PROCESS FOR NICKEL ELECTROREPLENISHMENT FOR NICKEL REFINERY ELECTROLYTE

摘要

17 A process is provided for the electrolytic dissolution of impure nickel refinery anodes to replenish nickel in a nickel-containing electrolyte, which comprises establishing an electrolytic system comprised of at least one electrolytic cell, said cell containing at least one impure refinery anode and at least one cathode compartment containing at least one cathode, said anode and cathode compartments being separated by chloride-resistant diaphragm through which electrolytic contact can be established between the anode and cathode compartments; flowing an aqueous anolyte through the anode compartment, said anolyte comprising nickel ions, alkali metal ions and at least one of the ions chloride and sulfate inns; maintaining a non-circulating catholyte in the cathode compartment, said catholyte being an aqueous alkaline solution containing sufficient hydroxyl ions such that under operating conditions of the cell nickel ion migration to the cathode compartment is prevented and substantially only the decomposition of water takes place in the cathode compartment, hydrogen being liberated at the cathode; and applying a direct current in the cell to dissolve the impure nickel refinery anode in the anode compartment and to dissociate water in the catholyte and generate hydrogen at the cathode.