Abstract: Insulation assemblies provide reduced heat loss from electrolytic metal production cells such as inert anode aluminum production cells. The insulation assemblies may be located at the end, side and/or center aisles of the cell, and may be supported by the anodes and deckplate of the cell. The assemblies reduce heat loss and bath vaporization losses, and permit stable operation of the inert anode cell.

Abstract: An anode system (10) in contact with a molten salt bath (34) in an electrolysis apparatus, contains a 50% to 95% dense refractory support (12) which comprises refractory material and from 2 wt %. to 20 wt. % of metal fibers (40), where the metal fibers are from 1 cm to 4 cm long.

Abstract: Insulation assemblies provide reduced heat loss from electrolytic metal production cells such as inert anode aluminum production cells. The insulation assemblies may be located at the end, side and/or center aisles of the cell, and may be supported by the anodes and deckplate of the cell. The assemblies reduce heat loss and bath vaporization losses, and permit stable operation of the inert anode cell.

Abstract: The die casting machine includes a trough containing a supply of molten metal and a feed tube extending into the supply of molten metal in the trough. A flow of molten metal is maintained in the trough past the feed tube independent of the transfer of molten metal through the feed tube. The die casting machine further includes a filtering system.

Abstract: A filter system for removing solid impurities from molten metal is described comprising a housing containing vertically disposed rigid coarse filter facing the incoming flow of molten metal and capable of removing solids having a particle size of at least 10 microns and a rigid fine filter mounted vertically behind the coarse filter and capable of removing solids having a particle size as small as 1 micron. The apparatus further includes a heater for maintaining the temperature of the molten metal and a sparger mounted adjacent the front face of one filter to provide an intermittent gas flow over the face of the filter to dislodge solids on the filter as filter cake. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid filters are nested cylinders, and the molten metal is directed to the center of the smaller coarse filter cylinder from which it then flows through the coarse filter outward to and through the fine filter cylinder and then from the fine filter out of the filter housing.

Abstract: This invention provides improved casting processes, equipment, and products. The invention is especially advantageous for die casting.

Abstract: A continuous salt-based process is provided for melting and reclaiming aluminum from aluminum scrap containing impurities including heating a molten salt in a heat bay, mixing the heated salt with aluminum scrap or skim in a charge bay to form a molten charge mixture, separating aluminum from impurities in the charge bay by coalescing aluminum to form a molten aluminum metal pad, chlorinating a portion of the charge mixture from the charge bay to form a chlorinated salt mixture and metal chlorides, removing metal chlorides from the salt mixture, and feeding the salt mixture back to the heat bay. In one aspect, the chlorinating step of the present invention includes introducing carbon monoxide or, preferably, solid carbon to control oxide concentration. The process further comprises adding fluorides and removing metal chlorides from the salt to maintain a preferred salt composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring bulk density of solid particles. The apparatus is capable of simultaneously rotating and axially advancing a container containing a sample of solid particles past a source emitting a beam of gamma rays. The gamma rays are absorbed by a detector in proportion to the material density of the solid particles. The absorbed radiation is then compared to a preselected reference value to yield a bulk density for the material. This bulk density can then be used to ascertain the quantity of a binder which needs to be added to a homogeneous mass of coke to form a carbon anode useful in an electrolysis of alumina. The method includes the steps of placing a sample quantity of the solid particles in a container, optionally vibrating the container to settle the particles if desired, and then placing the container on the apparatus so as to be measured. The bulk density measurement is compared to a preselected reference value and this value is then visually displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat exchanger apparatus and method including a tubular heat transfer surface, a heat transfer fluid which is made to pass along the surface, and a wire brush heat exchanger insert positioned to impinge the fluid flowing within the heat transfer surface. The brush heat exchange insert is composed of a ceramic material having a high absorptance and emittance.

Abstract: An electrically conductive connection for an electrode assembly of an electrolyte cell in which aluminum is produced by electrolysis in a molten salt is described. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode flask and a conductor rod. The flask has a collar above an area of minimum flask diameter. The electrically conductive connection comprises the electrode flask, the conductor rod and a structure bearing against the collar and the conductor rod for pulling the conductor rod into compressive and electrical contact with the flask.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is disclosed including means for holding a first electrode in position relative to a second electrode to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing the electrolyte; the means for holding including float means adapted for supporting the first electrode essentially free from support by internal surfaces of the cell; and conductive means for electrically connecting one electrode to a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.An electrolytic method is disclosed including floating a first electrode essentially free from support by the internal surfaces of an electrolytic cell; arranging a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to form an inter-electrode zone for containing electrolyte; and connecting one electrode electrically with a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic cell including means for holding a first electrode in position relative to a second electrode to form an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing electrolyte, wherein the first electrode is held essentially free from support by the internal surfaces of the cell, said means for holding including means for supporting the first electrode from the second electrode; and conductive means for electrically connecting one electrode to a separate liquid pad of higher conductivity than the electrolyte.