead to a more efficient and cost-effective process.