Method and device for regenerating zinc
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a method and device for regenerating zinc from an alkaline zincate solution coming inter alia from an electrochemical generator. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     To summarize the prior art, in zinc-air electrochemical generators a suspension of powdered zinc in potash is oxidised by atmospheric oxygen, thus forming zincates which are soluble in potash and producing an electromotive force. It is thus desirable to regenerate the zinc from the solution of zincates, so that the metal can be re-used in the generator. 
     It is known that powdered zinc can be regenerated electrochemically, more particularly by electrolysis of an aforementioned alkaline zincate solution. Such methods, however, have a number of disadvantages. More particularly, it is frequently found that the zinc obtained in this manner is deposited at the cathode in the form of a foam or heterogeneous adhesive layer which is very difficult to detach from the cathode so that the material can be re-used. 
     Of course, this problem can be solved by mechanical scraping methods, but these methods are subject to practical difficulties, particularly in the case of small regenerators. 
     The invention, which aims to obviate these disadvantages, relates to a method and device whereby zinc in the form of directly-usable particles can be very easily regenerated from an alkaline zincate solution, the method being very simple, yielding a maximum output and requiring minimum consumption of energy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a method of regenerating zinc from an alkaline zincate solution, wherein the solution is contacted with at least two electrodes connected to a d.c. generator so that zinc particles are deposited on the negative electrode and oxygen is evolved at the positive electrode, the said solution being conveyed at a speed sufficiently high for the zinc particles to be dissociated from the negative electrode during at least a part of the operation of the method. 
     Accordingly, the invention relates to a method which, in a first embodiment, comprises contacting an alkaline zincate solution with at least two electrodes connected to a d.c. voltage generator so that zinc particles are deposited on the negative electrode and oxygen is evolved at the positive electrode, the method being characterised in that the solution is conveyed at a sufficiently high speed relative to the electrodes for the zinc particles to be successively deposited, detached from the negative electrode and entrained at the same rate as they are formed. 
     In a second embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises contacting an alkaline zincate with at least two electrodes connected to a d.c. voltage generator so that zinc particles are deposited at the negative electrode and oxygen is evolved at the positive electrode, the method being characterised in that, in a first period, the solution is conveyed at a sufficiently low speed relative to the electrodes (or at zero speed) so that the zinc particles are deposited on the negative electrode after which, in a second period, the solution is conveyed at a sufficiently high speed for the previously-deposited zinc particles to be detached from the negative electrode, and so on. 
     The invention also relates to a device for working the method, characterised in that it comprises a negative electrode disposed substantially along the axis of a tubular duct in which the solution for regeneration is conveyed, the duct being constructed from an insulating hydrophilic material such as asbestos, such that the alkaline solution can infiltrate but zinc particles dissociated from the negative electrode cannot pass through it; a positive electrode disposed in the form of a layer on the outer surface of the tubular duct, the positive electrode being constructed from a porous conductive material containing inter alia nickel and such that oxygen is released to the exterior; and a layer of a porous water-repellent material containing inter alia sintered polytetrafluoroethylene disposed on the positive electrode, the water-repellent material likewise being such that oxygen is released to the exterior but the solution cannot seep through. 
     An embodiment of the device for working the method is characterised in that it comprises a negative electrode disposed substantially along the axis of a tubular duct in which the solution for regeneration is conveyed, the duct being constructed from an insulating hydrophilic material such as asbestos, such that the alkaline solution can infiltrate but zinc particles dissociated from the negative electrode cannot pass through it; a positive electrode disposed in the form of a layer on the outer surface of the tubular duct, the positive electrode being constructed from a porous conductive material containing inter alia nickel and such that oxygen is released to the exterior; and a layer of a porous water-repellent material containing inter alia sintered polytetrefluoroethylene disposed on the positive electrode, the water-repellent material likewise being such that oxygen is released to the exterior but the solution cannot seep through. 
