New or Improved Means and Apparatus for the Separation of Gold and other Metals from their Ores.
Year: 1886

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 13th day of August, 1888, amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
New or Improved Means and Apparatus for the Separation of Gold
and other Metals from their Ores.
I, GEORGE JONES ATKINS, of Tottenham, in the County of Middlesex, Electrician
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object the separation of gold, silver and other metals
from their ores, and consists partly of an electrolytical process and apparatus, and
partly of an amalgamating process and apparatus.
According to my present invention the crushed or pulverized ore is fed from a
hopper or other receptacle into a vertical chamber which forms the anode compart-
ment of my electrolytic apparatus. Revolving vertically in this anode chamber is a
shaft carrying a broad bladed screw. As this screw revolves in the anode chamber
it causes the ore to be continually raised up towards the top of the said chamber so
as to keep the particles of ore in suspension in the electrolytic solution for a sufficient
period of time to allow the process of oxidation of the baser metals contained in
such ores to take place. On one side of the abovementioned anode chamber is
provided a filter of woven matting and flannel, or felt, porous plate, or other suitable
well known material, or combination of materials, which while preventing the passage
of the gangue into the cathode chamber, still allows a free circulation of the electrolyte.
Communication is made through this filter with a second or cathode chamber which
is also preferably provided with a revolving shaft carrying a screw or other form of
scraper for the purpose of removing the spongy or pulverulent deposit from the
cathode as it is formed thereon. The spongy or pulverulent deposit is collected at
the bottom of the cathode chamber and periodically removed therefrom. In some
cases I dispense with the beforementioned retarding screw in the anode chamber and
provide ledges or shelves in such chamber, inclined or not; or in fact any suitable or
well known moving or stationary apparatus may be employed for the purpose of
retarding the fall of the ore through the chamber. Or in some cases the chamber
may be made of such a length as to render such retarding apparatus unnecessary, the
ores being fed into such chamber through a sieve or other distributing apparatus at
the top and falling by gravity through the chamber, which may if preferred, be

page_text: inclined more or less, and of a greater diameter at the bottom than at the top in order
to avoid the possibility of the chamber becoming choked.
The anode and cathode chambers may be made wholly or partly of conductive
material, or of nonconductive material with conductive poles inserted in any suitable
or convenient manner. And the retarding screw or apparatus in the anode chamber
may be made of conductive or nonconductive material according to circumstances.
Or one chamber only may be employed, in which case, it is made of conductive
material and made to form the negative pole, the retarding screw or apparatus forming
the positive pole.
After having been freed more or less from the metallic salts of the baser metals
which are soluble in the electrolytic solution, the pulverized ore, still containing the
gold, passes to the lower part of the anode chamber, which lower part is preferably
tapered, and opens into a passage which is in communication with the amalgamating
apparatus, and is of nonconductive material. The pulverized ore may be forced
downwards through this passage by a revolving screw or other suitable means which
may be driven by a continuation of the shaft of the arresting screw of the anode
chamber, but must be of nonconductive material.
My improved amalgamating apparatus consists of a horizontal cylinder with closed
ends, and containing a revolving drum the periphery and sides or ends of which fit
more or less closely the interior of the said cylinder. Grooves or channels are formed
in the periphery of this drum and the spaces thus formed, as well as the clearance
spaces between the drum and the cylinder, are filled with mercury. A well or sumph
for a reserve of mercury being also provided at the bottom of the cylinder. The
pulverized ore is introduced from the electrolytic apparatus into the amalgamator at
one portion of the circumference of the cylinder, enters the grooves or channels in the
periphery of the drum, and is forced down by the revolution of the drum to the lower
part of the cylinder and rises to the upper part thereof as the drum continues its
revolution, and finally escapes by an outlet at the upper portion of the cylinder. It
will be understood that in passing through the amalgamator the particles of ore are
in a constant state of agitation and are brought into intimate or rubbing contact with
the mercury, and that consequently any gold contained in the ore will be retained by
the said mercury which is periodically drawn off and the gold separated from it in
the usual way.
The above described electrolytical apparatus and the amalgamating apparatus may
be used separately and independently of one another and either of them in combination
with any apparatus for the same purpose other than as above described.
By the employment of my invention ores may be treated in large quantities, in an
expeditious, continuous, effective, and economical manner, comparatively small
quantities of solution being employed; and, the ores being allowed to pass through
the apparatus principally by gravity, the power required for working the apparatus is
reduced to a minimum.
Dated this 28th day of Santember 1886
G. J. ATKINS.
Per W. H. Beck,
115, Cannon Street, London, E.C.,
Agent.

page_text: New or Improved Means and Apparatus for the Separation of Gold
and other Metals from their Ores.
I, GEORGE JONES ATKINS, of Tottenham, in the County of Middlesex, Electrician
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying two sheets of drawings, and to
the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
This invention has for its object the separation of gold, silver and other metals from
their ores, and consists partly of an electrolytical process and apparatus, and partly of
an amalgamating process and apparatus.
In the drawings hereto annexed Figure 1 is a front elevation, Figure 2 a longi-
tudinal vertical section, and Figure 3 a side elevation of apparatus constructed in
accordance with my invention. Figure 4 is a partial plan taken at line 1-1 of
Figures 1, 2 and 3, Figure 5 a partial section taken at line 2-2 of the same Figures
and Figure 6 is a partial vertical sectional elevation taken at line 3-3 of Figures 4
and 5 Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are to an enlarged scale. Similar letters of reference relate
to like parts in all the Figures of the Drawings.
A. B is a vertical chamber divided into two cylindrical parts forming respectively
the anode and cathode compartments of the electrolytic apparatus, into the anode
compartment of which the crushed or pulverized ore to be treated is fed, in a wet
or dry condition, from a hopper or other suitable feeding device, not shown in the
Drawings. The chamber A, B may be composed of an external case a formed of
timber, iron, earthenware, or other suitable material, and of an internal case a'
formed of gutta percha, ebonite, earthenware or any other suitable substance not
acted on by the electrolyte employed. Revolving vertically in the anode compart-
ment A, is a shaft C carrying a broad bladed screw D composed of carbon, lead,
peroxide of lead or any other suitable material which is a conductor of electricity
but is not soluble in the electrolytic solution employed. The edge of this screw
approaches as near to the sides of the compartment A as possible, but preferably
without touching them. The shaft C is composed of wood or other suitable non-
conductor of electricity, and may conveniently be made square, the holo in the screw D
being made square to correspond. The upper end of the shaft C is secured in a
metallic socket ( formed on or connected with the metallic shaft which revolves
in a bearing C. (" is a bevel pinion free to rotate loosely on the shaft C².
C is a
collar secured to the shaft C" and, resting on the upper surface of the bevil pinion C
transmits thereto the weight of the shaft C and its screw D so that as the pinion C

