EP2616571B1 - Electrical connection device, for connecting between two successive cells of a series of cells for the production of aluminium - Google Patents

Electrical connection device, for connecting between two successive cells of a series of cells for the production of aluminium Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2616571B1
EP2616571B1 EP11761647.4A EP11761647A EP2616571B1 EP 2616571 B1 EP2616571 B1 EP 2616571B1 EP 11761647 A EP11761647 A EP 11761647A EP 2616571 B1 EP2616571 B1 EP 2616571B1
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Prior art keywords
conductor
cell
conductors
cells
wedge
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EP11761647.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2616571A1 (en
Inventor
Serge Despinasse
Yves Rochet
Sandra Berthe
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Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltd
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Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltd
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5866—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals characterised by the use of a plug and socket connector
    • 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
    • C25C3/16—Electric current supply devices, e.g. bus bars
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25C7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells
    • C25C7/06—Operating or servicing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for electrical connection between two successive cells (N-1, N) of a series of cells for the production of aluminum according to the Hall-Héroult method.
  • the invention also relates to a method for short-circuiting a cell (N) belonging to such a series of cells by means of said electrical connection device.
  • Aluminum metal is produced industrially by electrolysis of alumina in solution in an electrolyte bath, consisting essentially of cryolite, according to the Hall-Héroult process.
  • the electrolyte bath is contained in a tank of an electrolysis cell comprising a steel box lined internally with refractory and / or insulating materials, and at the bottom of which is located a cathode assembly.
  • Anodes typically of carbonaceous material, are partially immersed in the electrolyte bath.
  • Each anode is provided with a metal rod for its electrical and mechanical connection to an anode frame movable relative to a gantry fixed above the electrolytic cell.
  • An aluminum production plant comprises a large number of cells, typically one or more hundreds, aligned along an axis.
  • An electrical connection device comprising an electrical conductor network serially connects the cathode assembly of the cell (N-1) to the anode frame of the cell (N) located immediately downstream, in the flow direction of the current.
  • the ends of the conductors, at the beginning and at the end of the series of cells, are connected to the positive and negative outputs of a rectifying and regulating electrical substation.
  • the intensity passing through the successive cells is very high, and is typically of the order of 200 000 to 500 000 A.
  • the network of electrical conductors is designed so that the effects of the large magnetic fields generated compensate for each other. so that the problems caused by these magnetic fields (deformation of the upper surface of the liquid metal present in the tank, instabilities, etc.) are reduced.
  • the tank Due to the wear caused by the operation of a cell (N), the tank must be periodically repaired or replaced. In order for the other cells in the series to continue to produce, the cell (N) under consideration is bypassed so that the current can flow directly from the (N-1) cell to the (N + 1) cell. time of replacement of the tank of the cell (N).
  • the problem is that the layout of the conductors is constrained by magnetic field compensation issues, as indicated above, but also congestion.
  • a first wedge and a second wedge are interposed between said first and second conductor portions, the latter being located more towards the axis of alignment of the cells.
  • two current flow paths from the first conductor to the second conductor are created, namely a first path via the first wedge and a second path via the second wedge.
  • the two paths have different lengths. More specifically, the second path is longer than the first, and therefore has a greater electrical resistance (due to the similarity of the components, that is to say the wedges and conductors).
  • the first hold can see up to 70% of the total intensity, and the second hold only 30%. This is not desirable. Indeed, on the one hand, the first hold may be damaged prematurely.
  • the imbalance of the currents can lead to a limitation of the current in the first hold, and to an under-utilization of the current capacity in the second hold, thus limiting all of the current capacity of the whole shorting.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above, by providing an electrical connection device between two successive cells which allows a better electrical balance when shorting a cell, without creating sensitive magnetic imbalance, and taking into account the constraints of drastic encumbrance.
  • the conductor network further comprises a third current balancing conductor which extends substantially parallel to said portions, said third conductor being electrically connected to said portion of the first conductor or second conductor, the two receiving housings of a shim being arranged between said third conductor and said portion of the second conductor respectively of the first conductor.
  • the at least two short-circuit shim receiving housings are arranged between said portions of the first and second conductors and the third current-balancing conductor is located between said portions of the first and second conductors and second drivers.
  • the third conductor is advantageously arranged so that when short-circuit shims are inserted in the housings, the current flowing in said third conductor flows in the opposite direction of the flow direction of the current in said portion of the first conductor, respectively of the second driver, to which the third driver is connected.
  • the electrical connection, via the wedges, is obtained between two parallel conductors in which the current flows in the same direction, namely the third conductor and said portion of the second conductor or, respectively, the third conductor and said portion of the first conductor.
  • the first conductor is a bypass conductor of the cell (N-1), and / or the second conductor is a bypass conductor of the cell (N).
  • connection device may also comprise an insulating element disposed between the third conductor and said portion of the first conductor, respectively of the second conductor, to which the third conductor is connected. This insulating element makes it possible to avoid deformations of the conductors which could lead to unwanted short circuits.
  • the cells of the cells are substantially rectangular and arranged perpendicularly to the axis of alignment of the cells, said portions of the first and second conductors extending substantially parallel to the long sides of the tanks.
  • At least one receiving housing of a short-circuit wedge can have an inclined face, seen in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which said portions of the first and second conductors extend, so that the housing has a convergent form in the direction of introduction of a wedge.
  • the connecting device may comprise, in each half-space separated by a vertical plane passing through the axis of alignment of the cells, a set of two housing receiving a shim, located near a lateral edge of the tank, and an additional housing for receiving at least one shim located between said set of two housings and the axis of alignment of the cells.
  • the current is short-circuited by sets of two shims.
  • Wedges, called equipotential, located closest to the alignment axis mainly have a current balancing function.
  • the invention relates to a method for short-circuiting a cell (N) belonging to a series of cells for the production of aluminum according to the Hall-Héroult method, by means of an electrical connection device as previously described, in which method is introduced a first and a second wedges in the receiving housing of a short-circuit wedge arranged between said third conductor and said portion of the second conductor, respectively of the first conductor.
  • an electrolysis cell 100 comprises a tank 1 of generally rectangular shape having two small sides and two long sides.
  • the axis (x) is defined as being parallel to the short sides and substantially median to the vessel 1, and the direction (y) as the horizontal direction orthogonal to (x).
  • the vessel 1 typically comprises a metal box 2 internally lined with refractory materials (not shown) and cathode assemblies which are oriented substantially parallel to (x) and which each comprise a cathode 3 made of carbon material connected to a conductive bar 4.
  • the cell 100 also comprises an anode assembly comprising an anode frame 5 oriented along (y) and located in height above the tank 1. On the anode frame 5 are fixed rods 7 each provided with a multipode 8 fixed on a anode 6 made of carbonaceous material.
  • the vessel 1 comprises a liquid aluminum bed, a liquid bath bed and a solid bath-based blanket and alumina.
  • the figure 1 represents three successive electrolysis cells (N-1), (N), (N + 1), while the figure 2 represents two successive electrolysis cells (N-1), (N).
  • the cells 100 are electrically connected in series.
  • a network of conductors connecting in series the cathode assembly of an upstream cell to the anode frame of the cell located immediately downstream.
  • upstream and downstream are defined in the flow direction of the current, which is also the direction of the axis (x).
  • the current flowing through the series of cells has a very high intensity I, typically of the order of 200 000 to 500 000 A.
  • the conductor network is designed so that the magnetic field generated, at the intensities considered, is compatible with a stable operation of the tank.
  • climbs 13, here four in number The electrical connection between the cathodic collectors 9, 11, 12 of the tank (N-1) and the anode frame 5 of the tank (N) is provided by climbs 13, here four in number. Some climbs may be double and include a first branch 13a directly connected to a downstream cathode collector 12 and a second branch 13b connected to an upstream cathode collector 9, 11 by a conductor 10 passing under the vessel 1 or a conductor bypassing the vessel 1 (see figure 2 ).
  • Each conductor may comprise a rigid portion 14, in the form of a metal bar, typically an aluminum bar, and a flexible portion 15 allowing in particular the production of bent portions.
  • bypass drivers are not represented on the figure 1 .
  • the conductor network of the cell (N) is only partially represented with respect to the links of the cathode sets.
  • a given cell comprises a bypass conductor around each of the short sides of the tank 1, arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the axis (x).
  • This bypass conductor sees most, typically 70-95%, of the intensity exiting the cathode assembly of the (N-1) cell when the N cell is short-circuited.
  • the shims 20, 21 are interposed directly between the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N).
  • the second path 26 has a longer length than the first path 25, resulting in a greater electrical resistance.
  • the electrical intensity passing through the first shim 20 is greater than that through the second shim 21, which has the disadvantages mentioned above.
  • a third conductor 27 for balancing the current I is provided.
  • This third conductor 27 is located between the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the the cell (N) and extends substantially parallel to said portions 19, 23.
  • This third conductor 27 has a first end 28 electrically connected to the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and a second end 29 free, further from the axis (x) than the first end 28.
  • the current I flows in the third conductor 27 in the direction opposite to the direction of circulation in the portion 19 and in the same direction as in the portion 23.
  • the shims 20, 21 are interposed between the third conductor 27 and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N), that is to say in two parallel conductors in which the current flows in the same direction, away from the axis (x).
  • an insulating member 30 is placed between the third conductor 27 and the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) to prevent undesired short circuits.
  • a second embodiment of the invention is shown on the figure 5 .
  • the third current balancing conductor 27 is also located between the portion downstream 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N) and extends substantially parallel to said portions 19, 23.
  • the third conductor 27 has a first end 28 electrically connected to the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N) and a second end 29 free, further from the axis (x) than the first end 28.
  • the current I flows in the third conductor 27 in the direction opposite to the direction of flow in the portion 23 and in the same direction as in the portion 19.
  • the shims 20, 21 are interposed between the third conductor 27 and the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the (N-1) cell, that is to say in two parallel conductors in which the current flows in the same direction. direction, in the direction of the axis (x).
  • an insulating member 30 is placed between the third conductor 27 and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N) to prevent undesired short circuits.
  • Each of the shims 20, 21 is placed in a receiving housing 31 situated between the two conductors which it must connect electrically.
  • This housing 31 is formed in the space separating said conductors.
  • the housing 31 has an inclined face 32 so that the housing 31 has a convergent shape facilitating the introduction of a shim 20.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it encompasses all variants.
  • Other receiving housing assemblies for shorting shims and shims may in particular be provided between the tanks compared to what is described with reference to the figure 2 .
  • the shorting sets may comprise more than two receiving slots, including three.

