What Helps Automatic Stripping Running Well

Modern electro-winning cellhouses using large size cathodes(over 2,6 m2) are designed to be operated in a fully automated mode. The most visible piece of such an automated operation is the cathode stripping machine which avoids any labour-intensive manual stripping task. A performing automated stripping will be the forst point with a well-designed machine. But this is not enough. An efficient stripping is only the final result of several well-managed operation items. That means that when the stripping fails, it is better to look for "external" reasons than for intrinsic causes in most times.The purpose of this article is to explain the impact of key "external" criteria on the stripping stage. Cathode brushing, anode flattening, electrolyte distribution, cell cleaning are some of the criteria which will be analysed. Examples and simulated figures will support the presentation.