page_text: rotates, it turns the said shaft C and screw D by the frictional contact between the
pinion and the collar C. When the resistance of the screw D to motion is in
excess of what this friction will overcome, the pinion (continues to revolve without
imparting motion to the shaft C and screw D. This arrangement therefore acts as a
safety frictional driving gear to prevent injury to the screw 1) or its shaft C.
Electrical connection is made between the screw D and socket (", and consequently the
shaft C, by the carbon or other suitable conducting sleeve C.
The cathode compartment B is provided with a vertical metallic revolving shaft G
preferably furnished with frictional driving gear similar to that above described in
reference to the shaft of the anode compartment. The shaft G carries a cathode
cylinder H of copper, or other suitable conductive material, preferably provided with
openings to secure uniformity of the strength of the electrolytic solution inside and
outside the said cylinder H. J are indiarubber or other flexible scrapers secured in
the cathode compartment B for the purpose of removing the spongy or pulverulent
deposit from the revolving cathode cylinder H as it is formed thereon. The spongy
or pulverulent deposit is collected at the bottom of the cathode compartment, and is
periodically removed therefrom through the opening K.
Between the anode and cathode compartments A and B is provided a porous
partition or filter E of woven matting, flannel, felt, porous plate, or other suitable
well known material, or combination of materials, which, while preventing the passage
of the gangue into the cathode compartment, still allows a free circulation of the
electrolyte between the anode and cathode compartiments. This partition or filter E
is preferably mounted in a frame E' adapted to slide vertically in grooves, so that it
can be readily taken out or replaced for convenience of cleaning or repairing
As the screw D revolves in the anode compartment A, in the direction of the
arrow, it causes the crushed or pulverized ore to be continually raised up towards the
top of the said compartment in opposition to the action of gravity (which tends to
cause it to descend along the upper inclined surface of the screw) so as to retard the
descent of tho particles of ore in the electrolytic solution, and to keep them in contact
with the anode screw, for a sufficient length of time to allow the process of oxidation,
chlorinization or other action on the ore (according to the character of the solution
employed) to be effected by the anions liberated at the anode.
Instead of rotating the screw I in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2
it may be rotated in the opposite direction in cases where the electrolytic action on
the ore is sufficiently rapid to admit of it. In some cases the screw D may remain
stationary, and the ore be caused to flow or roll down on the upper surface of its
thread by the action of the solution introduced at the top of the anode compartment,
such solution passing through the anode compartment and flowing off therefrom by
the pipe A to be again returned to the top of the anode compartment by a pump or
otherwise; the gangue and any metal remaining therein passing away from the anode
compartiment through the passage M as hereinafter more fully described.
In some cases I substitute for the screw D in the anode department a series of
inclined ledges or shelves so arranged that the ore, in passing from the top to the bottom
of the anode compartment, is caused to fall from one to the other of such ledges or
shelves which are composed of material similar to that employed for the said screw D.
and, like it, act as the insoluble part of the positive or anode pole of the electrolytic
apparatus. These ledges or shelves may be inclined to one another, and remain
stationary or have any suitable motion imparted to them necording to circumstances.
In fact any suitable known moving or stationary apparatus may be employed for the
purpose of retarding the full of the ore through the anode compartment A.
Or in
some cases the compartment A may be made of such a length as to render any
retarding apparatus unnecessary, the ores being fed into such compartment through
a sieve or other distributing apparatus at the top, and allowed to fall by gravity
through the compartment which may, if preferred, be inclined more or less, from the
vertical and be minde of a greater diameter at the bottom thun at the top in order to
avoid the possibility of the compartment becoming choked.

page_text: The anode and cathode compartments-may be made wholly or partly of conductive
material, or of non conductive material with conductive poles inserted in any suitable
or convenient manner. And the retarding screw or apparatus in the anode chamber
may be made of conductive or non-conductive material according to circumstances.
Or, one-compartment only may be employed, in which case its interior is preferably
made of suitable conductive material and arranged to form either the negative or
positive-pole, the screw or other retarding apparatus forming the opposite-pole. -In
the latter case the retarding serew or other retarding apparatus may be surrounded
with a porous or other filtering material for preventing the gangue from reaching the
opposite pole.
After having been freed more or less in the anode compartment A from the baser
metals which are soluble in the electrolytic solution the pulverized ore, still
containing the gold, and in some cases silver as well, passes to the lower part of the
anode compartiment, which lower part is preferably tapered, and opens into the pipe
or passage M formed of non-conductive material, and which is in communication
with the inlet passage M¹ of the amalgamating apparatus. The said pulverized ore
may be forced downwards through the passage M by the propelling screw L, er
other suitable device driven by the lower end of the shaft C of the retarding screw D
or otherwise.
The amalgamating apparatus consists of a horizontal cylinder N of cast iron or
slate for example, with closed ends, and containing a revolving drum O, carried by
the shaft P revolving in stuffing boxes Q in the covers of the cylinder N, and driven
by the fast and loose pulleys R or otherwise. The periphery and sides, or ends of
the drum fit more or less closely the interior of the said cylinder N. Grooves or
channels S are formed across the periphery of this drum O, and the spaces thus
formed, as well as the clearance spaces between the drum and the cylinder, are filled
with mercury a well or sumph T for a reserve of mercury being also preferably
provided at the bottom of the cylinder N.
The ore is introduced from the electrolytic apparatus into the amalgamator through
the passage M at one side of the cylinder N, enters the grooves or channels in the
periphery of the drum O, and is carried down, by the revolution of the said drum
in the direction of the arrow, to the lower part of the cylinder N through the
mercury therein, and rises at the other side as the drum continues its revolution, and
finally escapes from the grooves or channels in the periphery of the drum, by rising
on account of its inferior density, through the mercury at an outlet passage U at the
opposite side of the cylinder N and passes away by the spout V. It will be under-
stood that in passing through the amalgamator the particles of ore are in a constant
state of agitation, and are brought into intimate or rubbing contact with the mercury,
and that consequently any gold or silver contained in, or mixed with the ore is
retained by the said mercury which is periodically drawn off through the tap W and
the gold and silver separated from it in the usual way.
In order to regulate the level of the mercury in the amalgamating apparatus and
thereby the quantity of ore passing through the apparatus in a given time I employ
a mercurial regulator consisting of a reservoir X at the bottom of which is a pipe X
opening into a chamber X2 connected by a pipe X³ with the mercury in the
cylinder N. The lower end of the pipe X' passes through a stuffing box at the top
of the chamber X' so that the said pipe X with the reservoir ✗, may be raised
and lowered within certain limits by means of the bevil gearing X³ X* operated by
the crank handle X. The bevil wheel X is screwed internally and the pipe X is
screwed through it, so that as the crank handle X is turned in one direction or the
other the bevil wheel X is rotated likewise in its bearing, and acts as a nut upon the
screwed part of the pipe X' raising or lowering the same with the reservoir X.
When it is desired to increase the quantity of mercury in the amalgamating apparatus
so as to produce a greater head of mercury, and thereby to retard the flow of ore
from the electrolytic apparatus, the reservoir X and pipe X' are raised, and more or
less of the mercury flows from the reservoir X into the cylinder N; and when it is

