Apparatus and method for collecting and pretreating process gases produced in an electrolytic cell during aluminum production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a collecting unit configured to draw off primary process gases from the electrolytic cell, for instance by drawing-off primary process gases from orifices purposely made over the electrolytic bath; and a pre-treating unit fluidly connected to the collecting unit and configured to receive a fluid bed of fluorinated alumina for pre-treating the primary process gases. The collecting and pre-treating units are within or immediately aside the electrolytic cell, in the potroom. The apparatus can be combine with a gas treatment center (GTC) located outside the potroom. Among other advantages, the technology allows collecting primary process gases directly at electrolytic bath level, separating primary process gases and hoodspace process gases to pretreat the primary process gases with alumina before the GTC, and using fluid bed reactors without filter bags.
Disclosed is an anode assembly comprising a pin structure providing mechanical support. The pin structure is integrated into extremities of the refractory package where cracks are likely to form, thereby providing a support at the extremities against breakage and/or disengagement of the end parts of the anode assembly. Preferably, the pin structure comprises an elongated stainless-steel core shielded by a protective layer, such as a layer of copper (Cu) or other material resistant to corrosion from bath vapor or hydrogen fluoride (HF). While the stainless-steel core provides support and strength, the protective layer protects the stainless-steel core against corrosion which is common in hot bath vapor and HF environment. Preferably, the anode and supporting pins are built the same way to ease manufacturing and increase protection against corrosion. Preferably, the anode assembly comprises inert or oxygen evolving anodes for an ecofriendly production of metals, such as aluminum.
Methods for supporting, aligning, moving and fixing vertical electrodes on an electrolytic cell's bottom block are disclosed. The cell has anodes and cathodes vertically aligned in alternating rows. The method allows mechanically and simultaneously positioning and supporting the electrodes in the cell, by first inserting a bottom end of each electrode within a slot or mortise of a supporting element comprising a first fixing material, such as a glue, before letting it to cure for fixing each electrode to the supporting element. The cell is preferably used for the electrolytic production of a metal, such as aluminum or aluminium, more preferably using inert / oxygen-evolving anodes, for a production of aluminum friendly for the environment. Different fixing materials configured for fixing the vertical electrodes on the support or directly on the cell's bottom, are also described.
It is disclosed a modular feed kit assembly and methods for delivering alumina powder to an electrolytic bath of an electrolytic cell. The feed kit assembly comprises a cleaning module vertically positioned over and aligned with a point of entry of the cell, and having a moving cleaning element configured to controllably move and extend downwardly trough and beyond the point of entry into the electrolytic bath; and a delivery module, for delivering alumina to the electrolytic bath through the point of entry by gravity, inclined with respect to the vertical cleaning module. The cleaning element allows cleaning the point of entry for feeding the bath with alumina from the delivery module, while clearing deposits of solid material on molten electrolyte surface of the bath, also known as bridging, that could prevent alumina powder from entering the electrolytic bath, and reducing corrosive gas entering the delivery module.
233 having alpha and beta alumina, wherein a beta alumina concentration is of about 40 to 60%, and about 5 to 45% of other oxides. The refractory blocks, object of the disclosed invention, are substantially free of cracks. Advantageously, the fused cast refractory blocks are impervious to the molten electrolyte bath and metals, are resistant to dissolution into said molten bath electrolyte and metals; and have a high electrical resistivity. A method for manufacturing the fused cast refractory blocks is also disclosed. The invention preferably concerns electrolytic cells working with inert or oxygen-evolving anodes for an Eco-friendly production of aluminum.
A method for conveying an anode assembly outside of an electrolyte cell is described. The method allows starting up the electrolytic cell while maintaining the production of non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. A thermal insulation allows maintaining the anode temperature homogeneity and preventing thermal shocks when introducing the inert anodes into the hot electrolytic bath. The method allows accurate positioning of anode assemblies over the electrolysis cell before achieving mechanical and electrical connections of the anode assembly or the cell pre-heater to the electrolysis cell.
