With Feeding And/or Withdrawal Means Patents (Class 204/245)
  • Patent number: 11746432
    Abstract: A method and means for application of anode covering material (ACM) in an electrolysis cell for aluminium production where the cell being of Hall-Héroult type with prebaked anodes. The cell contains a cathode pot with a rectangular footprint and a superstructure with a gas collecting hood that lays onto the top of the cathode pot. A floor construction at least substantially surrounds the cell at a level below the top of the cathode pot and ventilation openings provided with grates are arranged in the floor in the close vicinity to the cell. The superstructure's hood is provided with removable lids that are removed for giving access to the cell's anodes through openings. ACM is applied via a feed tube to cover the anodes and the deposit of ACM is supported by a shuttering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: NORSK HYDRO ASA
    Inventors: Jostein Magnesen, Per Johnny Teigen, Jan Frode Høines, Odd Erik Jacobsen, Are Dyrøy, Morten Karlsen, Juraj Chmelar
  • Patent number: 11214889
    Abstract: Provided is a film forming apparatus for forming a metal film, capable of uniformly pressurizing a substrate surface with an electrolyte membrane subjected to the fluid pressure of an electrolytic solution containing metal ions during film formation even when an insoluble anode is used. A housing of the apparatus includes a partition member between the anode and the electrolyte membrane, for partitioning a housing chamber into first and second housing chambers. The partition member includes a porous body impregnated with cation exchange resin. The first housing chamber houses the anode insoluble in a first electrolytic solution. The second housing chamber has formed therein a hermetically sealed space in which a second electrolytic solution containing metal ions is enclosed within the housing, by the electrolyte membrane and the partition member. The apparatus is also provided with a pump (pressure unit) that pressurizes the second electrolytic solution in the second housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Sato
  • Patent number: 10551343
    Abstract: Provided is a method of inspecting an assembly defect of a gas sensor in a mass-production process. The sensor element included in a second constituting member includes a heater therein and an electrode terminal for a heater in its surface, and the first constituting member includes a contact point member contacting the terminal in a state where the sensor element is inserted into its opening. A first heater resistance value before incorporated is measured to associate the resistance value with an identification information of the sensor element, a second heater resistance value is measured via a contact point member, in a state where the first and second constituting members are integrated with each other, to associate the resistance value with the identification information of the sensor element, and when a difference value between these resistance values associated with the identical identification information exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that an assembly defect occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoya Saito, Noriyuki Ina, Kazuki Takegawa
  • Patent number: 10472725
    Abstract: The invention relates to nonferrous metallurgy and may be suitable for controlling the feed of alumina to electrolytic cells for producing aluminum to maintain the alumina concentration in the electrolytic melt equal or close to the saturation value. To maintain the alumina concentration within the set range, reduced voltage U or pseudo-resistance R is measured and recorded at fixed time intervals. Underfeeding or overfeeding phases occur compared to a theoretical alumina feeding rate during electrolysis, wherein the duration of underfeeding phases is based on the alumina concentration in the electrolytic melt, and the duration of overfeeding phases is based on the change of one or more electrolytic cell parameters being recorded: reduced voltage, U, pseudo-resistance, R, rates of reduced voltage, dU/dt, pseudo-resistance, dR/dt, change. Adjustments to the anode-cathode distance to maintain the electrolytic cell energy balance may be performed during any of the feeding phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED COMPANY RUSAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LLC
    Inventors: Dmitriy Aleksandrovich Simakov, Aleksandr Olegovich Gusev, Kirill Borisovich Bakin
  • Patent number: 10435800
    Abstract: An electrolyzer operates within an energy system, for example to provide grid services, energy storage or fuel, or to produce hydrogen from electricity produced from renewable resources. The electrolyzer may be configured to operate at frequently or quickly varying rates of electricity consumption or to operate at a specified power consumption. In one process of operating an electrolyzer, a series of dispatches is received indicating a specified power consumption for a period of time. The dispatches may occur at least once every 30 minutes. The electrolyzer is operated according to the dispatches. Hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer is discharged to a natural gas system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: HYDROGENICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nathaniel Ian Joos, Joseph Cargnelli
