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EP0201837B1 - Process and apparatus for the readjustment of the operational setting in an electrolysis cell - Google Patents

Process and apparatus for the readjustment of the operational setting in an electrolysis cell Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0201837B1
EP0201837B1 EP19860106133 EP86106133A EP0201837B1 EP 0201837 B1 EP0201837 B1 EP 0201837B1 EP 19860106133 EP19860106133 EP 19860106133 EP 86106133 A EP86106133 A EP 86106133A EP 0201837 B1 EP0201837 B1 EP 0201837B1
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Prior art keywords
voltage
cell
current
cathode
anode
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0201837A1 (en
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René KODAK-PATHE Kaufmann
François KODAK-PATHE Mohier
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Kodak Pathe SA
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Kodak Pathe SA
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25BELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B15/00Operating or servicing cells
    • C25B15/02Process control or regulation
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25CPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25C7/00Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells
    • C25C7/06Operating or servicing

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  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for regulating the position of the operating point of an electrolysis cell and, more particularly, to such a method and such a device designed to maintain this operating point on a plate. of a current-voltage characteristic of such a cell.
  • the recovery of silver can also operate using cell porous cathode, or volume, such as those disclosed in European Patent No. 37,325 issued to Eastman Kodak Compa- ny.
  • the current-voltage characteristic of electrolysis has the appearance illustrated in FIG. 1A of the appended drawing. In this figure, it appears that this characteristic comprises an approximately rectilinear middle part, of slight slope, or "plateau". If the operating point is on the left of this plate, the electrolysis current is low and the electrolysis is slow. To the right of the plateau, the high relative intensity of the current causes the deposition on the electrodes of undesirable species such as silver sulphide. The best operating zone, from the point of view of the yield and the purity of the cathodic deposit, is therefore located on the current plateau, the intensity of the latter varying with the silver concentration of the electrolysed fixer.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for regulating the position of the operating point of a cell where electrolysis of the current plate type described above takes place, which makes it possible to fix this point. in the best performance zone, without using a reference electrode.
  • the method of the invention is a method of regulating the position of the operating point of a cell where an electrolysis is carried out with current-voltage characteristic having a plate on which this point must be maintained, method according to which is superimposed on a continuous electrolysis voltage corresponding to a point on the plateau, a periodic voltage of determined amplitude and waveform.
  • the invention also makes it possible to produce a device for implementing this method, allowing the regulation of at least one anode-cathode voltage in a cell where electrolysis is carried out with current-voltage characteristic having a current plateau, of the type which comprises a) a power supply for establishing between the anode and the cathode a stabilized DC voltage and b) a means for adjusting this voltage.
  • the device further comprises c) an auxiliary periodic voltage source for superimposing on the stabilized anode-cathode voltage a periodic voltage of determined amplitude and waveform and (d) a regulator sensitive to the anode-cathode current to form a output signal significant of a difference between the waveform of the periodic component of the anode-cathode current and that of the periodic voltage superimposed on the DC voltage, the output signal of the regulator acting on the control means of the power supply (6) to correct the voltage.
  • advantage is taken of the non-linearity of the current-voltage characteristic to detect such drifts and to deduce therefrom a correction of the operating potential of the cell, capable of replacing the operating point of this cell in its position. the most favorable, namely the middle part of the plateau.
  • a periodic voltage of predetermined amplitude and waveform is superimposed on the operating voltage of the cell, the waveform of the periodic component is noted. of the cell current and the supply voltage of the cell is corrected as a function of the measured deformation of this waveform relative to that of the periodic voltage applied, so as to recall the entire periodic excursion of tension on the characteristic plate.
  • the periodic voltage E a (see FIG. 1) is superimposed on a periodic voltage, for example of triangular waveform e of excursion e M - e m .
  • This excursion is chosen so that it is at most equal, in voltage, to that of the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.
  • the intensity response of the periodic voltage variation will have the shape represented in FIG. 1A, practically triangular and of total excursion l M -l m , due to the quasi-linearity of the current-voltage characteristic in its plateau part.
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the means used, according to the present invention, to detect these deformations and to deduce therefrom a correction of the operating voltage of the cell.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the general arrangement of the adjustment device according to the invention.
  • Electrodes 1, 2 are immersed in a container 3 containing the solution 4 to be electrolyzed.
  • One of these electrodes is a porous cathode.
  • the electrodes 1, 2 are connected to the terminals of a stabilized electrical supply 5.
  • the latter delivers an adjustable direct voltage established between the electrodes, as well as an adjustable periodic voltage having, for example, a triangular waveform.
  • This periodic voltage is supplied to the power supply 5 by a function generator 6.
  • the block diagram of the regulator is shown in FIG. 3. It comprises first and second means (8, 8 ', 9, 10) and (11, 12) respectively, for forming signals in slots.
  • This signal B is then transformed into a slot signal C (FIG. 4), in a comparator 10, the other input of which is grounded, by detection of the passage of the signal to zero.
  • This slot signal has the same frequency as the starting signal A but its duty cycle is a function of the position of the cell operating point relative to the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.
  • the modulation signal supplied by the function generator 6 is taken in the form of a signal A which is also amplified at 11 and processed at 12 with a comparator for detecting the passage of the signal at zero.
  • the signal in slots D obtained has, by definition, a duty cycle equal to 50%. Its amplitude is made equal to that of signal C by appropriate conventional means.
  • a comparator 13 forms a signal E corresponding to the difference of the signals in slots C and D.
  • this operating point has drifted towards one or the other of the ends of the plate, it appears in the difference signal E series of pulses whose polarity is significant of the direction of the correction to be applied to the power supply 5 to bring the operating point of the cell back to the middle area of the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.
  • pulses correctly amplified, supply an adjustment means such as a servo motor coupled to a potentiometer adjusting the operating point of the stabilized supply.
  • the regulation is then completely automatic.
  • FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention suitable for regulating a multi-anode cell with a volume cathode.
  • this type of cell several 1 ', 1 ", 1"', etc. anodes are associated with a common 2 'cathode.
  • a common 6 'function generator and a stabilized 5' power supply supply the anodes via regulators 7 ', 7 ", 7"', etc. according to the invention, which each act separately on a separate anode, to polarize the latter in an optimal manner according to the local electrolysis conditions.
  • the present invention also finds application in other type of multi-electrode cells and in particular in those described in the aforementioned European patent n ° 37,325.
  • the present invention is applicable whenever the current-voltage characteristic of an electrolysis cell has a sufficiently large current plateau.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)