It is disclosed an apparatus and method for determining a temperature of the bath of an electrolytic cell during electrolytic production of a metal. The apparatus comprising an electrode body and a conductor pin at least partially inserted thereinto for providing electrical connection; and a probe inserted into the conductor pin, for providing one or more probe readings and being operable when positioned at least partially below a bath-vapor interface upon immersion in the electrolytic bath. The temperature of the bath is determined based on at least one of the one or more probe readings. The probe is protected from corrosion by the conductor pin during metal production. The electrolytic 10 cell may comprise more than one apparatus for measuring temperature in order to evaluate a temperature profile in the bath. Preferably, the one or more anodes are inert or oxygen evolving anodes, and the metal to be produced is aluminum.
The application is directed to products and methods related to an aluminum electrolysis cell with a non-carbonaceous substrate with a directing feature. The directing feature can be configured to direct a wettable material in a predetermined direction. The non-carbonaceous substrate can be at least partially covered with solid aluminum metal. The wettable material can be aluminum metal.
It is disclosed an electrode body for the electrolytic production of a metal comprising a first portion for operatively connecting the electrode body to an electrolytic cell: a second portion, opposite the first portion; and a middle portion extending between the first and second portions. The body has a continuous external surface forming a round transition between the second and middle portions. The external surface of the middle portion comprises two opposite outer flat surfaces for facing surfaces of adjacent electrodes when the electrode is plunged into an electrolytic bath of the electrolytic cell comprising said adjacent electrodes. Preferably, the electrode is an anode and the anode body has a bore shape with a continuous external surface of the body wall. Preferably, the electrode body is made from a metal alloy, a ceramic or cermet material to form an inert or oxygen-evolving anode used for an eco-friendly production of aluminum.
Disclosed are a pin assembly for providing current to an electrode, e.g. an inert or oxygen evolving anode, and its manufacturing method. The pin assembly is configured to be inserted into an electrode body of an electrode for providing an electric current to the electrode body. The pin assembly comprises a structural support member configured to mechanically support the electrode body, and a protective conductive member configured to embed the structural support member. The protective conductive member comprises at least one metal or alloy thereof adapted for conducting the electric current while protecting the structural support member against corrosion during a given period of time of use of the electrode. The pin assembly enables convenient electrical connection of the electrodes, combines electrical and thermal performance for optimizing cell efficiency, provides structural and corrosion durability for extending pin assembly life, and utilizes robust joining processes for high reliability.
It is disclosed a purifier assembly and method for removing impurities from an electrolytic bath before using the same with an electrolytic cell for making a metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. The assembly comprises a purification tank, located upstream the cell, for containing the bath; and at least one row, preferably at least two rows, of alternating vertically oriented cathodes and anodes configured to be operatively connected to a power supply for providing an electric current to the anodes and cathodes. The rows of vertically oriented cathodes and anodes are configured in size to be inserted into the tank. The purifier assembly is configured to maintain an anode-to-cathode distance (ACD) between the cathodes and anodes. The purifier is particularly adapted for removing sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and/or gallium from cryolite for the eco-friendly production of aluminum with a cell using oxygen-evolving or inert anodes, which preferably requires a purer bath.
Apparatuses and methods for controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell during the electrolytic production of a metal, such as aluminum or aluminium, are disclosed. The cell has anodes and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows. Each electrode defines a connecting region for connecting the electrode to the cell, a middle region, and an ACO (Anode-Cathode Overlap) region extending from the middle region for overlapping adjacent electrodes(s). The ratio of the ACO region's surface area to the middle region's surface area is superior to one. Alternatively, an average cross-sectional ACO region to the middle and connecting regions, is superior than one, preferably superior than 2. The present technology allows maximizing current density in the ACO region. Increasing these ratios has less impact on the environment by reducing heat generation and energy consumption, making the metal production eco-friendly, in particular when used with inert or oxygen-evolving electrodes.