page_text: desired to reduce the quantity of mercury in the amalgamating apparatus so as to
produce a lesser head of mercury, and thereby to increase the flow of ore from the
electrolytic apparatus the reservoir X and pipe X' are lowered, and more or less of
the mercury flows from the cylinder N into the reservoir X.
Sometimes the mass of gangne issuing at the outlet passage U from the amalga-
mating apparatus is in the form of a stiff paste, and therefore does not pass away
freely, or carries with it some of the mercury. In order to facilitate its passage out
of the apparatus, and to prevent it from carrying mercury with it, I employ a rotary
stirrer revolving in the outlet passage U and driven by a pulley Y' actuated by a
cord or band Y2 passing round the pulley Ys on the shaft P, and over the guide
pulleys Y, or by other suitable means. In some cases I assist the action of the
stirrer Y by introducing a stream of water or other suitable liquid through the
pipe Y, whereby the mass of gangue is softened before being acted on by
the stirrer Y, and thus reduced to such a consistency that it will readily pass out of
the apparatus. In the arrangement shown in the drawings motion is transmitted
from the shaft P to the shafts C and G by means of belt pulleys and gearing; but it
is obvious that motion may be imparted to the shafts C and G by any other suitable
means, either from the shaft P or from other source of motion.
-
The positive pole of a dynamo or other suitable generator of electricity is connected
by the brush with the shaft C and retarding screw D in the anode compartment A,
with the shaft G and
and the negative pole of the said generator by the brush
cylinder H in the cathode compartment B. The usual means are of course employed
to effect the proper insulation of the parts of the electro-lytic apparatus which require
to be so treated.
lt will now be understood that the electrolytic compartments A, B having been
filled with one of the usual well known electrolytic solutions, according to the nature
of the ore to be acted on, and the result to be obtained, the ore to be treated, after
having been crushed or pulverized in the usual way, is introduced gradually, and
continuously through a hopper, or other feeding device into the top of the anode
compartment A. The ore falls on to the retarding screw D and gravity causes it to
roll down the inclined surface of the screw thread; but as the latter is rotated
preferably in the direction which tends to raise the said ore towards the top of the
anode compartment, the passage of the ore from the top thereof to the bottom through
the electrolytic solution is retarded, and the whole of the ore is kept for a considerable
time, in contact with the anode pole, so as to form the a soluble portion thereof, whilst
every particle is exposed to the oxidizing or electrolytic action of the solution. The
effect of this is that by the time the ore has reached the bottom of the anodo com-
partment all the baser metals have been dissolved, and the gold and silver, or either
of them left in, or mixed with, the gangue are or is in a condition to be removed
therefrom by the amalgamation process. The cathions resulting from the solution
of the metals in the anode compartment A pass through the partition or filter E
into the cathode compartment B, and are there deposited upon the cathodo
cylinder H, as a pulverulent metallic deposit which is scraped off the cylinder H
by the scrapers J as above described, and ultimately falls to the bottom of the
cathode compartment, whence it is removed from time to time or continuously
for subsequent treatment or disposal according to its nature and other circumstances.
The ore, with the gold, or silver, or both, having reached the bottom of the anode
compartment passes to the amalgamating cylinder N, is there brought into contact
with the mercury, the gold or silver, or both, combines or combine with the
latter in the usual way, and the gangue passes out to waste as above described.
When the mercury has received sufficient gold or silver it is withdrawn and treated
in the usual way.
It will be seen from the above description that the process is practically a
continuous one, that is to say a stream of crushed ore is supplied continuously to
the anode compartment, the baser metals are removed from the ore as it passes
through the anode compartment, and the remaining ore and gold and silver pass on