Description

La présente invention est relative à un procédé et un dispositif de régulation de la position du point de fonctionnement d'une cellule d'électrolyse et, plus particulièrement, à un tel procédé et un tel dispositif conçus pour maintenir ce point de fonctionnement sur un plateau d'une caractéristique courant-tension d'une telle cellule.The present invention relates to a method and a device for regulating the position of the operating point of an electrolysis cell and, more particularly, to such a method and such a device designed to maintain this operating point on a plate. of a current-voltage characteristic of such a cell.

Dans beaucoup d'applications de l'électrolyse, il est nécessaire de contrôler presqu'en permanence le courant ou le potentiel d'électrolyse. C'est le cas, notamment, lorsqu'on récupère par électrolyse l'argent contenu dans les bains de traitement photographique usagés. Les brevets des Etats-Unis d'Amé- rique n° 4 018 658 et 4 263 108 décrivent, à titre d'exemple, divers moyens de réglage adaptés à des cellules équipées d'électrodes classiques.In many electrolysis applications, it is necessary to monitor the electrolysis current or potential almost constantly. This is the case, in particular, when the silver contained in used photographic processing baths is recovered by electrolysis. US Patents of Amer- ica No. 4,018,658 and 4,263,108 describe, for example, various setting means adapted to cell equipped with conventional electrodes.