    
    
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be clear from the following non-limitative description, which is given by way of example for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings with like elements bearing like numerical designations. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a sectional view of one a device for regenerating zinc according to the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of one example of an installation for regenerating zinc according to the invention; 
     FIGS. 3a, 3b are sectional and side elevational views, respectively, of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIGS. 4a, 4b are sectional and elevational views respectively of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of still another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-section along line XX in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-section along line YY in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the device for regenerating zinc according to the invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-section along a line XX in FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 16 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the said device according to the invention; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-section along a line YY in FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is a sectional view of yet another embodiment of the said device according to the invention, and 
     FIG. 19 is a cross-section along a line WW in FIG. 18. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows a zinc-regenerating device according to the invention bearing the general reference 1 and comprising the following, from the interior outwards: A negative electrode 2 in the form of a cylindrical bar disposed at the centre of a tubular duct 3 made of a porous insulating hydrophilic material such as asbestos, the rigidity of which can be improved by a suitable mechanical holder (not shown). A solution of zincate in potash (together with regenerated zinc) flows in duct 3 as shown by arrows F. The porous insulating hydrophilic substance allows the potash solution to filter through to a positive electrode 4 disposed on the asbestos layer but prevents particles of regenerated zinc from coming in contact with electrode 4 and being oxidized thereby. Electrode 4 comprises a porous metal layer, e.g. of nickel or sintered nickel, supported if required by a fabric or perforated plate so that oxygen resulting from the process is freely released towards the exterior. 
     A porous water-repellent layer 5, e.g. of sintered polytetrafluoroethylene, is disposed on electrode 4. The layer is adapted to allow oxygen to flow through but prevent the potash solution from seeping towards the exterior. 
     The method according to the invention can be explained as follows: 
     When a d.c. is applied to the terminals of electrodes 2 and 4, the alkaline zincate solution is electrolyzed and the zinc is deposited in the form of dendritic particles on electrode 2, whereas oxygen is evolved at electrode 4 and discharged to the exterior, as already stated. 
     In a first embodiment of a method according to the invention, the flow speed of zincate solution F is sufficiently high to detach the dendritic particles from electrode 2 and thus prevent the particles from becoming excessively large before being entrained by the solution. 
     In a second embodiment of the method, the zinc is deposited for sufficient time to form dendrites and is then detached from electrode 2. To this end, the flow speed of electrolyte is slow or zero during the deposition period but high for a short period so as to detach the dendritic particles from electrode 2. 
     This sequence can, of course, be periodically repeated. An advantage of the second embodiment is that it reduces the power required by the pump for circulating the solution and also helps to obtain a nickel deposit which does not adhere firmly to electrode 2 and can therefore easily be detached. 
     Advantageously, irrespective of the embodiment, the zinc deposition electrode 2 is only slightly adhesive, so that the resulting particles can be detached by a flow of liquid (which of course is much less efficient than mechanical scraping). 
     To this end, according to the invention, the electrode 2 is advantageously made of a material having a strong excess pressure of hydrogen, e.g. a magnesium-based material. Of course, this material must not form intermetallic compounds with zinc, and therefore should not contain inclusions of elements such as copper, nickel, iron or zinc. 
     Advantageously, also the surface of electrode 2 is polished. Preferably, the surface is also partitioned or divided into metal regions and insulating regions. 
     Partitioning on a microscopic scale can be produced, e.g. by covering the metal surface with a layer of insulating oxide and cracking or splitting it by heat-treatment. The dendrites are deposited on the cracks; they have very small, highly fragile bases, so that they can be detached more easily. 
     Alternatively, the partitioning can be on the macroscopic scale. For this purpose, grooves or scratches are formed on the surface of electrode 2 and filled with an insulating material such as an epoxy resin. Next, the electrode is polished, thus showing up a number of small metal areas separated by the insulating material. In this case the dendrites are deposited on the metal surfaces and, as before, can easily be detached from electrode 2. In this case it is not necessary to avoid inclusions in the negative electrode of metals which form intermetallic compounds with zinc. 
     FIG. 2, by way of example, shows a zinc-regenerating insulation comprising a number of devices or cells 1 as shown in FIG. 1 but connected in hydraulic series by sleeves or bent insulating members 7 and electrically connected in series by connections 8 and 9, the d.c. being applied via connections 10 and 11, assuming that the stall comprises only three cells 1. 
     In FIGS. 3a and 3b, which are a cross-section and an external view respectively of an embodiment of the negative electrode 2, the metal surface is covered with an insulating layer 15 formed on each side with small apertures 16 which are advantageously in staggered relationship. 