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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)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
  • Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de connexion électrique entre deux cellules (N-1, N) successives d'une série de cellules pour la production d'aluminium selon le procédé de Hall-Héroult. L'invention concerne également un procédé pour court-circuiter une cellule (N) appartenant à une telle série de cellules au moyen dudit dispositif de connexion électrique.The present invention relates to a device for electrical connection between two successive cells (N-1, N) of a series of cells for the production of aluminum according to the Hall-Héroult method. The invention also relates to a method for short-circuiting a cell (N) belonging to such a series of cells by means of said electrical connection device.

L'aluminium métal est produit industriellement par électrolyse de l'alumine en solution dans un bain d'électrolyte, essentiellement constitué de cryolithe, selon le procédé de Hall-Héroult. Le bain d'électrolyte est contenu dans une cuve d'une cellule d'électrolyse comprenant un caisson en acier revêtu intérieurement de matériaux réfractaires et/ou isolants, et au fond duquel est situé un ensemble cathodique.Aluminum metal is produced industrially by electrolysis of alumina in solution in an electrolyte bath, consisting essentially of cryolite, according to the Hall-Héroult process. The electrolyte bath is contained in a tank of an electrolysis cell comprising a steel box lined internally with refractory and / or insulating materials, and at the bottom of which is located a cathode assembly.

Des anodes, typiquement en matériau carboné, sont partiellement immergées dans le bain d'électrolyte. Chaque anode est munie d'une tige métallique destinée à son raccordement électrique et mécanique à un cadre anodique mobile par rapport à un portique fixé au-dessus de la cuve d'électrolyse.Anodes, typically of carbonaceous material, are partially immersed in the electrolyte bath. Each anode is provided with a metal rod for its electrical and mechanical connection to an anode frame movable relative to a gantry fixed above the electrolytic cell.

Une usine de production d'aluminium comprend un grand nombre de cellules, typiquement une ou plusieurs centaines, alignées selon un axe. Un dispositif de connexion électrique comprenant un réseau de conducteurs électriques relie en série l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N-1) au cadre anodique de la cellule (N) située immédiatement en aval, dans le sens de circulation du courant. Les extrémités des conducteurs, en début et en fin de la série des cellules, sont reliées aux sorties positives et négatives d'une sous-station électrique de redressement et de régulation.An aluminum production plant comprises a large number of cells, typically one or more hundreds, aligned along an axis. An electrical connection device comprising an electrical conductor network serially connects the cathode assembly of the cell (N-1) to the anode frame of the cell (N) located immediately downstream, in the flow direction of the current. The ends of the conductors, at the beginning and at the end of the series of cells, are connected to the positive and negative outputs of a rectifying and regulating electrical substation.

L'intensité traversant les cellules successives est très élevée, et est typiquement de l'ordre de 200 000 à 500 000 A. De ce fait, le réseau de conducteurs électriques est étudié pour que les effets des importants champs magnétiques générés se compensent, de sorte que les problèmes occasionnés par ces champs magnétiques (déformation de la surface supérieure du métal liquide présent dans la cuve, instabilités, etc.) soient réduits.The intensity passing through the successive cells is very high, and is typically of the order of 200 000 to 500 000 A. As a result, the network of electrical conductors is designed so that the effects of the large magnetic fields generated compensate for each other. so that the problems caused by these magnetic fields (deformation of the upper surface of the liquid metal present in the tank, instabilities, etc.) are reduced.