La récupération de l'argent peut aussi s'opérer à l'aide de cellules à cathode poreuse, ou volumique, telles que celles décrites dans le brevet européen n° 37 325 délivré au nom d'Eastman Kodak Compa- ny. Dans cette application, la caractéristique courant-tension de l'électrolyse présente l'allure illustrée à la figure 1A du dessin annexé. Sur cette figure, il apparaît que cette caractéristique comprend une partie médiane approximativement rectiligne, de pente faible, ou "plateau". Si le point de fonctionnement se situe à gauche de ce plateau, le courant d'électrolyse est faible et l'électrolyse est lente. A droite du plateau, la forte intensité relative du courant provoque le dépôt sur les électrodes d'espèces indésirables telles que le sulfure d'argent. La zone de meilleur fonctionnement, du point de vue du rendement et de la pureté du dépôt cathodique, se situe donc sur le plateau du courant, l'intensité de ce dernier variant avec la concentration en argent du fixateur électrolysé.The recovery of silver can also operate using cell porous cathode, or volume, such as those disclosed in European Patent No. 37,325 issued to Eastman Kodak Compa- ny. In this application, the current-voltage characteristic of electrolysis has the appearance illustrated in FIG. 1A of the appended drawing. In this figure, it appears that this characteristic comprises an approximately rectilinear middle part, of slight slope, or "plateau". If the operating point is on the left of this plate, the electrolysis current is low and the electrolysis is slow. To the right of the plateau, the high relative intensity of the current causes the deposition on the electrodes of undesirable species such as silver sulphide. The best operating zone, from the point of view of the yield and the purity of the cathodic deposit, is therefore located on the current plateau, the intensity of the latter varying with the silver concentration of the electrolysed fixer.

Pour maintenir le point de fonctionnement de la cellule sur ce plateau, on peut penser à appliquer, à l'aide d'une alimentation électrique stabilisée, une tension choisie entre anode et cathode. Cependant la tension établie n'est connue avec certitude qu'aux bornes de l'alimentation. En effet, il est difficile de connaître les chutes de tension qui s'établissent dans la solution à traiter au sein de la cathode volumique elle-même. Le potentiel de fonctionnement n'est pas alors exactement connu. Pour pallier cet inconvénient, on a pensé à utiliser une électrode de référence plongée dans la cellule comme proposé p. ex. dans la demande de brevet européen no. 35 008. Un potentiostat applique alors aux électrodes de la cellule une tension telle que la différence de potentiel mesurée entre l'électrode de travail de cette cellule et l'électrode de référence reste constante.To maintain the operating point of the cell on this plate, one can think of applying, using a stabilized power supply, a voltage chosen between anode and cathode. However, the established voltage is known with certainty only at the supply terminals. Indeed, it is difficult to know the voltage drops which are established in the solution to be treated within the volume cathode itself. The operating potential is therefore not exactly known. To overcome this drawback, we thought of using a reference electrode immersed in the cell as proposed on p. ex. in European patent application no. 35 008. A potentiostat then applies a voltage to the cell electrodes such that the potential difference measured between the working electrode of this cell and the reference electrode remains constant.

On a observé cependant que les mesures de potentiel ainsi réalisées étaient peu reproductibles, dès que la cellule d'électrolyse est soumise à un champ électrique. En outre, les espèces chimiques contenues dans le fixateur photographique traité provoquent, à plus ou moins long terme, un empoisonnement irréversible de l'électrode de référence, notamment par sulfuration, ce qui entraîne une dérive du potentiel de travail. Le remplacement de cette électrode est relativement onéreux en côuts de matériel et de maintenance.However, it was observed that the potential measurements thus carried out were not very reproducible, as soon as the electrolysis cell was subjected to an electric field. In addition, the chemical species contained in the treated photographic fixer cause, in the more or less long term, irreversible poisoning of the reference electrode, in particular by sulfurization, which leads to a drift in the working potential. Replacing this electrode is relatively expensive in terms of equipment and maintenance costs.

La présente invention a donc pour but de fournir un procédé et un dispositif de régulation de la position du point de fonctionnement d'une cellule où s'opère une électrolyse du type à plateau de courant décrit çi-dessus, qui permet de fixer ce point dans la zone de meilleur rendement, sans faire appel à une électrode de référence.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for regulating the position of the operating point of a cell where electrolysis of the current plate type described above takes place, which makes it possible to fix this point. in the best performance zone, without using a reference electrode.