  • Patent number: 10246790
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrowinning of aluminum from cryolite-alumina melts, and can be used in the shunt design of a cathode assembly. In an aluminum electrolysis cell, cathode vertical metal shunts, are designed such that their top part is melted aluminum, and the bottom part is solid aluminum. Shunts are located in conduits made in a hearth slab lining which has a widening in the middle part which is wider than both parts of the shunts. The widening in the shunt conduit can be filled with a composite material, i.e. titanium diboride-carbon. The shunts can be designed as a tube, and the widening in the conduit and the space inside the tube can be filled with the composite material titanium diboride-carbon. The invention makes it possible to increase the electrical efficiency due to the absence of contact assemblies, reduced current loss, and achieving an effective current distribution and current shunting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: United Company Rusal Engineering and Technology Centre LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandr Olegovich Gusev, Aleksey Gennad'evich Burtsev, Dmitriy Aleksandrovich Simakov, Aleksandr Leonidovich Voynich, Aleksandr Yur'evich Kolmakov
  • Patent number: 10201780
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a device for capturing the SO2 present in gases by igneous electrolysis implemented on a group of at least two filtering modules traversed in parallel by the gas flow to be purified, and supplied with a powder material sorbent capable of adsorbing effluents in the gas flow by bringing the sorbent into contact with the gas flow, each filtering module having a unit for collecting the sorbent after it has been brought into contact with the gas flow, in the filtering module, and a unit for discharging the sorbent collected being contact with the gas flow to a unit for injecting same into at least one other of the filtering modules of the at least one series, except for the last filtering module of each series, and, on exiting the last filtering module or modules, the gas flow is sent to a desulfurization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: FIVES SOLIOS
    Inventors: Bernard Cloutier, El Hani Bouhabila, Alix Rocle
  • Patent number: 10151038
    Abstract: An electrolysis device comprising a pot shell (3) and an inner lining (5) defining an opening (16) through which an anode block (15) suspended from an anode support (13, 17) forming an anode assembly (12) moves vertically by means of an anode receiver (25), said anode receiver being placed outside a space defined by the top of said anode block (15), said anode receiver comprising an anode contact surface (27) working in conjunction with the anode support (13, 17) to establish therewith electrical contact and mechanical contact to moving the anode assembly (12) vertically. An anode assembly (12). An electrolytic cell and an electrolysis installation comprising such an anode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Yves Rochet, Frédéric Brun, Steeve Renaudier
  • Patent number: 10087546
    Abstract: Plating bath and well structures and methods are described to stop the organic compounds present in plating reservoir wells or bath solution from rising, i.e., climbing up the reservoir wall. An electroplating apparatus includes a vessel holding a liquid solution including metal plating material and an organic species, and a method of operating an electroplating apparatus. The apparatus is designed with plating bath and structures and methods to stop the organic compounds present in plating reservoir wells or bath solution from rising, i.e., climbing or wicking up the inner surfaces of reservoir walls, and to wash them back down on a continuous or cyclical basis in order to maintain a concentration of organic compounds in the plating solution within upper and lower specification limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Arvin, Glen N. Biggs, Phillip W. Palmatier, Joseph C. Sorbello, Tracy A. Tong, Freddie Torres
  • Patent number: 9719180
    Abstract: A crust breaker and ore feeder device for electrolytic aluminum smelting employs an in-line three-position pneumatic cylinder capable of moving the plunger shaft between a raised position and a fully lowered position. A dose meter in the form of a cylindrical member rests a small distance above the valve seat of the crust breaker. In the raised position the dose meter fits within the dosing cup and receives the dose of alumina. In the lowered position of the crust breaker, the dose meter slows down the flow of alumina into the electrolytic liquid, with the alumina flowing out through cutouts formed in the lower rim of the dose meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Control Automation, LLC
    Inventors: Lucille A. Massaro, Michael F. Carno
  • Patent number: 9676034
