CN117337343A - Electrode body for electrode for electrolytic production of metal - Google Patents
Electrode body for electrode for electrolytic production of metal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN117337343A CN117337343A CN202280035319.0A CN202280035319A CN117337343A CN 117337343 A CN117337343 A CN 117337343A CN 202280035319 A CN202280035319 A CN 202280035319A CN 117337343 A CN117337343 A CN 117337343A
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- electrode body
- electrode
- anode
- adjacent
- intermediate portion
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000011195 cermet Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 9
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000003575 carbonaceous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- XOLBLPGZBRYERU-UHFFFAOYSA-N tin dioxide Chemical compound O=[Sn]=O XOLBLPGZBRYERU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009626 Hall-Héroult process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010406 cathode material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001805 chlorine compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N chlorine dioxide Inorganic materials O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001338 liquidmetal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002736 metal compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- NQNBVCBUOCNRFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel ferrite Chemical compound [Ni]=O.O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O NQNBVCBUOCNRFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Al]O[Al]=O TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006479 redox reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007665 sagging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910000859 α-Fe Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C3/00—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts
- C25C3/06—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts of aluminium
- C25C3/08—Cell construction, e.g. bottoms, walls, cathodes
- C25C3/12—Anodes
Abstract
Disclosed is an electrode body for electrolytic production of metal, which includes: a first portion for operatively connecting the electrode body to an electrolytic cell; a second portion opposite the first portion; and an intermediate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. The electrode body has a continuous outer surface forming a rounded transition between the second portion and the intermediate portion. The outer surface of the intermediate portion comprises two opposite outer flat surfaces for facing the surfaces of adjacent electrodes when the electrodes are placed in an electrolytic cell of an electrolytic cell comprising said adjacent electrodes. Preferably, the electrode is an anode and the anode body has a pore shape with a continuous outer surface of the body wall. Preferably, the electrode body is made of a metal alloy, ceramic or cermet material to form an inert or oxygen evolving anode for environmentally friendly production of aluminum.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
The present patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/241,258, entitled "electrode body" filed by the U.S. patent and trademark office at 2021, 9, 7, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to an electrode body for an electrode, an electrode comprising the electrode body, and an electrolytic cell comprising an electrode for producing a metal, such as aluminum. In particular, the electrode body is used for the manufacture of inert or oxygen evolving anodes.
Background
Aluminum metal (also known as aluminum) is produced by electrolysis of aluminum oxide in an electrolytic cell containing molten electrolyte at a temperature of about 750-1000 ℃ in a plurality of electrolytic cells. The cell has a crucible comprising a steel shell comprising carbonaceous cathode material, steel collector bars and refractory insulating material capable of containing an electrolyte, at least one cathode and at least one anode.
The direct current through the anode, electrolyte and cathode causes the alumina redox reaction and also enables the cell to be maintained at the target operating temperature by the joule effect. The electrolytic cell is supplied with alumina periodically to compensate for alumina consumption caused by the electrolytic reaction.
In the conventional Hall-Heroult process, the anode is made of carbon and is consumed during the electrolysis reaction. The anode needs to be replaced after 3 to 4 weeks. The consumption of carbonaceous material releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Aluminum manufacturers have been looking for anodes made of non-consumable materials, known as "inert anodes" or "oxygen evolving anodes," for decades to avoid the environmental problems and costs associated with manufacturing and using anodes made of carbonaceous materials. Several materials have been proposed, in particular ceramic materials (e.g. SnO2 and ferrite), metallic materials and composite materials, for example materials known as "cermets" comprising a ceramic phase and a metallic phase, in particular nickel ferrite comprising a metallic copper-based phase.
Anode cylinders or plates are known in the art.
A recently developed electrolytic cell for producing aluminum or other metals may include an alternating arrangement of inert anodes and wettable inert cathodes, both of which are immersed in a molten salt bath having sufficient ionic conductivity to pass an electric current. For example, reference may be made to WO 2017/165838 A1 (Xinhua Liu), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The molten salt bath has the ability to dissolve metal compounds (e.g., metal oxides, chlorides, carbonates, etc.) to be reduced. Gases such as oxygen, chlorine or carbon dioxide are produced at the anode and leave the cell as exhaust gas. Liquid metal is produced at the cathode and flows under gravity in the form of a film to a pool or sump for collection.