Le procédé de l'invention est un procédé de régulation de la position du point de fonctionnement d'une cellule où s'opère une électrolyse à caractéristique courant-tension présentant un plateau sur lequel ce point doit être maintenu, procédé suivant lequel on superpose à une tension continue d'électrolyse correspondant à un point du plateau, une tension périodique d'amplitude et de forme d'onde déterminées. On déduit d'une déformation éventuelle de la forme d'onde de la composante périodique du courant de sortie de cellule, une dérive du point de fonctionnement et on corrige la tension continue d'alimentation de la cellule de manière à réduire cette dérive et à maintenir le point de fonctionnement de la cellule sur le plateau.The method of the invention is a method of regulating the position of the operating point of a cell where an electrolysis is carried out with current-voltage characteristic having a plate on which this point must be maintained, method according to which is superimposed on a continuous electrolysis voltage corresponding to a point on the plateau, a periodic voltage of determined amplitude and waveform. We deduce from a possible deformation of the waveform of the periodic component of the cell output current, a drift of the operating point and we correct the DC supply voltage of the cell so as to reduce this drift and maintain the operating point of the cell on the platform.

L'invention permet aussi de réaliser un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé, permettant la régulation d'au moins une tension anode-cathode dans une cellule où s'opère une électrolyse à caractéristique courant-tension présentant un plateau de courant, du type qui comprend a) une alimentation électrique pour établir entre l'anode et la cathode une tension continue stabilisée et b) un moyen de réglage de cette tension. Le dispositif comprend en outre c) une source de tension périodique auxiliaire pour superposer à la tension anode-cathode stabilisée une tension périodique d'amplitude et de forme d'onde déterminées et (d) un régulateur sensible au courant anode-cathode pour former un signal de sortie significatif d'une différence entre la forme d'onde de la composante périodique du courant anode-cathode et celle de la tension périodique superposée à la tension continue, le signal de sortie du régulateur agissant sur le moyen de commande de l'alimentation (6) pour corriger la tension.The invention also makes it possible to produce a device for implementing this method, allowing the regulation of at least one anode-cathode voltage in a cell where electrolysis is carried out with current-voltage characteristic having a current plateau, of the type which comprises a) a power supply for establishing between the anode and the cathode a stabilized DC voltage and b) a means for adjusting this voltage. The device further comprises c) an auxiliary periodic voltage source for superimposing on the stabilized anode-cathode voltage a periodic voltage of determined amplitude and waveform and (d) a regulator sensitive to the anode-cathode current to form a output signal significant of a difference between the waveform of the periodic component of the anode-cathode current and that of the periodic voltage superimposed on the DC voltage, the output signal of the regulator acting on the control means of the power supply (6) to correct the voltage.

Au dessin annexé, donné seulement à titre d'exemple:

  • la figure 1 comprend trois graphes utiles à l'explication du fonctionnement du procédé suivant l'invention, pour la régulation de la position du point de fonctionnement d'une cellule à électrolyse,
  • la figure 2 est un schéma d'un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé illustré à la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est un schéma du régulateur formant partie du dispositif de la figure 2,
  • la figure 4 représente un groupe de formes d'onde permettant d'expliquer le fonctionnement du régulateur de la figure 3, et
  • la figure 5 illustre un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, destiné à une cellule d'électrolyse comprenant plusieurs anodes.
In the accompanying drawing, given only by way of example:
  • FIG. 1 comprises three graphs useful for explaining the operation of the method according to the invention, for regulating the position of the operating point of an electrolysis cell,
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram of a device for implementing the method illustrated in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram of the regulator forming part of the device of FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 represents a group of waveforms making it possible to explain the operation of the regulator of FIG. 3, and
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention, intended for an electrolysis cell comprising several anodes.

On se réfère à la figure 1 où l'on a représenté en A le graphe de la caractéristique courant-tension d'une cellule à cathode poreuse où s'opère une électrolyse de sels d'argent. Pour les raisons développées ci-dessus, il est souhaitable que le point de fonctionnement a de la cellule soit placé sur le plateau de cette caractéristique, dans sa région médiane. Au cours du fonctionnement de la cellule, on peut observer une dérive de la position de ce point, soit vers des intensités plus faibles, comme illustré en b à la figure 1 B, soit vers des intensités plus fortes comme illustré en c à la figure 1 C.We refer to Figure 1 where we have represented in A the graph of the current-voltage characteristic a cell with a porous cathode where electrolysis of silver salts takes place. For the reasons developed above, it is desirable that the operating point a of the cell be placed on the plateau of this characteristic, in its middle region. During the operation of the cell, one can observe a drift of the position of this point, either towards weaker intensities, as illustrated in b in figure 1 B, or towards higher intensities as illustrated in c in figure 1 C.