A method for detecting a thermite reaction in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode assembly of one or more metal-oxide-containing anodes is disclosed. Each anode assembly is powered by a current provided through a distinct anode rod for each anode assembly. The method comprises: measuring a voltage drop using a pair of voltage probes located on the anode rod, the voltage drop corresponding to a current flow in the anode assembly; processing the voltage drop by computing at least one of the voltage drop derivative, the voltage drop variance, and the derivative of the voltage drop variance; and detecting a thermite reaction based on the results of the signal processing, before mitigating and/or suppressing the thermite reaction by adjusting the operational parameters of the electrolytic cell. This method is particularly advantageous as it reduces the number of voltage drops necessary for detecting a thermite reaction by a factor of 10.
It is disclosed an apparatus and method for determining a temperature of the bath of an electrolytic cell during electrolytic production of a metal. The apparatus comprising an electrode body and a conductor pin at least partially inserted thereinto for providing electrical connection; and a probe inserted into the conductor pin, for providing one or more probe readings and being operable when positioned at least partially below a bath- vapor interface upon immersion in the electrolytic bath. The temperature of the bath is determined based on at least one of the one or more probe readings. The probe is protected from corrosion by the conductor pin during metal production. The electrolytic cell may comprise more than one apparatus for measuring temperature in order to evaluate a temperature profile in the bath. Preferably, the one or more anodes are inert or oxygen evolving anodes, and the metal to be produced is aluminum.
G01K 1/10 - Protective devices, e.g. casings for preventing chemical attack
G01K 7/02 - Measuring temperature based on the use of electric or magnetic elements directly sensitive to heat using thermoelectric elements, e.g. thermocouples
It is disclosed an apparatus and method for determining a temperature of the bath of an electrolytic cell during electrolytic production of a metal. The apparatus comprising an electrode body and a conductor pin at least partially inserted thereinto for providing electrical connection; and a probe inserted into the conductor pin, for providing one or more probe readings and being operable when positioned at least partially below a bath- vapor interface upon immersion in the electrolytic bath. The temperature of the bath is determined based on at least one of the one or more probe readings. The probe is protected from corrosion by the conductor pin during metal production. The electrolytic cell may comprise more than one apparatus for measuring temperature in order to evaluate a temperature profile in the bath. Preferably, the one or more anodes are inert or oxygen evolving anodes, and the metal to be produced is aluminum.
G01K 7/02 - Measuring temperature based on the use of electric or magnetic elements directly sensitive to heat using thermoelectric elements, e.g. thermocouples
16.
System and process for starting up an electrolytic cell
It is disclosed a system and process for starting up an electrolytic cell. The system and process are particularly adapted for preheating an electrolytic cell or pot having cathodes before installing preheated anodes in the cell, for the production of a metal (e.g. aluminum). The system comprises one or more electrical heaters installed in the cell in place of the anode assemblies and can be used with a dry bath or a liquid melted bath (e.g. cryolite). The cell is preferably preheated by as many cell preheaters as there are anode assemblies. The cell preheater is preferably powered by current available in the pot's busbar. The invention is environmentally friendly as being preferably adapted for preheating a cell working with inert or oxygen-evolving anodes. Furthermore, the starting up process allows optimizing/reducing the time necessary for starting up the electrolytic cell, while securing the materials located inside the cell.
It is disclosed an electrode body for the electrolytic production of a metal comprising a first portion for operatively connecting the electrode body to an electrolytic cell; a second portion, opposite the first portion; and a middle portion extending between the first and second portions. The body has a continuous external surface forming a round transition between the second and middle portions. The external surface of the middle portion comprises two opposite outer flat surfaces for facing surfaces of adjacent electrodes when the electrode is plunged into an electrolytic bath of the electrolytic cell comprising said adjacent electrodes. Preferably, the electrode is an anode and the anode body has a bore shape with a continuous external surface of the body wall. Preferably, the electrode body is made from a metal alloy, a ceramic or cermet material to form an inert or oxygen-evolving anode used for an eco-friendly production of aluminum.
It is disclosed an electrode body for the electrolytic production of a metal comprising a first portion for operatively connecting the electrode body to an electrolytic cell; a second portion, opposite the first portion; and a middle portion extending between the first and second portions. The body has a continuous external surface forming a round transition between the second and middle portions. The external surface of the middle portion comprises two opposite outer flat surfaces for facing surfaces of adjacent electrodes when the electrode is plunged into an electrolytic bath of the electrolytic cell comprising said adjacent electrodes. Preferably, the electrode is an anode and the anode body has a bore shape with a continuous external surface of the body wall. Preferably, the electrode body is made from a metal alloy, a ceramic or cermet material to form an inert or oxygen-evolving anode used for an eco-friendly production of aluminum.
