Anode and cathode plates are core consumables inside copper/zinc electrowinning workshops. Poor raw production and unqualified size will cause extra power loss, short circuit and premature damage during on-site EW production. That's why PRS carries out strict FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) before all electrode delivery, allowing clients' QC team to witness full inspection at our factory.
Brief Introduction to FAT for Electrode Plates
FAT = Factory Acceptance Test, the final full-scale quality check before finished anode/cathode shipment. Our inspection follows fixed 3-step routine: component individual check → cathode dimensional measurement → finished whole-plate overall acceptance. All test records and measured photos will be filed for customer reference.
Step 1: Separate Component Inspection (3 Core Parts)
We split electrode spare parts into three independent groups and test each piece one by one before final assembly:
- Conductive Beam
Check beam straightness, surface flatness and conductive performance; reject bent or oxidized raw beams which may lead to poor current conduction after installation.
- Contact Copper Block
Inspect copper block surface finish, machining tolerance and material purity; qualified copper blocks ensure tight contact with busbar and low power consumption in tankhouse.
- Lifting Lug
Carry out dimension and load-bearing visual check for lifting lugs, guaranteeing safe hoisting during stripping and tank loading.
Step 2: Full Dimensional Measurement on Cathode Aluminum Edge
After component inspection, our QC team focuses on aluminum border of stainless steel cathode plate, measuring all critical dimensions one by one with caliper and steel ruler:
- Vertical height: aluminum plate height from base to welding seam
- Edge strip data: length, thickness and width of surrounding edge strips
- Liquid level reserve: spacing from welding line to preset electrolyte liquid level
- Total width: overall cathode width including installed edge strips
All measured figures are recorded to match client's technical drawing; any size beyond tolerance will be marked for rework.
Step3: Final Whole-plate FAT Acceptance
After parts and dimension pass testing, we assemble all components into finished anode/cathode plate:
- Full visual inspection for welding spot, surface scratch and coating integrity
- Random sampling conductivity test for finished electrodes
- Packing inspection: fixed packing with anti-rust protection for ocean shipment
Only items passing all three steps can be approved for FAT and arrange delivery.
Benefits of Strict PRS FAT Inspection for Your EW Plant
- Cut unexpected on-site electrode replacement cost after arrival
- Stable electric conduction reduces your workshop power cost
- Standard size matches stripping machine and electrolytic cell perfectly, avoid stuck during automatic stripping
Check our full anode & cathode plate product range: PRS Anode & Cathode Plate Series
Final Wrap-up
Standardized FAT is the core guarantee of electrode quality. PRS supports customer's on-site witnessing inspection anytime before shipment for global SX-EW and electrowinning projects.
