CN113195792A - Anode assembly and associated manufacturing method - Google Patents
Anode assembly and associated manufacturing method Download PDFInfo
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- CN113195792A CN113195792A CN201980083098.2A CN201980083098A CN113195792A CN 113195792 A CN113195792 A CN 113195792A CN 201980083098 A CN201980083098 A CN 201980083098A CN 113195792 A CN113195792 A CN 113195792A
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 82
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 82
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 229910001610 cryolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910001018 Cast iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009172 bursting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003575 carbonaceous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005405 multipole Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 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
- C25C3/08—Cell construction, e.g. bottoms, walls, cathodes
- C25C3/12—Anodes
- C25C3/125—Anodes based on carbon
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a method (100) for manufacturing an anode assembly (10) designed as a cell for producing aluminium by electrolysis, said anode assembly (10) comprising: an anode rod (1); a metal block (2) fixed to one of the ends (11) of the anode rod (1), the metal block (2) being expandable in a longitudinal direction under the action of heat; carbonaceous anode (3), the carbonaceous anode (3) comprising a recess (30) in which the metal block (2) is received for sealing the metal block (2) at the carbonaceous anode (3), and a sealing area (41) filled with a sealing material extending between the metal block (2) and the carbonaceous anode (3), characterized in that the method (100) comprises a step (102) of forming at least a first cavity (42) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the at least first cavity (42) forming, together with the recess (30), a first reduced thickness area (43) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the first reduced thickness area (43) being deformable or breakable under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block (2).
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an anode assembly for a cell designed to produce aluminium by electrolysis, and to a method of manufacturing such an anode assembly.
The invention is particularly applicable to electrolytic cells with prebaked anodes.
Background
Aluminum is produced primarily by the electrolytic action of alumina dissolved in a cryolite bath. The cell allowing this operation consists of a steel box and is internally lined with refractory insulating products.
A cathode formed from a carbonaceous block is placed in a box. It is covered by an anode or a plurality of carbonaceous anodes or carbonaceous anode blocks inserted into a cryolite bath. The carbonaceous anode(s) is (are) gradually oxidized by oxygen generated by decomposition of the alumina.
The current flow is from the anode to the cathode through a cryolite bath maintained in a liquid state by the joule effect.
The cell typically operates at temperatures between 930 ℃ and 980 ℃, and the aluminum produced is liquid and is deposited on the cathode by gravity. Periodically, the produced aluminum or a portion of the produced aluminum is extracted by a pouring ladle and transferred to a casting furnace. Once the anodes are depleted, they are replaced with new anodes.
To allow processing and powering thereof, each anode is typically associated with a structure to form an anode assembly. This structure generally consists of:
an anode rod made of a material with high electrical conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, and
a connection means made of a material resistant to the elevated temperatures encountered when using the anode, such as steel.
The connection means generally comprise a multi-footed (multi-pole) shaped as one integral cross-bar, located at the base of the bar associated with advantageous cylindrical blocks whose axes are parallel to the bar.
The block is partially introduced into a recess formed on the upper surface of the anode, and the gap existing between the block and the recess is filled by casting molten metal (usually cast iron). The metal cylinder thus manufactured can ensure a good mechanical fastening and a good electrical connection between the rod and the anode.
However, it has been found in the prior art that the presence of the slug causes ohmic drops in the anode connection, as well as heat loss through the anode assembly.
Thus, document WO 2012/100340 proposes an anode assembly in which the assembly of cross bars and blocks is replaced by longitudinal connecting bars. The connecting rod is introduced into a longitudinal recess formed on the upper surface of the anode during sealing. Molten cast iron is then deposited on the periphery of the connecting rod to fill the space between the connecting rod and the recess.
This solution makes it possible to improve the current distribution in the anode, to reduce the ohmic drop at the contact between carbon and cast iron and to limit the heat losses, as already taught in document FR 1,326,481, which proposes a solution identical to that of WO 2012/100340.