When the anode and cathode are oriented vertically, the anode and cathode are separated by a distance, referred to as the anode-cathode distance or ACD. The electrodes also define an overlap dimension, referred to as an anode-cathode overlap or ACO. When the anode body has a different geometry than the adjacent cathode (e.g., a cylindrical anode adjacent to the cathode plate), the ACD may vary. In addition, the shape and size of the inert anode is related to the desired cell resistance, current density, cathode plate size, and cell size. Anodes can be complicated to manufacture, particularly when the anode body is made of a cermet or ceramic material or the like to manufacture an inert/oxygen evolving anode.
Thus, there is a need for a new cell electrode shape that both extends the electrolysis life and provides a more constant ACD.
Disclosure of Invention
The drawbacks of the prior art are generally alleviated by the new anode shape of electrolytic cells commonly used for electrolytic production of aluminum.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The invention relates to an electrode body for an electrode for the electrolytic production of metals, said electrode body extending longitudinally along an axis Z and comprising:
a first portion configured to operatively connect the electrode body to an electrolytic cell;
a second portion opposite the first portion; and
an intermediate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion;
wherein the electrode body has a continuous outer surface forming a rounded transition between the second portion and the intermediate portion, and
wherein the continuous outer surface of the intermediate portion defines two opposing outer planar surfaces for facing the surfaces of adjacent electrodes when the electrodes are placed in an electrolytic cell of an electrolytic cell comprising said adjacent electrodes.
According to a preferred embodiment, the electrode body disclosed herein may further comprise a longitudinal bore extending from the first portion and configured to at least partially house an electrode pin for operatively connecting the electrode body to a power supply when the electrode pin is mounted therein, the longitudinal bore and the electrode body then defining a body wall surrounding the longitudinal bore.
According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal bore may define a non-uniform cross-sectional area between the first and second portions of the electrode body. More preferably, the non-uniform cross-sectional area of the bore adjacent the first portion may be greater than the non-uniform cross-sectional area of the bore adjacent the intermediate portion and/or the second portion.
According to a preferred embodiment, the non-uniform cross-sectional area of the bore adjacent the first portion has a first geometry that is different from a second geometry of the non-uniform cross-sectional area adjacent the second portion. More preferably, the first geometry defines a circular cross-sectional area and the second geometry defines a rectangular cross-sectional area.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the electrode body is closed, so that the body wall defined by the second portion and the intermediate portion may have a uniform or almost uniform thickness.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the electrode body is closed, so that the first thickness of the body wall defined by the second portion is greater than the second thickness of the body wall which may be defined by the intermediate portion.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the electrode body may have an elliptical-like shape or a rectangular-like shape with rounded corners.
According to a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the body wall may have a circular or oval shape.
According to a preferred embodiment, the outer planar surface may be configured to extend from the second portion to the first portion at an angle α of about 0 ° to the longitudinal axis Z so as to be parallel to a plane formed by the surfaces of the adjacent electrodes and to provide a constant distance between the intermediate portion of the electrode body and the adjacent electrodes.
According to a preferred embodiment, the outer planar surface may be configured to extend inwardly from the second portion to the first portion at an angle α of about 0.5 ° to about 5 ° to the longitudinal axis Z.
According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate portion of the body wall may further comprise two opposite outer side surfaces connecting the two opposite outer flat surfaces, said outer side surfaces forming a rounded transition between the two opposite outer flat surfaces of the electrode body. Preferably, the outer side surface extends inwardly from the second portion to the first portion. More preferably, each of the two inwardly extending opposing outer side surfaces defines a transition in the shape of a shoulder between the intermediate portion and the first portion along the longitudinal axis Z.
According to a preferred embodiment, the electrode body disclosed herein may further comprise a failsafe system adjacent the first portion to mechanically connect the electrode body to the refractory package. Preferably, the fault protection system may comprise an external recess in the electrode body surrounding and adjacent to the first portion.
According to a preferred embodiment, the electrode is an anode and the electrode body is an anode body made of a metal or an alloy thereof, a ceramic or a cermet material to form an inert or oxygen evolving anode.
The invention also relates to an electrode comprising an electrode body as defined herein and an electrode pin inserted into the electrode body. Preferably, the electrodes are used to make metals, such as aluminum.
Advantageously, the electrode body has rounded corners (no sharp corners) for the transition between the second portion and the intermediate portion, which may reduce stress concentrations compared to electrode plates and avoid crack initiation.
