| Kemix Packed Bed
Electrowinning Cell
The recovery of gold from CIP eluate is efficiently
achieved by utilising the packed type electrowinning
cell. Eluate containing gold and silver generated
from either Zadra or AARL type elution are
suitable for treatment in the Kemix Packed
Bed Electrowinning Cell.
The Kemix Packed Bed Electrowinning Cell
is engineered as a non-complex, robust and
easy to operate unit having minimal maintenance
requirements.
The electrowinning cell consists of a sandwich
arrangement of seven anode assemblies on either
side of cathode compartments, all contained
in a stainless steel tank. The cathodes are
constructed from perforated polypropylene
or stainless steel baskets filled with mild
steel or stainless steel mesh respectively.
The anodes are constructed from stainless
steel strips. The cathodes and anodes are
positioned alternatively within the cell.
The eluate is pumped into the cell at one
end and flows through all the electrodes prior
to exiting the cell via the overflow weir
at the opposite end. Solution bypassing is
minimised resulting in the optimisation of
pass efficiency.
On completion of the electrowinning cycle
the rectifier is switched off. The cathode
pin bar and conductor are removed after which
the cathodes are manually removed from the
cell. These cathodes are washed with high
pressure water to recover the metal sludge
that has deposited onto the cathode. Once
the cathodes have been washed they are returned
to the cell and the cathode pin and conductor
refitted. The electrowinning process can recommence.
The hinged hood has a locking facility to
increase the security associated with the
cathode sludge. The hood provides the means
for adequate ventilation of the cell by connecting
an extraction fan to the ventilation manifold
situated at the discharge end of the cell.
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