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
  • C25C3/14—Devices for feeding or crust breaking
• • 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

Definitions

• the invention relates to the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis according to the Hall-Héroult method. It relates more particularly to service modules used in aluminum production plants.
• Aluminum is produced industrially by igneous electrolysis in electrolysis cells according to the well-known Hall-Héroult process.
• the plants contain a large number of electrolysis cells arranged in line, in buildings called halls or electrolysis rooms, and electrically connected in series using connecting conductors.
• the cells are generally arranged to form two or more parallel lines that are electrically bonded together by end conductors.
• an electrolysis plant requires interventions on the electrolysis cells including, in particular, the replacement of spent anodes with new anodes, the removal of liquid metal from the cells and the removal or addition of electrolyte.
• the most modern factories are equipped with one or more service units comprising a movable bridge that can be translated over the electrolysis cells, and along the series of cells, and one or more a plurality of service machines each comprising a trolley and a service module provided with handling and intervention devices (often called "tools”), such as shovels and hoists, and able to be moved on the movable bridge.
• tools handling and intervention devices
• electrolysis service machines These service units are often called “electrolysis service machines” or “MSE”("PTA” or “Pot Tending Assembly” or “PTM” or “Pot Tending Machine” in English).
• MSE electrolysis service machines
• the electrolysis cells are arranged as close as possible to each other and close to one of the lateral sides of the rooms.
• electrolysis and a traffic lane as narrow as possible is arranged near the other lateral side of the rooms. This provision requires that the distance between the walls of the electrolysis room and the limits of the working area of each of the tools of the service machines is as small as possible, especially for access to the electrolysis cells. This distance is called “tools approach”.
• the position of the cells in the electrolysis room and the total area of the room that results depend substantially on the volume occupied by the service machines and the possibilities of approach and movement of their tools.
• the known service modules occupy a large volume which prohibits a reduced approach to the sides of the electrolysis rooms, including the lateral sides, and which substantially limits their movements near these sides.
• the volume of the modules can be reduced by a reconciliation of the tools.
• this solution substantially increases the risk of damage to tools during maintenance operations.
• the subject of the invention is a service module that can be used in an igneous electrolysis aluminum production plant and comprises a chassis that can be fixed to a carriage and a turret mounted on the chassis so as to be able to pivot about an axis.
• vertical A in use and equipped with a plurality of handling and intervention devices, and characterized in that it comprises a set of tools, in that each tool of said assembly is mounted on a telescopic arm attached to the turret by an articulated support that allows pendular movements of the telescopic arm relative to a specific point of articulation while prohibiting the rotational movement of the telescopic arm about a reference axis, called "main axis", associated with this telescopic arm, and in that the telescopic arms of the determined set of tools are interconnected by a mechanical connection device capable of maintaining in a given tolerance range the relative angular difference between the pendular movements of the telescopic arms.
• the Applicant has had the idea of allowing pendulum movements without rotation of the support means of certain tools, in order to give these tools a freedom of positioning which does not change their basic orientation, and to synchronize these pendular movements while at the same time conferring a limited independence of movement (thanks to said determined tolerance domain), which makes it possible to prevent them from colliding without rigidly linking them to one another. Said flexibility makes it possible in particular to prevent the jolts suffered by one of the tools from directly affecting the other tools in the set.
• the service module according to the invention can thus be both compact and flexible, which makes it possible to make tight approaches with tools protected against significant accidental efforts. Indeed, the invention avoids the disadvantages of rigid attachment to the turret, which makes high risk of damage by false maneuver.
• the set of tools typically comprises at least one tool selected from crustal shovels, anode handling tongs and stingers.
• the invention also relates to a service machine comprising a carriage and a service module as described above.
• the invention also relates to a service unit of an igneous electrolysis aluminum production plant comprising a mobile bridge and at least one service machine according to the invention.
• the invention also relates to the use of a service unit according to the invention for the interventions on electrolytic cells for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis.
• Figure 1 illustrates a typical electrolysis room, seen in section, for the production of aluminum and comprising a service unit shown schematically.
• Figure 2 illustrates, in a simplified manner and in perspective, a turret of a service module provided with standard tools.
• Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention, seen in perspective.
• FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention, seen from below.
• Figure 5 illustrates the turret of a service module according to one embodiment of the invention, seen from below and in perspective.
• Electrolysis plants for aluminum production include a liquid aluminum production zone that includes one or more electrolysis rooms (1).
• each electrolysis room (1) comprises electrolysis cells (2) and at least one "service unit” or “service machine” (3).
• the electrolysis cells (2) are normally arranged in rows or rows, each row or line typically having more than one hundred cells.
• the cells (2) are arranged so as to clear a circulation aisle (31) along the electrolysis room (1).
• the cells (2) comprise a series of anodes (21) provided with a metal rod (22) for fixing and electrically connecting the anodes to a metal anode frame (not shown).
