Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of automatic control and optimization of technological conditions of electrodeposition of metal from electrolyte, comprising the steps of a. electrolytically depositing a test deposit of metal from fresh electrolyte solution being supplied for use in the process, unto a first indicator electrode; b. electrolytically depositing a test deposit of metal from foul electrolyte being removed from the electrolysis process and unto a second indicator electrode both said test deposit being formed with a predetermined direct current flowing for a predetermined period of time; c. determining the difference in time for each test deposit to re-dissolve in its respective electrolyte as an index of the extent to which the foul electrolyte has been depleted of metal; d. comparing the index of the extent of metal depletion with the amount of energy consumed in the process as an efficiency index of the relative efficiency of the process; and e. controlling electrolyte composition and temperature to maintain the efficiency index within predetermined limits.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of automatic control and optimization of technological conditions of electrodeposition of metal from electrolyte, comprising the steps of a. electrolytically depositing a test deposit of metal from fresh electrolyte solution being supplied for use in the process, unto a first indicator electrode; b. electrolytically depositing a test deposit of metal from foul electrolyte being removed from the electrolysis process and unto a second indicator electrode both said test deposit being formed with a predetermined direct current flowing for a predetermined period of time; c. determining the difference in time for each test deposit to re-dissolve in its respective electrolyte as an index of the extent to which the foul electrolyte has been depleted of metal; d. comparing the index of the extent of metal depletion with the amount of energy consumed in the process as an efficiency index of the relative efficiency of the process; and e. controlling electrolyte composition and temperature to maintain the efficiency index within predetermined limits.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
136 words
In the method of claim 6, wherein three - electrode measuring electrolyzers are used in the method for measurement in the fresh and foul electrolyte, each electrolyzer including the inert test indicator electrode, a measuring electrode, and an auxiliary electrode, wherein: a. the step of depositing the test deposit from fresh electrolyte and the step of depositing the test deposit from foul electrolyte each comprising connecting a direct current source and a timer between the auxillary electrode and the indicator electrode to apply the predetermined amount of current thereacross and deposit the test deposit; b. the step of determining the differences in time for re-dissolution of each test deposit comprising monitoring the potential between the measuring electrode and the indicator electrode to determine when re-dissolution is complete, for each respective electrolyzer submerged in each respective electrolyte.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
In the method of claim 2, the step of determining difference in time for re-dissolving, further including reversing the polarity of the direct current source employed to deposit each test deposit and applying this reversed polarity direct current source during at least the final portion of the re-dissolving time for each test deposit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
In the method of claim 3, the further steps of monitoring the position of each electrolyzer relative to the surface of the electrolyte in which it is submerged to ensure that the electrolyzer is submerged.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
In the method of claim 3, the further steps of applying the reversed potention during re-dissolving of the test deposit during only predetermined times alternated with times during which re-dissolving takes place without the reversed potential.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of indexing the extent of electrolytic deposition of metal from fresh to foul electrolyte comprising: electrolytically extracting a test deposit of metal from both fresh and foul electrolyte; and thereafter determining the time required for each test deposit to re-dissolve in its corresponding electrolyte, the difference in time for the test deposit from fresh electrolyte to re-dissolve in fresh electrolyte and the time for the test deposit from the foul electrolyte to re-dissolve in foul electrolyte being an index of the extent of the electrolytic deposition of metal from the fresh electrolyte.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of indexing the extent of electrolytic deposition of metal from fresh to foul electrolyte comprising: electrolytically extracting a test deposit of metal from both fresh and foul electrolyte; and thereafter determining the time required for each test deposit to re-dissolve in its corresponding electrolyte, the difference in time for the test deposit from fresh electrolyte to re-dissolve in fresh electrolyte and the time for the test deposit from the foul electrolyte to re-dissolve in foul electrolyte being an index of the extent of the electrolytic deposition of metal from the fresh electrolyte.