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a powder having a high surface area is provided. According to the method of manufacturing a powder having a high surface area, a metal electrolyte in which metal ions of different kinds of first metals are dissociated is prepared. Subsequently, a metal alloy powder formed of the first metals is formed by soaking a second metal having a higher reducing power than the first metals in the metal electrolyte to induce a first spontaneous substitution reaction. Therefore, it is possible to form a powder having an improved specific surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Chan-Hwa Chung, Myung Gi Jeong
  • Patent number: 9475728
    Abstract: A toughened glass fabrication method in which the productivity of a large toughened glass and the strength variation of the toughened glass can be improved and a toughened glass fabricated thereby. The toughened glass fabrication method includes the steps of mounting jigs on an upper surface and an undersurface of a raw glass such that an injection space through which a gel-type salt mixture is to be injected is defined between each of the jigs and the raw glass, injecting the gel-type salt mixture into the injection spaces, and heat-treating the raw glass on which the jigs are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Yoon Oh, Jong Taek Kim, JiYoung Kim, HwaYeon Lee, Jin Sung Lim
  • Patent number: 9139918
    Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus includes: a first main passage connected to a first gas chamber and supplying a fluorine gas to an external device; a first conveying device leading out and conveying the fluorine gas from the first gas chamber; a first pressure detector detecting the pressure on the upstream side of the first conveying device; a first pressure regulating valve returning the fluorine gas from the first conveying device to the suction side of the first conveying device; a controller controlling the opening degree of the first pressure regulating valve so that the pressure detected by the first pressure detector becomes a first set value; a start valve provided on the upstream side of the pressure detector; and a differential pressure detector for detecting the pressure difference before and after the start valve in the closed valve state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: CENTRAL GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Akifumi Yao, Keita Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20150129432
    Abstract: In a method for removing a substance from a feedstock comprising a solid metal or a solid metal compound, the feedstock is contacted with a fused-salt melt. The fused-salt melt contains a fused salt, a reactive-metal compound, and a reactive metal. The fused salt comprises an anion species which is different from the substance, the reactive-metal compound comprises the reactive metal and the substance, and the reactive metal is capable of reaction to remove at least some of the substance from the feedstock. A cathode and an anode contact the melt, and the feedstock contacts the cathode. An electrical current is applied between the cathode and the anode such that at least a portion of the substance is removed from the feedstock. During the application of the current, a quantity of the reactive metal in the melt is maintained sufficient to prevent oxidation of the anion species of the fused salt at the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: METALYSIS LIMITED
    Inventors: Allen Richard Wright, Stephen Holloway
  • Patent number: 8911610
    Abstract: Provided is a safe and efficient method for producing lithium metal which facilitates efficient production of anhydrous lithium chloride without corrosion of the system materials by chlorine gas or molten lithium carbonate, and which allows production of lithium metal by molten salt electrolysis of the produced anhydrous lithium chloride as a raw material. The method includes the steps of (A) contacting and reacting lithium carbonate and chlorine gas in a dry process to produce anhydrous lithium chloride, and (B) subjecting the raw material for electrolysis containing the anhydrous lithium chloride to molten salt electrolysis under such conditions as to produce lithium metal, wherein the chlorine gas generated by the molten salt electrolysis in step (B) is used as the chlorine gas in step (A) to continuously perform steps (A) and (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Santoku Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Nakamura, Hiroaki Takata, Yukihiro Yokoyama, Hiroshi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20140326596
    Abstract: A fluorine gas generating device comprises an electrolytic tank that generates at an anode side a main-product containing as a main component fluorine gas and at a cathode side a by-product gas containing as a main component hydrogen gas by subjecting, in an electrolytic bath, hydrogen fluoride in a molten salt containing therein hydrogen fluoride to an electrolysis; a hydrogen fluoride supply source that stores therein hydrogen fluoride that is to be fed to the electrolytic tank to fill up hydrogen fluoride; a hydrogen fluoride supply passage through which hydrogen fluoride flows from the hydrogen fluoride supply source to the electrolytic tank; and a vaporizer that is connected to the hydrogen fluoride supply passage to vaporize hydrogen fluoride supplied from the hydrogen fluoride supply source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Central Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tatsuya Irie, Akifumi Yao
