PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR

Description

C25C covers electrolytic methods and equipment for producing, recovering, or refining metals from ores, scrap, or intermediate compounds through electrochemical reduction or oxidation. This subclass encompasses aqueous and molten salt electrolysis, electrowinning, electrorefining, and electroplating processes applied to ferrous and non-ferrous metals including copper, zinc, nickel, aluminum, and precious metals. Typical apparatus covered include electrolytic cells, cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and auxiliary equipment for current distribution and process control. Adjacent subclass C25D addresses electroplating and related coating processes, while C25B covers electrolysis of inorganic compounds not primarily directed at metal extraction.