Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacturing a carbonaceous anode for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium. The process comprises contacting coke particles with a boron-containing solution to obtain boron-impregnated coke particles, mixing the boron-impregnated coke particles with coal tar pitch to form an anode paste, and forming a green anode with the anode paste. A carbonaceous anode for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium is also provided, which comprises at least a first fraction of coke particle, a second fraction of coke particles and coal tar pitch, wherein at least the first faction of coke particles comprises boron-impregnated coke particles, the boron-impregnated coke particles being distributed throughout the carbonaceous anode. The carbonaceous anode presents good resistivity towards air and CO2 oxidation, which translates into less dusting of the anode, thus improving its integrity throughout its lifetime.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed subject matter relates to an electrolytic cell that has: a cell reservoir; a cathode support retained on a bottom of the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support contacts at least one of: a metal pad and a molten electrolyte bath within the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support includes: a body having a support bottom, which is configured to be in communication with the bottom of the electrolysis cell; and a support top, opposite the support bottom, having a cathode attachment area configured to retain a at least one cathode plate therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders configured with consistent, tailored characteristics and/or properties are provided herein. In some embodiments a system for making ceramic powders, includes: a reactor body having a reaction chamber and configured with a heat source to provide a hot zone along the reaction chamber; a sweep gas inlet configured to direct a sweep gas into the reaction chamber and a sweep gas outlet configured to direct an exhaust gas from the reaction chamber; a plurality of containers, within the reactor body, configured to retain at least one preform, wherein each container is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow therethrough, wherein the preform is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow there through, such that the precursor mixture is reacted in the hot zone to form a ceramic powder product having uniform properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an aging process or a method for aging aluminum alloys. For example, the aging process can be performed on 6xxx Al-Si-Mg-Cu aluminum alloys to result in production of such alloys with improved intergranular corrosion (IGC) resistance. The disclosed aging process includes subjecting a solution heat treated and quenched 6xxx aluminum alloy to a temperature above an aging hardening temperature of said alloy but below the solution heat treatment temperature for a short period of time, and then subjecting said alloy to an aging heat treatment at an aging hardening temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders are provided. The method for forming a ceramic powder includes: preparing a precursor mixture, wherein the preparing comprises adding at least one additive to a plurality of reagents, wherein the at least one additive includes at least one of: an oxide, a salt, a pure metal, or an alloy of elements ranging from atomic numbers 21 through 30, 39 through 51, and 57 through 77 and combinations thereof; and carbothermically reacting the precursor mixture to form a ceramic powder, wherein, due to the preparing step, the precursor mixture comprises a sufficient amount of the at least one additive to form the ceramic powder, wherein the ceramic powder comprises: (a) a morphology selected from the group consisting of irregular, equiaxed, plate-like, and combinations thereof; and (b) a particle size distribution selected from the group consisting of fine, intermediate, coarse, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: New shape-cast 7xx aluminum alloys products are disclosed. The new shape-cast products may include from 3.0 to 8.0 wt. % Zn, from 1.0 to 3.0 wt. % Mg, where the wt. % Zn exceeds the wt. % Mg, from 0.35 to 1.0 wt. % Cu, where the wt. % Mg exceeds the wt. % Cu, from 0.05 to 0.30 wt. % V, from 0.01 to 1.0 wt. % of at least one secondary element (Mn, Cr, Zr, Ti, B, and combinations thereof), up to 0.50 wt. % Fe, and up to 0.25 wt. % Si, the balance being aluminum and other elements, wherein the aluminum casting alloy include not greater than 0.05 wt. % each of the other elements, and wherein the aluminum casting alloy includes not greater than 0.15 wt. % in total of the other elements.

Abstract: New 3xx aluminum casting alloys are disclosed. The aluminum casting alloys generally include from 6.5 to 11.0 wt. % Si, from 0.20 to 0.80 wt. % Mg, from 0.05 to 0.50 wt. % Cu, from 0.10 to 0.80 wt. % Mn, from 0.005 to 0.05 wt. % Sr, up to 0.25 wt. % Ti, up to 0.30 wt. % Fe, and up to 0.20 wt. % Zn, the balance being aluminum and impurities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal (M), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle (12) for the molten metal (M). A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle (12) or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed subject matter relates to an electrolytic cell that has: a cell reservoir; a cathode support retained on a bottom of the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support contacts at least one of: a metal pad and a molten electrolyte bath within the cell reservoir, wherein the cathode support includes: a body having a support bottom, which is configured to be in communication with the bottom of the electrolysis cell; and a support top, opposite the support bottom, having a cathode attachment area configured to retain a at least one cathode plate therein.