In addition to rounded corners, the electrode bodies disclosed herein also include opposing flat surfaces for facing adjacent electrodes in the electrolytic cell, which provides a more constant ACD compared to a cylindrical anode.
Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from a reading of the presently described illustrative embodiments, or the embodiments pointed out in the appended claims, as will occur to those skilled in the art upon the actual application of the present invention.
Drawings
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
fig. 1 is a three-dimensional schematic view of an electrode body according to a first preferred embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the electrode body shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode body of FIG. 2 taken along line A-A;
FIG. 4a is a top view of the electrode body shown in FIG. 1;
fig. 4B is a detailed view of a section B of the electrode body shown in fig. 4 a;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode body of FIG. 4a taken along line G-G;
fig. 6 is a detailed view of a section C of the electrode body shown in fig. 3;
fig. 7 is a three-dimensional schematic view of an electrode body according to a second preferred embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the electrode body shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode body of FIG. 10a taken along line A-A;
FIG. 10a is a top view of the electrode body shown in FIG. 7;
fig. 10b is a detailed view of the section D of the electrode body shown in fig. 10 a;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode body of FIG. 10a taken along line B-B; and
fig. 12 is a detailed view of a section E of the electrode body shown in fig. 11.
Detailed Description
A novel electrode body will be described hereinafter. While the present invention has been described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.
The terminology used herein is consistent with the definitions given below.
By "about" is meant that the value of weight percent, time, resistance, volume, or temperature may vary within a range depending on the magnitude of error of the method or apparatus used to evaluate the weight percent, time, resistance, volume, or temperature. An error magnitude of 10% is generally acceptable.
The following description and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of illustration of specific embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, those principles of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts and/or steps are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals.
As previously mentioned, the invention first relates to an electrode body extending longitudinally along an axis Z and comprising: a first portion configured to operatively connect the electrode body to an electrolytic cell; a second portion opposite the first portion; and an intermediate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. The electrode body has a continuous outer surface forming a rounded transition between the second portion and the intermediate portion. Furthermore, the continuous outer surface of the intermediate portion defines two opposing outer planar surfaces for facing the surfaces of adjacent electrodes when the electrodes are placed in an electrolytic cell of an electrolytic cell comprising adjacent electrodes.
In the following description of the preferred embodiments, the invention is described as an anode body. Of course, similar embodiments may be applied to the cathode body.
The cathode of the cell used to make the metal is electrically conductive, chemically resistant to the metal and the cell, and has good wettability to the metal produced. The cathode may be, for example, a vertical plate of a given thickness, thus presenting two opposite flat surfaces for facing adjacent anodes.
Fig. 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of an anode body of an anode for the electrolytic production of metal, and fig. 7 to 12 show a second embodiment of an anode body of an anode for the electrolytic production of metal. The reference numerals in the 100 series in the drawings denote the first embodiment, and the reference numerals in the 200 series denote the second embodiment.
The anode described herein preferably comprises an anode body in which an anode pin for electrical conduction is inserted. Examples are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,945,041 B2 (Reed et al), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
According to the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the anode body 100, 200 comprises a longitudinal bore 110, 210 configured to at least partially receive an anode pin (not shown) for operatively connecting the anode body to a power supply (not shown) when the anode pin is mounted therein. Other possible configurations of electrically connecting the anode body to the power supply may be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.
The anode body 100, 200 also includes a body wall 120, 220 surrounding the longitudinal bore 110, 210. The body wall includes or defines the following:
a first or open portion 130, 230 adjacent the opening 111, 211 of the longitudinal bore;
a second or closing portion 140, 240 opposite the opening portion 130, 230; and
intermediate portions 150, 250 extending between the first/opening portions 130, 230 and the second/closing portions 140, 240.
As shown particularly in fig. 3 or 9, the anode body 100, 200 has the shape of a hole, wherein the continuous outer surface 121, 221 of the body wall forms a rounded transition 141, 241 between the second/closing portion 140, 240 and the intermediate portion 150, 250. Such rounded corners (without sharp corners) reduce stress concentrations for the closed portion (but also preferably for the intermediate portion and the first/open portion) and avoid crack initiation.
