Rotowinner™
Continuous Electrowinning Technology
Free Radical Process Design (FRPD) has developed a novel electrowinning technology (the Rotowinner™) that is containerised, and operates on a continuous basis. This unique innovation can offer users a mobile, modularly expandable electrowinning solution that combines the process of electrowinning and cathode stripping – both operated continuously!
The technology has been proven to work on cobalt, copper and zinc, but has potential uses in the precious metals industry as well. The working principle of the technology entails plating metals onto a rotating drum cathode and continuously scraping the metal off, removing the need for overhead cranes, manual labour and a cathode stripping plant. The technology has been successfully demonstrated on a pilot-scale and has been optimised over a period of 36 months of operation.
Advantages of the Rotowinner™
Use of the technology confers several technical (and subsequent cost) advantages:
Mining Technology
- The Rotowinner™ combines electrowinning and cathode stripping into one continuous process that increases production throughput by 15%.
- The improved laminar flow dynamics of Rotowinner™ reduces reaction volume leading to higher linear velocity, improved mass transfer and higher current densities.
- Rotowinner™ decreases production downtime because it operates continuously. No need to stop production to remove cathodes for product harvesting. Rotowinner™ produces hands free metals without the need for cathode stripping.
- Rotowinner™ improves electron transfer efficiency because it is designed with smaller inter electrode distance that decreases inter-electrode resistance significantly.
- Rotowinner™ is designed to be robust and exceptionally easy to operate and repair. Speciality parts are kept to a minimum but are quick and easy to replace. Moving parts are designed with lifespan in mind.
Financial Risk Mitigation
- FRPD’s Rotowinner™ is available under toll processing terms. Pay only for the use of the machine and still own the production.
- Rotowinner™ is mobile and impermanent. Mobile metals beneficiation that combines electrowinning and cathode stripping on a smaller physical footprint.
- Use Rotowinner™ on a per hour or per litre basis. Rotowinner™ is the only mobile electrowinning solution that can be stopped and started without compromising long term production output.
Health and Safety Risk Mitigation
- Keep your team safe from heavy falling objects and injuries on duty with Rotowinner™ hands free metal production.
- Rotowinner™ is designed to enclose all operations within a contained unit that captures and treats acid mist, thus isolating the corrosive material from workers and equipment. Happier and healthier employees and less PPE to buy and manage.
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