  • Publication number: 20140262807
    Abstract: A system is provided including an electrolysis cell configured to retain a molten electrolyte bath, the bath including at least one bath component, the electrolysis cell including: a bottom, and a sidewall consisting essentially of the at least one bath component; and a feeder system, configured to provide a feed material including the least one bath component to the molten electrolyte bath such that the at least one bath component is within 2% of saturation, wherein, via the feed material, the sidewall is stable in the molten electrolyte bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Xinghua Liu, Douglas A. Weirauch, JR., Frankie E. Phelps, Joseph M. Dynys, Jonell Kerkhoff, Robert A. DiMilia
  • Publication number: 20140262808
    Abstract: Broadly, the present disclosure relates to sidewall features (e.g. inner sidewall or hot face) of an electrolysis cell, which protect the sidewall from the electrolytic bath while the cell is in operation (e.g. producing metal in the electrolytic cell).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Xinghua Liu, Robert A. DiMilia, Joseph M. Dynys, Jeffrey S. Martello
  • Patent number: 8795507
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for smelting has a smelting pot for containing electrolyte, alumina and a layer of liquid aluminum. A wall in the form of one or more TiB2 or alumina plates extends from the bottom of the pot to a height exceeding the height of the liquid aluminum layer formed in the bottom of the smelting pot during smelting. The wall partitions the bottom of the pot and impedes movement of the aluminum under the influence of MHD forces, diminishing the maximum crest height of waves in the aluminum and allowing a reduction in the ACD to reduce electrical resistance and power consumption. The wall may equal or exceed the height of the anode and may, when conductive, act as a cathode, drawing a horizontal current. The wall may be composed of alumina, e.g., in the form of blocks, undergoing electrolytic reduction and being replaced periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Yimin Ruan, Edwin A. Kuhn, J. Stephen Ubelhor, Donnie J. Duke
  • Patent number: 8771482
    Abstract: An electrolytic oxide reduction system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of anode assemblies and an anode shroud for each of the anode assemblies. The anode shroud may be used to dilute, cool, and/or remove off-gas from the electrolytic oxide reduction system. The anode shroud may include a body portion having a tapered upper section that includes an apex. The body portion may have an inner wall that defines an off-gas collection cavity. A chimney structure may extend from the apex of the upper section and be connected to the off-gas collection cavity of the body portion. The chimney structure may include an inner tube within an outer tube. Accordingly, a sweep gas/cooling gas may be supplied down the annular space between the inner and outer tubes, while the off-gas may be removed through an exit path defined by the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: James L. Bailey, Laurel A. Barnes, Stanley G. Wiedmeyer, Mark A. Williamson, James L. Willit
  • Publication number: 20140116875
    Abstract: A pyrometallurgical vessel for the production of metal by the electrolytic reduction of a metal bearing material dissolved in a molten salt bath, the cell including a shell 11 and a lining 12,13 on the interior of the shell, the lining including a bottom cathode lining 13 and a side wall lining 12, at least one of the bottom cathode lining 13 and a side wall lining 12 including a plurality of fluid ducts 16, 22, 31, 41 positioned within the lining for conducting a fluid therethrough, the flow of fluid through the ducts within the linings having 3-dimensional directional flow provided by 3-dimensional shapes inserted into the ducts or the ducts comprising a number of straight sections joined by curved sections arranged in a 3-dimensional shape, the 3-dimensional shapes of the ducts or the 3-dimensional shapes inserted into the ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Ingo Bayer, Bruce Ringsby Olmstead
  • Patent number: 8647481
    Abstract: Pot tending machine for a series of electrolysis cells designed for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis including: a) an overhead traveling crane which can be relocated above said electrolysis cells, b) a tool carriage onto which is fixed a service module comprising tools; c) a tapping winch, interdependent of said overhead traveling crane, designed to grasp and position near cell a tapping assembly including a ladle, a tapping tube and a vacuum device; d) a freestanding device able to generate compressed air; characterized in that said compressed air generating device of includes a first compressor, able to provide a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum air flow necessary for operations other than tapping, and at least one second compressor mounted in such a way that, when operating simultaneously with said first compressor, the unit provides a flow of compressed air at least equal to the minimum output of air necessary during tapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: E.C.L.
