The SummitPro™ Self-cleaning Electrowinning Cell is the industry’s first electrowinning solution with automated cathode wash and sludge removal, plus an operator-engaged hard-plate removal cycle. By minimising manual intervention and gold inventory lock-up, it enhances safety while cutting labour, maintenance and opportunity-loss costs. This accelerates the path from solution to value.
Cross-sectional view of cathode mesh samples. Left: wire mesh with accumulated gold hard-plating (typical in conventional electrowinning cells); Right: wire mesh after hard-plate removal, representing reduced gold lock-up and minimized mesh replacement as achieved by the SummitPro™ Self-cleaning Electrowinning Cell.
Triggered via the HMI and controlled by the PLC, the cell executes the self-cleaning sequence. It washes sludge from the cathodes, collects it in the lower trough and then flushes the precious-metal slurry to the sludge pump.
Traditional cells typically hard-plate about 1.25% of annual production onto the cathode mesh. This ties up cash, adds refinery charges and drives mesh replacement. The SummitPro’s operator-engaged hard-plate removal cycle reduces gold lock-up to about 0.008% and eliminates mesh refinery and replacement costs.
By automating electrode, cathode, and bus bar cleaning, SummitPro saves about 300 hours of manual maintenance per year.
Save about USD 72,000 per year for every 125,000 troy ounces produced, compared to hard-plating losses in traditional cells.
Minimise gold losses by cutting lock-up to just 0.008% and eliminating costly mesh refinery and replacement.
The SummitPro replaces tedious manual handling and pressure-spraying of cathodes, reducing exposure to hazardous materials. Direct-connect electrodes eliminate bus bar maintenance, and each electrode includes amperage monitoring via the PLC (programmable logic controller) to detect and prevent overheating.
A two-stage integrated ventilation system captures gases and vapours effectively while reducing airflow requirements. Lower airflow can reduce both HVAC capacity and downstream Mercury Abatement system size and cost where mercury is present.
By automating cleaning of electrodes, cathodes and bus bars, the SummitPro removes approximately 300 hours per year of manual maintenance. Fewer personnel are required for servicing. This improves uptime and overall gold recovery efficiency.