Classifications

• • 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
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25C7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells
  • C25C7/06—Operating or servicing

Definitions

• the invention relates to the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis according to the Hall-Héroult method. It relates more particularly to interventions on electrolysis cells, such as anode changes, and service units intended to perform these interventions.
• Aluminum is produced industrially by igneous electrolysis in electrolysis cells according to the well-known Hall-Héroult process.
• French patent application FR 2 806 742 (corresponding to US Pat. No. 6,409,894) describes the installations of an electrolysis plant intended for the production of aluminum.
• the electrolysis cells have a generally rectangular ground shape. Subsequently, we will denote by X the direction of the long side of a cell, Y the direction of the short side and Z the vertical direction.
• Electrolysis reactions, side reactions and high operating temperatures result in the production of gaseous effluents, which mainly contain carbon dioxide and fluorinated products.
• the discharge of these effluents into the atmosphere is strictly controlled and regulated, not only with regard to the ambient atmosphere of the electrolysis room, for reasons of working conditions of the personnel operating near the cells, but also regarding air pollution.
• Several states' pollution regulations impose limits on the amount of effluent released to the atmosphere.
• a widely used solution consists in providing the electrolysis cells with an effluent collection device. This device covers the electrolysis tanks and comprises means of containment, which include in particular a rollover device, and means for suctioning and chemical treatment of the effluents.
• the rollover device comprises removable covers that allow access to the interior of the cell, especially when replacing a worn anode with a new anode.
• the covers are removed from the cell and replaced manually, one by one, by a ground operator.
• the operator is then exposed to risks related to the proximity of the electrolysis cell and the presence of handling tools.
• the position of taking and removing the covers forces the operator to lean towards the cell.
• the covers are based on reduced surfaces, the incorrect positioning of a cover can lead to a bad support of it on the cell, unbalance the operator and risk falling into the tank.
• the removal of the hoods reduces the efficiency of the collection device and exposes the operator to the effluents of the cell, which requires him to wear protective masks.
• the subject of the invention is a device for handling the covers of an igneous electrolysis aluminum production cell, which makes it possible to remove, move and replace covers that are remote from the cell and which is capable of be automated in whole or in part.
• the device for handling the covers of an electrolysis cell according to the invention comprises a positioning device capable of decomposing the handling operations of the covers into a determined set of basic movements and a gripping system of the hoods capable of grasping firmly a determined set of hoods.
• the device for handling the covers is characterized in that it comprises:
• a positioning device which comprises a vertical guide member, such as a telescopic mast, a movable support, such as a carriage, mounted on the vertical guide member so that it can be moved at least in a vertical direction in use, an articulated arm mounted on the mobile support, a first frame mounted on the articulated arm so as to be pivotable about a first substantially horizontal axis of rotation A in use, said articulated arm being at least able to move away and to bringing the first frame of the mobile support, a motor for pivoting the first frame about said first axis of rotation A, a second frame mounted on the first frame so as to be movable along a first translation axis B determined, which is substantially horizontal in use, and means for moving the second frame along said first translation axis B;
• a gripping system of the covers attached to the second frame and comprising a determined set of gripping members for gripping a determined set of covers in a fixed number of attachment points.
• the handling operations of the covers are decomposed into a determined set of basic movements, each of these basic movements being provided by specific components of the device.
• the vertical guide member and the movable support serve mainly for the vertical movements of the gripping system
• the articulated arm serves for the approach and the removal movements of the gripping system
• the first frame and the motor associated with it are used for movements of orientation of the gripping system relative to the vertical
• the second frame and the means of displacement which are
• the partners are used for the lateral movements of the gripping system, that is to say the parallel movements at the long sides of the electrolysis cells.
• the gripping of the hoods by the gripping system in a determined number of points reduces the uncontrolled mechanical oscillations of the hoods during handling and thus keeps the hoods in a fixed position determined relative to the second frame (this position being typically parallel to said frame ).
• the device of the invention makes it possible to correctly handle the covers in the highly congested environment of the electrolysis cells, with the precision necessary for the mechanization and the possible automation of the handling operations.
• the invention also relates to a service machine of a series of igneous electrolysis aluminum production cells comprising a plurality of covers, which is characterized in that it comprises at least one cap handling device according to the invention.
