Electrolytic Supertank® Cells

ANCOR TECMIN designs and manufactures electrolytic Supertank®, cells to satisfy the most demanding challenges proposed by electrolytic plant operators worldwide. Usually, the primary requirement is to ensure operational availability throughout the useful life of the plant, maximizing the production of high purity metals (copper, zinc or other) with absolute safety for people and the environment in all conditions of use.  In addition, the cells must provide continuous improvements to the electrolysis process, through efficient integration with innovations in complementary equipment, such as electrodes, capping boards, cranes, electrolyte aeration systems, acid mist control, among others.

Out the more than 35,000 polymeric concrete cells manufactured to date by ANCOR TECMIN, more than 3,000 correspond to the latest generation Supertank® design, operating in more than 25 countries, including Chile, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, Japan, Korea, China, Kazakhstan, among others.

The Supertank® electrolytic cell design – patented in 1999 – was conceived considering user feedback and their actual operating conditions.

One of the most distinctive features of the Supertank® cell design is its rounded, optimized shape, which reduces internal stresses and contributes to more efficient drainage of electrolyte and sludge, in many cases reducing wash time and water consumption, and therefore operating costs.

Patented Technology

The Supertank® cells are manufactured with a patented system of polymer composite materials, with three monolithically molded layers:

  • The inner layer is a monolithic tank made of reinforced vinyl ester resin with multiple layers of FRP, according to international standards for chemical barriers, ensuring impermeability and resistance to corrosion in the long term.
  • The intermediate layer is a Hyperbonded®, polymer concrete structural core, formulated to achieve low coefficients of thermal expansion and to ensure structural integrity in the long term with low mechanical stress.
  • The outer layer is a standard seal made of a layer of FRP vinyl ester, which protects the core from electrolyte spills. Optionally, the outer seal can be specified with additional structural reinforcements in multiple layers developed to allow the cell to operate safely under particularly aggressive environmental conditions.

Benefits

The operational benefits resulting from the use of Supertank® technology include the following:

  • Impermeability without corrosion, guaranteed in the long term
  • Improved efficiency and productivity
  • Minimum maintenance cost
  • Maximum operational safety
  • Minimum cleaning time and water consumption
  • Increases electrode capacity and improves product quality
  • Reduces space used
  • Design optimized for installation of electrolyte agitation system for enhance copper quality and plant productivity
  • Long service life
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