A method of monitoring an electrolytic cell including detecting information indicative of a thermite reaction, comparing the information indicative of a thermite reaction to a threshold, generating a thermite response signal according to the comparison, and reacting to the thermite response signal by adjusting the operation of the electrolytic cell.
Disclosed are a pin assembly for providing current to an electrode, e.g. an inert or oxygen evolving anode, and its manufacturing method. The pin assembly is configured to be inserted into an electrode body of an electrode for providing an electric current to the electrode body. The pin assembly comprises a structural support member configured to mechanically support the electrode body, and a protective conductive member configured to embed the structural support member. The protective conductive member comprises at least one metal or alloy thereof adapted for conducting the electric current while protecting the structural support member against corrosion during a given period of time of use of the electrode. The pin assembly enables convenient electrical connection of the electrodes, combines electrical and thermal performance for optimizing cell efficiency, provides structural and corrosion durability for extending pin assembly life, and utilizes robust joining processes for high reliability.
Disclosed are a pin assembly for providing current to an electrode, e.g. an inert or oxygen evolving anode, and its manufacturing method. The pin assembly is configured to be inserted into an electrode body of an electrode for providing an electric current to the electrode body. The pin assembly comprises a structural support member configured to mechanically support the electrode body, and a protective conductive member configured to embed the structural support member. The protective conductive member comprises at least one metal or alloy thereof adapted for conducting the electric current while protecting the structural support member against corrosion during a given period of time of use of the electrode. The pin assembly enables convenient electrical connection of the electrodes, combines electrical and thermal performance for optimizing cell efficiency, provides structural and corrosion durability for extending pin assembly life, and utilizes robust joining processes for high reliability.
An apparatus, also named transfer box or TB, for conveying an anode assembly outside of an electrolyte cell is described. An apparatus, also named cell preheater lifting beam or CPLB, for conveying an anode assembly or a cell pre-heater outside of an electrolyte cell is also disclosed. TB and CPLB are conjointly used for starting up the electrolytic cell or for replacing a spent anode assembly while maintaining the production of non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. The thermal insulation of the TB allows maintaining the anode temperature homogeneity and preventing thermal shocks when introducing the inert anodes into the hot electrolytic bath. TN and CPLB allow accurate positioning of anode assemblies or cell-preheaters over the electrolysis cell before achieving mechanical and electrical connections of the anode assembly or the cell pre-heater to the electrolysis cell. Several related methods for the operation of an electrolytic cell are also disclosed.
An apparatus, also named transfer box or TB, for conveying an anode assembly outside of an electrolyte cell is described. An apparatus, also named cell preheater lifting beam or CPLB, for conveying an anode assembly or a cell pre-heater outside of an electrolyte cell is also disclosed. TB and CPLB are conjointly used for starting up the electrolytic cell or for replacing a spent anode assembly while maintaining the production of non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. The thermal insulation of the TB allows maintaining the anode temperature homogeneity and preventing thermal shocks when introducing the inert anodes into the hot electrolytic bath. TN and CPLB allow accurate positioning of anode assemblies or cell-preheaters over the electrolysis cell before achieving mechanical and electrical connections of the anode assembly or the cell pre-heater to the electrolysis cell. Several related methods for the operation of an electrolytic cell are also disclosed.
Apparatus and method for collecting and pretreating process gases produced in an electrolytic cell during aluminum production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a collecting unit configured to draw off primary process gases from the electrolytic cell, for instance by drawing-off primary process gases from orifices purposely made over the electrolytic bath; and a pre-treating unit fluidly connected to the collecting unit and configured to receive a fluid bed of fluorinated alumina for pre-treating the primary process gases. The collecting and pre-treating units are within or immediately aside the electrolytic cell, in the potroom. The apparatus can be combine with a gas treatment center (GTC) located outside the potroom. Among other advantages, the technology allows collecting primary process gases directly at electrolytic bath level, separating primary process gases and hoodspace process gases to pretreat the primary process gases with alumina before the GTC, and using fluid bed reactors without filter bags.