    Inventors: Arnaud Wattel, Stéphane David
  • Patent number: 8480876
    Abstract: Low temperature cell for electrolytic production of aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Theodore R. Beck
  • Publication number: 20130062220
    Abstract: The present invention includes: a reaction tank (1) for immersing an electrode material of a lithium secondary battery into a molten salt of lithium chloride containing metal lithium, so as to perform a reducing reaction of the electrode material with the metal lithium; a movable perforated processing vessel (10) configured to be immersed into the molten salt in the reaction tank (1) together with the electrode material contained therein; and vessel carrying means for immersing the perforated processing vessel (10) containing the electrode material therein into the molten salt of lithium chloride in the reaction tank (1) and pulling up the vessel (10) from the reaction tank (1) after a process has been performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Kawasaki Plant Systems Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kawasaki Plant Systems Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Patent number: 8366886
    Abstract: A fluorine/fluoride gas generator which has an electrolyte made of mixed molten salt containing hydrogen fluoride in an electrolytic cell including an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, and generates a gas containing fluorine by electrolyzing the electrolyte, includes a raw material supply pipe for supplying an electrolysis raw material, reaching the inside of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, a normally-closed valve provided in the middle of the raw material supply pipe, and a bypass pipe provided with a normally-open valve, joining the raw material supply pipe on the downstream side from the normally-closed valve to a gas phase area of the electrolytic cell. Accordingly, the electrolyte is prevented from being suctioned into the raw material supply pipe in the fluorine/fluoride gas generator, and solidification of the electrolyte inside the raw material supply pipe can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Tanaka, Osamu Yoshimoto, Jiro Hiraiwa, Hiroshi Hayakawa, Tetsuro Tojo
  • Patent number: 8282802
    Abstract: Provided with a work electrodeposition coating method for immersing a work in a paint in an electrodeposition tank provided with a first positive electrode for supplying a low voltage and a second positive electrode for supplying a high voltage to carry out electrodeposition coating of a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kimihiro Sato, Hidetoshi Kato, Masakazu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8273223
    Abstract: A handling device for hoods of an aluminum production cell by fused bath electrolysis, including a positioning device and a hood-gripping device. The positioning device includes a vertical guide device, a mobile support mounted on the guide device so that it can be moved in at least a vertical direction during use, an articulated arm, a first framework mounted on the articulated arm so that it can pivot about a first rotation axis A substantially horizontal during use, a motor to make the first framework pivot about the first rotation axis A, a second framework mounted on the first framework so that it can be moved along the first translation axis B that is substantially horizontal during use, and means of displacing the second framework along the first translation axis B. The hood-gripping system is fixed to the second framework and includes a set of gripping devices designed to grip a set of hoods at a number of fixing points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: E.C.L.
    Inventors: Alain Van Acker, Ludovic Demeulenaere
  • Patent number: 8206560
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum electrolytic cell having profiled cathode carbon blocks structures, comprising a cell case, a refractory material installed on the bottom, an anodes and a cathode. The cathode carbon blocks include a profiled structure having projections on the top surface of the carbon blocks, that is, a plurality of projections are formed on a surface of the cathode carbon blocks. The aluminum electrolytic cell having the cathode structure according to the present invention can reduce the velocity of the flow and the fluctuation of the level of the cathodal molten aluminum within the electrolytic cell, so as to increase the stability of the surface of molten aluminum, reduce the molten lose of the aluminum, increase the current efficiency, reduce the inter electrode distance, and reduce the energy consumption of the production of aluminum by electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Northeastern University Engineering & Research Institute Co, Ltd., Northeastern University, Shenyang Beiye Metallurgical Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naixiang Feng
  • Patent number: 8168046
    Abstract: A surface treatment device for applying a surface treatment medium to an article is provided with the surface treatment device having an application member for applying the surface treatment medium to the article and an electrode, which applies an electrical potential between the application member and the article. The device provides localized treatment to the article and can remove oxide layers or the like from metallic materials without removing or damaging the underlying metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Daniel Clark, Stephen Tuppen, Wayne Eric Voice
  • Patent number: 8123928