     Consequently, the zinc dendrites form in apertures 16 and spread out as shown at 17 in FIG. 3a, i.e they have a thin base in apertures 16 terminating in a large external spread-out portion as shown. This spread results in a high shearing force at their base and facilitates detachment from the electrode by the flow of solution. Furthermore, the force required for detaching the dendrites is greatly reduced, resulting in low energy consumption by the pump conveying the solution. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, electrode 2 is as before covered by an insulating layer 18. 
     In FIG. 4a, the electrode has a metal core formed with projections, e.g. cylindrical metal projections 19 terminating in a tip and covered, except for the tip, with an insulating layer 20 of the same kind as layer 18. As can be seen, the tips of projections 19 extend parallel to one another and in the same direction as the flow of solution indicated by arrows F. Of course, as shown in FIG. 4b, the projections 19 are disposed in staggered relationship on electrode 2. 
     As the drawings show, the zinc dendrites spread outside the projections, as shown at 21. 
     Note that in this embodiment, detachment of dendrites 21 by the flow of solution F is further facilitated because the surface area with which the dendrites oppose the flow of the solution is large in relation to their base area. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, electrode 2 is divided into elements 25 disposed along the axis of the tubular duct 3. Each element has an e.g. cylindrical metal core 26 ending in a conical tip and covered, except at the end of the tip, with an insulating layer 27. The metal core 26 is secured to an electric conductor 28 which is also insulated and is connected to an insulated cable 29 disposed against the wall of duct 3. The cable is connected to the negative terminal of a generator supplying the regenerating device. As before, the conical tips extend parallel to one another and in the same direction as the flow of solution F. 
     Of course, the zinc dendrites 30 spreading at the end of elements 25 are fewer in number than in the preceding cases but have a large volume and are very easily detached by the flow F of solution. 
     FIG. 6 shows another embodiment, in which electrode 2 comprises a number of metal projections 32 terminating in tips along the axis of the ducts and covered, except for the tip, with an insulating layer 33. The tips extend parallel to one another and in the same direction as the flow of solution F. The tips are secured to a seat 35 which is likewise insulated and disposed against the wall of duct 3. Thus, the zinc dendrites spread out at the ends of the tips, as shown at 34. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the zinc-regenerating device comprises a negative electrode formed with projections 50 disposed at the centre of the tubular duct 3. Projections 50 (which are e.g. cylindrical and made of a metal, inter alia magnesium) terminate in tips disposed along the axis of the duct and are covered, except for the tip, with an insulating layer 51. The tips are connected to a seat 52 which is likewise insulated and disposed inside the tube, i.e. on the water-repellent layer 5. 
     Zinc is deposited in the form of dendritic particles on the tips of the projections, as shown at 70, whereas oxygen is evolved at electrode 4 and discharged to the exterior. 
     It has also been assumed that the metal projections 50 terminate in a tapering tip. In some cases, however, the applicants have found that detachment of the dendrites by the flow of solution is facilitated if the ends are not tapering but flat or substantially flat, mainly because they do not adhere firmly to flat ends, where the solution is less turbulent. 
     Consequently, in a variant as illustrated in FIG. 8, projections 80 are provided with flat ends 81 and the insulating agent 82 covers the entire projection except for tip ends 81, all the other features remaining unchanged. Of course, this variant is applicable to all embodiments of the invention. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 show a zinc-regenerating device according to the invention comprising a tubular duct 3. The negative electrode comprises a number of metal projections 32 terminating in tips aligned along the duct axis and covered, except for the tips, with an insulating layer 33, like those shown in FIG. 5. The projections extend parallel to one another and in the same direction as the flow F of solution. The projections are secured to a seat, likewise insulated, disposed against the wall of duct 3 as previously mentioned. 
     It can be seen with reference to FIG. 10, showing the same embodiment, that only the duct 3 and the layer 5 have completely circular cross-sections. The positive electrode 4 has a partially circular cross-section, i.e. in the form of circles bounded by a centre angle a of at least 180°, the bisector Z of the angle being substantially vertical. 
     Any particles of zinc not entrained by the flow of solution collect by gravity at the bottom and cannot under any circumstances come in contact with electrode 4 and cause short-circuits. 
