Uralelektromed to launch new cathode stripping machine

Specialists of Uralelektromed (part of UMMC) visited one of Outotec branches, located in Kil (Sweden), where they witnessed tests of the new cathode stripping machine. It will be installed in the second stage of Tankhouse being under construction.

According to Mark Shuklin, deputy head of technical department of Uralelektromed, the new machine will be similar in its functionality to that of the first stage. It will wash, strip and sample cathodes for their chemical composition to be determined, and pack and strap them with steel band. The new machine will fundamentally differ in cathodes to be transferred by six robot.

“Use of robots will curtail the time for cathodes stripping and increase equipment performance by 40% compared to the current one”, he stated.

A robot is comprised of an arm with a dedicated grabbing device. These four arms engage in cathodes stripping, and two more are involved in copper cathodes stacking.

The machine is also advanced in copper cathodes corrugation. For this purpose, it will have a press with force of 300 tons, which is required for cathodes melting to be improved in shaft furnace during copper wire rod production. Corrugation provides air passageways in a stack, which accelerates cathodes heating in a furnace shaft and shortens the time for melting.

The new machine will be equipped with a device for hammering of plastic edges on stainless steel cathodes. Some stations and units are upgraded.

The machine is currently available. Factory tests were done by Swedish specialists.

In the near future Outotec will make final adjustment to separate mechanisms and end up with robot manipulators programming. Upon completion, the machine will be dissembled, packed and supplied to Verkhnyaya Pyshma by 11 trucks.

It is worth reminding that the second stage started being built in July, 2014. Like the first one, it will operate using permanent stainless steel cathode technology. When started up, the second stage capacity will be increased from 160 ths. tons up to 320 tons per annum.