• the service unit (3) is used to carry out operations on the cells (2) such as the anode changes or the filling of the ground bath supply hoppers and the AIF 3 of the electrolysis cells. It can also be used to handle various loads, such as tank elements, pockets of liquid metal or anodes.
• the invention particularly relates to the service units that can be used to effect the anode changes.
• the service unit (3) comprises a movable bridge (4) which can be translated over and along the electrolysis cells (2), and a service machine (5) comprising a trolley mobile (6) movable on the movable bridge (4) and a service module (7) equipped with several handling and intervention devices
• the movable bridge (4) rests and circulates on raceways (30, 30 ') arranged parallel to each other and to the main axis of the room (and the queue of cells). The movable bridge (4) can thus be moved along the electrolysis room (1).
• the service module (7) comprises a frame (8), typically a platform, adapted to be fixed to a carriage (6) and a turret (9) mounted on the frame (8) so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis A in use.
• the turret (9) is generally equipped with a balcony or a control cabin (19) comprising controls for maneuvering the module (7) and said handling and intervention members (10).
• the tools are normally on the same side of the turret (9), namely the side that is below the turret in use.
• the turret (9) is equipped with a crust scoop (101), anode handling tongs (102) and a breaker (103).
• These tools are intended for anode change operations of electrolysis cells.
• the breaker (103) serves to break the crust of alumina and solidified bath which generally covers the anodes of the cell
• the scallop (101) serves to clear the location of the anode, after the removal of the spent anode by removal of solids (such as pieces of crust and alumina) therein
• the anode handling tongs (102) serves to grip and manipulate the anodes by their rods, in particular for the removal of spent anodes from an electrolytic cell and the placement of new anodes in the cell.
• the anode handling tongs (102) may be associated with an anode connector handling tongs (102a).
• the turret (9) can also be equipped with other tools, such as a second anode handling gripper (104), possibly associated with a second anode connector handling gripper (104a), a feed device alumina or ground bath (not shown) having a retractable conduit (not shown), or a hoist (not shown).
• a second anode handling gripper (104) possibly associated with a second anode connector handling gripper (104a)
• a feed device alumina or ground bath (not shown) having a retractable conduit (not shown) having a retractable conduit (not shown), or a hoist (not shown).
• the turret (9) of a service module according to the invention is equipped with a set of tools (101, 102, 103), to which may be added one or more other tools.
• the set of tools is a crust scoop (101), a first anode handling pliers (102) and a breaker (103).
• Each tool of the assembly is mounted on a telescopic arm (111, 112, 113) fixed to the turret by an articulated support (121, 122, 123) which allows pendular movements of the telescopic arm relative to a point of articulation. determined (Pl,
• the articulated supports (121, 122, 123) are typically selected from ball joints, cardan joints and pretensioned springs. In the context of the invention, it is advantageous to use cardan joints because they are simple.
• the articulated supports (121, 122, 123) can be fixed to the telescopic arms by any known means, such as sleeves (1221,
• the telescopic arms (111, 112, 113) of the determined set of tools are interconnected by a mechanical connection device (200) able to maintain in a given tolerance range the relative angular difference between the pendular movements of the telescopic arms.
• Said tolerance range determined is ⁇ 10 °, that is to say that the angular difference between the main axes of any two telescopic arms of said set remains less than 10 ° in absolute value.
• the term "telescopic arm” means any device comprising at least a first member referred to as “lead member” (5 H Ia 112a, 113a), typically a drum or elongated frame, and second member called “moving member” (111b, 112b, 113b), typically a rod or a barrel, adapted to be moved relative to the first member along a given axis, which is generally parallel to the main axis of the first member; member.
• the first member (111a, 112a, 113a) is intended to be attached to the turret.
• the tool is attached to the second member (111b, 112b, 113b), generally at one end thereof.
• the telescopic arms comprise a first shank (11a, 112a, 113a) of substantially square section and a second shank (111b, 112b, 113b) of substantially square section capable of sliding at inside the first barrel; the main axis of the first and second barrels coincide.
• the telescopic arm may comprise one or more complementary intermediate members located between the first and second members and slidable relative thereto.
• the main axis (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the telescopic arms (111, 112, 113, 114) is intended to be substantially vertical in use and is typically parallel to the axis of the first limb of the telescopic arms.
• the main axis of the first and second members are generally parallel to each other.
• each telescopic arm (111, 112, 113) is attached to the corresponding hinged support (121, 122, 123) by a first member (111a, 112a, 113a), typically at one end. thereof, and the mechanical connecting device (200) is attached to the first member (11a, 112a, 113a) of each g telescopic arms (111, 112, 113) of said assembly and is located below said hinge points (P1, P2, P3) in use.
• the first member (111a, 112a, 113a) of each telescopic arm of the set determined is a tut and the mechanical connecting device (200) is attached to these ruts.