page_text: to the amalgamating apparatus where the gold and silver are separated from the
gangue and the latter issues continuously as waste to be disposed of according
to circumstances.
The above described electrolytical apparatus, and the amalgamating apparatus may
be used separately and independently of each other. The electrolytic apparatus may
be used in connection with amalgamating apparatus other than that above described,
and the amalgamating apparatus may be used in connection with any electrolytic
apparatus other than that above described.
When the electrolytic apparatus is employed separate from the amalgamating
apparatus it may be arranged to stand in a tank containing olectrolytic solution, the
level of which is the same as that in the electrolytic compartments A and B, so that
the solution in the tank balances that in the said compartments as the mercury in
the amalgamating apparatus balances it in the arrangement above described and
illustrated in the Drawings, and serves, like the mercury in that case, as a trap or
liquid valve through which the ore can be discharged from the bottom of the com-
partment A without the solution in such compartment escaping at the same time.
In this arrangement the outlet end M of the anode compartment of the electrolytic
apparatus opens direct to the liquid contained in the said tank. Any suitable
mechanism, such as a Jacob's ladder for instance may be employed for removing the
ore from the tank as it is discharged thereinto from the compartment A.
Instead of the electrolytic apparatus standing in a tank of solution a U shaped pipe
may be connected at one end to the outlet M of the anode compartment, the other end
being carried up to a height sufficient to enable it to contain a column of solution
which will balance that in the electrolytic compartments. The ore issuing from the
electrolytic apparatus is forced up this pipe by a propelling screw in the outlet pipe M,
or otherwise and escapes at the top of such U pipe.
When the electrolyte employed is one that liberates chlorine, or is otherwise a
solvent of gold, and the ore under treatment contains gold and a baser metal, the
gold or part thereof is dissolved along with the baser metal, but in most cases the gold
so dissolved is immediately precipitated in the metallic state by the baser metal,
such as iron for example, and passes on in that state with the gangue from the
anode compartment to the amalgamating apparatus, or elsewhere, as the case
may be.
In cases where the gold or silver is dissolved in the anode compartment a part of
such gold or silver will in some cases be collected in the cathode compartment,
and may afterwards be passed through the amalgamating apparatus above described,
or through any other suitable amalgamating apparatus, or be subjected to any other
method or process of collection.
The revolving drum O of the amalgamating apparatus may be used without the
grooves or channels across its periphery; that is to say its periphery may be left
plain, or it may be covered with flannel, or otherwise adapted to curry the ore round
between it and the circumference of the cylinder N.
-
I sometimes connect the negative pole with the amalgamating apparatus by a
shunt or small conducting wire, whereby such apparatus is electrified negatively so
as to prevent the corroding action upon it, and the mercury contained therein,
of the electrolytic solution, when such solution is of a nature which would otherwise
cause it to act upon them.
As the ore is withdrawn from the electrolytic apparatus it necessarily carries
with it a small quantity of the solution, and it is therefore necessary to supply to
the compartments A, B either continuously or from time to time sufficient fresh
solution to maintain the proper quantity in the apparatus.
By the employment of my invention ores may be treated in large quantities, in
an expeditious, continuous, effective and economical manner, comparatively small
quantities of solution being employed, and the ores being allowed to pass through
the apparatus principally by the action of gravity the power required for working
the apparatus is reduced to a minimum.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that I make no
claim generally to the use of electrolytic or amalgamating apparatus for the
purpose of separating gold and other metals from their ores nor to the use in such
apparatus of moving anodes cathodes or scrapers, or of an outlet at the bottom of such
apparatus for the removal therefrom of deposited material, nor to the use of a column of
liquid and ore balancing a column of mercury in an amalgamating apparatus; but that
what I do claim is :-
First The new or improved means for separating gold and other metals from
their ores, which consists in passing such ores continuously through an electrolytic
apparatus, connected or not, with an amalgamating apparatus, substantially as herein-
before described.
Second-The apparatus for separating gold and other metals from their ores con-
sisting of an electrolytic apparatus through which the ore is passed continuously
and in which some or all of the baser metals are extracted, in combination with an
amalgamating apparatus in which the gold and silver not retained in the electro-
lytic apparatus are collected and from which the gangue is passed away continuously,
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the drawings hereto annexed..
Third-The electrolytic apparatus so constructed and arranged that the ore may be
passed continuously through the same, the metals wholly or partly extracted therein
and the gangue withdrawn continuously therefrom, substantially as hereinbefore
described, and illustrated in the Drawings hereto annexed.
Fourth In electrolytic apparatus for separating gold and other metals from their
ores the use of a retarding device, such as the screw D for example, of conductive
material for retarding the continuous passage of the ore through an anode compart-
ment, such retarding device screw constituting an insoluble part of the anode pole
while the ore constitutos, during its continuous passage through the apparatus, a
soluble part of such anode pole, substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated
in the Drawings herato annexed.
Fifth In electrolytic apparatus for separating gold and other metals from their
ores the use of a retarding device, such as the screw D for example, of non-con-
ductive material for retarding the continuous passage of the ore through an anode
compartment with a lining wholly or partly of conductive material, such lining con
stituting an insoluble part of the anode pole, while the ore constitutes, during its
continuous passage through the apparatus, a soluble part of such anode pole, sub-
stantially as hereinbefore described.
Sixth Fifth Electrolytic apparatus for separating gold and other metals in which
a column of electrolytic solution contained in the anode and cathode compartments is
balanced by a column of mercury in an amalgamating apparatus, or by a column
of electrolytic solution external to the said anode and cathode compartments, the
ore being caused to fall continuously, by the action of gravity, with or without
retarding devices, through the electrolytic apparatus and the ore or gangue with
drawn continuously therefrom through the column of mercury in the amalgamating
apparatus, or through the column of solution external to the electrolytic compart
ments, substantially as hereinbefore described, and but not illustrated in the Drawings
hereto annexed.
Seventh The electrolytic apparatus consisting of a chamber divided by a partition
for the purpose of retaining the ore at the anode side of the chamber while allowing
of the free passage or circulation of the solution through the same, the anod
compartment of such chamber being provided with an outlet at the bottom throug
which the ore or gangue can be removed continuously, and with or without or
retarding apparatus, and the cathode compartment of such chember provided with
a rotating cathode and flexible serapers, and with an outlet at the bottom throug
which the deposit removed from the cathode and falling to the bottom of th
eathode compartment can be removed continuously or intermittently, the whol

page_text: constructed combined and operating substantially as hereinbefore-described, and
illustrated in the Drawings hereto annexed.
Eighth The amalgamating apparatus consisting of a cylinder containing mercury
and having an inlet at one side and an outlet at the other, with a drum rotuting in
the said cylinder between the said inlet and outlet, the whole arranged, combined
and operating, substantially as heroinbefore described, and illustrated in the Drawings
hereto annexed.
Ninth Sixth-The device for regulating the head of mercury in the amalgamating
apparatus and thereby the quantity of ore delivered thereto, constructed and operating
as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the Drawings hereto annexed.
Tenth The apparatus for softening and breaking up the mass of gangne
issuing from the outlet of the amalgamator, constructed, and operating substantially
as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the Drawings hereto unnexed:
Dates on day on June LOOT.
G. J. ATKINS.
Per W. H. Beck,
115, Cannon Street, London, E.C.,