• a service machine is used to perform various operations on the electrolysis cells, in particular the anode changes. It is equipped with specialized tools for these various operations, generally mounted on substantially vertical arms, preferably telescopic arms, which move said tools between their working area and a rest position located at a safe altitude.
• said cap handling device is fixed to said service machine by means of the vertical guide member, which can thus play a role identical to that of the telescopic arms of adjacent tools.
• the invention also relates to a mobile unit, capable of moving in the electrolysis room, comprising at least one cap handling device according to the invention.
• this mobile unit is provided with a control system ensuring that said positioning device is in a position determined with respect to the hood or to the plurality of covers to be handled.
• Said mobile unit is used to move the handling device towards and away from a hood or set of hoods determined, aiming at a determined position that can be defined by a distance ⁇ X along the X direction of the long side of the electrolysis cell, a distance ⁇ Y along the Y direction of the short side of the electrolysis cell and a altitude difference ⁇ Z between a characteristic point of the handling device, for example a particular point of the mobile support, and a characteristic point of the plurality of covers to be handled, for example the position of the anode rod for the replacement of which it is necessary to remove said plurality of covers.
• Said predetermined position represents the initial position of the positioning device before it is put into action, and constitutes a point of reference for the subsequent movements imposed on the various elements that make up said handling device.
• Said mobile unit may be a self-propelled vehicle capable of moving in the electrolysis room. It may also be a service unit comprising a movable bridge, typically capable of moving in alignment with the cells, a carriage, typically able to move along said movable bridge and a service machine fixed to the carriage and comprising said handling device.
• the mobile unit can move in a substantially horizontal plane.
• it may be provided with an actuator which moves said positioning device in the vertical direction, its action making it possible to pre-position at altitude before moving the mobile support on the vertical guide member.
• it is also provided with an actuator which makes it possible to place said positioning device so that the translational axis B of the second frame is substantially parallel to the X direction of the long side of the electrolysis cell.
• the invention further relates to a method for removing at least one hood from an aluminum production cell by igneous electrolysis, characterized in that: a) at least one mobile unit according to the invention provided with at least one a cap handling device according to the invention; b) placing said mobile unit so that said positioning device is in a predetermined initial position, the translation axis B of the second frame being substantially parallel to the direction X; c) maneuvering the articulated arm, the first frame and / or the second frame and, optionally, the gripping system, so as to put the gripping members of the gripping system in the gripping position of said covers; d) the grippers are actuated so as to grip said hoods; e) operating the articulated arm, the first frame and / or the second frame and, optionally, the gripping system, so as to remove said covers and transport them into a specific storage area.
• said articulated arm comprises a fixed member secured to the movable support and a movable member whose first end is fixed to the fixed member so as to be pivotable about an axis C, substantially parallel to the axes A and B, and whose second end is fixed to the first frame allowing it to pivot about said axis A.
• said articulated arm comprises a fixed member secured to the movable support and a movable member whose first end is fixed to the fixed member so as to be pivotable about an axis C, substantially parallel to the axes A and B, and whose second end is fixed to the first frame allowing it to pivot about said axis A.
• the invention also relates to a method for setting up at least one hood of an igneous electrolysis aluminum production cell characterized in that: a) at least one mobile unit according to the invention provided with at least one cap handling device according to the invention; b) moving said mobile unit to a specific storage area of the covers and actuating the gripper so as to grip said covers; c) placing said mobile unit provided with said covers so that said positioning device is in a predetermined initial position, the translational axis B of the second frame being substantially parallel to the direction X; c) maneuvering the articulated arm, the first frame and / or the second frame and, optionally, the gripping system, so as to put the gripping members of the gripping system in the position of removal of said covers; d) actuating the gripping members to release said covers; e) operating the articulated arm, the first frame and / or the second frame and, optionally, the gripping system, so as to distance said positioning device from said covers.
• the invention also relates to a method for replacing anodes in an electrolysis cell characterized in that it comprises a step where at least one cover located in the vicinity of said anode is removed by following the bonnet removal process according to the invention, described above and a step where, after replacement of said anode, said at least one cover is replaced by following the bonnet implementation method according to the invention described in the previous paragraph.
• Figure 1 illustrates, in section, a typical electrolysis room for the production of aluminum and comprising a service unit shown schematically.
• Figure 2 illustrates, in cross-sectional view, a typical electrolysis cell for the production of aluminum.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of the electrolysis cell of FIG.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B show, from two different angles of view, a portion of the device for handling the covers of FIG. 4.