As shown particularly in fig. 9, the second portion 240 and the intermediate portion 250 of the body wall 220 of the anode body 200 have a uniform or nearly uniform thickness 222. The uniform or nearly uniform sidewall and bottom thickness allows for uniform or nearly uniform current distribution over the (nearly uniform) thickness, resulting in (nearly uniform) heat transfer and temperature gradients. This is particularly advantageous for preventing cracking of temperature sensitive materials such as ceramics or cermets.
Alternatively, as shown particularly in fig. 3, the first thickness 122 of the body wall 120 of the second/closure portion 140 is greater than the second thickness 123 of the body wall 120 of the intermediate portion 150.
As shown particularly in fig. 4a, the closed portion 140 of the anode body 100 may have a shape resembling a circle. Alternatively, as shown particularly in fig. 10a, the closed portion 240 of the anode body 200 may have a rectangular-like shape with rounded corners. This particular shape allows to reduce the cell resistance and to achieve a more uniform current distribution over the portion of the anode body.
"circular" in this disclosure refers to any geometric shape ranging from oval to circular.
"rectangular" in this disclosure refers to any geometric shape from rectangular to square.
As shown in particular in fig. 4a-4b or fig. 10a-10b, the first/opening portion 130, 230 of the body wall 120, 220 and the opening 111, 211 of the longitudinal bore 110, 210 may have a circular shape. This circular shape provides more space than a rectangular shape, thus allowing easy insertion and accommodation of the electrical pins in the longitudinal holes of the anode body.
As shown in fig. 1 and 2 or fig. 7 and 8, the intermediate portion 150, 250 of the anode body 100, 200 comprises or defines two opposite outer planar surfaces 151, 251 for facing adjacent outer surfaces of a cathode body (not shown) when the anode is placed in an electrolysis cell of an electrolysis cell comprising said cathode body. Preferably, as previously mentioned, the cathode body may be a plate having two opposing flat surfaces facing adjacent anodes. Other cathode shapes are contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention.
According to a first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 3, the outer planar surface 151 of the anode body is configured to extend outwardly between the second/closing portion and the first/opening portion at an angle α of about 0.5 ° to about 5 ° to the longitudinal axis Z of the bore. The angle alpha may be selected to accommodate a plume of bubbles (or bubbles of oxygen) formed during electrolysis using an oxygen evolving electrode. If during electrolysis ACD is covered with O 2 The bubbles are completely filled or impacted and the resistance of the gas is higher than the liquid. In addition, oxygen bubbles should not strike the cathode plate (otherwise the liquid aluminum would react back to alumina), which may reduce the efficiency of the cell.
According to a second embodiment, illustrated in fig. 7 to 10, the external flat surface 251 of the anode body is arranged parallel to the plane formed by the adjacent cathode body. In other words, the angle α between the outer flat surface 251 and the longitudinal axis of the inner bore is about 0 °. This feature provides a constant anode-cathode distance (ACD) between the middle portion of the anode and the adjacent cathode body. In other words, the outer planar surface 251 extends along an angle α of about 0 ° to the longitudinal axis of the bore.
According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate portion 150, 250 of the body wall 110, 210 further comprises two opposite outer side surfaces 152, 252 connecting the two opposite outer flat surfaces 151, 251, the outer side surfaces forming a rounded transition 153, 253 between the two opposite outer flat surfaces of the anode body (see for example fig. 4a and 10a, respectively).
According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in particular in fig. 2, 3, 5 or fig. 8, 9, 11, when the anode is vertical, the first/open portion 130, 230, which is generally at the top of the anode, has a top planar surface 131, 231 perpendicular to the longitudinal bore or axis Z. This top flat shape of the electrode body allows the electrode to be mechanically connected to a refractory package (the refractory package "sits" or distributes its load on the surface). Preferably, the body wall 120, 220 may have a failsafe system adjacent the first/opening portion to mechanically connect the electrode to the refractory package. More preferably, the failsafe system includes an external groove 132, 232 surrounding and adjacent the top opening portion, as shown in fig. 5-6 or 11-12.
As shown in fig. 1 and 5, the outer side surface 152 of the anode body 100 extends inwardly from the second/closed portion 140 of the body to the first/open portion 130 thereof. As shown in fig. 7, 8 and 11, the outer side surface 252 of the anode body 200 also extends inwardly from the second/closure portion 240 of the body. For example, with respect to the anode body shown in fig. 11, the inwardly extending outer side surface 252 defines a rounded transition of the shoulder 254 formed between the intermediate portion 250 and the open portion 230. These configurations of the outer side surfaces 152-252 of the anode body allow for increased surface area, thereby reducing current density, cell voltage and specific energy consumption.
