Patent ID: 7494579

Claim:
A cell element of a laminated cell array for the electrowinning of metal from metal ion solutions, comprising an anode shell and a cathode shell separated by an insulating diaphragm, the anode shell delimited by an anodic plate provided with at least one conductive protrusion for transmitting direct electric current to an anode, the cathode shell delimited by a cathodic plate provided with at least one draft tube capable of establishing a spouted bed of metallic beads, said diaphragm being provided with perforations in correspondence of said spouted bed of metallic beads allowing the free circulation of the electrolyte while hindering the passage of said metallic beads from the cathode compartment to the anode compartment, said at least one draft tube comprises a base provided with a double nozzle for feeding the electrolyte, thereby generating a motion capable of establishing said spouted bed of metallic beads and comprising an outer portion located at the base of the cell and an inner portion extending within or near the entrance of said at least one draft tube.