However, if the anode assembly of the prior art preferably comprises cylindrical blocks, it is mainly intended to limit the risk of degradation of the anode due to the expansion undergone by the connection means during the introduction of the anode into the cryolite bath at a temperature between 930 ℃ and 980 ℃.
In fact, the thermal expansion of the metal rods causes transverse and longitudinal forces to be exerted on the anode, which may cause the anode to break, unlike the expansion of the cylindrical blocks which causes radial thermal expansion forces to be exerted on the anode.
No solution to this cracking problem is proposed in FR 1,326,481 or WO 2012/100340.
In document WO 2015/110906, a solution to this cracking problem is proposed. This solution consists in providing at least one space free of sealing material at one of the longitudinal ends of the connecting rod, said space advantageously being able to be lined with a compressible filling material, such as refractory fibres. Thus, during expansion of the connecting rod, the refractory fibres absorb forces exerted longitudinally by the connecting rod, thereby preventing cracking in the anode under said forces. However, a disadvantage of this solution is the need to manually place the refractory fibres before pouring the sealing material. This therefore increases the cost and manufacturing time. Furthermore, once electrolysis is performed, the refractory fibers must be removed from the anode assembly in order to be able to recover the carbon. This operation also increases cost and recovery time.
It is an object of the present invention to propose a manufacturing method which is less costly and less complex than the method proposed in document WO 2015/110906. This manufacturing method for forming the anode assembly has a lower risk of anode cracking under the effect of thermal expansion of the connecting rod.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an anode assembly obtainable by said manufacturing method.
Disclosure of Invention
To this end, the invention proposes a method of manufacturing an anode assembly for a cell for producing aluminium by electrolysis, comprising: an anode rod; a metal block fixed to one of the ends of the anode rod, the metal block being expandable in a longitudinal direction under the action of heat; carbonaceous anode comprising a recess in which the metal block is received for sealing the metal block at the carbonaceous anode and a sealing area filled with a sealing material extending between the metal block and the carbonaceous anode, characterized in that the method comprises the step of forming at least a first cavity inside the carbonaceous anode, the at least first cavity together with the recess forming a first reduced thickness area inside the carbonaceous anode, the first reduced thickness area being deformable or breakable under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block.
So configured, the manufacturing method according to the invention makes it possible to form an anode assembly presenting a lower risk of cracking of the carbonaceous anode under the effect of the expansion of the metal block.
In fact, a part of the force applied to the anode during expansion of the metal block in its longitudinal direction is absorbed by the reduced thickness region and the cavity.
Advantageously, the method of the invention may further comprise the step of forming at least a second cavity inside the carbonaceous anode, said at least second cavity together with said recess forming a second reduced thickness zone inside the carbonaceous anode, said second reduced thickness zone being capable of deforming or breaking under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block.
In an alternative embodiment, said metal block has a substantially parallelepiped shape, in particular defined by four longitudinal surfaces connected by two transverse surfaces, said at least first reduced thickness zone and, correspondingly, said at least second reduced thickness zone being placed parallel to one of said transverse surfaces and separated therefrom by said sealing zone.
In the case where the anode assembly comprises two reduced thickness regions, each reduced thickness region will advantageously extend to a respective longitudinal end of the metal block. The reduced thickness areas will then be distributed on both sides of the anode rod, which will on the one hand allow a better distribution of the strength of the forces during expansion and on the other hand better balance the quality of the anode assembly.
In a variant of the embodiment, the step of forming the at least first cavity, respectively the at least second cavity, may comprise the steps of: placing an insert in a mold for forming the carbonaceous anode so as to define at least one protruding portion inside the mold, the protruding portion being designed to form the at least first cavity and correspondingly the at least second cavity.
In another variation of the embodiment, the step of forming the at least a first cavity, respectively the at least a second cavity, may include the step of machining the carbonaceous anode.