Apparatuses and methods for controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell during the electrolytic production of a metal, such as aluminum or aluminium, are disclosed. The cell has anodes and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows. Each electrode defines a connecting region for connecting the electrode to the cell, a middle region, and an ACO (Anode-Cathode Overlap) region extending from the middle region for overlapping adjacent electrodes(s). The ratio of the ACO region's surface area to the middle region's surface area is superior to one. Alternatively, an average cross-sectional ACO region to the middle and connecting regions, is superior than one, preferably superior than 2. The present technology allows maximizing current density in the ACO region. Increasing these ratios has less impact on the environment by reducing heat generation and energy consumption, making the metal production eco-friendly, in particular when used with inert or oxygen-evolving electrodes.
Apparatuses and methods for controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell during the electrolytic production of a metal, such as aluminum or aluminium, are disclosed. The cell has anodes and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows. Each electrode defines a connecting region for connecting the electrode to the cell, a middle region, and an ACO (Anode-Cathode Overlap) region extending from the middle region for overlapping adjacent electrodes(s). The ratio of the ACO region's surface area to the middle region's surface area is superior to one. Alternatively, an average cross-sectional ACO region to the middle and connecting regions, is superior than one, preferably superior than 2. The present technology allows maximizing current density in the ACO region. Increasing these ratios has less impact on the environment by reducing heat generation and energy consumption, making the metal production eco-friendly, in particular when used with inert or oxygen-evolving electrodes.
It is disclosed a purifier assembly and method for removing impurities from an electrolytic bath before using the same with an electrolytic cell for making a metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. The assembly comprises a purification tank, located upstream the cell, for containing the bath; and at least one row, preferably at least two rows, of alternating vertically oriented cathodes and anodes configured to be operatively connected to a power supply for providing an electric current to the anodes and cathodes. The rows of vertically oriented cathodes and anodes are configured in size to be inserted into the tank. The purifier assembly is configured to maintain an anode-to-cathode distance (ACD) between the cathodes and anodes. The purifier is particularly adapted for removing sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and/or gallium from cryolite for the eco-friendly production of aluminum with a cell using oxygen-evolving or inert anodes, which preferably requires a purer bath.
It is disclosed a purifier assembly and method for removing impurities from an electrolytic bath before using the same with an electrolytic cell for making a metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. The assembly comprises a purification tank, located upstream the cell, for containing the bath; and at least one row, preferably at least two rows, of alternating vertically oriented cathodes and anodes configured to be operatively connected to a power supply for providing an electric current to the anodes and cathodes. The rows of vertically oriented cathodes and anodes are configured in size to be inserted into the tank. The purifier assembly is configured to maintain an anode-to-cathode distance (ACD) between the cathodes and anodes. The purifier is particularly adapted for removing sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and/or gallium from cryolite for the eco-friendly production of aluminum with a cell using oxygen-evolving or inert anodes, which preferably requires a purer bath.
A method for detecting a thermite reaction in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode assembly of one or more metal-oxide-containing anodes is disclosed. Each anode assembly is powered by a current provided through a distinct anode rod for each anode assembly. The method comprises: measuring a voltage drop using a pair of voltage probes located on the anode rod, the voltage drop corresponding to a current flow in the anode assembly; processing the voltage drop by computing at least one of the voltage drop derivative, the voltage drop variance, and the derivative of the voltage drop variance; and detecting a thermite reaction based on the results of the signal processing, before mitigating and/or suppressing the thermite reaction by adjusting the operational parameters of the electrolytic cell. This method is particularly advantageous as it reduces the number of voltage drops necessary for detecting a thermite reaction by a factor of 10.
