FILTER-PRESS-TYPE ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTOR FOR RECOVERING GOLD (AU) AND SILVER (AG) VALUES IN POWDER FORM

摘要

The invention relates to the mining industry and is intended for the recovery of silver and gold values from solutions resulting from the leaching of mined materials. The reactor includes: a cathodic compartment with a first three-dimensional stainless steel electrode, in which compartment a reaction is performed comprising the electro-reduction of the Ag(I) and Au(I) values dissolved in a leaching liquor; and an anodic compartment in which an oxidation reaction is performed, with the energy used in both compartments being jointly harnessed and said compartments being separated by an anionic membrane. The nature and configuration of the cathode can be used to generate powder deposits that leave the reactor under the effect of the velocity of the fluid, thereby enabling the process to be operated continuously without the reactor being opened. The reactor also includes stainless steel plates for supporting the electrodes, which enable the electric current to be distributed uniformly over the meshes, and a pair of flow distribution channels for discharging the electro-generated metal powders.