     FIGS. 11 and 12 show a further embodiment of the invention. In these drawings, duct 3, electrode 4 and water-repellent layer 5 all have a complete circular cross-section. However, a layer 90 of fluid-tight insulating material is deposited inside the duct 3 and has a cross-section in the form of an arc of a circle bounded by a centre angle b not greater than 180°, the bisector Z of angle b being substantially vertical. 
     This embodiment like the previous one, can prevent any disadvantageous effects of zinc particles which are not entrained by the flow of solution. 
     In FIG. 13 a device for regenerating zinc according to the invention comprises a negative electrode 2 disposed at the centre of a tubular duct 3 made of a fluid-tight insulating material. On the inner surface of the duct 3 there is a positive electrode 4 in contact with a solution of zincate in potash (together with regenerated zinc) flowing in the direction of arrows F. The electrode 4 comprises a porous metal layer, e.g. nickel or sintered nickel, supported, if necessary, by fabric or perforated plate. Naturally, the oxygen which is evolved is entrained by the flow of the solution and may be separated therefrom by any suitable known device (not shown). This is also true of the further embodiments described below. 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, only the duct 3 has a complete circular cross-section, the positive electrode 4 having a cross-section in the form of an arc of a circle bounded by a centre angle a of at least 180° with a bisector Z which is substantially vertical. 
     It can thus be seen that any zinc particles not entrained by the flow of the solution collect by gravity at the bottom and cannot under any circumstances come in contact with the electrode 4 and cause short circuits which could noticably disturb the regeneration process. 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17 the duct 3 and the positive electrode 4 both have cross-sections in the form of complete circles. However, a layer 95 of fluid-tight insulating material is deposited inside the duct 3 and has a cross-section in the form of an arc of a circle bounded by a centre angle b not greater than 180°, with a bisector Z which is substantially vertical. 
     This embodiment like the previous one can prevent any disadvantageous effects of zinc particles which are not entrained by the flow of solution. 
     According to FIGS. 18 and 19 another embodiment comprises a negative electrode in the form of projections 100 passing from the exterior to the interior of a fluid-tight insulating duct 3. The projections 100 lie along the axis of the duct 3 and a positive electrode 4 is disposed on the inside of the duct 3 and extends over a centre angle a of at least 180° as in the case of FIGS. 14 and 15. A solution of zincate in potash (together with regenerated zinc) flows along the duct in the direction of the arrows F. 
     The projections 100 are cylindrical and made of metal (preferably magnesium) and terminate in tips disposed along the axis of the duct and are covered, except for the tip, with an insulating layer 108. The tips are connected to a seat 109 which is likewise insulated and disposed outside the tube, i.e. on the duct 3. 
     After a certain period of operation, however, microscopic zinc deposits may remain permanently on the projections, and may ultimately prevent the dendrites from being detached from the projections. 
     This disadvantage can be obviated simply by periodically dissolving the deposits by short-circuiting the electrodes of the device. The resulting electrochemical cell produces a weak current, but sufficient to dissolve the deposits. 
     Consequently, the method and device according to the invention are adapted to facilitate the regeneration of zinc particles used inter alia in an electrochemical generator, and may advantageously be applied to electric vehicles. 
     In a concrete application of the invention an embodiment with the structure of FIGS. 18 and 19 was used. The tube 3 made of polyvinyl chloride has internal and external diameters respectively of 22 mm and 25 mm. The electrode 4 made of sintered nickel is 0.8 mm thick and extends over an arc of 240°. The projections 100, made of magnesium, are cylindrical having a diameter of 1 mm with flat tips as shown in FIG. 8. The regenerator solution is 12N potash containing a zincate solution of concentration between 0.1 and 5 moles/liter. During the zinc particle deposition phase the solution flows at 200 l/h with an electricity consumption of 0.2 Ah per projection. During zinc particle removal phase of 1 minute&#39;s duration the solution flows at about 2,000 l/h and the electrodes are short-circuited. 
     Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, since such embodiments have been given by way of example only. More particularly, details can be modified, some features can be changed, and some means can be replaced by equivalent means without departing from the invention. 
     Naturally the various features of the several embodiments described can be interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular any of the negative electrodes described can be adapted to any of the embodiments, likewise any of the positive electrodes and so also any other components or units.