Suivant la présente invention, on tire parti de la non-linéarité de la caractéristique courant-tension pour détecter de telles dérives et en déduire une correction du potentiel de fonctionnement de la cellule, propre à replacer le point de fonctionnement de cette cellule dans sa position la plus favorable, à savoir la partie médiane du plateau.According to the present invention, advantage is taken of the non-linearity of the current-voltage characteristic to detect such drifts and to deduce therefrom a correction of the operating potential of the cell, capable of replacing the operating point of this cell in its position. the most favorable, namely the middle part of the plateau.

Pour ce faire, suivant le procédé de réglage conforme à la présente invention, on superpose à la tension de fonctionnement de la cellule une tension périodique d'amplitude et de forme d'onde prédéterminées, on relève la forme d'onde de la composante périodique du courant de cellule et on corrige la tension d'alimentation de la cellule en fonction de la déformation mesurée de cette forme d'onde par rapport à celle de la tension périodique appliquée, de manière à rappeler l'ensemble de l'excursion périodique de tension sur le plateau de la caractéristique.To do this, according to the adjustment method according to the present invention, a periodic voltage of predetermined amplitude and waveform is superimposed on the operating voltage of the cell, the waveform of the periodic component is noted. of the cell current and the supply voltage of the cell is corrected as a function of the measured deformation of this waveform relative to that of the periodic voltage applied, so as to recall the entire periodic excursion of tension on the characteristic plate.

Pratiquement, on superpose à la tension continue Ea (voir figure 1) une tension périodique, par exemple de forme d'onde triangulaire e d'excursion eM- em. On choisit cette excursion de manière qu'elle soit au maximum égale, en tension, à celle du plateau de la caractéristique courant-tension. Ainsi, lorsque le point de fonctionnement a de la cellule se trouve au voisinage de la partie centrale du plateau, la réponse en intensité de la variation périodique de tension présentera l'allure représentée à la figure 1A, pratiquement triangulaire et d'excursion totale lM-lm, du fait de la quasi-linéarité de la caractéristique courant-tension dans sa partie en plateau.In practice, the periodic voltage E a (see FIG. 1) is superimposed on a periodic voltage, for example of triangular waveform e of excursion e M - e m . This excursion is chosen so that it is at most equal, in voltage, to that of the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic. Thus, when the operating point a of the cell is located in the vicinity of the central part of the plate, the intensity response of the periodic voltage variation will have the shape represented in FIG. 1A, practically triangular and of total excursion l M -l m , due to the quasi-linearity of the current-voltage characteristic in its plateau part.

Par contre, si le point de fonctionnement se déplace sur ce plateau vers l'extrémité gauche de la caractéristique, pour venir par exemple dans la position b repérée sur la figure 1 B, une partie de l'excursion totale eM-em de la tension périodique superposée s'effectuera sur une partie d'épaule non rectiligne de la caractéristique. La réponse en intensité à cette tension périodique présentera alors la forme d'onde représentée sur la figure 1B, qui s'écarte alors sensiblement de la forme triangulaire du signal de tension périodique d'entrée.On the other hand, if the operating point moves on this plate towards the left end of the characteristic, to come for example in the position b identified in FIG. 1 B, part of the total excursion e M -e m of the superimposed periodic tension will be carried out on a non-rectilinear shoulder part of the characteristic. The intensity response to this periodic voltage will then have the waveform shown in Figure 1B, which then deviates substantially from the triangular shape of the input periodic voltage signal.

Il en est de même si le point de fonctionnement s'écarte du plateau vers la droite (figure 1 C), la réponse en intensité au signal de tension périodique d'entrée triangulaire s'écartant aussi de la forme d'onde de ce dernier.The same is true if the operating point deviates from the plateau to the right (Figure 1C), the intensity response to the triangular input periodic voltage signal also deviating from the latter's waveform. .

Ces déformations de la forme d'onde sont donc significatives d'une dérive du point de fonctionnement de la cellule. On a représenté aux figures 2, 3 et 4 les moyens mis en oeuvre, suivant la présente invention, pour détecter ces déformations et en déduire une correction de la tension de fonctionnement de la cellule.These deformations of the waveform are therefore significant of a drift of the operating point of the cell. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the means used, according to the present invention, to detect these deformations and to deduce therefrom a correction of the operating voltage of the cell.