• FIGS 6A and 6B illustrate the operation of the cover handling device according to the invention in the variant which comprises an articulated frame.
• FIGS 7 and 8 illustrate embodiments of an advantageous variant of the cap handling device according to the invention.
• FIGS 9 to 15 illustrate the operation of the cap handling device according to the invention.
• Electrolysis plants for aluminum production have a liquid aluminum production zone that includes one or more electrolysis rooms (1). As illustrated in Figure 1, each electrolysis room (1) comprises electrolysis cells (2) and at least one service unit (4). Service units are often referred to as “electrolysis service machines” or “M.S.E” ("PTA” or “Pot Tending Assembly” or “PTM” or “Pot Tending Machine” in English).
• M.S.E electrolysis service machines
• each electrolysis cell (2) comprises a tank (20), a support structure (30) called a "superstructure” and a plurality of anodes (40, 40 ').
• the vessel (20) comprises a steel box (21), an inner liner (22), which is generally formed of blocks of refractory material, and a cathode assembly (23, 24), which comprises blocks of carbon material, so-called “cathode blocks", (23) and metal connecting bars (24) to which are attached the electrical conductors (50, 51, 52) for routing the electrolysis current.
• Each anode is provided with a metal rod (41, 41 '), which is typically attached to the anode via a multipode (42).
• the anodes (40, 40 ') are removably attached to a movable metal frame (25), referred to as the "anode frame", by a removable connector (26, 26').
• the anode frame (25) is carried by the superstructure (30) and fixed to electrical conductors (52), called “positive ascents", for the routing of the electrolysis current.
• the electrolysis cells (2) are normally arranged in rows or rows, each row or line typically having more than one hundred cells, and electrically connected in series by means of connecting conductors (50, 51, 52). .
• the cells (2) are arranged to clear a circulation aisle (3) along the electrolysis room (1) and an access path (3 ') between the electrolysis cells.
• the electrolysis cell (2) is provided with a rollover system, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
• the rollover system comprises a series of removable covers (33) which are typically metallic, and more typically of aluminum alloy .
• the rollover system confines the effluents within the cell (29) and is connected to means (not shown) for discharging the effluents and directing them to a treatment center.
• the removable covers (33) are typically inserted into a guide groove (35) arranged along the cell and are supported on a flange (31) of the superstructure.
• the covers (33) are generally provided with a handle (34) for handling by operators.
• the rod (41, 41 ') of the anodes typically emerges from the rollover system through openings (32) provided for this purpose in the rollover system.
• the anodes (40, 40 ') are made of precooked carbon material.
• the progressive consumption of the anodes during the electrolytic reduction reactions of aluminum requires interventions on the electrolysis cells including, in particular, the replacement of the spent anodes (40 ') with new anodes (40).
• the service unit (4) is used to carry out operations on the electrolysis cells (2) such as the anode changes or the filling of the ground bath supply hoppers and the AlF 3 of the electrolysis cells. It can also be used to handle various loads, such as tank elements, pockets of liquid metal or anodes.
• the service unit (4) comprises a movable bridge (5) which can be translated over the electrolysis cells (2) and a service machine (6).
• the service machine (6) comprises a mobile carriage (7) and a service module (8) equipped with several handling and intervention devices (10), such as tools (shovels, keys, stitches, etc.). ).
• the movable bridge (5) rests and circulates on raceways (9, 9 ') arranged parallel to each other and to the main axis of the hall (and the queue of cells).
• the mobile bridge (5) can thus be moved along the electrolysis room (1).
• the movable carriage (7) can be moved along the movable bridge (5).
• the service machines (6) used for the anode changing operations are equipped with a determined set of tools (10), typically a picker, bucket shovel, anode gripper (called “anode clamp”) and a hopper provided with a retractable conduit.
• the breaker serves to break the crust of alumina and solidified bath which generally covers all or part of the anodes of the cell;
• the bucket shovel serves to clear the location of the anode, after removal of the spent anode, by removing solids (such as pieces of crust and alumina) therein;
• the anode clamp is used to grip and manipulate the anodes by their rod, in particular for the removal of spent anodes from an electrolysis cell and the placement of new anodes in the electrolysis cell;
• the retractable conduit is used to introduce alumina and / or ground bath in the electrolysis cell, so as to reform a coating layer, after the establishment of a new anode.