A method for detecting a thermite reaction in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode assembly of one or more metal-oxide-containing anodes is disclosed. Each anode assembly is powered by a current provided through a distinct anode rod for each anode assembly. The method comprises: measuring a voltage drop using a pair of voltage probes located on the anode rod, the voltage drop corresponding to a current flow in the anode assembly; processing the voltage drop by computing at least one of the voltage drop derivative, the voltage drop variance, and the derivative of the voltage drop variance; and detecting a thermite reaction based on the results of the signal processing, before mitigating and/or suppressing the thermite reaction by adjusting the operational parameters of the electrolytic cell. This method is particularly advantageous as it reduces the number of voltage drops necessary for detecting a thermite reaction by a factor of 10.
It is disclosed a system and process for starting up an electrolytic cell. The system and process are particularly adapted for preheating an electrolytic cell or pot having cathodes before installing preheated anodes in the cell, for the production of a metal (e.g. aluminum). The system comprises one or more electrical heaters installed in the cell in place of the anode assemblies and can be used with a dry bath or a liquid melted bath (e.g. cryolite). The cell is preferably preheated by as many cell preheaters as there are anode assemblies. The cell preheater is preferably powered by current available in the pot's busbar. The invention is environmentally friendly as being preferably adapted for preheating a cell working with inert or oxygen-evolving anodes. Furthermore, the starting up process allows optimizing / reducing the time necessary for starting up the electrolytic cell, while securing the materials located inside the cell.
It is disclosed a system and process for starting up an electrolytic cell. The system and process are particularly adapted for preheating an electrolytic cell or pot having cathodes before installing preheated anodes in the cell, for the production of a metal (e.g. aluminum). The system comprises one or more electrical heaters installed in the cell in place of the anode assemblies and can be used with a dry bath or a liquid melted bath (e.g. cryolite). The cell is preferably preheated by as many cell preheaters as there are anode assemblies. The cell preheater is preferably powered by current available in the pot's busbar. The invention is environmentally friendly as being preferably adapted for preheating a cell working with inert or oxygen-evolving anodes. Furthermore, the starting up process allows optimizing / reducing the time necessary for starting up the electrolytic cell, while securing the materials located inside the cell.
An electrolytic cell for producing aluminum metal is disclosed. The electrolytic cell comprises at least one anode module having a plurality of anodes and being supported above a corresponding at least one cathode module having a plurality of cathodes, the at least one anode module being supported by a positioning apparatus configured to move inside the cell for selectively positioning the plurality of anodes within the electrolytic cell relative to adjacent cathodes in order to adjust an anode-cathode distance (ACD) and/or an anode-cathode overlap (ACO). Preferably, the anodes are inert or oxygen-evolving electrodes for an eco-friendly or “green” production of a metal, such as aluminum (or aluminium).
An apparatus, also named transfer box or TB, for conveying an anode assembly outside of an electrolyte cell is described. An apparatus, also named cell preheater lifting beam or CPLB, for conveying an anode assembly or a cell pre-heater outside of an electrolyte cell is also disclosed. TB and CPLB are conjointly used for starting up the electrolytic cell or for replacing a spent anode assembly while maintaining the production of non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. The thermal insulation of the TB allows maintaining the anode temperature homogeneity and preventing thermal shocks when introducing the inert anodes into the hot electrolytic bath. TN and CPLB allow accurate positioning of anode assemblies or cell-preheaters over the electrolysis cell before achieving mechanical and electrical connections of the anode assembly or the cell pre-heater to the electrolysis cell. Several related methods for the operation of an electrolytic cell are also disclosed.
An apparatus, also named transfer box or TB, for conveying an anode assembly outside of an electrolyte cell is described. An apparatus, also named cell preheater lifting beam or CPLB, for conveying an anode assembly or a cell pre-heater outside of an electrolyte cell is also disclosed. TB and CPLB are conjointly used for starting up the electrolytic cell or for replacing a spent anode assembly while maintaining the production of non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum or aluminium. The thermal insulation of the TB allows maintaining the anode temperature homogeneity and preventing thermal shocks when introducing the inert anodes into the hot electrolytic bath. TN and CPLB allow accurate positioning of anode assemblies or cell-preheaters over the electrolysis cell before achieving mechanical and electrical connections of the anode assembly or the cell pre-heater to the electrolysis cell. Several related methods for the operation of an electrolytic cell are also disclosed.