Du fait de l'usure causée par le fonctionnement d'une cellule (N), la cuve doit être périodiquement réparée ou remplacée. Afin que les autres cellules de la série puissent continuer à produire, on court-circuite la cellule (N) considérée, de sorte que le courant puisse directement passer de la cellule (N-1) à la cellule (N+1), le temps du remplacement de la cuve de la cellule (N).Due to the wear caused by the operation of a cell (N), the tank must be periodically repaired or replaced. In order for the other cells in the series to continue to produce, the cell (N) under consideration is bypassed so that the current can flow directly from the (N-1) cell to the (N + 1) cell. time of replacement of the tank of the cell (N).

A cet effet, il est connu ( EP0204647 ) de placer des cales de court-circuit entre un premier conducteur relié à l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N-1) et un deuxième conducteur relié à l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N). De ce fait, le courant circule depuis l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N-1) jusqu'à l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N), sans passer par le cadre anodique de la cellule (N), et est ensuite acheminé vers le cadre anodique de la cellule (N+1).For this purpose, it is known ( EP0204647 ) to place short-circuit shims between a first conductor connected to the cathode assembly of the cell (N-1) and a second conductor connected to the cathode assembly of the cell (N). As a result, the current flows from the cathode assembly of the cell (N-1) to the cathode assembly of the cell (N), without passing through the anode frame of the cell (N), and is then routed to the frame anodic of the cell (N + 1).

Du fait de la très forte intensité circulant dans les conducteurs, il est généralement nécessaire d'utiliser au moins deux cales en parallèle, de sorte que chacune des cales voit seulement une partie de l'intensité globale circulant dans les conducteurs.Due to the very high current flowing in the conductors, it is generally necessary to use at least two shims in parallel, so that each of the shims sees only part of the overall intensity flowing in the conductors.

Le problème rencontré est que la disposition des conducteurs est contrainte par des questions de compensation des champs magnétiques, comme indiqué plus haut, mais également d'encombrement.The problem is that the layout of the conductors is constrained by magnetic field compensation issues, as indicated above, but also congestion.

Ainsi, on a généralement une disposition des conducteurs dans laquelle :

  • le premier conducteur possède une portion située entre lesdites cuves (N-1) et (N) et dans laquelle le courant circule en direction de l'axe d'alignement des cuves ;
  • le deuxième conducteur possède une portion située entre les cuves (N-1) et (N) et dans laquelle le courant circule en s'éloignant de l'axe d'alignement des cuves ;
lesdites portions des premier et deuxième conducteurs étant sensiblement parallèles entre elles.Thus, there is generally a provision of the conductors in which:
  • the first conductor has a portion between said vessels (N-1) and (N) and wherein the current flows towards the axis of alignment of the tanks;
  • the second conductor has a portion between the vessels (N-1) and (N) and wherein the current flows away from the axis of alignment of the tanks;
said portions of the first and second conductors being substantially parallel to each other.

Afin de réaliser le court-circuit de la cellule (N), on interpose entre lesdites portions des premier et deuxième conducteurs une première cale et une deuxième cale, cette dernière étant située davantage vers l'axe d'alignement des cellules. De ce fait, on crée deux chemins de circulation du courant du premier conducteur vers le deuxième conducteur, à savoir un premier chemin via la première cale et un deuxième chemin via la deuxième cale. Du fait des sens de circulation opposés dans les premier et deuxième conducteurs, les deux chemins présentent des longueurs différentes. Plus précisément, le deuxième chemin est plus long que le premier, et possède donc une résistance électrique plus importante (du fait de la similitude des composants, c'est-à-dire les cales et les conducteurs).In order to short-circuit the cell (N), a first wedge and a second wedge are interposed between said first and second conductor portions, the latter being located more towards the axis of alignment of the cells. As a result, two current flow paths from the first conductor to the second conductor are created, namely a first path via the first wedge and a second path via the second wedge. Because of the opposite flow directions in the first and second conductors, the two paths have different lengths. More specifically, the second path is longer than the first, and therefore has a greater electrical resistance (due to the similarity of the components, that is to say the wedges and conductors).

Il s'ensuit un déséquilibre important entre les intensités traversant les cales. A titre d'exemple, la première cale peut voir jusqu'à 70 % de l'intensité totale, et la deuxième cale seulement 30 %. Ceci n'est pas souhaitable. En effet, d'une part, la première cale risque d'être altérée prématurément. D'autre part, le déséquilibre des intensités peut conduire à une limitation du courant dans la première cale, et à une sous-utilisation de la capacité de courant dans la deuxième cale, ceci limitant par conséquent l'ensemble de la capacité de courant de l'ensemble de court-circuitage.This results in a significant imbalance between the intensities crossing the holds. For example, the first hold can see up to 70% of the total intensity, and the second hold only 30%. This is not desirable. Indeed, on the one hand, the first hold may be damaged prematurely. On the other hand, the imbalance of the currents can lead to a limitation of the current in the first hold, and to an under-utilization of the current capacity in the second hold, thus limiting all of the current capacity of the the whole shorting.

La présente invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients mentionnés ci-dessus, en fournissant un dispositif de connexion électrique entre deux cellules successives qui permette un meilleur équilibrage électrique lors du court-circuit d'une cellule, sans créer de déséquilibre magnétique sensible, et en tenant compte des contraintes d'encombrement drastiques.The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above, by providing an electrical connection device between two successive cells which allows a better electrical balance when shorting a cell, without creating sensitive magnetic imbalance, and taking into account the constraints of drastic encumbrance.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif de connexion électrique entre deux cellules (N-1, N) successives d'une série de cellules pour la production d'aluminium selon le procédé de Hall-Héroult, les cellules étant alignées selon un axe, chaque cellule comprenant une cuve d'électrolyse comportant un ensemble cathodique et un cadre anodique portant des anodes, le dispositif de connexion électrique comprenant un réseau de conducteurs électriques reliant en série l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N-1) au cadre anodique de la cellule (N) située immédiatement en aval, le réseau de conducteurs électriques comprenant au moins :

  • un premier conducteur relié à l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N-1) et au cadre anodique de la cellule (N), ledit premier conducteur possédant une portion située entre lesdites cuves (N-1) et (N) et dans laquelle le courant circule en direction de l'axe d'alignement des cuves ;
  • un deuxième conducteur relié à l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N) et au cadre anodique de la cellule (N+1) située immédiatement en aval, ledit deuxième conducteur possédant une portion située entre les cuves (N-1) et (N) et dans laquelle le courant circule en s'éloignant de l'axe d'alignement des cuves, lesdites portions des premier et deuxième conducteurs étant sensiblement parallèles entre elles ;
  • au moins deux logements de réception d'une cale de court-circuit.
For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for electrical connection between two successive cells (N-1, N) of a series of cells for the production of aluminum according to the Hall-Héroult method, the cells being aligned according to a axis, each cell comprising an electrolytic cell comprising a cathode assembly and anode frame carrying anodes, the electrical connection device comprising an array of electrical conductors connecting in series the cathode assembly of the cell (N-1) to the frame anode of the cell (N) located immediately downstream, the electrical conductor network comprising at least:
  • a first conductor connected to the cathode assembly of the cell (N-1) and the anode frame of the cell (N), said first conductor having a portion located between said vessels (N-1) and (N) and wherein the current flows towards the axis of alignment of the tanks;
  • a second conductor connected to the cathode assembly of the cell (N) and to the anode frame of the cell (N + 1) located immediately downstream, said second conductor having a portion located between the (N-1) and (N-1) ) and in which the current flows away from the axis of alignment of the tanks, said portions of the first and second conductors being substantially parallel to each other;
  • at least two receiving housings of a short-circuit wedge.

