AW-ELZ 1 - 3 Electrolysis Cells

Plant for metal reclamation

General Information

Metalworking industries generate huge amounts of process solutions laced with heavy metals. Electrolysis cells can be used to reclaim metals and keep down production, treatment and disposal costs.
Before solutions enter the appropriate waste water treatment step, most of the metal load - or cyanide load in special cases – is removed. While it is theoretically possible to remove metal down to a very low residual concentration, the effort is prohibitive.

Using anodic oxidization on cyanide offers the possibility to reduce the load to the desired level, but requires a long runtime or big electrolysis cells.
The most reasonable approach is to reduce cyanide load to approximately 0.2g/liter with electrolysis and then apply established batch processing procedures.
Membrane electrolysis separates the anode and cathode spaces with a specialized ion exchanger membrane, triggering and using or avoiding chemical and electro-chemical reactions.
Calcium levels above 100mg/l in the solution inhibits the electrolysis process.

Principle

Separation of suspended metals using electrolysis at the cathode and cyanide oxidation to cyanate at the anode. Reclamation of caustic or alkaline solutions using electro-chemical processes.

Function

Slightly higher-concentrated cleaning solution is collected in a tank and pumped into the electrolysis cell. The cell works with a platter cathode, on which the metal is separated relatively pure. A continuous flow of solution is key.
The metal levels are reduced in the electrolysis cell, after reaching a certain level the circulatory tank and the cell are emptied.
An optional measure, control and metering device for keeping a constant pH Value is available.

Benefits

Reclamation of metals like Zn and Ni
Reclamation of precious metals
Recycling of caustic process solutions
Recycling of chromatising solutions
Recycling of copper chloride etching solutions
Recycling of anodisiation baths
Recycling of FeCl3 solutions
Recycling of different pickling solutions
Recycling of aluminum pickling solutions
Reduction of neutralization agents usage
Reduction of disposal through less sludge
Automated controlling with SPS
Can be easily added to existing plants

To keep the plant safe, the electrolysis cell has to be connected to an exhaust air system.

Technical Data

Efficiency depends on desired start- and target concentrations, current density and separation equivalent.
Electrical connection: 3x400/230V AC/N/PE

Typ	Rate	Dimensions L x W x H in mm
ELZ 1	7 kW	1.000 x 1.000 x 1.220
ELZ 2	14 kW	1.100 x 1.100 x 1.220

Typ	Anodisiation Surface	Storage Volume	Gleichrichter	Weigth (empty)
ELZ 1	2,4 m²	300 l	750 A	450 kg
ELZ 2	4,8 m²	350 l	1500 A	550 kg

Higher capacities on request
Subject to modifications

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