Patent ID: 6319391
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G21F

Abstract:
A method of treating scrap graphite having a metal contaminant adhered thereto to separate the metal from the graphite, which method comprises the steps of:(a) placing scrap graphite having a metal contaminant adhered thereto into a bath comprising an aqueous oxidizing electrolyte, the graphite being contained in one or more baskets having at least a base which has a grill or perforations to allow graphite particles to fall therethrough;(b) applying to the scrap graphite an electric current contact whereby the graphite forms one electrode of an electrolytic cell;(c) providing a second electrode in contact with the electrolyte; and(d) passing an electric current a round the electrical circuit comprising the electric current contact, the scrap graphite, the electrolyte and the second electrode thereby causing the scrap graphite to disintegrate and graphite particles to fall through the grill or perforations.