La figure 2 illustre l'agencement général du dispositif de réglage suivant l'invention. Des électrodes 1, 2 sont plongées dans un récipient 3 contenant la solution 4 à électrolyser. L'une de ces électrodes est une cathode poreuse. Les électrodes 1, 2 sont connectées aux bornes d'une alimentation électrique stabilisée 5. Celle-ci délivre une tension continue réglable établie entre les électrodes, ainsi qu'une tension périodique ajustable présentant, par exemple, une forme d'onde triangulaire. Cette tension périodique est fournie à l'alimentation 5 par un générateur de fonctions 6. Un régulateur 7, sensible à une tension prélevée aux bornes d'une résistance 8 placée dans le circuit anode-cathode de la cellule, commande la tension continue établie par l'alimentation 5 entre les électrodes 1, 2.FIG. 2 illustrates the general arrangement of the adjustment device according to the invention. Electrodes 1, 2 are immersed in a container 3 containing the solution 4 to be electrolyzed. One of these electrodes is a porous cathode. The electrodes 1, 2 are connected to the terminals of a stabilized electrical supply 5. The latter delivers an adjustable direct voltage established between the electrodes, as well as an adjustable periodic voltage having, for example, a triangular waveform. This periodic voltage is supplied to the power supply 5 by a function generator 6. A regulator 7, sensitive to a voltage taken from the terminals of a resistor 8 placed in the anode-cathode circuit of the cell, controls the DC voltage established by the power supply 5 between the electrodes 1, 2.

Le schéma de principe du régulateur est représenté à la figure 3. Il comprend des premier et deuxième moyens (8, 8', 9, 10) et (11, 12) respectivement, de formation de signaux en créneaux. La tension prélevée aux bornes de la résistance 8, amplifiée en 8' et filtrée en 9, présente à la sortie du filtre l'une des formes d'onde représentée sur la ligne B de la figure 4. On retrouve en a, b, c les formes d'onde représentées à la figure 1, fonctions de la position du point de fonctionnement de la cellule d'électrolyse. Ce signal B est ensuite transformé en un signal en créneaux C (figure 4), dans un comparateur 10 dont l'autre entrée est mise à la masse, par détection du passage du signal à zéro. Ce signal en créneaux a la même fréquence que le signal A de départ mais son rapport cyclique est fonction de la position du point de fonctionnement de la cellule par rapport au plateau de la caractéristique courant-tension.The block diagram of the regulator is shown in FIG. 3. It comprises first and second means (8, 8 ', 9, 10) and (11, 12) respectively, for forming signals in slots. The voltage taken from the terminals of the resistor 8, amplified at 8 ′ and filtered at 9, presents at the output of the filter one of the waveforms represented on line B of FIG. 4. We find in a, b, c the waveforms represented in FIG. 1, functions of the position of the operating point of the electrolysis cell. This signal B is then transformed into a slot signal C (FIG. 4), in a comparator 10, the other input of which is grounded, by detection of the passage of the signal to zero. This slot signal has the same frequency as the starting signal A but its duty cycle is a function of the position of the cell operating point relative to the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.

Parallèlement, le signal de modulation fourni par le générateur de fonctions 6 est prélevé sous la forme d'un signal A qui est aussi amplifié en 11 et traité en 12 avec un comparateur à détection du passage du signal à zéro. Le signal en créneaux D obtenu a, par définition, un rapport cyclique égal à 50%. Son amplitude est rendue égale à celle du signal C par des moyens classiques appropriés.In parallel, the modulation signal supplied by the function generator 6 is taken in the form of a signal A which is also amplified at 11 and processed at 12 with a comparator for detecting the passage of the signal at zero. The signal in slots D obtained has, by definition, a duty cycle equal to 50%. Its amplitude is made equal to that of signal C by appropriate conventional means.

Un comparateur 13 forme un signal E correspondant à la différence des signaux en créneaux C et D.A comparator 13 forms a signal E corresponding to the difference of the signals in slots C and D.