Selon une définition générale de l'invention, le réseau de conducteurs comprend en outre un troisième conducteur d'équilibrage du courant qui s'étend sensiblement parallèlement auxdites portions, ledit troisième conducteur étant électriquement relié à ladite portion du premier conducteur ou du deuxième conducteur, les deux logements de réception d'une cale étant agencés entre ledit troisième conducteur et ladite portion du deuxième conducteur, respectivement du premier conducteur.According to a general definition of the invention, the conductor network further comprises a third current balancing conductor which extends substantially parallel to said portions, said third conductor being electrically connected to said portion of the first conductor or second conductor, the two receiving housings of a shim being arranged between said third conductor and said portion of the second conductor respectively of the first conductor.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, les au moins deux logements de réception de cale de court circuit sont agencés entres lesdites portions des premier et deuxième conducteurs et le troisième conducteur d'équilibrage du courant est situé entre lesdites portions des premier et deuxième conducteurs.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least two short-circuit shim receiving housings are arranged between said portions of the first and second conductors and the third current-balancing conductor is located between said portions of the first and second conductors and second drivers.

Le troisième conducteur est avantageusement agencé de sorte que lorsque des cales de court-circuit sont insérées dans les logements, le courant circulant dans ledit troisième conducteur circule dans le sens opposé du sens de circulation du courant dans ladite portion du premier conducteur, respectivement du deuxième conducteur, auquel le troisième conducteur est relié.The third conductor is advantageously arranged so that when short-circuit shims are inserted in the housings, the current flowing in said third conductor flows in the opposite direction of the flow direction of the current in said portion of the first conductor, respectively of the second driver, to which the third driver is connected.

Ainsi, grâce à l'invention, lorsque l'on court-circuite la cellule (N), on obtient la connexion électrique, par l'intermédiaire des cales, entre deux conducteurs parallèles dans lesquels le courant circule dans le même sens, à savoir : le troisième conducteur et ladite portion du deuxième conducteur ou, respectivement, le troisième conducteur et ladite portion du premier conducteur.Thus, thanks to the invention, when the cell (N) is short-circuited, the electrical connection, via the wedges, is obtained between two parallel conductors in which the current flows in the same direction, namely the third conductor and said portion of the second conductor or, respectively, the third conductor and said portion of the first conductor.

On a ainsi créé deux chemins de circulation du courant qui présentent sensiblement la même longueur et qui possèdent des composants sensiblement identiques. Ces deux chemins ont donc sensiblement la même résistance d'où l'obtention d'un équilibrage du courant entre les deux cales.Two current flow paths have been created which have substantially the same length and which have substantially identical components. These two paths therefore have substantially the same resistance from which to obtain a balancing of the current between the two shims.

Typiquement, le premier conducteur est un conducteur de contournement de la cellule (N-1), et/ou le deuxième conducteur est un conducteur de contournement de la cellule (N).Typically, the first conductor is a bypass conductor of the cell (N-1), and / or the second conductor is a bypass conductor of the cell (N).

Le dispositif de connexion peut également comprendre un élément isolant disposé entre le troisième conducteur et ladite portion du premier conducteur, respectivement du deuxième conducteur, auquel le troisième conducteur est relié. Cet élément isolant permet d'éviter les déformations des conducteurs qui pourraient conduire à des courts-circuits non souhaités.The connection device may also comprise an insulating element disposed between the third conductor and said portion of the first conductor, respectively of the second conductor, to which the third conductor is connected. This insulating element makes it possible to avoid deformations of the conductors which could lead to unwanted short circuits.

Selon une réalisation possible, les cuves des cellules sont sensiblement rectangulaires et agencées perpendiculairement à l'axe d'alignement des cellules, lesdites portions des premier et deuxième conducteurs s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement aux grands côtés des cuves.According to a possible embodiment, the cells of the cells are substantially rectangular and arranged perpendicularly to the axis of alignment of the cells, said portions of the first and second conductors extending substantially parallel to the long sides of the tanks.

Avantageusement, au moins un logement de réception d'une cale de court-circuit peut présenter une face inclinée, vue dans un plan orthogonal à la direction dans laquelle s'étendent lesdites portions des premier et deuxième conducteurs, de sorte que le logement présente une forme convergente dans le sens d'introduction d'une cale.Advantageously, at least one receiving housing of a short-circuit wedge can have an inclined face, seen in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which said portions of the first and second conductors extend, so that the housing has a convergent form in the direction of introduction of a wedge.

Le dispositif de connexion peut comprendre, dans chaque demi-espace séparé par un plan vertical passant par l'axe d'alignement des cellules, un ensemble de deux logements de réception d'une cale, situé à proximité d'un bord latéral de la cuve, et un logement additionnel de réception d'au moins une cale situé entre ledit ensemble de deux logements et l'axe d'alignement des cellules.The connecting device may comprise, in each half-space separated by a vertical plane passing through the axis of alignment of the cells, a set of two housing receiving a shim, located near a lateral edge of the tank, and an additional housing for receiving at least one shim located between said set of two housings and the axis of alignment of the cells.

En pratique, le courant est court-circuité par les ensembles de deux cales. Les cales, dites équipotentielles, situées le plus près de l'axe d'alignement ont principalement une fonction d'équilibrage du courant.In practice, the current is short-circuited by sets of two shims. Wedges, called equipotential, located closest to the alignment axis mainly have a current balancing function.

Selon un deuxième aspect, l'invention concerne un procédé pour court-circuiter une cellule (N) appartenant à une série de cellules pour la production d'aluminium selon le procédé de Hall-Héroult, au moyen d'un dispositif de connexion électrique tel que précédemment décrit, procédé dans lequel on introduit une première et une deuxième cales dans les logements de réception d'une cale de court-circuit agencés entre ledit troisième conducteur et ladite portion du deuxième conducteur, respectivement du premier conducteur.According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for short-circuiting a cell (N) belonging to a series of cells for the production of aluminum according to the Hall-Héroult method, by means of an electrical connection device as previously described, in which method is introduced a first and a second wedges in the receiving housing of a short-circuit wedge arranged between said third conductor and said portion of the second conductor, respectively of the first conductor.