The invention also relates to an anode assembly for a cell for producing aluminium by electrolysis, comprising: an anode rod; a metal block fixed to one of the ends of the anode rod, the metal block being expandable in a longitudinal direction under the action of heat; carbonaceous anode comprising a recess in which the metal block is received for sealing the metal block at the carbonaceous anode and a sealing area filled with a sealing material extending between the metal block and the carbonaceous anode, characterized in that the carbonaceous anode comprises at least a first cavity forming with the recess a first reduced thickness area inside the carbonaceous anode, the first reduced thickness area being deformable or breakable under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block.
Preferred but non-limiting aspects of the anode assembly are as follows:
-the carbonaceous anode comprises at least a second cavity forming with the recess a second reduced thickness zone inside the carbonaceous anode, the second reduced thickness zone being capable of deforming or breaking under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block;
-said metal block has a substantially parallelepiped shape, in particular defined by four longitudinal surfaces connected by two transverse surfaces, said at least first reduced thickness zone and, correspondingly, said at least second reduced thickness zone being placed parallel to one of said transverse surfaces and separated therefrom by said sealing zone;
the first cavity and the respective second cavity project laterally and vertically, beyond preferably less than 5cm, from a longitudinal projection of a lateral inner side wall of the recess;
-said first reduced thickness zone and said respective at least second reduced thickness zone have a substantially flat profile and are oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction;
-said first reduced thickness zone and, respectively, said at least second reduced thickness zone have a three-part profile, i.e. a central portion surrounded by two end portions, said central portion being substantially flat and oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction and said end portions being oriented obliquely with respect to said central portion;
-said first reduced thickness zone and respectively said at least second reduced thickness zone have a two-part profile, i.e. a first part and a second part connected to each other at an attachment zone, each of said first and second parts having a biconvex profile, and wherein said first reduced thickness zone and respectively said at least second reduced thickness zone have a smaller thickness at said attachment zone;
-said first reduced thickness area and the respective at least second reduced thickness area have a two-part profile, i.e. a first part and a second part connected to each other at an attachment area, each of said first and second parts having a flat profile, and wherein said first reduced thickness area and the respective at least second reduced thickness area have a smaller thickness at said attachment area;
-said first reduced thickness zone and respectively said at least second reduced thickness zone have a two-part profile, i.e. a first part and a second part connected to each other at an attachment zone, each of said first and second parts having a flat double-cam profile, and wherein said first reduced thickness zone and respectively said at least second reduced thickness zone have a smaller thickness at said attachment zone.
Drawings
Further advantages and features of the anode assembly and the relative manufacturing method will emerge from the following description of several alternative embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, in which:
figure 1 is a perspective view of an anode assembly according to a first variant of the embodiment of the invention,
figure 2 is a perspective view of a metal block attached to an anode rod before the metal block is integrated into the anode assembly shown in figure 1,
figure 3 is a perspective view of a carbonaceous anode for use in the manufacture of the anode assembly shown in figure 1,
figure 4 is a top view of an anode assembly according to a second variant of the embodiment of the invention,
figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along CC' of the anode assembly shown in figure 4,
figure 6 figures 6a to 6e are partial views of several variants of an embodiment of the invention,
fig. 7 is a block diagram of a method of manufacturing an anode assembly according to the present invention.
Detailed Description
Embodiments of a method of manufacturing an anode assembly and embodiments of an anode assembly obtained from this process will now be described. In these different figures, equivalent elements have the same numerical designation.
In the remainder of the text, the terms "side surface", "lower surface", "upper surface", "side wall" and "bottom" will be used with reference to the anode rod extending along the a-a' axis.