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Sept., 1886
Complete Left, 28th June, 1887
Complete Accepted, 27th Dec., 1887
and other Metals from their Ores.
I, GEORGE JONES ATKINS, of Tottenham, in the County of Middlesex, Electrician
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object the separation of gold, silver and other metals
from their ores, and consists partly of an electrolytical process and apparatus, and
partly of an amalgamating process and apparatus.
According to my present invention the crushed or pulverized ore is fed from a
hopper or other receptacle into a vertical chamber which forms the anode compart-
ment of my electrolytic apparatus. Revolving vertically in this anode chamber is a
shaft carrying a broad bladed screw. As this screw revolves in the anode chamber
it causes the ore to be continually raised up towards the top of the said chamber so
as to keep the particles of ore in suspension in the electrolytic solution for a sufficient
period of time to allow the process of oxidation of the baser metals contained in
such ores to take place. On one side of the abovementioned anode chamber is
provided a filter of woven matting and flannel, or felt, porous plate, or other suitable
well known material, or combination of materials, which while preventing the passage
of the gangue into the cathode chamber, still allows a free circulation of the electrolyte.
Communication is made through this filter with a second or cathode chamber which
is also preferably provided with a revolving shaft carrying a screw or other form of
scraper for the purpose of removing the spongy or pulverulent deposit from the
cathode as it is formed thereon. This spongy or pulverulent deposit is collected at
the bottom of the cathode chamber and periodically removed therefrom. In some
cases I dispense with the beforementioned retarding screw in the anode chamber and
provide ledges or shelves in such chamber, inclined or not; or in fact any suitable or
well known moving or stationary apparatus may be employed for the purpose of
retarding the fall of the ore through the chamber. Or in some cases the chamber
may be made of such a length as to render such retarding apparatus unnecessary, the
ores being fed into such chamber through a sieve or other distributing apparatus at
the top and falling by gravity through the chamber, which may if preferred, be

page_text: inclined more or less, and of a greater diameter at the bottom than at the top in order
to avoid the possibility of the chamber becoming choked.
The anode and cathode chambers may be made wholly or partly of conductive
material, or of nonconductive material with conductive poles inserted in any suitable
or convenient manner. And the retarding screw or apparatus in the anode chamber
may be made of conductive or nonconductive material according to circumstances.
Or one chamber only may be employed, in which case, it is made of conductive
material and made to form the negative pole, the retarding screw or apparatus forming
the positive pole.
After having been freed more or less from the metallic salts of the baser metals
which are soluble in the electrolytic solution, the pulverized ore, still containing the
gold, passes to the lower part of the anode chamber, which lower part is preferably
tapered, and opens into a passage which is in communication with the amalgamating
apparatus, and is of nonconductive material. The pulverized ore may be forced
downwards through this passage by a revolving screw or other suitable means which
may be driven by a continuation of the shaft of the arresting screw of the anode
chamber, but must be of nonconductive material.
My improved amalgamating apparatus consists of a horizontal cylinder with closed
ends, and containing a revolving drum the periphery and sides or ends of which fit
more or less closely the interior of the said cylinder. Grooves or channels are formed
in the periphery of this drum and the spaces thus formed, as well as the clearance
spaces between the drum and the cylinder, are filled with mercury. A well or sumph
for a reserve of mercury being also provided at the bottom of the cylinder. The
pulverized ore is introduced from the electrolytic apparatus into the amalgamator at
one portion of the circumference of the cylinder, enters the grooves or channels in the
periphery of the drum, and is forced down by the revolution of the drum to the lower
part of the cylinder and rises to the upper part thereof as the drum continues its
revolution, and finally escapes by an outlet at the upper portion of the cylinder. It
will be understood that in passing through the amalgamator the particles of ore are
in a constant state of agitation and are brought into intimate or rubbing contact with
the mercury, and that consequently any gold contained in the ore will be retained by
the said mercury which is periodically drawn off and the gold separated from it in
the usual way.
The above described electrolytical apparatus and the amalgamating apparatus may
be used separately and independently of one another and either of them in combination
with any apparatus for the same purpose other than as above described.
By the employment of my invention ores may be treated in large quantities, in an
expeditious, continuous, effective, and economical manner, comparatively small
quantities of solution being employed; and, the ores being allowed to pass through
the apparatus principally by gravity, the power required for working the apparatus is
reduced to a minimum.