On décrit à présent, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, plusieurs modes de réalisation possibles de l'invention, en référence aux figures annexées :

  • La figure 1 est une représentation schématique en coupe d'une série de cellules d'électrolyse (N-1), (N), (N+1) successives branchées électriquement en série ;
  • La figure 2 est une vue de dessus partielle des cellules (N-1) et (N) de la figure 1, montrant, de façon simplifiée, le réseau de conducteurs entre les cellules, et montrant la disposition de cales de court-circuit selon l'art antérieur ;
  • La figure 3 est une représentation schématique de la partie du réseau de conducteurs électriques située au voisinage des deux cales, selon l'art antérieur ;
  • La figure 4 est une représentation schématique de la partie du réseau de conducteurs électriques située au voisinage des deux cales, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • La figure 5 est une représentation schématique de la partie du réseau de conducteurs électriques située au voisinage des deux cales, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe des conducteurs, transversalement à ceux-ci, dans la zone du logement de réception d'une cale.
Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended figures:
  • The figure 1 is a schematic sectional representation of a series of successive (N-1), (N), (N + 1) electrolysis cells electrically connected in series;
  • The figure 2 is a partial top view of the (N-1) and (N) cells of the figure 1 , showing, in a simplified manner, the network of conductors between the cells, and showing the arrangement of shims of short circuit according to the prior art;
  • The figure 3 is a schematic representation of the portion of the electrical conductor network located in the vicinity of the two shims, according to the prior art;
  • The figure 4 is a schematic representation of the portion of the electrical conductor network located in the vicinity of the two shims, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • The figure 5 is a schematic representation of the portion of the electrical conductor network located in the vicinity of the two shims, according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • The figure 6 is a sectional view of the conductors, transversely thereto, in the area of the receiving housing of a shim.

Comme le montrent les figures 1 et 2, une cellule 100 d'électrolyse comprend une cuve 1 de forme générale rectangulaire possédant deux petits côtés et deux grands côtés. On définit l'axe (x) comme étant parallèle aux petits côtés et sensiblement médian à la cuve 1, et la direction (y) comme la direction horizontale orthogonale à (x).As shown by figures 1 and 2 , an electrolysis cell 100 comprises a tank 1 of generally rectangular shape having two small sides and two long sides. The axis (x) is defined as being parallel to the short sides and substantially median to the vessel 1, and the direction (y) as the horizontal direction orthogonal to (x).

La cuve 1 comporte typiquement un caisson métallique 2 garni intérieurement de matériaux réfractaires (non représentés) et des ensembles cathodiques qui sont orientés sensiblement parallèlement à (x) et qui comportent chacun une cathode 3 en matériau carboné reliée à une barre conductrice 4.The vessel 1 typically comprises a metal box 2 internally lined with refractory materials (not shown) and cathode assemblies which are oriented substantially parallel to (x) and which each comprise a cathode 3 made of carbon material connected to a conductive bar 4.

La cellule 100 comprend également un ensemble anodique comportant un cadre anodique 5 orienté selon (y) et situé en hauteur au-dessus de la cuve 1. Sur le cadre anodique 5 sont fixées des tiges 7 chacune pourvue d'un multipode 8 fixé sur une anode 6 en matériau carboné.The cell 100 also comprises an anode assembly comprising an anode frame 5 oriented along (y) and located in height above the tank 1. On the anode frame 5 are fixed rods 7 each provided with a multipode 8 fixed on a anode 6 made of carbonaceous material.

En fonctionnement, la cuve 1 comprend un lit d'aluminium liquide, un lit de bain liquide et une couverture à base de bain solide et d'alumine.In operation, the vessel 1 comprises a liquid aluminum bed, a liquid bath bed and a solid bath-based blanket and alumina.

De nombreuses cellules 100 sont alignées successivement selon l'axe (x) comme on le voit sur les figures 1 et 2, les petits côtés des cuves formant sensiblement deux lignes droites parallèles. La figure 1 représente trois cellules d'électrolyse (N-1), (N), (N+1) successives, tandis que la figure 2 représente deux cellules d'électrolyse (N-1), (N) successives.Many cells 100 are aligned successively along the axis (x) as seen on the figures 1 and 2 , the short sides of the tanks forming substantially two parallel straight lines. The figure 1 represents three successive electrolysis cells (N-1), (N), (N + 1), while the figure 2 represents two successive electrolysis cells (N-1), (N).

Les cellules 100 sont branchées électriquement en série. A cet effet, il est prévu un réseau de conducteurs reliant en série l'ensemble cathodique d'une cellule amont au cadre anodique de la cellule située immédiatement en aval. Les termes « amont » et « aval » sont définis dans le sens de circulation du courant, qui est également le sens de l'axe (x). le courant traversant la série de cellules présente une intensité I très élevée, typiquement de l'ordre de 200 000 à 500 000 A.The cells 100 are electrically connected in series. For this purpose, there is provided a network of conductors connecting in series the cathode assembly of an upstream cell to the anode frame of the cell located immediately downstream. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined in the flow direction of the current, which is also the direction of the axis (x). the current flowing through the series of cells has a very high intensity I, typically of the order of 200 000 to 500 000 A.

Le réseau de conducteurs est conçu pour que le champ magnétique engendré, aux intensités considérées, soit compatible avec un fonctionnement stable de la cuve.The conductor network is designed so that the magnetic field generated, at the intensities considered, is compatible with a stable operation of the tank.

Pour une cellule 100 donnée, le réseau de conducteurs comprend, succinctement :

  • un collecteur cathodique amont 9 relié à certaines des barres conductrices 4 et à des conducteurs 10 passant sous la cuve 1 ;
  • un autre collecteur cathodique amont 11 relié aux autres barres conductrices 4 et prolongé par un conducteur de contournement de la cuve 1 de cette cellule (N-1) ;
  • au moins un collecteur cathodique aval 12 relié à au moins certaines des barres conductrices 4.
For a given cell 100, the conductor network comprises, briefly:
  • an upstream cathode collector 9 connected to some of the conductive bars 4 and conductors 10 passing under the vessel 1;
  • another upstream cathode collector 11 connected to the other busbars 4 and extended by a conductor bypassing the vessel 1 of this cell (N-1);
  • at least one downstream cathode collector 12 connected to at least some of the conductive bars 4.

La liaison électrique entre les collecteurs cathodiques 9, 11, 12 de la cuve (N-1) et le cadre anodique 5 de la cuve (N) est assurée par des montées 13, ici au nombre de quatre. Certaines montées peuvent être doubles et comporter une première branche 13a directement reliée à un collecteur cathodique aval 12 et une deuxième branche 13b reliée à un collecteur cathodique amont 9, 11 par un conducteur 10 passant sous la cuve 1 ou un conducteur de contournement de la cuve 1 (voir figure 2).The electrical connection between the cathodic collectors 9, 11, 12 of the tank (N-1) and the anode frame 5 of the tank (N) is provided by climbs 13, here four in number. Some climbs may be double and include a first branch 13a directly connected to a downstream cathode collector 12 and a second branch 13b connected to an upstream cathode collector 9, 11 by a conductor 10 passing under the vessel 1 or a conductor bypassing the vessel 1 (see figure 2 ).