Si le point de fonctionnement de la cellule est situé dans la partie médiane du plateau, la différence des signaux est nulle (figure 4, a). La sortie E du régulateur 7 n'applique alors aucune correction à l'alimentation stabilisée 5. Le point de fonctionnement de la cellule ne bouge pas.If the cell operating point is located in the middle part of the platform, the difference in signals is zero (Figure 4, a). The output E of regulator 7 then does not apply any correction to the stabilized supply 5. The operating point of the cell does not move.

Si au contraire ce point de fonctionnement a dérivé vers l'une ou l'autre des extrémités du plateau, il apparaît dans le signal de différence E des séries d'impulsions dont la polarité est significative du sens de la correction à appliquer à l'alimentation 5 pour ramener le point de fonctionnement de la cellule dans la zone médiane du plateau de la caractéristique courant-tension.If, on the contrary, this operating point has drifted towards one or the other of the ends of the plate, it appears in the difference signal E series of pulses whose polarity is significant of the direction of the correction to be applied to the power supply 5 to bring the operating point of the cell back to the middle area of the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.

Ces impulsions, correctement amplifiées, alimentent un moyen de réglage tel qu'un servo-moteur couplé à un potentiomètre réglant le point de fonctionnement de l'alimentation stabilisée. La régulation est alors totalement automatique.These pulses, correctly amplified, supply an adjustment means such as a servo motor coupled to a potentiometer adjusting the operating point of the stabilized supply. The regulation is then completely automatic.

On a représenté à la figure 5 un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention adapté à la régulation d'une cellule multi-anodes à cathode volumique. Dans ce type de cellule plusieurs anodes 1', 1", 1"', etc., sont associés à une cathode 2' commune. Un générateur de fonctions 6' et une alimentation stabilisée 5' communs alimentent les anodes par l'intermédiaire de régulateurs 7', 7", 7"', etc. suivant l'invention, qui agissent chacun séparément sur une anode distincte, pour polariser celle-ci de manière optimale en fonction des conditions locales d'électrolyse.FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention suitable for regulating a multi-anode cell with a volume cathode. In this type of cell, several 1 ', 1 ", 1"', etc. anodes are associated with a common 2 'cathode. A common 6 'function generator and a stabilized 5' power supply supply the anodes via regulators 7 ', 7 ", 7"', etc. according to the invention, which each act separately on a separate anode, to polarize the latter in an optimal manner according to the local electrolysis conditions.

La présente invention trouve aussi application dans d'autre type de cellules multi-électrodes et notamment dans celles décrites au brevet européen n° 37 325 précité.The present invention also finds application in other type of multi-electrode cells and in particular in those described in the aforementioned European patent n ° 37,325.

On pourrait, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, utiliser une tension périodique de forme d'onde autre que triangulaire, par exemple en dents de scie ou sinusoïdale. L'homme de métier adaptera aisément le procédé de détection décrit à la forme d'onde choisie pour cette tension périodique.Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to use a periodic voltage with a waveform other than triangular, for example sawtooth or sinusoidal. Those skilled in the art will easily adapt the detection method described to the waveform chosen for this periodic voltage.

En outre, bien que conçue pour résoudre un des problèmes liés à l'électrolyse des bains de traitement photographique usagés dans une cellule à électrode volumique, la présente invention est applicable à chaque fois que la caractéristique courant-tension d'une cellule d'électrolyse présente un plateau de courant suffisamment étendu.In addition, although designed to solve one of the problems associated with the electrolysis of used photographic processing baths in a cell with a volume electrode, the present invention is applicable whenever the current-voltage characteristic of an electrolysis cell has a sufficiently large current plateau.

Claims (10)