The present invention preferably relates to anode bodies made of metal or alloys thereof, ceramics or cermet materials, typically used in the manufacture of inert or oxygen evolving anodes.
The invention thus also relates to any electrode comprising at least an electrode body as defined herein and an electrode pin inserted into the electrode body.
The present invention also relates to an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes as disclosed herein, operatively connected to a refractory package and a current distribution device.
The electrode body disclosed herein or an electrode comprising the electrode body is particularly suitable for the manufacture of metals, preferably aluminum.
Preferably, the electrode body according to the present invention:
may have a closed end/hole shape, which allows to receive electrical components (pins) for reducing the resistance of the electrolytic cell and to achieve a more uniform current distribution on the component;
may have a wall thickness and a bottom thickness similar or close to the anode wall, which allows for uniform heat transfer/temperature gradients of temperature sensitive materials (e.g., ceramics, cermets, etc.);
may include only rounded corners without sharp corners to reduce stress concentrations and avoid crack initiation;
larger cylinder aspect ratios can be provided, which allows for larger ACO and lower specific energy consumption or SEC (vertical cell designs are preferably required);
including a flat outer surface (width) which reduces the average ACD compared to a simpler cylindrical, lower SEC. In other words, by flattening the electroactive surface of the anode, the average ACD is reduced while maintaining the same minimum ACD;
providing an extra wall thickness at the oval "ends" (between anodes) to increase lifetime due to non-uniform wear patterns of the anodes, the wall thickness between anodes preferably being thicker than the wall thickness between anode and cathode;
larger anodes can be provided, maximizing the surface area of the electrolysis and reducing the number of parts per anode assembly (e.g., the number of electrical connections);
a combined shape of an oval shape for electrolysis and a round hole for a pin may be provided;
width can be reduced above the electrolyzer-saving material and allowing for structural integrity of the refractory package (the holes in the plate would be too large);
since the electrode surface is flat, manufacturing processes such as forming, handling, sintering, etc. can be simplified, for example, by maintaining shape and dimensional tolerances during component shrinkage; and/or
Have a larger wall thickness than known electrode bodies connected with pins, thus increasing the electrode lifetime.
According to a preferred embodiment, the electrode body according to the present disclosure is an anode body having a hollow shape, allowing the hollow body to be filled with a metal material to conduct electricity as close as possible to the active anode surface. The hollow shape also allows for minimizing resistive losses and also promotes uniform current density over the active anode surface.
Several preferred embodiments of the electrode body disclosed herein represent additional significant improvements over electrodes having cylindrical or flat bodies, particularly as the body transitions from a rectangular cavity at the bottom of the anode to a circular cavity at the top. This provides a number of advantages:
first, the life of the pin is limited by the minimum cross-sectional dimensions. For a given cross-sectional area, a circular shape is preferred, as the rectangular geometry always has a smaller size.
Second, the circular cross-section of the top anode, as described herein, facilitates the stronger (mechanical) refractory packaging required for the anode top.
Third, the axisymmetric shape allows a more efficient method of manufacturing the pin.
Fourth, the circular opening at the top of the anode avoids sagging and deformation of the anode opening, which would occur during the manufacturing process of the anode if the opening were rectangular and the gravity force was perpendicular to the long axis of the opening. The circular opening has an arcuate natural mechanical strength when a force is applied perpendicular to the anode surface.
While the illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Claims (21)
1. An electrode body for an electrode for the electrolytic production of metal, said electrode body extending longitudinally along an axis Z and comprising:
a first portion configured to operatively connect the electrode body to an electrolytic cell;
a second portion opposite the first portion; and
an intermediate portion extending between the first portion and the second portion;
wherein the electrode body has a continuous outer surface forming a rounded transition between the second portion and the intermediate portion, an
Wherein the continuous outer surface of the intermediate portion defines two opposed outer planar surfaces for facing the surfaces of adjacent electrodes when the electrodes are placed in an electrolytic cell of an electrolytic cell comprising the adjacent electrodes.
2. The electrode body of claim 1, further comprising a longitudinal bore extending from the first portion and configured to at least partially receive an electrode pin for operatively connecting the electrode body to a power supply when the electrode pin is installed therein, the longitudinal bore and the electrode body then defining a body wall surrounding the longitudinal bore.