    Abstract: A process for shutting down an operating electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium is described. The process includes: lowering anodes until a lower portion of the anodes is immersed in an aluminium layer; allowing the aluminium layer and an electrolyte bath to cool down with the lower portion of the anodes immersed in the aluminium layer; determining if the electrolyte bath is solidified, and if the electrolyte bath is solidified, raising the anodes before solidification of the aluminium layer to create a space between the solidified electrolyte bath and the anodes and the aluminium layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Robert Cayouette, Martin Bouchard, Jacques Fortin
  • Patent number: 8114258
    Abstract: An electrolysis device producing alkali metals from a liquid alkali metal heavy metal alloy, including at least two connected tubes forming an electrolysis unit. Two solid electrolyte tubes are arranged concentrically in each tube and oriented with openings towards one end of each tube such that a first annular gap for guiding a liquid alkali metal forming an anode is located between the inside of the tube and the outside of the solid electrolyte tubes. An alloy inlet and outlet for the liquid alkali metal in each of the tubes leads into the first annular gap of a tube. An inner chamber sealed off from the alloy inlet, first annular gap, and alloy outlet in each solid electrolyte tube receives liquid alkali metal that can be used as a cathode connected to the alkali metal outlet. Two respective closure devices are arranged at the two ends of each tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guenther Huber, Michael Lutz, Michael Wille, Holger Friedrich, Josef Guth, Uwe Behling, Axel Franke, Elisabeth Gunkel
  • Patent number: 8099848
    Abstract: A process for removing in a single step the thimbles attached to the stubs of an anode leg, including the following steps: a) said anode stem leg is placed between a stop device and an attacking device, said stop device surrounding, at least partially, each stub of said anode stem leg and having a stop surface that stops the corresponding thimble from moving forward; b) movement of the attacking device in the direction of the stop device until said anode leg enters into contact with said stop device; c) continuation of the movement of said attack device so that each thimble, blocked by the associated stop surface, is detached from the corresponding stub; f) stop and withdraw of the attacking device; In this process, a stop device is used comprising at least two stop surfaces, separated from one another by an axial distance such that the thimbles blocked by a first stop surface are detached from the stubs before the other thimbles are blocked by the other stop surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: E.C.L
    Inventor: Didier Lescarcelle
  • Patent number: 8097144
    Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium has a cavity for containing electrolyte (20) and one or more non emerging active anode bodies (5) that are suspended in the electrolyte. The electrolyte's surface (21,21?) has an expanse extending over the cavity and is substantially covered by a self-formed crust (25) of frozen electrolyte. The crust is mechanically reinforced by at least one preformed refractory body (30, 30?,30?). The electrolyte crust is formed against the preformed refractory body and bonded thereto so as to inhibit mechanical failure of the crust and collapse of the crust into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alean International Limited
    Inventors: Thinh T. Nguyen, René Von Kaenel, Vittorio De Nora
  • Patent number: 8088269
    Abstract: System and method for measuring alumina qualities and communicating the same are disclosed. In one example, a system includes an aluminum electrolysis cell, a feeder configured to supply a feed stock using a feed stream to the aluminum electrolysis cell, and a measurement device in communication with the feed stream, the measurement device adaptable to receive, release, and determine at least one attribute associated with the feed stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ALCOA Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Tarcy, Eliezer Batista, Xiangwen Wang
  • Patent number: 8075747
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating removal of molten metal from an electrolysis cell are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a container and an electrical source coupled to the container. The electrical source may be configured to provide complementary current to a spout of the container. This complementary current may create a complementary electromagnetic field at least proximal a tip portion of the spout. When the spout of the container receives the complementary current, and when the spout is in liquid communication with the molten liquid of the electrolysis cell, the complementary electromagnetic field of the complementary current may at least partially assist to increase the flow of molten metal into the spout of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Barnes, Jr., Donald P. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8038852
    Abstract: A fluorine gas generator for generating highly pure fluorine gas in a stable and safe manner by electrolyzing an electrolytic bath 2 comprising hydrogen fluoride in the form of a molten mixed gas is provided which comprises an electrolytic cell 1 divided, by a partition wall 16, into an anode chamber 3 in which an anode is disposed and a cathode chamber 4 in which a cathode is disposed, pressure maintenance means for maintaining the anode chamber 3 and cathode chamber 4 at atmospheric pressure, and liquid level sensing means 5, 6 capable of sensing the levels of the electrolytic bath 2 in the anode chamber 3 and in the cathode chamber 4, respectively, at three or more level stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Tojo, Jiro Hiraiwa, Osamu Yoshimoto, Hitoshi Takebayashi, Yoshitomi Tada, Udai Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7981260
