Electrowinning metal from chloride solution

摘要

A method for electrowinning metal from metal chloride-bearing electrolyte in an electrolytic cell wherein diffusion of chlorine from anolyte to catholyte is limited, thereby limiting concentration of chlorine gas around the cell so as to be within acceptable limits. Catholyte is withdrawn through a catholyte overflow duct in the cell to establish a catholyte level and the anode is maintained in an electrolyte-permeable diaphragm which is attached to a hood extending above the electrolyte level. Chlorine gas generated at the anode is withdrawn from the hood by applying suction via a suction duct located in the hood above the catholyte level and electrolyte is drawn through the diaphragm into the anolyte and upwardly inside the hood. Anolyte is withdrawn therefrom under the suction as an overflow via an anolyte outlet duct in the hood above the catholyte level.