Apparatus and method for collecting and pretreating process gases produced in an electrolytic cell during aluminum production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a collecting unit configured to draw off primary process gases from the electrolytic cell, for instance by drawing-off primary process gases from orifices purposely made over the electrolytic bath; and a pre-treating unit fluidly connected to the collecting unit and configured to receive a fluid bed of fluorinated alumina for pre-treating the primary process gases. The collecting and pre-treating units are within or immediately aside the electrolytic cell, in the potroom. The apparatus can be combine with a gas treatment center (GTC) located outside the potroom. Among other advantages, the technology allows collecting primary process gases directly at electrolytic bath level, separating primary process gases and hoodspace process gases to pretreat the primary process gases with alumina before the GTC, and using fluid bed reactors without filter bags.
Apparatus and method for collecting and pretreating process gases produced in an electrolytic cell during aluminum production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a collecting unit configured to draw off primary process gases from the electrolytic cell, for instance by drawing-off primary process gases from orifices purposely made over the electrolytic bath; and a pre-treating unit fluidly connected to the collecting unit and configured to receive a fluid bed of fluorinated alumina for pre-treating the primary process gases. The collecting and pre-treating units are within or immediately aside the electrolytic cell, in the potroom. The apparatus can be combine with a gas treatment center (GTC) located outside the potroom. Among other advantages, the technology allows collecting primary process gases directly at electrolytic bath level, separating primary process gases and hoodspace process gases to pretreat the primary process gases with alumina before the GTC, and using fluid bed reactors without filter bags.
In some embodiments, an anode apparatus comprises: (a) an anode body comprising at least one outer sidewall, wherein the outer sidewall is configured to define a shape of the anode body, and to perimetrically surround a hole in the anode body, wherein the hole comprises an upper opening in a top surface of the anode body and wherein the hole axially extends into the anode body; (b) a pin comprising: a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second end extends downward into the upper end of the anode body and into the hole of the anode body; and (c) a sealing material configured to cover at least a portion of at least one of the following: (1) an inner sidewall of the anode body; (2) the top surface of the anode body; (3) the pin; and (4) the anode support.
In one embodiment, an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum from alumina includes: at least one anode module having a plurality of anodes; at least one cathode module, opposing the anode module, wherein the at least one cathode module comprises a plurality of cathodes, wherein the plurality of anodes are suspended above the cathode module and extending downwards towards the cathode module, wherein the plurality of cathodes are positioned extending upwards towards the anode module, wherein each of the plurality of anodes and each of the plurality of cathodes are alternatingly positioned, wherein the plurality of anodes is selectively positionable in a horizontal direction relative to adjacent cathodes, wherein the anode module is selectively positionable in a vertical direction relative to the cathode module, and wherein a portion of each of the anode electrodes overlap a portion of adjacent cathodes.
In some embodiments, an electrolytic cell includes: an one anode module having a plurality of anodes; a one cathode module, opposing the anode module, and comprising a plurality of vertical cathodes, wherein each of the plurality of anodes and each of the plurality of vertical cathodes are vertically oriented and spaced one from another; a cell reservoir; and a cell bottom supporting the cathode module, wherein the cell bottom comprise an first upper surface, a second upper surface, and a channel, wherein the plurality of vertical cathodes extends upward from the upper surfaces, wherein at least one cathode block is located below the plurality of vertical cathodes, wherein the first upper surface and the second upper surface are configured to direct substantially all of the liquid aluminum produced in the electrolytic cell to the channel, and wherein the channel is configured to receive liquid aluminum from the upper surfaces.
In some embodiments, an anode apparatus comprises: (a) an anode body comprising at least one outer sidewall, wherein the outer sidewall is configured to define a shape of the anode body, and to perimetrically surround a hole in the anode body, wherein the hole comprises an upper opening in a top surface of the anode body and wherein the hole axially extends into the anode body; (b) a pin comprising: a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second end extends downward into the upper end of the anode body and into the hole of the anode body; and (c) a sealing material configured to cover at least a portion of at least one of the following: (1) an inner sidewall of the anode body; (2) the top surface of the anode body; (3) the pin; and (4) the anode support.