• the breaker, the bucket and the anode clamp are typically mounted at the lower end
• the change of a spent anode (40 ') by a new anode (40) requires the prior removal of a determined number of covers (33) located near the spent anode (40'), their temporary storage and their refitting at the end of the anode change operations.
• the covers are handled using a handling device (100) which comprises a positioning device (110) and a gripping system (160) of the covers.
• the positioning device (110) comprises:
• first frame (140) mounted on the articulated arm (130) so as to be pivotable about a first substantially horizontal axis of rotation A in use;
• the vertical guide member (101) typically comprises a fixed member (102) and at least one movable member (103, 103 ') and the movable support (120) is mounted on the one or one of the movable members (103, 103' ).
• the vertical guide member (101) is typically selected from the telescopic masts.
• the vertical guide member (101) is a telescopic mast comprising a fixed shaft (102), a first sliding shaft (103) and a second sliding shaft (103 ') and the movable support (120) is mounted on the second sliding shaft (103 ').
• the movable support (120) is typically driven by a motor (121).
• the articulated arm (130) serves to move the covers in a direction substantially perpendicular to the long sides of the electrolysis cells.
• the first frame (140) serves to adjust the inclination of the covers (33) relative to the electrolysis cell (2).
• the second frame (150) allows a lateral deflection of the covers (33), that is to say in a direction substantially parallel to the long sides of the electrolysis cells.
• the articulated arm (130) comprises a fixed member (131) integral with the movable support (120) and a movable member (132).
• a first end of the movable member (132) is fixed to the fixed member (131) so as to be pivotable about a second axis C, which is substantially horizontal in use, with a motor (133).
• a second end of the movable member (132) is attached to the first frame (140) and allows it to pivot about said first axis of rotation A.
• the displacement means (151 to 155) of the second frame (150) comprise a motor (151) fixed to the first frame (140) and provided with a pinion (152), a rack (153) secured to the second frame (150) and in which the pinion (152) engages, guides (154) and bearings (155) slidably mounted on the guides (154).
• the gripping system (160) of the covers comprises a determined set of grippers (161) for gripping a determined set of hoods (33) in a determined number of attachment points.
• the gripping system (160) of the covers is attached, directly or indirectly, to the second frame (150).
• the determined set of covers (33) typically comprises at least three covers (33).
• Figures 4 to 8 illustrate a case where the device allows to handle four covers simultaneously.
• the number of attachment points is preferably greater than or equal to three per cover and said points are preferably arranged so to form a plan.
• the covers (33) thus remain substantially immobile (and typically parallel) with respect to the second frame (150) during handling.
• the gripping members (161) may be chosen from any known gripping means, such as hooks or electromagnets. However, in order to be able to capture hoods without gripping means complementary to those of the gripping system (160), the gripping members (161) are advantageously suction pads activated by a pneumatic system. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, the number of suction cups, and therefore fixing points, is four per bonnet, which increases the reliability of the device.
• the gripping system (160) further comprises blowing means for blowing said fixing points on the hood or hoods before the activation of said suction cups.
• the gripping system (160) advantageously comprises an articulated frame (162) comprising a fixed frame (169) fixed to the second frame (150), at least one hinged frame (163, 163 ') fixed to the fixed frame (169) by a at least one hinge (164, 164 ') so as to be pivotable about an axis (D, D') which is substantially vertical in use, and, for each hinged frame (163, 163 '), an actuator (165, 165 ') for pivoting the or each hinged frame (163, 163') about said axis.
• Said actuator (165, 165 ') is typically a jack. This variant of the invention is particularly advantageous when the electrolysis cells have positive rises (52) close together.
• the width covered by the determined set of covers is generally greater than the distance between two adjacent positive risers.
• the articulated frame (162) makes it possible to retract one of the covers of the assembly, placing it typically perpendicular to the plane of the other covers, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, which makes it possible to reduce the total width of the cover assembly and to pass between the positive risers (52).
• the hinged frame (162) preferably comprises two hinged frames (163, 163 ') arranged to form a triptych. More specifically, the hinged frame (162) preferably comprises a first hinged frame (163) fixed to a first end of the fixed frame (169) by at least a first hinge (164), a first actuator (165) intended to rotate the first articulated frame (163) around a first axis D, a second articulated frame (163 1 ) fixed to a second end of the fixed frame (169) by at least a second hinge (164 '), and a second actuator ( 165 ') for pivoting the second hinged frame (163') about a second axis D 'with a second actuator (165').