The reader will understand that, in the context of the present invention:
by "lower surface" or "upper surface" is meant a surface extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis a-a', the upper surface of the given member being closer to the anode rod than the lower surface,
"surface/side wall" means a surface/wall extending in a plane parallel to the a-a' axis of the anode rod,
"surface/longitudinal wall" means a surface/wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of a longitudinal object (for example a recess or a metal block),
"surface/transverse wall" means a surface/wall extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of a longitudinal object,
"longitudinal direction" or "longitudinally" means a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of a longitudinal object (for example a recess or a metal block),
the "outer wall" or "inner wall" of the cavity means the wall which is the farthest or closest, respectively, to the a-a' axis.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an anode assembly according to the present invention. Referring to fig. 1 to 3, an anode assembly 10 includes an anode rod 1, a metal block 2, and a carbonaceous anode 3.
The anode rod 1 is made of a conductive material. It extends along the axis a-a'. The anode rods are of a type conventionally known to the person skilled in the art and will not be described in more detail below.
The metal block 2 forms the connecting means. The metal block 2 is made of an electrically conductive material capable of withstanding the high service temperatures of the anode assembly. The metal block is made of steel, for example.
The dimensions of the metal block 2 may be as follows:
-a length L between 80 and 200 cm,
the width I and the height h are between 5cm and 50 cm.
In all cases, the length L is at least twice the width I of the metal block 2.
The metal block 2 is integral with the anode rod 1 at one of the ends 11 of the anode rod 1 and extends along a longitudinal B-B 'axis perpendicular to the a-a' axis. The metal block 2 includes an upper surface 23 in contact with the anode rod 1, a lower surface 24 opposite to the upper surface 23, two longitudinal side surfaces 22, and two lateral side surfaces 21. The metal block 2 is, for example, a rod, possibly having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may comprise teeth, in particular having a rounded shape, on its lateral surfaces 21, 22 and/or on its lower surface 24.
The anode 3 is an anode block made of a pre-baked carbon material, the composition and general form of which are known to the person skilled in the art and will not be described in more detail later. The upper surface of the anode 3 has a recess 30 in which the metal block 2 is accommodated.
Advantageously, the recess 30 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the metal block 2. In this case, the recess 30 has a longitudinal inner side wall 32, a lateral inner side wall 31 and a bottom 34.
The width I' of the recess or groove is greater than the width I of the metal block 2 to allow insertion of the metal block 2.
The anode assembly further comprises a sealing area filled with a sealing material 41. The sealing area extends between a longitudinal inner wall 32 of the recess 30 and the longitudinal side surface 22 of the metal block 2.
In the context of the present invention, the term "sealing material" is intended to mean a material which allows to form a rigid and electrically conductive connection between the anode and the metal block, which connection is usually provided by a cast metal (e.g. cast iron) or an electrically conductive glue between the metal block and the anode.
As shown in fig. 1, the sealing material 41 covers all the side surfaces 21, 22 of the metal block 2. The force exerted longitudinally by the metal block 2 during its expansion will thus be transmitted integrally to the anode 3 through the sealing area 41 adjacent to the lateral side surface 21 of the metal block 2.
In fact, we must bear in mind that, as a guide, a steel metal block of length equal to 1 metre can undergo longitudinal expansions of up to 2 centimetres at 1000 ℃. This longitudinal expansion can potentially cause very significant degradation (cracking, explosion, etc.) of the anode 3.
In order to avoid such a deterioration of the anode 3 under the action of said longitudinal forces, the anode 3 is advantageously provided with a pair of cavities 42 placed on either side of the recess 30 along the longitudinal B-B' axis, each cavity 42 being located in the vicinity of the sealing area 41 adjacent to one of the lateral side surfaces 21 of the metal block 2. So placed, each cavity 42 forms, together with the recess 30, a reduced thickness zone 43 in the anode 3, said reduced thickness zone 43 being located between said sealing zone 41 and said cavity 42. In particular, the reduced thickness zone 43 will be configured to be able to deform or break under the action of a force exerted longitudinally by the metal block 2.
The thickness of the minimum thickness zone 43 is advantageously less than 5cm and preferably between 0.5cm and 3cm to enable deformation or fracture without propagating cracks in the rest of the anode. The cavity 42 will advantageously have a thickness greater than 0.5cm and preferably greater than 1cm, so as to be able to absorb the deformations of the thickness of the reduced thickness zone 43 caused by the expansion of the metal block 2.