• the connecting device (200) typically comprises a rigid body (210) connected directly or indirectly to each of said telescopic arms (111, 112, 113).
• the rigid body (210) is typically made of steel (preferably non-magnetic steel).
• the device may further comprise connecting elements (201, 202, 203) fixedly attached to the rigid body (210) and intended to facilitate the assembly of the device and its mounting on the telescopic arms.
• the connecting device (200) is fixed to the turret, directly or indirectly, by at least one extensible connecting means (301, 302), such as an elastic means and / or a actuator.
• the connecting device (200) is advantageously fixed to a frame (310) secured to the turret by at least one extensible connecting means (301, 302).
• the frame (310) is advantageously fixed to a foot (300) integral with the turret (9).
• the connecting device (200) comprises:
• a first extensible connecting means (301) which is oriented along a first stress axis C1 at rest and is connected, directly or indirectly, on the one hand to said frame (310) and on the other hand to a first telescopic arm ( 111);
• a second extensible connecting means (302) which is oriented along a second stress axis C2 at rest, perpendicular to the first stress axis C1 at rest, and is connected, directly or indirectly, to said frame (310) and secondly to a second telescopic arm (112).
• Said first and second extensible connecting means (301, 302) are typically respectively connected to said first and second telescopic arms (111, 112) via connecting elements (201, 202).
• the connecting device (200) advantageously further comprises a rigid body (210) and said connecting elements (201, 202) are also connected to the rigid body (210).
• said rigid body (210) is further connected, directly or indirectly, to a third telescopic arm (113).
• This link is typically made via a link element (203).
• the connection of the device to three separate telescopic arms produces an isostatic system in which it is possible to ensure the flatness of the rigid connection points (2012, 2022, 2032) of the rigid body (210).
• Said extensible connecting means (301, 302) are typically selected from resilient means (such as prestressed springs and springs), actuators (such as pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical cylinders) and combinations thereof.
• resilient means such as prestressed springs and springs
• actuators such as pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical cylinders
• prestressed springs which allow displacements only from a threshold of predetermined excitation force, makes it possible to effectively maintain said angular difference in said tolerance range.
• pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders makes it possible to give voluntary movements to the tools and possibly to automatically control these movements.
• the elastic means can be used alone or in combination with an actuator (typically placed in parallel with the elastic means); likewise, the actuator can be used alone or in combination with an elastic means (typically placed in parallel with the actuator).
• the extensible connecting means (301, 302) allow a limited clearance of the telescopic arms which aims to maintain in said determined tolerance range the relative angular difference between the pendular movements of the telescopic arms.
• Figures 3 to 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• the device comprises a frame (310), secured to the turret (9) by a foot (300), and a rigid body (210) connected to three telescopic arms (111, 112, 113) by intermediate of connecting elements (201, 202, 203) each having a first articulated connection point (2011, 2021, 2031) attached to the telescopic arms (111, 112, 113) and a rigid connection point (2012, 2022 , 2032) attached to the rigid body (210).
• the rigid body (210) is connected to the frame (310) by springs (301, 302), perpendicular to each other, which are fixed to the rigid body via the first and second connecting elements (201 , 202) which each have a second articulated connection point (2013, 2023).
• the springs can be replaced by actuators or combined with actuators.
• the device may comprise one or more connecting rods (201a) complementary between the connecting elements and the telescopic arms, linked by articulated connection points (2011a, 2011b) and intended to facilitate the mounting of the device on the telescopic arms.
• the turret (9) may comprise at least one complementary telescopic arm (114) fixed to the turret (9) by an articulated support (124) and a connecting means between this telescopic arm and one of the three other telescopic arms (111). , 112, 113) or between this telescopic arm and the connecting device (200).
• Said connecting means may be elastic (such as a spring) or articulated (such as a connecting rod).
• the articulated support (124) allows pendular movements of the telescopic arm relative to a specific articulation point (P4) while prohibiting the rotational movement of the telescopic arm about its main axis (A4).
• the connecting device (200) limits the amplitude of the pendular movements of the telescopic arms. It is thus possible to bring the tools closer to each other without the risk that they will collide during use.
• connecting device (200) with an inclination detection system fixed on one of the telescopic arms or with a displacement detector placed on one of the elastic systems (ie say on the said springs or actuators), which allows to know the displacements of the telescopic arms and to cut if necessary the supply of the motor which creates the displacement of the tools.
• the service module (7) may optionally comprise a gateway fixed to said frame (310).

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Electrochemistry (AREA)
• Materials Engineering (AREA)
• Metallurgy (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
• Arc Welding In General (AREA)
• Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
• Forging (AREA)
• Pressure Welding/Diffusion-Bonding (AREA)

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• 2004
  • 2004-06-25 FR FR0406956A patent/FR2872175B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
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