METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COPPER POWDER PRODUCTION BY ELECTROLYSIS OF SULFATE SOLUTIONS Russian patent published in 1994 - IPC

FIELD: electrochemical industry. SUBSTANCE: method provides for electrolytic dissolution of copper anodes in bath, deposition of copper powder in the form of spongy deposits on cathodes with circulation of electrolyte and spongy deposits removal. Process is carried out in following terms: tension in bath is set as ratio U_b=K(N-1), with N - number of electrodes; K - factor tension calculation. Electrolyte feeding and circulation is exercised from top to bottom in parallel to plane of electrodes with full change electrolyte in bath within 2 -3 hours. Bipolar electrodes are used. Electrolyzer is made in the form of case, that narrows downwards and has rectangular cross-section. Bipolar electrodes are set vertically by guiding grooves 12 and are resting on partitions 2. Containing copper sulfate and sulfuric acid electrolyte is continuously fed through holes 11 in canal 3. Electrolyte is lowered from top to bottom in intervals between electrodes and through holes and longitudinal canal is going out of bath. Copper is depositing as dispersing sponge on cathodic side of bipolar electrodes, pours down from cathodic surface, concentrates in bottom part and is carried out by electrolyte through canal. Anodes are made of lead. EFFECT: decrease of power consumption and increase of productivity. 3 cl, 5 dwg, 1 tbl