Thus, during expansion of the metal block 2, the force exerted longitudinally by the metal block 2 will advantageously be transmitted first to the reduced thickness zone 43, which will cause said reduced thickness zone 43 to deform or break. The risk of deterioration is greatly reduced because the rest of the anode 3, in particular the part of the anode 3 between one of the side edges 33 of the anode 3 and the outer wall of the cavity 42 closest to this side edge, is not directly subjected to all the forces exerted longitudinally by the metal block.
Referring to fig. 4 and 5, another embodiment of an anode assembly is illustrated in a top view and a cross-sectional view along C-C', respectively.
In this variant embodiment, the anode 3 has only one cavity 42, which defines, together with the recess 30, a single reduced thickness region 43. However, this reduced thickness region 43 will be sufficient to limit the risk of damaging the entire anode 3.
Regardless of the embodiment, the anode 3 comprises at least one cavity 42 spaced apart from the recess 30, so that a reduced thickness region 43 of the anode 3 is formed between said at least one cavity 42 and said recess 30. The anode 3 therefore comprises at least one reduced thickness region 43. The reduced thickness region 43 is a structure of the anode 3 that can be deformed or broken under the expansion of the metal block, for example, in the longitudinal direction.
As can be seen from fig. 4 and 5, the cavity 42 extends transversely and vertically beyond the longitudinal projection of the inner transverse side wall 31. This configuration allows the fracture within the cavity 42 to subside, extending from the laterally inner side wall in a generally longitudinal direction, slightly away from the C-C' axis. Said excess is advantageously less than 5cm and preferably less than 3cm to avoid weakening the anode 3 and disturbing the distribution of the current of the entire lower surface of the anode 3.
The shape of the reduced thickness region 43, the cavity 42 and the recess 30 may vary depending on various parameters, such as in particular the material of construction, the size and/or the shape of the anode 3 and/or the metal block 2. In particular, in certain embodiments, the shape of the minimum thickness region 43 may comprise at least one fracture interface of the anode 3 configured such that the reduced thickness region 43 is able to fracture at said at least one fracture interface, for example under a given stress generated by the expansion of the metal block. Such a fracture interface may abut the concave surface of the recess 30 or cavity 42. The concave surface may be curved, that is to say define a curve (as at the end of the cavity 42 of figure 6 a). Such a concave curve may be configured to a greater or lesser extent so that the effect of stress concentration in the region of minimum thickness 43 may be of greater or lesser importance. The concavity may also be angled, i.e. the angle between the two portions defining the concavity (as at the end of the cavity 42 of fig. 6 b). The angle of such a concavity may be configured to a greater or lesser degree so that the effect of stress concentration in the region of minimum thickness 43 may be of greater or lesser importance.