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell for preparing alkali metals from a liquid alkali metal heavy metal alloy, including a tube arranged essentially horizontally having a closure device at each of the two ends of the tube. At least one solid electrolyte tube arranged concentrically in the tube and oriented with openings towards one end of the tube such that a first annular gap for conducting a liquid alkali metal, which forms an anode, is present between the inside of the tube and the outside of the solid electrolyte tube. An interior space in the solid electrolyte tube, sealed off from an alloy inlet, first annular gap and an alloy outlet, accommodates liquid alkali metal that can be used as a cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guenther Huber, Reinhard Oettl, Manfred Munzinger, Heinz Neumann, Martina Schulz, Matthias Stahl, Gerhard Ruf, Ralph Hamleser, Hans-Juergen Bender, Volker Esswein
  • Patent number: 7976685
    Abstract: Pot tending module (7) for a series of electrolytic cells for production by igneous electrolysis, including a chassis (8) that can be fixed to a trolley (6) moving along a travelling crane (4) and provided with a set of tools, particularly including at least one anode handling device (11), which is also provided with at least two display means (41 and 42) capable of taking views and transmitting them in the form of electromagnetic signals, typically two video cameras, the display means disposed at a distance from each other and from the working area, to be able to aim at the working area (23) of the anode handling device(s) along two non-parallel directions (D1) and (D2), forming an angle preferably close to 90°. This pot tending module may also include a third camera (43) that presents an overview of the tools and working areas for these tools, and a fourth camera (44) fixed onto the base of the anode grab actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: E.C.L.
    Inventor: Benoit Wartelle
  • Patent number: 7959772
    Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminum (50) from alumina, comprises an inclined plate-like or grid-like open anode structure (25) which has a generally v-shaped configuration in cross-section. The anode structure (25) has a downwardly-oriented sloping electrochemically active surface that is generally v-shaped in cross-section and spaced above an upwardly-oriented corresponding sloping cathode surface (11) by an anode-cathode gap (40) in which alumina dissolved in a circulating electrolyte (60) is electrolysed. The anode structure (25) has a plurality of anode through-passages (45) distributed thereover for an up-flow of alumina-depleted electrolyte (60) from the anode-cathode gap (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Riotinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: Vittorio De Nora
  • Publication number: 20110100834
    Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium from alumina dissolved in a fluoride-containing molten electrolyte, comprises a non-carbon metal-based anode having an electrically conductive metallic structure. This anode structure comprises an outer part with an electrochemically active anode surface on which, during electrolysis, oxygen is anodically evolved, and which is suspended in the electrolyte substantially parallel to a facing cathode. The anode structure has one or more flow-through openings extending from the active anode surface through the metallic structure, the flow-through opening(s) being arranged for guiding a circulation of electrolyte driven by the fast escape of anodically evolved oxygen. The outer part of the anode comprises a layer that contains predominantly cobalt oxide CoO to enhance the stability of the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Vittorio De Nora, Thinh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7879220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the current efficiency (CE) in an electrolytic aluminum production cell with an electrolytic bath, at least one anode and at least one cathode, and passing current between said anode and said cathode through said bath and feeding an aluminum containing feedstock to the cell. The CE is improved in that the aluminum containing feedstock is prepared in a manner where it contains substantially no humidity or water before it is fed to the cell, where the electrolytic process is carried out at conditions with reduced amount of hydrogen present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Odd-Arne Lorentsen, Stein Julsrud, Christian Rosenkilde
  • Publication number: 20100315504
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating tailored removal of liquids from electrolysis cells are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a container adapted to contain molten liquid of an electrolysis cell, where the molten liquid comprises at least one of molten metal and electrolyte, a passageway adapted to view the molten liquid as it enters the body of the container, an imaging device facing the passageway, where the imaging device is adapted to obtain images of the molten liquid as the molten liquid enters the container, and a display in communication with the imaging device, where the display is adapted to depict the molten liquid via the images obtained by the imaging device. When the molten liquid transitions from molten metal to electrolyte, flow of liquid into the container may be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R. Barnes, JR.