In one embodiment, a feed system for distributing fluidized feed material, comprises: a distribution unit configured to fluidize feed material; and a control unit fluidly coupled to the distribution unit, wherein the control unit comprises: a chamber configured to hold the feed material provided from the distribution unit; and a feeder unit fluidly coupled to the chamber: and a second gas inlet configured to provide gas to the chamber; and a material discharge pipe fluidly coupled to the chamber and the second gas inlet.
B65G 53/18 - Gas pressure systems operating with fluidisation of the materials through a porous wall
B65G 53/22 - Gas pressure systems operating with fluidisation of the materials through a porous wall the systems comprising a reservoir, e.g. a bunker
B65G 53/66 - Use of indicator or control devices, e.g. for controlling gas pressure, for controlling proportions of material and gas, for indicating or preventing jamming of material
44.
Electrode configurations for electrolytic cells and related methods
In one embodiment, an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum from alumina includes: at least one anode module having a plurality of anodes; at least one cathode module, opposing the anode module, wherein the at least one cathode module comprises a plurality of cathodes, wherein the plurality of anodes are suspended above the cathode module and extending downwards towards the cathode module, wherein the plurality of cathodes are positioned extending upwards towards the anode module, wherein each of the plurality of anodes and each of the plurality of cathodes are alternatingly positioned, wherein the plurality of anodes is selectively positionable in a horizontal direction relative to adjacent cathodes, wherein the anode module is selectively positionable in a vertical direction relative to the cathode module, and wherein a portion of each of the anode electrodes overlap a portion of adjacent cathodes.
An insulation assembly is provided, including: a body of an insulating material with a lower surface configured to contact a sidewall an electrolysis cell; an upper surface generally opposed to the lower surface; and a perimetrical sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface to surround the remainder of the body, the perimetrical sidewall including: an inner portion configured to face an anode surface of the electrolysis cell and provide a gap between the body and the anode surface of the electrolysis cell; wherein the body is configured to extend from the sidewall towards the anode surface.
A system is provided including an electrolysis cell configured to retain a molten electrolyte bath, the bath including at least one bath component, the electrolysis cell including: a bottom, and a sidewall consisting essentially of the at least one bath component; and a feed material including the least one bath component to the molten electrolyte bath such that the at least one bath component is within 30% of saturation, wherein, via the feed material, the sidewall is stable in the molten electrolyte bath.
Broadly, the present disclosure relates to sidewall features (e.g. inner sidewall or hot face) of an electrolysis cell, which protect the sidewall from the electrolytic bath while the cell is in operation (e.g. producing metal in the electrolytic cell).
The present disclosure related to an inert anode which is electrically connected to the electrolytic cell, such that a conductor rod is connected to the inert anode in order to supply current from a current supply to the inert anode, where the inert anode directs current into the electrolytic bath to produce nonferrous metal (where current exits the cell via a cathode).
Broadly, the present disclosure relates to sidewall features (e.g. inner sidewall or hot face) of an electrolysis cell, which protect the sidewall from the electrolytic bath while the cell is in operation (e.g. producing metal in the electrolytic cell).
A system is provided including an electrolysis cell configured to retain a molten electrolyte bath, the bath including at least one bath component, the electrolysis cell including: a bottom, and a sidewall consisting essentially of the at least one bath component; and a feeder system, configured to provide a feed material including the least one bath component to the molten electrolyte bath such that the at least one bath component is within 2% of saturation, wherein, via the feed material, the sidewall is stable in the molten electrolyte bath.
A method of monitoring an electrolytic cell including detecting information indicative of a thermite reaction, comparing the information indicative of a thermite reaction to a threshold, generating a thermite response signal according to the comparison, and reacting to the thermite response signal by adjusting the operation of the electrolytic cell.
A composite anode assembly is provided, the assembly including a permeation resistant portion and a porous conductive portion circumscribing at least the bottom of the permeation resistant portion. The composite anode assembly reduces corrosion and restricts thermal expansion stresses.
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