Referring to fig. 6a to 6e, several advantageous embodiments of an anode 3 that may be used within the anode assembly of the present invention are shown.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 6a, the reduced thickness zone 43 has a substantially flat profile and is oriented perpendicularly towards the B-B' axis of the metal block 2. The laterally inner side wall 31 of the recess 30 adjacent to the reduced thickness region 43 and the corresponding inner and outer walls of the cavity 42 have a straight profile in this case and are perpendicular to the B-B' axis.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 6b, the reduced thickness region 43 has a profile in two parts, a first part 434 and a second part 435 connected to each other at the attachment region 430. Each of the portions 434, 435 has a biconvex profile, and the reduced thickness region 43 has a lesser thickness at the attachment region 430. The lateral inner side wall 31 of the recess 30 adjacent to the reduced thickness region 43 has in this case a curved profile, complementary to the profile of the reduced thickness region 43, and the inner wall of the corresponding cavity 42 also has a curved profile, complementary to the profile of the reduced thickness region 43.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 6c, the reduced thickness area 43 has a two-part profile, i.e. a first part 436 and a second part 437 connected to each other at an attachment area 430. Each of the portions 436, 437 has a generally flat profile, and the reduced thickness region 43 has a lesser thickness at the attachment region 430. The laterally inner side wall 31 of the recess 30 adjacent the reduced thickness region 43 and the inner wall of the corresponding cavity 42 are in this case substantially straight in profile and perpendicular to the B-B' axis, except for their respective regions aligned with the attachment regions 430, whereby the profile is substantially triangular.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 6d, the reduced thickness area 43 has a three-part profile, i.e. the central portion 431 is surrounded by two end portions 432 and 433. The central portion 431 is substantially flat and oriented perpendicular to the B-B' axis, and the end portions 432 and 433 are oriented obliquely with respect to the central portion 431. The lateral inner side wall 31 of the recess 30 adjacent to the reduced thickness zone 43 has in this case a straight profile perpendicular to the axis B-B', and the inner and outer walls of the corresponding cavity 42 have a profile substantially complementary to that of the reduced thickness zone 43.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 6e, the reduced thickness region 43 has a two-part profile, i.e. a first part 438 and a second part 439 connected to each other at an attachment region 430. Each of the portions 438, 439 has a flat biconvex profile, and the reduced thickness region 43 has a smaller thickness at the attachment region 430. The lateral inner side wall 31 of the recess 30 adjacent to the reduced thickness region 43 has in this case a curved profile, complementary to the profile of the reduced thickness region 43, and the inner wall of the corresponding cavity 42 also has a curved profile, complementary to the profile of the reduced thickness region 43. Thus, cavity 42 has a gull-wing profile in this case.
An embodiment of a method of manufacturing an anode assembly according to the invention will now be described with reference to fig. 7.
The manufacturing method 100 may be applied to form an anode assembly 10 having an anode 3 with a single reduced thickness region 43 adjacent one of the laterally inner side walls 31 of the recess 30.
As a variant, the manufacturing method 100 can also be applied to form an anode assembly 10 whose anode 3 has two reduced-thickness regions 43 placed on either side of the recess 30, each reduced-thickness region 43 being adjacent to one of the lateral internal side walls 31 of the recess 30.
In a first step 101 of the manufacturing method 100, a metal block 2 fixed to an anode rod 1 is provided.
In a second step 102, a carbonaceous anode 3 provided with recesses 30 and at least one cavity 42 is formed. In a first variant of the method, the second step 102 may comprise, before the step of moulding the carbonaceous anode 3, the steps of: the insert is placed in a mould intended to form the carbonaceous anode 3 to define at least one protruding portion within the mould, said protruding portion being intended for forming said at least one cavity 42.
In a second variant of the method, the second step 102 may comprise a step of moulding the carbonaceous anode 3, followed by a step of machining the carbonaceous anode 3 to form the at least one cavity 42.
In a third step 103, the metal block 2 is introduced into the recess 30, the gap separating the metal block 2 from the anode 3 is filled with a sealing material to form a sealing region 41.
Thus, by means of a method which is easily applicable to industry, an anode assembly 10 according to the invention is obtained. So formed, the anode assembly 10 may make it possible to limit the risk of cracking and/or bursting of the anode 3 when introducing the anode 3 into the cryolite bath.
Claims (15)
1. Method (100) for manufacturing an anode assembly (10) designed as a cell for producing aluminium by electrolysis, the anode assembly (10) comprising: an anode rod (1); a metal block (2) fixed to one of the ends (11) of the anode rod (1), the metal block (2) being expandable in a longitudinal direction under the action of heat; carbonaceous anode (3), the carbonaceous anode (3) comprising a recess (30) in which the metal block (2) is received for sealing the metal block (2) at the carbonaceous anode (3), and a sealing area (41) filled with a sealing material extending between the metal block (2) and the carbonaceous anode (3), characterized in that the method (100) comprises a step (102) of forming at least a first cavity (42) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the at least first cavity (42) forming, together with the recess (30), a first reduced thickness area (43) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the first reduced thickness area (43) being deformable or breakable under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block (2).