Chaque conducteur peut comporter une partie rigide 14, sous forme d'une barre métallique, typiquement une barre d'aluminium, et une partie flexible 15 permettant notamment la réalisation de portions coudées.Each conductor may comprise a rigid portion 14, in the form of a metal bar, typically an aluminum bar, and a flexible portion 15 allowing in particular the production of bent portions.

On notera que, pour simplifier les dessins et faciliter la compréhension de l'invention, les conducteurs de contournement ne sont pas représentés sur la figure 1. De plus, sur la figure 2, le réseau de conducteurs de la cellule (N) n'est que partiellement représenté en ce qui concerne les liaisons des ensembles cathodiques.It should be noted that, in order to simplify the drawings and to facilitate the understanding of the invention, the bypass drivers are not represented on the figure 1 . Moreover, on the figure 2 , the conductor network of the cell (N) is only partially represented with respect to the links of the cathode sets.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 2, une cellule donnée comprend un conducteur de contournement autour de chacun des petits côtés de la cuve 1, disposés de façon sensiblement symétrique par rapport à l'axe (x). Ce conducteur de contournement voit la majeure partie, typiquement 70 à 95%, de l'intensité sortant de l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N-1) lorsque la cellule N est court-circuitée.As we see on the figure 2 , a given cell comprises a bypass conductor around each of the short sides of the tank 1, arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the axis (x). This bypass conductor sees most, typically 70-95%, of the intensity exiting the cathode assembly of the (N-1) cell when the N cell is short-circuited.

Aussi, chaque conducteur de contournement et typiquement le conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1) comporte :

  • une portion amont 17 sensiblement parallèle à (y), qui est située entre la cellule (N-2) et la cellule (N-1) et dans laquelle le courant circule en s'éloignant de l'axe (x) ;
  • une portion 18 sensiblement parallèle à (x) et longeant le petit côté de la cellule (N-1), dans laquelle le courant circule dans le sens de l'axe (x) ;
  • et une portion aval 19 sensiblement parallèle à (y), qui est située entre la cellule (N-1) et la cellule (N) et dans laquelle le courant circule en direction de l'axe (x).
Also, each bypass driver and typically the bypass driver 16 of the (N-1) cell comprises:
  • an upstream portion 17 substantially parallel to (y), which is located between the cell (N-2) and the cell (N-1) and wherein the current flows away from the axis (x);
  • a portion 18 substantially parallel to (x) and along the short side of the cell (N-1), wherein the current flows in the direction of the axis (x);
  • and a downstream portion 19 substantially parallel to (y), which is located between the cell (N-1) and the cell (N) and wherein the current flows in the direction of the axis (x).

Lorsque l'on souhaite court-circuiter la cuve (N), on place plusieurs cales permettant la circulation du courant directement de l'ensemble cathodique de la cellule (N-1) à l'ensemble anodique de la cellule (N+1). Les cales sont introduites dans des logements de réception appropriés entre les conducteurs considérés.When it is desired to short-circuit the tank (N), several shims are placed allowing the current flow directly from the cathode assembly of the cell (N-1) to the anode assembly of the cell (N + 1). . The wedges are introduced into appropriate receiving housing between the considered conductors.

Sur la figure 2, on a représenté, de chaque côté de l'axe (x) :

  • d'une part un ensemble de deux cales latérales, à savoir une première cale 20 et une deuxième cale 21 plus proche de l'axe (x) que la première cale 20. Ces cales 20, 21 sont situées entre la portion aval 19 du conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1) et la portion amont 23 du conducteur de contournement 24 de la cellule (N) ;
  • d'autre part une cale 22 dite équipotentielle située plus près de l'axe (x) que les deux cales 20, 21.
On the figure 2 , on each side of the axis (x) is shown:
  • on the one hand a set of two lateral shims, namely a first wedge 20 and a second wedge 21 closer to the axis (x) than the first wedge 20. These wedges 20, 21 are located between the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N);
  • on the other hand a so-called equipotential shim 22 located closer to the axis (x) than the two shims 20, 21.

On s'intéresse plus particulièrement aux ensembles de deux cales latérales, c'est-à-dire à la première cale 20 et à la deuxième cale 21.Of particular interest are the sets of two lateral shims, that is to say the first shim 20 and the second shim 21.

Comme illustré sur les figures 2 et 3, dans l'art antérieur, les cales 20, 21 sont interposées directement entre la portion aval 19 du conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1) et la portion amont 23 du conducteur de contournement 24 de la cellule (N).As illustrated on figures 2 and 3 in the prior art, the shims 20, 21 are interposed directly between the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N).

On crée ainsi un premier chemin 25 de circulation du courant I du premier conducteur 16 vers le deuxième conducteur 24 via la première cale 20 (représenté en trait épais sur la figure 3) et un deuxième chemin 26 de circulation du courant I du premier conducteur 16 vers le deuxième conducteur 24 via la deuxième cale 21 (représenté en trait fin sur la figure 3). Comme cela apparaît sur la figure 3, du fait des sens de circulation opposés du courant dans les portions 19 et 23, le deuxième chemin 26 présente une longueur plus importante que le premier chemin 25, d'où une résistance électrique plus importante. Ainsi, l'intensité électrique traversant la première cale 20 est plus importante que celle traversant la deuxième cale 21, ce qui présente les inconvénients mentionnés plus haut.This creates a first flow path 25 of the current I of the first conductor 16 to the second conductor 24 via the first shim 20 (shown in thick line on the figure 3 ) and a second path 26 for flowing the current I from the first conductor 16 to the second conductor 24 via the second shim 21 (shown in fine line on the figure 3 ). As it appears on the figure 3 , because of the directions of circulation opposite the current in the portions 19 and 23, the second path 26 has a longer length than the first path 25, resulting in a greater electrical resistance. Thus, the electrical intensity passing through the first shim 20 is greater than that through the second shim 21, which has the disadvantages mentioned above.

Un premier et un deuxième modes de réalisation du dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'invention sont illustrés respectivement sur les figures 4 et 5.First and second embodiments of the electrical connection device according to the invention are illustrated respectively on the Figures 4 and 5 .

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, représenté sur la figure 4, il est prévu un troisième conducteur 27 d'équilibrage du courant I. Ce troisième conducteur 27 est situé entre la portion aval 19 du conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1) et la portion amont 23 du conducteur de contournement 24 de la cellule (N) et s'étend sensiblement parallèlement auxdites portions 19, 23. Ce troisième conducteur 27 possède une première extrémité 28 électriquement reliée à la portion aval 19 du conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1) et une deuxième extrémité 29 libre, plus éloignée de l'axe (x) que la première extrémité 28.According to a first embodiment, represented on the figure 4 a third conductor 27 for balancing the current I is provided. This third conductor 27 is located between the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the the cell (N) and extends substantially parallel to said portions 19, 23. This third conductor 27 has a first end 28 electrically connected to the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and a second end 29 free, further from the axis (x) than the first end 28.