page_text: New or Improved Means and Apparatus for the Separation of Gold
and other Metals from their Ores.
I, GEORGE JONES ATKINS, of Tottenham, in the County of Middlesex, Electrician
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying two sheets of drawings, and to
the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:
This invention has for its object the separation of gold, silver and other metals from
their ores, and consists partly of an electrolytical process and apparatus, and partly of
an amalgamating process and apparatus.
In the drawings hereto annexed Figure 1 is a front elevation, Figure 2 a longi-
tudinal vertical section, and Figure 3 a side elevation of apparatus constructed in
accordance with my invention. Figure 4 is a partial plan taken at line 1-1 of
Figures 1, 2 and 3, Figure 5 a partial section taken at line 2-2 of the same Figures
and Figure 6 is a partial vertical sectional elevation taken at line 3-3 of Figures 4
and 5 Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are to an enlarged scale. Similar letters of reference relate
to like parts in all the Figures of the Drawings.
A. B is a vertical chamber divided into two cylindrical parts forming respectively
the anode and cathode compartments of the electrolytic apparatus, into the anode
compartment of which the crushed or pulverized ore to be treated is fed, in a wet
or dry condition, from a hopper or other suitable foeding device, not shown in the
Drawings. The chamber A, B may be composed of an external case a formed of
timber, iron, earthenware, or other suitable material, and of an internal case a¹
formed of gutta percha, ebonite, earthenware or any other suitable substance not
acted on by the electrolyte employed. Revolving vertically in the anode compart
ment A, is a shaft C carrying a broad bladed screw D composed of carbon, lead,
peroxide of lead or any other suitable material which is a conductor of electricity
but is not soluble in the electrolytic solution employed. The edge of this screw
approaches as near to the sides of the compartment A as possible, but preferably
without touching them. The shaft C is composed of wood or other suitable non-
conductor of electricity, and may conveniently be made square, the hole in the screw D
being made square to correspond. The upper end of the shaft C is secured in a
metallic socket C₁ formed on or connected with the metallic shaft C2 which revolves
in a bearing C. C is a bevil pinion free to rotate loosely on the shaft C². C is a
collar secured to the shaft C2 and, resting on the upper surface of the bevil pinion (^
transmits thereto the weight of the shaft C and its screw D so that as the pinion C+
rotates, it turns the said shaft C and screw D by the frictional contact between the
pinion C and the collar C. When the resistance of the screw D to motion is in
excess of what this friction will overcome, the pinion C* continues to revolve without
imparting motion to the shaft C and screw D. This arrangement therefore acts as a
safety frictional driving gear to prevent injury to the screw D or its shaft C.
Electrical connection is made between the screw D and socket C³, and consequently 'the
shaft C, by the carbon or other suitable conducting sleeve Co.
The cathode compartment B is provided with a vertical metallic revolving shaft G
preferably furnished with frictional driving gear similar to that above described in
reference to the shaft of the anode compartment. The shaft G carries a cathode
cylinder H of copper, or other suitable conductive material, preferably provided with
openings I to secure uniformity of the strength of the electrolytic solution inside and
outside the said cylinder H. Jare indiarubber or other flexible scrapers secured in

page_text: the cathode compartment B for the purpose of removing the spongy or pulverulent
deposit from the revolving cathode cylinder H as it is formed thereon. This spongy
or pulverulent deposit is collected at the bottom of the cathode compartment, and is
periodically removed therefrom through the opening K.
Between the anode and cathode compartments A and B is provided a porous
partition or filter E of woven matting, flannel, felt, porous plate, or other suitable
well known material, or combination of materials, which, while preventing the passage
of the gangue into the cathode compartment, still allows a free circulation of the
electrolyte between the anode and cathode compartments. This partition or filter E
is preferably mounted in a frame E' adapted to slide vertically in grooves, so that it
can be readily taken out or replaced for convenience of cleaning or repairing.
As the screw D revolves in the anode compartment A, in the direction of the
arrow, it causes the crushed or pulverized ore to be continually raised up towards the
top of the said compartment in opposition to the action of gravity (which tends to
cause it to descend along the upper inclined surface of the screw) so as to retard the
descent of the particles of ore in the electrolytic solution, and to keep them in contact
with the anode screw, for a sufficient length of time to allow the process of oxidation,
chlor:nization or other action on the ore (according to the character of the solution
employed) to be effected by the anions liberated at the anode.
Instead of rotating the screw D in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2
it may be rotated in the opposite direction in cases where the electrolytic action on
the ore is sufficiently rapid to admit of it. In some cases the screw D may remain
stationary, and the ore be caused to flow or roll down on the upper surface of its
thread by the action of the solution introduced at the top of the anode compartment,
such solution passing through the anode compartment and flowing off therefrom by
the pipe A to be again returned to the top of the anode compartment by a pump or
otherwise; the gangue and any metal remaining therein passing away from the anode
compartment through the passage M as hereinafter more fully described.
In some cases I substitute for the screw D in the anode compartment a series of
ledges or shelves so arranged that the ore, in passing from the top to the bottom of
the anode compartment, is caused to fall from one to the other of such ledges or
shelves which are composed of material similar to that employed for the said screw D,
and, like it, act as the insoluble part of the positive or anode pole of the electrolytic
apparatus. These ledges or shelves may be inclined to one another, and remain
stationary or have any suitable motion imparted to them according to circumstances.
In fact any suitable known moving or stationary apparatus may be employed for the
purpose of retarding the fall of the ore through the anode compartment A. Or in
some cases the compartment A may be made of such a length as to render any
retarding apparatus.unnecessary, the ores being fed into such compartment through
a sieve or other distributing apparatus at the top, and allowed to fall by gravity
through the compartment which may, if preferred, be inclined more or less, from the
vertical and be made of a greater diameter at the bottom than at the top in order to
avoid the possibility of the compartment becoming choked.
The anode and cathode compartments may be made wholly or partly of conductive
material, or of non-conductive material with conductive poles inserted in any suitable
or convenient manner. And the retarding screw or apparatus in the anode chamber
may be made of conductive or non-conductive material according to circumstances.
Or, one compartment only may be employed, in which case its interior is preferably
made of suitable conductive material and arranged to form either the negative or
positive pole, the screw or other retarding apparatus forming the opposite pole. In
the latter case the retarding screw or other retarding apparatus may be surrounded
with a porous or other filtering material for preventing the gangue from reaching the
opposite pole.
After having been freed more or less in the anode compartment A from the baser
metals which are soluble in the electrolytic solution the pulverized ore, still
containing the gold, and in some cases silver as well, passes to the lower part of the
anode compartment, which lower part is preferably tapered, and opens into the pipe