2. Manufacturing method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a step (102) of forming at least a second cavity (42) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the at least second cavity (42) forming, together with the recess (30), a second reduced thickness zone (43) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the second reduced thickness zone (43) being deformable or breakable under the effect of the expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block (2).
3. Manufacturing method (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the metal block (2) has a substantially parallelepiped shape, in particular defined by four longitudinal surfaces (22-24) connected by two transverse surfaces (21), the at least first reduced thickness region (43) being arranged parallel to one of the transverse surfaces (21) and separated therefrom by the sealing region (41).
4. The manufacturing method (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 3, wherein the step (102) of forming the at least first cavity (42) may comprise the steps of: placing an insert in a mould for forming the carbonaceous anode (3) so as to define at least one protruding portion inside the mould, the protruding portion being designed to form the at least first cavity (42).
5. The manufacturing method (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 3, wherein the step (102) of forming the at least first cavity (42) comprises the step of machining the carbonaceous anode (3).
6. Manufacturing method (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein the at least first cavity (42) is formed to protrude laterally and vertically, beyond preferably less than 5cm, from a longitudinal projection of a lateral inner side wall (31) of the recess (30).
7. An anode assembly (10) designed for a cell for producing aluminum by electrolysis, said anode assembly (10) comprising: an anode rod (1); a metal block (2) fixed to one of the ends (11) of the anode rod (1), the metal block (2) being expandable in a longitudinal direction under the action of heat; carbonaceous anode (3), the carbonaceous anode (3) comprising a recess (30) in which the metal block (2) is received for sealing the metal block (2) at the carbonaceous anode (3), and a sealing area (41) filled with a sealing material extending between the metal block (2) and the carbonaceous anode (3), characterized in that the carbonaceous anode (3) comprises at least a first cavity (42), the at least first cavity (42) forming, together with the recess (30), a first reduced thickness area (43) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the first reduced thickness area (43) being deformable or breakable under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block (2).
8. Anode assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the carbonaceous anode (3) comprises at least a second cavity (42), the at least second cavity (42) and the recess (30) forming a second reduced thickness area (43) inside the carbonaceous anode (3), the second reduced thickness area (43) being deformable or breakable under the effect of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the metal block (2).
9. Anode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the metal block (2) has a substantially parallelepiped shape, in particular defined by four longitudinal surfaces (22-24) connected by two transverse surfaces (21), the at least first reduced thickness region (43) being arranged parallel to one of the transverse surfaces (21) and separated therefrom by the sealing region (41).
10. Anode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first reduced thickness region (43) has a substantially flat profile and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
11. Anode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first reduced thickness region (43) has a three-part profile, i.e. a central portion (431) is surrounded by two end portions (432, 433), the central portion (431) being substantially flat and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the end portions (432, 433) being oriented obliquely with respect to the central portion (431).
12. Anode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first reduced thickness region (43) has a two-part profile, i.e. a first part (434) and a second part (435) connected to each other at an attachment region (430), each of the first part (434) and the second part (435) having a double convex profile, and wherein the first reduced thickness region (43) has a smaller thickness at the attachment region (430).
13. Anode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the first reduced thickness zone (43) has a two-part profile, i.e. connecting a first part (436) and a second part (437) to each other at an attachment area (430), each of the first part (436) and the second part (437) having a substantially flat profile, and wherein the first reduced thickness zone and the respective second reduced thickness zone (43) have a smaller thickness at the attachment area (430).
14. Anode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first reduced thickness region (43) has a two-part profile, i.e. a first portion (438) and a second portion (439) connected to each other at an attachment region (430), each of the first portion (438) and the second portion (439) having a double convex profile, and wherein the first reduced thickness region and the corresponding second reduced thickness region (43) at the attachment region (430) have a smaller thickness.