Ainsi, comme illustré sur la figure 4, le courant I circule dans le troisième conducteur 27 dans le sens opposé au sens de circulation dans la portion 19 et dans le même sens que dans la portion 23.So, as illustrated on the figure 4 the current I flows in the third conductor 27 in the direction opposite to the direction of circulation in the portion 19 and in the same direction as in the portion 23.

Les cales 20, 21 sont interposées entre le troisième conducteur 27 et la portion amont 23 du conducteur de contournement 24 de la cellule (N), c'est-à-dire dans deux conducteurs parallèles dans lesquels le courant circule dans le même sens, en s'éloignant de l'axe (x).The shims 20, 21 are interposed between the third conductor 27 and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N), that is to say in two parallel conductors in which the current flows in the same direction, away from the axis (x).

De ce fait, on crée deux chemins de circulation du courant I du premier conducteur 16 vers le deuxième conducteur 24 - un premier chemin 25 via la première cale 20 et un deuxième chemin 26 via la deuxième cale 21 - qui présentent sensiblement la même longueur, donc sensiblement la même résistance d'où l'obtention d'un équilibrage du courant entre les deux cales.As a result, two current I flow paths from the first conductor 16 to the second conductor 24 - a first path 25 via the first wedge 20 and a second path 26 via the second wedge 21 - which have substantially the same length are created, therefore substantially the same resistance from which obtaining a balancing of the current between the two shims.

Avantageusement, un élément isolant 30 est placé entre le troisième conducteur 27 et la portion aval 19 du conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1) afin d'empêcher des courts-circuits non souhaités.Advantageously, an insulating member 30 is placed between the third conductor 27 and the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) to prevent undesired short circuits.

Grâce à l'invention, on estime qu'il est possible d'obtenir le passage d'environ 55 % du courant dans la première cale 20 et environ 45 % du courant dans la deuxième cale 21.Thanks to the invention, it is estimated that it is possible to obtain the passage of about 55% of the current in the first shim 20 and about 45% of the current in the second shim 21.

Un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention est représenté sur la figure 5. Le troisième conducteur 27 d'équilibrage du courant I est également situé entre la portion aval 19 du conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1) et la portion amont 23 du conducteur de contournement 24 de la cellule (N) et s'étend sensiblement parallèlement auxdites portions 19, 23.A second embodiment of the invention is shown on the figure 5 . The third current balancing conductor 27 is also located between the portion downstream 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the cell (N-1) and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N) and extends substantially parallel to said portions 19, 23.

Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, le troisième conducteur 27 possède une première extrémité 28 électriquement reliée à la portion amont 23 du conducteur de contournement 24 de la cellule (N) et une deuxième extrémité 29 libre, plus éloignée de l'axe (x) que la première extrémité 28.In this second embodiment, the third conductor 27 has a first end 28 electrically connected to the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N) and a second end 29 free, further from the axis (x) than the first end 28.

Ainsi, comme illustré sur la figure 5, le courant I circule dans le troisième conducteur 27 dans le sens opposé au sens de circulation dans la portion 23 et dans le même sens que dans la portion 19.So, as illustrated on the figure 5 , the current I flows in the third conductor 27 in the direction opposite to the direction of flow in the portion 23 and in the same direction as in the portion 19.

Les cales 20, 21 sont interposées entre le troisième conducteur 27 et la portion aval 19 du conducteur de contournement 16 de la cellule (N-1), c'est-à-dire dans deux conducteurs parallèles dans lesquels le courant circule dans le même sens, en direction de l'axe (x).The shims 20, 21 are interposed between the third conductor 27 and the downstream portion 19 of the bypass conductor 16 of the (N-1) cell, that is to say in two parallel conductors in which the current flows in the same direction. direction, in the direction of the axis (x).

De ce fait, on crée deux chemins de circulation du courant I du premier conducteur 16 vers le deuxième conducteur 24 - un premier chemin 25 via la première cale 20 et un deuxième chemin 26 via la deuxième cale 21 - qui présentent sensiblement la même longueur, donc sensiblement la même résistance d'où l'obtention d'un équilibrage du courant entre les deux cales.As a result, two current I flow paths from the first conductor 16 to the second conductor 24 - a first path 25 via the first wedge 20 and a second path 26 via the second wedge 21 - which have substantially the same length are created, therefore substantially the same resistance from which obtaining a balancing of the current between the two shims.

Avantageusement, un élément isolant 30 est placé entre le troisième conducteur 27 et la portion amont 23 du conducteur de contournement 24 de la cellule (N) afin d'empêcher des courts-circuits non souhaités.Advantageously, an insulating member 30 is placed between the third conductor 27 and the upstream portion 23 of the bypass conductor 24 of the cell (N) to prevent undesired short circuits.

Chacune des cales 20, 21 est placée dans un logement de réception 31 situé entre les deux conducteurs qu'elle doit relier électriquement. Ce logement 31 est formé dans l'espace séparant lesdits conducteurs. Par exemple, sur la figure 6 sont représentés les conducteurs de la figure 4 selon une coupe transversale à ceux-ci. Comme on le voit sur cette figure, selon une réalisation avantageuse de l'invention, le logement 31 présente une face inclinée 32 de sorte que le logement 31 présente une forme convergente facilitant l'introduction d'une cale 20.Each of the shims 20, 21 is placed in a receiving housing 31 situated between the two conductors which it must connect electrically. This housing 31 is formed in the space separating said conductors. For example, on the figure 6 are represented the drivers of the figure 4 according to a cross section thereof. As can be seen in this figure, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing 31 has an inclined face 32 so that the housing 31 has a convergent shape facilitating the introduction of a shim 20.

Il va de soi que l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus à titre d'exemples mais qu'elle en embrasse au contraire toutes les variantes de réalisation. D'autres ensembles de logements de réception pour cales de court-circuitages et cales de court-circuitage peuvent notamment être prévus entre les cuves par rapport à ce qui est décrit en référence à la figure 2. Aussi, les ensembles de court-circuitages peuvent comprendre plus de deux logements de réception, notamment trois.It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it encompasses all variants. Other receiving housing assemblies for shorting shims and shims may in particular be provided between the tanks compared to what is described with reference to the figure 2 . Also, the shorting sets may comprise more than two receiving slots, including three.