Abstract: New 7xx aluminum casting alloys are disclosed. The aluminum casting alloys generally include from 3.0 to 8.0 wt. % Zn, from 1.0 to 3.0 wt. % Mg, where the wt. % Zn exceeds the wt. % Mg, from 0.35 to 1.0 wt. % Cu, where the wt. % Mg exceeds the wt. % Cu, from 0.05 to 0.30 wt. % V, from 0.01 to 1.0 wt. % of at least one secondary element (Mn, Cr, Zr, Ti, B, and combinations thereof), up to 0.50 wt. % Fe, and up to 0.25 wt. % Si, the balance being aluminum and other elements, wherein the aluminum casting alloy include not greater than 0.05 wt. % each of the other elements, and wherein the aluminum casting alloy includes not greater than 0.15 wt. % in total of the other elements.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an exemplary electrolytic cell includes: a cathode structure disposed within an electrolysis cell, wherein the electrolysis cell is configured to produce metal on a surface of the cathode structure, wherein the cathode structure is configured to fit along a floor of the electrolysis cell, wherein the cathode structure has a sloped surface when compared to a generally horizontal plane, and wherein via the sloped surface, the cathode structure is configured to drain a metal product from the sloped surface towards a lower end of the cathode structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making ceramic powders configured with consistent, tailored characteristics and/or properties are provided herein. In some embodiments a system for making ceramic powders, includes: a reactor body having a reaction chamber and configured with a heat source to provide a hot zone along the reaction chamber; a sweep gas inlet configured to direct a sweep gas into the reaction chamber and a sweep gas outlet configured to direct an exhaust gas from the reaction chamber; a plurality of containers, within the reactor body, configured to retain at least one preform, wherein each container is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow therethrough, wherein the preform is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow there through, such that the precursor mixture is reacted in the hot zone to form a ceramic powder product having uniform properties.

Abstract: Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.

Abstract: The application is directed towards methods for purifying an aluminum feedstock material. A method provides: (a) feeding an aluminum feedstock into a cell (b) directing an electric current into an anode through an electrolyte and into a cathode, wherein the anode comprises an elongate vertical anode, and wherein the cathode comprises an elongate vertical cathode, wherein the anode and cathode are configured to extend into the electrolyte zone, such that within the electrolyte zone the anode and cathode are configured with an anode-cathode overlap and an anode-cathode distance; and producing some purified aluminum product from the aluminum feedstock.

Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacturing a carbonaceous anode for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium. The process comprises contacting coke particles with a boron-containing solution to obtain boron-impregnated coke particles, mixing the boron-impregnated coke particles with coal tar pitch to form an anode paste, and forming a green anode with the anode paste. A carbonaceous anode for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium is also provided, which comprises at least a first fraction of coke particle, a second fraction of coke particles and coal tar pitch, wherein at least the first faction of coke particles comprises boron-impregnated coke particles, the boron-impregnated coke particles being distributed throughout the carbonaceous anode. The carbonaceous anode presents good resistivity towards air and CO2 oxidation, which translates into less dusting of the anode, thus improving its integrity throughout its lifetime.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy includes at least one ceramic foam filter or any other type of filtration media such as porous tube or alumina balls disposed in a receptacle for the molten metal. A vibrator vibrates at least one of the filter, the receptacle or the metal and may be used to induce priming, filtering and/or drainage of the filter. The vibrator may be retrofitted to an existing filter system and may be adjustable in frequency and amplitude. The vibration may be continuous over a given period or produced in a single shock.

Abstract: A shaped metal container comprising less metal than prior art shaped metal containers while still able to handle sufficient axial load and undergo shaping processes, including necking, without wrinkling, buckling, collapsing or other physical defect is disclosed. Processes for shaping a metal container having a sidewall of variable thickness, wherein a portion of the sidewall having a variable thickness is shaped using a die or dies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The application is directed towards methods for purifying an aluminum feedstock material. A method provides: (a) feeding an aluminum feedstock into a cell (b) directing an electric current into an anode through an electrolyte and into a cathode, wherein the anode comprises an elongate vertical anode, and wherein the cathode comprises an elongate vertical cathode, wherein the anode and cathode are configured to extend into the electrolyte zone, such that within the electrolyte zone the anode and cathode are configured with an anode-cathode overlap and an anode-cathode distance; and producing some purified aluminum product from the aluminum feedstock.

Abstract: Generally, the instant disclosure relates to fertilizer compositions and methods of making and using the same. More specifically, the instant disclosure relates to blast suppressant and/or blast resistant ammonium nitrate fertilizer compositions, as well as methods of making and using the same.