15. Anode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the at least first cavity (42) protrudes laterally and vertically, beyond preferably less than 5cm, from a longitudinal projection of a lateral inner side wall (31) of the recess (30).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR1873580A FR3090699B1 (en) | 2018-12-20 | 2018-12-20 | Anode assembly and associated manufacturing process |
| FR18/73580 | 2018-12-20 | ||
| PCT/CA2019/051794 WO2020124209A1 (en) | 2018-12-20 | 2019-12-12 | Anode assembly and associated manufacturing method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN113195792A true CN113195792A (en) | 2021-07-30 |
Family
ID=67001891
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201980083098.2A Pending CN113195792A (en) | 2018-12-20 | 2019-12-12 | Anode assembly and associated manufacturing method |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3899105A4 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN113195792A (en) |
| AR (1) | AR117450A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2019407845B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3122504A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR3090699B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020124209A1 (en) |
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| US20080142357A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2008-06-19 | E.C.L. | Device and Method for Maintaining and Connecting an Anode Rod on an Anode Frame of an Aluminium Electrolytic Cell |
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| CN105934539A (en) * | 2014-01-27 | 2016-09-07 | 力拓艾尔坎国际有限公司 | Anode assembly and associated production method |
| WO2016157021A1 (en) * | 2015-03-30 | 2016-10-06 | Dubai Aluminium Pjsc | Cathode block for electrolytic cell suitable for the hall-héroult process |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1326481A (en) | 1962-03-27 | 1963-05-10 | Pechiney Prod Chimiques Sa | improved carbon-based electrode |
| CN201971907U (en) * | 2011-02-17 | 2011-09-14 | 湖南晟通科技集团有限公司 | Anode carbon bowl |
| WO2016141475A1 (en) * | 2015-03-08 | 2016-09-15 | Université Du Québec À Chicoutimi | Anode assembly for aluminum electrolysis cells and method for manufacturing anode assemblies |
-
2018
- 2018-12-20 FR FR1873580A patent/FR3090699B1/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-12-12 CN CN201980083098.2A patent/CN113195792A/en active Pending
- 2019-12-12 WO PCT/CA2019/051794 patent/WO2020124209A1/en unknown
- 2019-12-12 AU AU2019407845A patent/AU2019407845B2/en active Active
- 2019-12-12 EP EP19901100.8A patent/EP3899105A4/en active Pending
- 2019-12-12 CA CA3122504A patent/CA3122504A1/en active Pending
- 2019-12-19 AR ARP190103771A patent/AR117450A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (9)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4124476A (en) * | 1976-06-16 | 1978-11-07 | Egon Rapolthy | Electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium |
| US20080142357A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2008-06-19 | E.C.L. | Device and Method for Maintaining and Connecting an Anode Rod on an Anode Frame of an Aluminium Electrolytic Cell |
| WO2012100340A1 (en) * | 2011-01-28 | 2012-08-02 | UNIVERSITé LAVAL | Anode and connector for a hall-heroult industrial cell |
| CN202139303U (en) * | 2011-07-16 | 2012-02-08 | 冯乃祥 | Anodal carbon block of aluminum electrolysis bath |
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| US20160186343A1 (en) * | 2013-08-09 | 2016-06-30 | Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited | Electrolytic Device and Anode Assembly Intended for the Production of Aluminium, Electrolytic Cell and Apparatus Comprising such a Device |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2019407845B2 (en) | 2024-09-26 |
| FR3090699A1 (en) | 2020-06-26 |
| AR117450A1 (en) | 2021-08-04 |
| CA3122504A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 |
| WO2020124209A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 |
| EP3899105A1 (en) | 2021-10-27 |
| EP3899105A4 (en) | 2024-07-17 |
| FR3090699B1 (en) | 2021-04-09 |
| AU2019407845A1 (en) | 2021-06-24 |
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