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Precious metals electrowinning

Electrowinning cells that maximise precious metals recovery

With over 200 gold and silver electrowinning cells installed worldwide, our systems are known for their high-current efficiency, safety, ease of sludge removal, and durability. It’s little wonder they have been trusted time and again to deliver cost-effective precious metals recovery.

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Key benefits of our electrowinning cells

  • Safe and robust

    Our stainless-steel cells are more durable and less at risk of catastrophic fire than fibreglass cells. They are lined with polypropylene for electrical isolation and heat insulation and come with a built-in exhaust plenum to pull toxic fumes from the cell. Stainless-steel anodes and cathodes are less susceptible to corrosion and last longer.

  • Easy sludge removal

    Designed for in-cell cathode washing with a portable pressure sprayer or installed spraying system, our electrowinning cells eliminate the need to remove the cathodes for cell servicing, significantly cutting service time by up to 75%.

  • Customisable configurations

    Our electrowinning cells come in various sizes and have electable left- or right-hand orientation plus vertical or horizontal flanges to allow fitting into any existing refinery. The cells are easy to configure during engineering with a range of optional extras enhancing performance and ensuring you receive a cell that suits your application needs.

Our electrowinning cells

Treating 15-80 gallons per minute (3.5-18m3/hr) of pregnant solution, our electrowinning cells can be used with all types of metal recovery systems, including Zadra and AARL elution, high-grade leaching, and intensive cyanidation from gravity systems. They have also been used successfully with non-cyanide metal-bearing solutions. Cells are typically serviced once per week to recover the precious metal sludge and operate in the 2.1V to 5V buss bar range with 60A to 90A per cathode, although some high-grade solutions will use higher amperage per cathode. 

Models

Compare electrowinning cells

Cell Size
50 ft3
75 ft3
Anodes / Cathodes
14 / 13
20 / 18
Rectifier Amps (A)
750
1000

Our electrowinning cells

Hydraulic lid actuation with control valve replaces manual opening/closing of lids. 

Extend operating life when dealing with chloride, sulphate, and silicate containing solutions. 

Carbon and DSA anodes are offered for highly corrosive electrowinning solutions.  

Mercury abatement systems are available for treating the smelting furnace process off-gas and the refinery room ventilation system. 

Maintenance & service of our electrowinning cells

Our aftermarket department offers reliable and timely supply of spares and wear parts, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal equipment performance. Our specialists are also readily available to provide ongoing operational support. Whether it’s technical advice, troubleshooting or circuit optimization, we work closely with mine site teams to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the equipment throughout its lifecycle. Additionally, we offer comprehensive support services, including circuit audits, preventive maintenance programs, training for mine operators and maintenance personnel, and detailed reporting on equipment performance. Our goal is to help maximise recovery, minimise downtime, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of your FLS systems and equipment.

Learn more about FLS service centres

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Frequently asked questions

FAQs for precious metals electrowinning

Electrowinning is used to recover gold and silver by passing an electric current through a metal-laden solution. Metal ions are reduced and deposited onto the cathode as a metal sludge, which is collected and refined. 

FLS electrowinning cells are constructed of stainless steel to reduce wear and minimise fire risk. 

FLS offer cell sizes from 50 to 150ft of cathode equivalent volume, normally ranging from 500 to 2500 applied amps per cell.

Our busbars and electrodes are flat and positioned at the front of the cell for easy cleaning. The anode and cathode contact points are also flat and held tightly to the busbar during operation by the compression-locked lid. This flat shape allows easy repositioning of the electrodes by sliding when the lids are open.

Yes, FLS electrowinning cells feature a built-in exhaust hood to reduce exposure risk and simplify offgas control. We also provide mercury abatement systems for treating EW cell exhaust containing mercury.