1. A process for regulating the operating point position of a cell wherein is carried out an eleçtrolysis whose current-voltage characteristic exhibits a plateau, characterized in that to an electrolysis DC voltage corresponding to a point of the plateau is superimposed an AC voltage of determined amplitude and wave form, from a possible distortion of the wave form of the cell current AC component is deduced a shift of the operating point and the DC voltage supplying the cell is corrected in order to reduce this shift and to maintain the operating point of the cell on the plateau.
2. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that a signal significant of the possible shift of the AC component of the output current is formed by comparing the zero-crossings of this component with those of the AC voltage superimposed to the DC voltage and, from this comparison, series of square signals of duty cycle and polarity being functions of the correction to be applied to the electrolysis DC voltage are generated in order to cancel the shift of the cell operating point.
3. A process according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an AC voltage of triangular or saw toothed or sinusoidal wave form is selected.
4. A process according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the selected value of the AC voltage excursion is to the maximum equal to the extent, in voltage, of the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.
5. A device for practicing the process according to claim 1, for regulating at least one anode-cathode voltage in a cell wherein is carried out an electrolysis whose current-voltage characteristic exhibits a current plateau, of the type comprising a) an electric supply for providing a regulated DC voltage between anode and cathode and b) means for adjusting this voltage, characterized in that it comprises c) an auxiliary AC voltage source (6) for superimposing an AC voltage of determined amplitude and wave form to the stabilized anode-cathode voltage and d) regulator (7) responsive to the anode-cathode current for forming an output signal significant of a difference between the wave form of the AC component of the anode-cathode current and the one of the AC voltage superimposed to the DC voltage, the output signal of the regulator acting on means for monitoring supply (6) for correcting the DC voltage in order to maintain the operating point of the cell on the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that regulator (9) comprises first means (7, 8, 9, 10) for forming square signals (C) whose zero-crossings are synchronized with those of the AC component (B) of the anode-cathode current, second means (11, 12) for forming square signals whose zero-crossings are synchronized with those of the AC voltage (A) superimposed to the anode-cathode DC voltage and a comparator (13) for forming a signal (E) significant of the difference between signals (C) and (D), signal (E) being the output signal of the regulator.
7. A device according to any of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that auxiliary AC voltage source (6) provides a triangular or saw toothed voltage, whose amplitude is to the maximum equal to the extent, in voltage, of the plateau of the current-voltage characteristic.
8. A device according to any of claims 5 to 7, for an electrolysis cell comprising several couples of electrodes, characterized in that it comprises regulator (7) associated to each anode-cathode circuit.
9. A device according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the cell comprises at least one porous cathode.
10. An application of the device according to any of claims 5 to 9, to an electrolysis cell with a porous cathode, for recovering the silver contained in a solution of silver salts.
EP19860106133 1985-05-14 1986-05-05 Process and apparatus for the readjustment of the operational setting in an electrolysis cell Expired EP0201837B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8507269 1985-05-14
FR8507269A FR2582022B1 (en) 1985-05-14 1985-05-14 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE POSITION OF THE OPERATING POINT OF AN ELECTROLYSIS CELL

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EP0201837A1 EP0201837A1 (en) 1986-11-20
EP0201837B1 true EP0201837B1 (en) 1989-03-08

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DE102013213982A1 (en) * 2013-07-17 2015-03-12 Bayer Materialscience Ag Method and system for monitoring the functioning of electrolysis cells

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DE69524074T2 (en) 1995-07-15 2002-07-04 Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Mortsel Method and device for desilvering solutions
US5759377A (en) * 1995-07-15 1998-06-02 Agfa-Gevaert Process for de-silvering of a silver-containing solution
GB9815168D0 (en) 1998-07-13 1998-09-09 Eastman Kodak Co Recovery of metal from solution
GB9815167D0 (en) 1998-07-13 1998-09-09 Eastman Kodak Co Recovery of metal from solution
DE19840471A1 (en) * 1998-09-04 2000-03-09 Schmid Gmbh & Co Geb Apparatus for removal of coating from an article comprises devices which monitor voltage and/or current or potential variation, and are electrically connected to the control system of the apparatus
ITMI20050580A1 (en) * 2005-04-07 2006-10-08 De Nora Elettrodi Spa METAL METAL DEFROSTING METHOD

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FR2296705A1 (en) * 1974-12-30 1976-07-30 Solvay Detecting contact between electrolytic anode and cathode - by comparison of impulses superimposed on current and voltage
LU82188A1 (en) * 1980-02-21 1981-09-10 Esterol Ag PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING PHOTOGRAPHIC FIXER BATHS
US4263108A (en) * 1980-03-27 1981-04-21 Foresight Enterprises, Incorporated Control system for the electrolytic recovery of silver from photographic fixing solution

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013213982A1 (en) * 2013-07-17 2015-03-12 Bayer Materialscience Ag Method and system for monitoring the functioning of electrolysis cells

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EP0201837A1 (en) 1986-11-20
FR2582022A1 (en) 1986-11-21
FR2582022B1 (en) 1988-02-19

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