page_text: or passage M formed of non-conductive material, and which is in communication
with the inlet passage M' of the amalgamating apparatus. The said pulverized ore
may be forced downwards through the passage M by the propelling screw L, or
other suitable device driven by the lower end of the shaft C of the retarding screw D
or otherwise.
The amalgamating apparatus consists of a horizontal cylinder N of cast iron or
slate for example, with closed ends, and containing a revolving drum O, carried by
the shaft P revolving in stuffing boxes Q in the covers of the cylinder N, and driven
by the fast and loose pulleys R or otherwise. The periphery and sides, or ends of
the drum O fit more or less closely the interior of the said cylinder N. Grooves or
channels S are formed across the periphery of this drum O, and the spaces thus -
formed, as well as the clearance spaces between the drum and the cylinder, are filled
with mercury a well or sumph T for a reserve of mercury being also preferably
provided at the bottom of the cylinder N.
The ore is introduced from the electrolytic apparatus into the amalgamator through
the
passage M¹ at one side of the cylinder N, enters the grooves or channels in the
periphery of the drum O, and is carried down, by the revolution of the said drum
in the direction of the arrow, to the lower part of the cylinder N through the
mercury therein, and rises at the other side as the drum continues its revolution, and
finally escapes from the grooves or channels in the periphery of the drum, by rising
on account of its inferior density, through the mercury at an outlet passage U at the
opposite side of the cylinder N and passes away by the spout V. It will be under-
stood that in passing through the amalgamator the particles of ore are in a constant
state of agitation, and are brought into intimate or rubbing contact with the mercury,
and that consequently any gold or silver contained in, or mixed with the ore is
retained by the said mercury which is periodically drawn off through the tap W and
the gold and silver separated from it in the usual way.
In order to regulate the level of the mercury in the amalgamating apparatus and
thereby the quantity of ore passing through the apparatus in a given time I employ
a mercurial regulator consisting of a reservoir X at the bottom of which is a pipo X
opening into a chamber X connected by a pipe X with the mercury in the
cylinder N. The lower end of the pipe X₁ passes through a stuffing box at the top
of the chamber X2 so that the said pipe X¹, with the reservoir ✗, may be raised
and lowered within certain limits by means of the bevil gearing X*X* operated by
the crank handle X5. The bevil wheel X is screwed internally and the pipe X' is
screwed through it, so that as the crank handle X is turned in one direction or the
other the bevil wheel X is rotated likewise in its bearing, and acts as a nut upon the
screwed part of the pipe X' raising or lowering the same with the reservoir X.
When it is desired to increase the quantity of mercury in the amalgamating apparatus
so as to produce a greater head of mercury, and thereby to retard the flow of ore
from the electrolytic apparatus, the reservoir ✗ and pipe X' are raised, and more or
less of the mercury flows from the reservoir X into the cylinder N; and when it is
desired to reduce the quantity of mercury in the amalgamating apparatus so as to
produce a lesser head of mercury, and thereby to increase the flow of ore from the
electrolytic apparatus the reservoir X and pipe X' are lowered, and more or less of
the mercury flows from the cylinder N into the reservoir X.
Sometimes the mass of gangue issuing at the outlet passage U from the amalga-
mating apparatus is in the form of a stiff paste, and therefore does not pass away
freely, or carries with it some of the mercury. In order to facilitate its passage out
of the apparatus, and to prevent it from carrying mercury with it, I employ a rotary
stirrer Y revolving in the outlet passage U and driven by a pulley Y₁ actuated by a
cord or band Y2 passing round the pulley Y³ on the shaft P, and over the guide
pulleys Y, or by other suitable means. In some cases I assist the action of the
stirrer Y by introducing a stream of water or other suitable liquid through the
pipe Y, whereby the mass of gangue is softened before being acted on by
the stirrer Y, and thus reduced to such a consistency that it will readily pass out of
the apparatus. In the arrangement shown in the drawings motion is transmitted

page_text: from the shaft P to the shafts C and G by means of belt pulleys and gearing; but it
is obvious that motion may be imparted to the shafts C and G by any other suitable
means, either from the shaft P or from other source of motion.
-
The positive pole of a dynamo or other suitable generator of electricity is connected
by the brush with the shaft (2 and retarding screw D in the anode compartment A,
with the shaft G and
and the negative pole of the said generator by the brush
cylinder H in the cathode compartment B. The usual means are of course employed
to effect the proper insulation of the parts of the electro-lytic apparatus which require
to be so treated.
It will now be understood that the electrolytic compartments A, B having been
filled with one of the usual well known electrolytic solutions, according to the nature
of the ore to be acted on, and the result to be obtained, the ore to be treated, after
having been crushed or pulverized in the usual way, is introduced gradually, and
continuously through a hopper, or other feeding device into the top of the anode
compartment A. The ore falls on to the retarding screw D and gravity causes it to
roll down the inclined surface of the screw thread; but as the latter is rotated
preferably in the direction which tends to raise the said ore towards the top of the
anode compartment, the passage of the ore from the top thereof to the bottom through
the electrolytic solution is retarded, and the whole of the ore is kept for a considerable
time, in contact with the anode pole, so as to form the soluble portion thereof, whilst
every particle is exposed to the ozidizing or electrolytic action of the solution. The
effect of this is that by the time the ore has reached the bottom of the anode com-
partment all the baser metals have been dissolved, and the gold and silver, or either
of them left in, or mixed with, the gangue are or is in a condition to be removed
therefrom by the amalgamation process. The cathions resulting from the solution
of the metals in the anode compartment A pass through the partition or filter E
into the cathode compartment B, and are there deposited upon the cathode
cylinder H, as a pulverulent metallic deposit which is scraped off the cylinder H
by the scrapers J as above described, and ultimately falls to th
the
cathode compartment, whence it is removed from time to time or continuously
for subsequent treatment or disposal according to its nature and other circumstances.
The ore, with the gold, or silver, or both, having reached the bottom of the anode
compartment passes to the amalgamating cylinder. N, is there brought into contact
with the mercury, the gold or silver, or both, combines or combine with the
latter in the usual way, and the gangue passes out to waste as above described.
When the mercury has received sufficient gold or silver it is withdrawn and treated
in the usual way.
It will be seen from the above description that the process is practically a
continuous one, that is to say a stream of crushed ore is supplied continuously to
the anode compartment, the baser metals are removed from the ore as it passes
through the anode compartment, and the remaining ore and gold and silver pass on
to the amalgamating apparatus where the gold and silver are separated from the
gangue and the latter issues continuously as waste to be disposed of according
to circumstances.
The above described electrolytical apparatus, and the amalgamating apparatus may
be used separately and independently of each other. The electrolytic apparatus may
be used in connection with amalgamating apparatus other than that above described,
and the amalgamating apparatus may be used in connection with any electrolytic
apparatus other than that above described.
When the electrolytic apparatus is employed separate from the amalgamating
apparatus it may be arranged to stand in a tank containing electrolytic solution, the
level of which is the same as that in the electrolytic compartments A and B, so that
the solution in the tank balances that in the said compartments as the mercury in
the amalgamating apparatus balances it in the arrangement above described and
illustrated in the Drawings, and serves, like the mercury in that case, as a trap or
liquid valve through which the ore can be discharged from the bottom of the com-
partment A without the solution in such compartment escaping at the same time.

