Electrolytic Cells

KCA manufactures a wide variety and type of electrolytic cells for special metals recovery. The largest electrolytic cell KCA fabricates is the KCA Model EC-420-SS which has a flow capacity of 88 gpm and a nominal volumetric capacity of 170 cubic feet.

88 gpm

Largest Cell

170 ft³

Capacity

SS or PP

Material

Extended flow path

Design

KCA Cell Lineup

Sizes from laboratory-scale through Model EC-420-SS (88 gpm, 170 ft³). KCA's cells use stainless steel construction with stainless steel baskets holding stainless steel wool electrowinning pads — the highest-surface-area cathode material for precious metals plating.

Cell Components

KCA's electrolytic cells come complete with the following components:
• Stainless-steel or polypropylene tank for the holding of the anodes and cathodes
• Sludging-style cell complete with electrowinning mesh
• Rubber lining for stainless-steel tank construction e-cells
• Inlet/Outlet drainage fittings
• Solid copper bus bars for anode and cathode service
• Preassembled cathodes with cathode bars and associated hardware

Extended Flow Path Design

KCA's extended flow path cell configuration places the anodes in series with the cathodes, maximizing electrowinning efficiency and recovery rate. On the extended flow path type cells, the anodes must be removed from the cell to completely clean it during the gold/silver harvest cycle.

Cell Variants

KCA also fabricates polypropylene electrolytic cells for installations where stainless construction isn't required. Polypropylene cells are lighter, cheaper, and ideal for smaller modular plants. KCA offers multiple cathode and anode configurations in various materials to best fit the client's needs.

Reference Installations

KCA stainless-steel electrolytic cells are installed in the gold room at the Ivrindi Mine in Turkey. KCA polypropylene electrolytic cells (shown with a KCA smelting furnace) are installed at the Hog Ranch Mine, Nevada.

Applications

Gold and silver electrowinning from concentrated cyanide solutions following strip operations. Special metals recovery from leach circuits. Integrated with KCA modular ADR plants and Merrill-Crowe systems.

Project Gallery

From our portfolio.

KCA Stainless Steel Electrolytic Cell — Ivrindi Mine, Turkey

KCA Electrolytic Cell — Operating Installation

Polypropylene Cell with Smelting Furnace — Hog Ranch, NV

Cathode Detail — Stainless Steel Wool

Recent KCA Projects

See this capability in action.

Selected recent projects where KCA delivered this service. All from our portfolio of 500+ engineering projects.

Camino Rojo

Zacatecas, Mexico · ORLA Mining

18,000 TPD Heap Leach · $125M EPCM

La India

Sonora, Mexico · Agnico-Eagle

17,250 TPD Heap Leach · 13-month EPCM

Soledad Mountain

Mojave, CA · Golden Queen

14,000 TPD · 600 m³/h Merrill-Crowe

View All Projects →

Common Questions

Frequently asked.

How long does a typical KCA testwork campaign take?

Bench-scale programs take 4–8 weeks; column leach campaigns 3–6 months depending on heap height and ore character; full bankable feasibility-level testwork can span 9–18 months. Every campaign begins with a metallurgical interview to set the scope, schedule, and budget against your project milestones.

Can KCA take a project from testwork through commissioning?

Yes — this is KCA's defining capability. Most EPCM firms outsource testwork; KCA self-performs the lab, engineering, and (in EPCM mode) construction management. The flowsheet you sign off on is designed by the same team that builds the plant. One handoff. Fewer surprises.

Where does KCA work geographically?

KCA's Reno, Nevada headquarters serves projects in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Our Chihuahua, Mexico affiliate (Kappes Cassiday del Norte) supports operations across Mexico and Central America. Our Perth, Western Australia affiliate (KCAA) serves Asia-Pacific. Over 500 projects across six continents since 1972.

What types of ore does KCA test and engineer?

Primary expertise is gold and silver — both heap leach and milling/agitated cyanide processes. We also work on copper, lithium, and base metals. The KCA lab routinely runs HPGR, gravity, flotation, cyanide, and Merrill-Crowe campaigns across all commodity classes.

More Equipment