  • Patent number: 7846309
    Abstract: A cell for electrowinning a metal, in particular aluminium, from a compound thereof dissolved in an electrolyte (30) comprises an anode (40) and a cathode (10,11) that contact the electrolyte (30), the cathode (10,11) being during use at a cathodic potential for reducing thereon species of the metal to be produced from the dissolved compound. The electrolyte (30) further contains species of at least one element that is liable to contaminate the product metal (20) and that has a cathodic reduction potential which is less negative than the cathodic potential of the metal to be produced. The cell further comprises a collector (50) for removing species of such element (s) from the electrolyte (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Thinh T. Nguyen, Frank Schnyder, Vittorio De Nora
  • Patent number: 7799187
    Abstract: A composite anode assembly is provided, the assembly including a permeation resistant portion and a porous conductive portion circumscribing at least the bottom of the permeation resistant portion. The composite anode assembly reduces corrosion and restricts thermal expansion stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Robert DiMilia, Frankie Phelps, Lance M. Sworts
  • Patent number: 7799189
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell (10) contains a number of carbon anodes (12) having top, bottom and side surfaces, operating in molten electrolyte (17) in an aluminum electrolysis cell (10), where gas bubbles (28) are generated at the anode surfaces and where alumina particles (20) are added to the top of the molten electrolyte, where the carbon anodes (12) have one inward slot (21) passing through the carbon anode (12) along the longitudinal axis 40 of the carbon anode and also passing through only one front surface (25) of the carbon anode, where the height (32) of the slot (21) is from about 45% to 80% of the anodes thickness and the slotted front surfaces (25) are disposed toward the center of the electrolysis cell so that generated gas bubbles (28) are directed to the alumina particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Ron D. Barclay, Gary P. Tarcy, Robert B. Hosler, Xiangwen Wang, Jay N. Bruggeman
  • Patent number: 7758740
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrochemically reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets is disclosed. The cell includes a cathode (25) in the form of a plate that has an upper surface for supporting metal oxide powders and/or pellets. The plate is horizontally disposed or slightly inclined and has a forward end and a rearward end and is immersed in an electrolyte bath. The plate is supported for movement so as to cause metal oxide powders and/or pellets on the upper surface of the plate to move toward a forward end of the plate. The cell also includes a means for causing metal oxide powders and/or pellets to move over the upper surface of the plate toward the forward end of the cathode while in contact with molten electrolyte whereby electrochemical reduction of the metal oxide to metal can occur. A method of continuously or semi-continuously reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets in the cell is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Metalysis Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Arthur Shook, Gregory David Rigby, Ivan Ratchev
  • Patent number: 7740745
    Abstract: A cell for electrowinning aluminium from alumina, comprises: a metal-based anode having an electrochemically active outer part comprising a layer that contains predominantly cobalt oxide CoO; and a fluoride-containing molten electrolyte in which the active anode surface is immersed. The electrolyte is at a temperature below 950° C., in particular in the range from 910° to 940° C. The electrolyte consists of: 6.5 to 11 weight. % dissolved alumina; 35 to 44 weight % aluminium fluoride; 38 to 46 weight % sodium fluoride; 2 to 15 weight % potassium fluoride; 0 to 5 weight % calcium fluoride; and 0 to 5 weight % in total of one or more further constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Thinh T. Nguyen, Vittorio De Nora
  • Patent number: 7670495
    Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Oxygenator Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Senkiw
  • Publication number: 20090166215
    Abstract: Low temperature cell for electrolytic production of aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Theodore R. Beck
  • Patent number: RE45415
    Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Oxygenator Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Senkiw