3. The electrode body of claim 2, wherein the longitudinal bore defines a non-uniform cross-sectional area between the first and second portions of the electrode body.
4. An electrode body according to claim 3, wherein the non-uniform cross-sectional area of the bore adjacent the first portion is greater than the non-uniform cross-sectional area adjacent the intermediate portion and/or the second portion.
5. The electrode body of claim 2, wherein the non-uniform cross-sectional area of the bore adjacent the first portion has a first geometry and the non-uniform cross-sectional area adjacent the second portion has a second geometry, the first geometry being different from the second geometry.
6. The electrode body of claim 5, wherein the first geometry defines a circular cross-sectional area and the second geometry defines a rectangular cross-sectional area.
7. The electrode body of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second portion of the electrode body is closed and the body wall defined by the second portion and the intermediate portion has a uniform or nearly uniform thickness.
8. The electrode body of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second portion of the electrode body is closed and the first thickness of the body wall defined by the second portion is greater than the second thickness of the body wall defined by the intermediate portion.
9. The electrode body of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second portion of the electrode body has an elliptical-like shape or a rectangular-like shape with rounded corners.
10. The electrode body of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first portion of the body wall has a circular or oval shape.
11. The electrode body of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer planar surface is configured to extend from the second portion to the first portion at an angle a of about 0 ° to the longitudinal axis Z so as to be parallel to a plane formed by the surfaces of adjacent electrodes and to provide a constant distance between the intermediate portion of the electrode body and the adjacent electrodes.
12. The electrode body of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer planar surface is configured to extend inwardly from the second portion to the first portion at an angle a of about 0.5 ° to about 5 ° from the longitudinal axis Z.
13. The electrode body of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the central portion of the body wall further comprises two opposing outer side surfaces connecting the two opposing outer flat surfaces, the outer side surfaces forming a rounded transition between the two opposing outer flat surfaces of the electrode body.
14. The electrode body of claim 13, wherein each of the exterior side surfaces extends inwardly from the second portion to the first portion.
15. The electrode body of claim 13 or 14, wherein each of the two inwardly extending opposing outer side surfaces defines a transition in shoulder shape along the longitudinal axis Z between the intermediate portion and the first portion.
16. The electrode body of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a failsafe system adjacent the first portion to mechanically connect the electrode body to a refractory package.
17. The electrode body of claim 16, wherein the failsafe system comprises an external groove in the electrode body surrounding and adjacent the first portion.
18. The electrode body of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the electrode is an anode and the electrode body is an anode body made of a metal or alloy thereof, ceramic or cermet material to form an inert or oxygen evolving anode.
19. An electrode comprising the electrode body according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and an electrode pin inserted into the electrode body.
20. The electrode of claim 19, used in the manufacture of metals.
21. The electrode of claim 20, wherein the metal is aluminum.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US202163241258P | 2021-09-07 | 2021-09-07 | |
| US63/241,258 | 2021-09-07 | ||
| PCT/CA2022/051333 WO2023035063A1 (en) | 2021-09-07 | 2022-09-06 | An electrode body of an electrode for the electrolytic production of a metal |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN117337343A true CN117337343A (en) | 2024-01-02 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202280035319.0A Pending CN117337343A (en) | 2021-09-07 | 2022-09-06 | Electrode body for electrode for electrolytic production of metal |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN117337343A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2022343028A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3216073A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023035063A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016039978A1 (en) * | 2014-09-08 | 2016-03-17 | Alcoa Inc. | Anode apparatus |
| EP3875635A1 (en) * | 2016-03-25 | 2021-09-08 | Elysis Limited Partnership | Electrode configurations for electrolytic cells and related methods |
| US20240003031A1 (en) * | 2020-11-27 | 2024-01-04 | Elysis Limited Partnership | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
-
2022
- 2022-09-06 CA CA3216073A patent/CA3216073A1/en active Pending
- 2022-09-06 WO PCT/CA2022/051333 patent/WO2023035063A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-09-06 AU AU2022343028A patent/AU2022343028A1/en active Pending
- 2022-09-06 CN CN202280035319.0A patent/CN117337343A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2023035063A1 (en) | 2023-03-16 |
| CA3216073A1 (en) | 2023-03-16 |
| AU2022343028A1 (en) | 2024-02-29 |
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