Claims (10)

  1. Electrical connection device between two successive cells (N-1, N) of a sequence of cells (100) for the production of aluminum by the Hall-Héroult process, the cells being aligned along an axis (x), each cell comprising an electrolytic cell (1) containing a cathode assembly (3, 4) and an anode frame (5) bearing anodes (6), the electrical connection device comprising an array of electrical conductors connecting in series the cathode assembly (3, 4) of cell (N-1) to the anode frame (5) of cell (N) located immediately downstream, the array of electrical conductors comprising at least:
    - a first conductor (16) connected to the cathode assembly of cell (N-1) and to the anode frame of cell (N), said first conductor (16) having a portion (19) located between said pots (N-1) and (N) in which the current (I) flows in the direction of the alignment axis (x) of pots (1);
    - a second conductor (24) connected to the cathode assembly of cell (N) and the anode frame of cell (N +1) immediately downstream, said second conductor (24) having a portion (23) located between pots (N-1) and (N) in which current (I) flows away from the alignment axis (x) of the pots (1), said portions (19, 23) of the first and second conductors (16, 24) being substantially parallel to each other;
    - at least two housings (31) to receive a short-circuiting wedge (20, 21).
    characterized in that the array of conductors further comprises a third conductor (27) for current balancing which extends substantially parallel to said portions (19, 23), said third conductor (27) being electrically connected to said portion of the first conductor (16) or second conductor (24), the two housings (31) for receiving a wedge (20, 21) being arranged between said third conductor (27) and said portion of the second conductor (24), or first conductor (16) respectively.
  2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two housings (31) for receiving short-circuiting wedges are arranged between said portions (19, 23) of the first and second conductors (16, 24), and in that the third conductor (27) for balancing the current is located between said portions (19,23) of the first and second conductors (16,24).
  3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third conductor is arranged so that when the short-circuiting wedges are inserted into the housings (31), the current flowing in said third conductor (27) flows in the opposite direction to that of current flow in said portion of the first conductor (16), or the second conductor (24) respectively, to which the third conductor (27) is connected.
  4. Device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first conductor (16) is a conductor to bypass cell (N-1).
  5. Device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second conductor (24) is a conductor to bypass cell (N).
  6. Device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises an insulating element (30) arranged between the third conductor (27) and said portion (19, 23) of the first conductor (16), or second conductor (24) respectively, to which the third conductor (27) is connected.
  7. Device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pots (1) of cells (100) are substantially rectangular and arranged perpendicular to the axis (x) of cell alignment, said portions (19, 23) of the first and second conductors (16, 24) extending substantially parallel to the long sides of the pots (1).
  8. Device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one housing (31) for receiving a short-circuiting wedge (20, 21) has a tilted face (32), viewed in a plane orthogonal to the direction (y) in which said portions (19, 23) of the first and second conductors (16, 24) extend, so that the housing (31) has a convergent shape in the direction of insertion of a wedge (20, 21).
  9. Device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it includes, in each half-space separated by a vertical plane through the axis (x) of cell (100) alignment, a set of two housings for receiving a wedge (20, 21), located near a side edge of the pot (1), and at least one additional housing for receiving a wedge (22) located between said set of two housings and the axis (x) of cell alignment.
  10. Method for bypassing a cell (N) belonging to a series of cells for the production of aluminum using the Hall-Héroult process, through an electrical connection device according to one of the previous claims, wherein a first and a second wedge (20, 21) are inserted into housings (31) for receiving a short-circuiting wedge arranged between said third conductor (27) and said portion (23, 19) of the second conductor (24), or the first conductor (16) respectively.
EP11761647.4A 2010-09-17 2011-09-06 Electrical connection device, for connecting between two successive cells of a series of cells for the production of aluminium Active EP2616571B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1003695A FR2964984B1 (en) 2010-09-17 2010-09-17 DEVICE FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING BETWEEN TWO SUCCESSIVE ALUMINUM CELLS
PCT/FR2011/000491 WO2012035212A1 (en) 2010-09-17 2011-09-06 Electrical connection device, for connecting between two successive cells of a series of cells for the production of aluminium

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2616571A1 EP2616571A1 (en) 2013-07-24
EP2616571B1 true EP2616571B1 (en) 2015-02-11

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11761647.4A Active EP2616571B1 (en) 2010-09-17 2011-09-06 Electrical connection device, for connecting between two successive cells of a series of cells for the production of aluminium

Country Status (15)

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US (1) US8961749B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2616571B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103108996B (en)
AR (1) AR083013A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2011303728B2 (en)
BR (1) BR112013006137A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2808355C (en)
DK (1) DK201370151A (en)
EG (1) EG27090A (en)
FR (1) FR2964984B1 (en)
MY (1) MY166818A (en)
NZ (1) NZ608174A (en)
RU (1) RU2566106C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012035212A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201301281B (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3009564A1 (en) * 2013-08-09 2015-02-13 Rio Tinto Alcan Int Ltd ALUMINUM COMPRISING AN ELECTRIC COMPENSATION CIRCUIT
GB2549731A (en) * 2016-04-26 2017-11-01 Dubai Aluminium Pjsc Busbar system for electrolytic cells arranged side by side in series
GB2554702A (en) * 2016-10-05 2018-04-11 Dubai Aluminium Pjsc Cathode assembly for electrolytic cell suitable for the Hall-Héroult process

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2583069B1 (en) * 1985-06-05 1987-07-31 Pechiney Aluminium CONNECTION DEVICE BETWEEN VERY HIGH INTENSITY ELECTROLYSIS TANKS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALUMINUM, INCLUDING A SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND AN INDEPENDENT MAGNETIC FIELD CORRECTION CIRCUIT
IT1264952B1 (en) * 1993-07-20 1996-10-17 Permelec Spa Nora TYPE OF COOKER FOR ELECTROLYZERS CONNECTED IN ELECTRIC SERIES
CN100482028C (en) * 2003-07-08 2009-04-22 达方电子股份有限公司 Luminescent module and keyboard using the same
RU2288976C1 (en) * 2005-05-04 2006-12-10 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Инженерно-технологический центр" Module-type bus arrangement of aluminum producing electrolyzers
CN2835264Y (en) * 2005-08-05 2006-11-08 贵阳铝镁设计研究院 Short circuit device of electrolytic cell
ATE478980T1 (en) * 2008-01-21 2010-09-15 Alcan Int Ltd DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SHORT-CIRCUITING ONE OR MORE CELLS IN AN ARRANGEMENT OF ELECTROLYSIS CELLS FOR PRODUCING ALUMINUM

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Publication number Publication date
ZA201301281B (en) 2014-04-30
AU2011303728B2 (en) 2015-01-22
BR112013006137A2 (en) 2019-09-24
EP2616571A1 (en) 2013-07-24
EG27090A (en) 2015-05-25
RU2566106C2 (en) 2015-10-20
RU2013117453A (en) 2014-10-27
FR2964984A1 (en) 2012-03-23
CA2808355C (en) 2018-10-30
DK201370151A (en) 2013-03-13
FR2964984B1 (en) 2012-08-31
NZ608174A (en) 2014-05-30
CN103108996B (en) 2016-06-29
MY166818A (en) 2018-07-23
AU2011303728A1 (en) 2013-03-07
CN103108996A (en) 2013-05-15
US8961749B2 (en) 2015-02-24
US20130168218A1 (en) 2013-07-04
AR083013A1 (en) 2013-01-23
WO2012035212A1 (en) 2012-03-22
CA2808355A1 (en) 2012-03-22

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