page_text: Any suitable mechanism, such as a Jacob's ladder for instance may be employed for
removing the ore from the tank as it is discharged thereinto from the compartment A.
Instead of the electrolytic apparatus standing in a tank of solution a U shaped pipe
may be connected at one end to the outlet of the anode compartment, the other end
being carried up to a height sufficient to enable it to contain a column of solution
which will balance that in the electrolytic compartments. The ore issuing from the
electrolytic apparatus is forced up this pipe by a propelling screw in theoutlet pipe M,
or otherwise and escapes at the top of such pipe.
When the electrolyte employed is one that liberates chlorine, or is otherwise a
solvent of gold, and the ore under treatment contains gold and a baser metal, the
gold is dissolved along with the baser metal, but in most cases the gold so dissolved
is immediately precipitated in the metallic state by the baser metal, such as iron for
example, and passes on in that state with the gangue from the anode compartment to
the amalgamating apparatus, or elsewhere, as the case may be.
In cases where the gold or silver is dissolved in the anode compartment a part of
such gold or silver will in some cases be collected in the cathode compartment,
and may afterwards be passed through the amalgamating apparatus above described,
or through any other suitable amalgamating apparatus, or be subjected to any other
method or process of collection.
The revolving drum O of the amalgamating apparatus may be used without the
grooves or channels across its periphery; that is to say its periphery may be left
plain, or it may be covered with flannel, or otherwise adapted to carry the ore round
between it and the circumference of the cylinder N.
I sometimes connect the negative pole with the amalgamating apparatus by a
shunt or small conducting wire, whereby such apparatus is electrified negatively so
as to prevent the corroding action upon it, and the mercury contained therein,
of the electrolytic solution, when such solution is of a nature which would otherwise
cause it to act upon them.
As the ore is withdrawn from the electrolytic apparatus it necessarily carries
with it a small quantity of the solution, and it is therefore necessary to supply to
the compartments A, B either continuously or from time to time sufficient fresh
solution to maintain the proper quantity in the apparatus.
By the employment of my invention ores may be treated in large quantities, in
an expeditious, continuous, effective and economical manner, comparatively small
quantities of solution being employed, and the ores being allowed to pass through
the apparatus principally by the action of gravity the power required for working
the apparatus is reduced to a minimum.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I make no
claim generally to the use of electrolytic or amalgamating apparatus for the
purpose of separating gold and other metals from their ores but that what I do
claim is :-
First The new or improved means for separating gold and other metals from
their ores, which consists in passing such ores continuously through an electrolytic
apparatus, connected or not, with an amalgamating apparatus, substantially as herein-
before described.
Second The apparatus for separating gold and other metals from their ores con-
sisting of an electrolytic apparatus through which the ore is passed continuously
and in which some or all of the baser metals are extracted, in combination with an
amalgamating apparatus in which the gold and silver not retained in the electro-
lytic apparatus are collected and from which the gangue is passed away continuously,
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the drawings hereto annexed.
Third The electrolytic apparatus so constructed and arranged that the ore may be
passed continuously through the same, the metals wholly or partly extracted therein
and the gangue withdrawn continuously therefrom, substantially as hereinbefore
described, and illustrated in the Drawings hereto annexed.

page_text: Fourth In electrolytic apparatus for separating gold and other metals from their
ores the use of a retarding device, such as the screw D for example, of conductive
material for retarding the continuous passage of the ore through an anode compart-
ment, such retarding device constituting an insoluble part of the anode pole while
the ore constitutes, during its continuous passage through the apparatus, a soluble
part of such anode pole, substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the
Drawings hereto annexed.
Fifth In electrolytic apparatus for separating gold and other metals from their
ores the use of a retarding device, such as the screw D for example, of non-con-
ductive material for retarding the continuous passage of the ore through an anode
compartment with a lining wholly or partly of conductive material, such lining con-
stituting an insoluble part of the anode pole, while the ore constitutes, during its
continuous passage through the apparatus, a soluble part of such anode pole, sub-
stantially as herein before described.
Sixth Electrolytic apparatus for separating gold and other metals in which a
column of electrolytic solution contained in the anode and cathode compartments is
balanced by a column of mercury in an amalgamating apparatus, or by a column
of electrolytic solution external to the said anode and cathode compartments, the
ore being caused to fall continuously, by the action of gravity, with or without
retarding devices, through the electrolytic apparatus and the ore or gangue with-
drawn continuously therefrom through the column of mercury in the amalgamating
apparatus, or through the column of solution external to the electrolytic compart-
ments, substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the Drawings hereto
annexed.
Seventh The electrolytic apparatus consisting of a chamber divided by a partition
for the purpose of retaining the ore at the anode side of the chamber while allowing
of the free passage or circulation of the solution through the same, the anode
compartment of such chamber being provided with an outlet at the bottom through
which the ore or gangue can be removed continuously, and with or without ore
retarding apparatus, and the cathode compartment of such chamber provided with
a rotating cathode and flexible scrapers, and with an outlet at the bottom through
which the deposit removed from the cathode and falling to the bottom of the
cathode compartment can be removed continuously or intermittently, the whole
constructed combined and operating substantially as herein before described, and
illustrated in the Drawings hereto annexed.
Eighth The amalgamating apparatus consisting of a cylinder containing mercury
and having an inlet at one side and an outlet at the other, with a drum rotating in
the said cylinder between the said inlet and outlet, the whole arranged, combined
and operating, substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the Drawings
hereto annexed.
Ninth The device for regulating the head of mercury in the amalgamating
apparatus and thereby the quantity of ore delivered thereto, constructed and operating
as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the Drawings hereto annexed.
Tenth The apparatus for softening and breaking up the mass of gangue
issuing from the outlet of the amalgamator, constructed, and operating substantially
as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the Drawings hereto annexed.
11
تيمم
2007
G. J. ATKINS.
Per W. H. Beck,
115, Cannon Street, London, E.C.