Electrolytic extn of non-ferrous metals - with period current-reversal to obtain high output and low energy consumption

Process for electric extn. of non-ferrous metals from their solns. where for extn. and dissolution, different electric currents are applied for different periods of time. The novelty is the simultaneous use of two gps. of electrolytic baths, where the electric current for dissolution in each gp. is obtd. from the current used for extn. in the other gp. of baths. The dissolution current is pref. kept constant with current-density 0.5-1.2 times that used during extn. In the pref. circuit, the frequency of extn. and dissoln. is 1-8 times/min. and dissoln. time is 0.5-6% of the extn. time, the controllable rectifiers being switched off simultaneously to damp out transition processes occurring during switch-over. Higher output and lower energy consumption. e.g. in extn. of Zn or Ni.