• This variant of the invention makes it possible to place one or the other of the end covers perpendicularly to the plane of the other covers. It is particularly advantageous in cases where the set of covers to be handled comprises one or more covers which are located under positive risers on one side or the other of the handling device (100).
• Figures 6A and 6B illustrate this variant of the invention.
• the articulated frame (162) is advantageously mounted on the second frame (150) so as to be able to be moved along a second determined translation axis B ', which is substantially horizontal in use and which is typically parallel to said determined first translation axis B, and the positioning device (110) of the covers comprises means (166, 167, 168), such that a guided actuator for moving the articulated frame (162) along the second translation axis B ', which is typically parallel to the first translation axis B.
• FIG. 9 illustrates an example of operation of this variant of the invention in the embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, in which the handling device (100) makes it possible to manipulate four covers (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d). simultaneously.
• the electrolysis cell is partially shown in view from above.
• three of the covers (33a, 33b, 33c) are located between two successive positive risers (52, 52 ') and the fourth cover (33d) is located under one of the two positive risers (52').
• the anode to be changed whose rod (41 ') is shown in section, is located behind the third hood (33 c), starting from the left.
• the hinged frame (162), the gripping members (161a, 161b, 161c, 16Id) and the first frame (140) are shown schematically. As shown in FIG.
• the handling device (100) is initially positioned so that the first frame (140) faces the anode to be changed and the gripping members (161a, 161b, 161c, 16Id) opposite each of the corresponding covers (typically near the vertical axis of each cover).
• the articulated frame (162) is then partially under the right positive rise (52 ').
• the gripping members (161a, 161b, 161c, 16Id) are applied to the covers and activated so as to grasp them.
• the hoods are then released from their location and slightly raised.
• the first cover (33 a) is retracted, typically by a 90 ° pivoting of the left hinged frame (163) relative to the plane of the other covers (as shown in Figure 9 (B)).
• FIG. 9 (C) the articulated frame (162) is shifted to the left, which allows the handling device to remove all the covers without being impeded by the positive rises (52, 52 '). ).
• the device (100) for handling the covers further comprises a cleaning means (180, 180 ') which is mounted on a second articulated arm (170).
• the cleaning means (180, 180 ') serves in particular to remove the dust and scrap debris and anode left by the anode changing operations, especially in the guide grooves (35), before the repositioning hoods.
• the cleaning means (180, 180 ') is typically selected from brushes, doctor blades and / or blowing means.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate embodiments of this variant in which the second articulated arm (170) is mounted on the first frame (140).
• the articulated arm (170) comprises a first (171) and a second (172) movable member interconnected by a pivot point, the first movable member (171) is fixed to the first frame (140) so as to be pivotable about a first hinge axis, which is typically horizontal in use, with a first motor (173), the hinged arm (170) has a second motor (174) for pivoting the second movable member (172) about a second hinge axis passing through the hinge point, and the cleaning means (180, 180 ') is attached to the second movable member (172).
• the cleaning means (180) is a brush which is attached to the second movable member (172) by a lever (176) so as to be pivotable about a third hinge pin to using a third motor (175), optionally coupled via a gear (177).
• the brush (180) is typically a rotating brush powered by a motor (181).
• the cleaning means (180 ') is a doctor blade actuated by a third motor (175').
• the second articulated arm (170) may optionally be mounted on a separate handling device (100).
• the device (100) for handling the hoods according to the invention may comprise means for locking the hoods on the gripping system (160) as complementary safety securing means in the event of malfunctioning of the gripping members.
• the locking means are mechanical means.
• the locking means may comprise a hook mounted on a rotary jack and adapted to fit into the handles (34) of the hood (33).
• the handling device (100) can be equipped with a computerized control system.
• This control system can perform pre-programmed operations and / or execute autopilot programs.
• the handling device (100) covers advantageously comprises an encoder and a detection system capable of detecting the presence of covers, their orientation and their position.
• This variant of the invention makes it possible to effectively locate the hoods, which, although that they are in principle placed in certain places, can be displaced with respect to their theoretical position, although generally in a certain tolerance domain.
• the signals relating to the presence of said covers, their orientation and their position are transmitted to said encoder which converts them into digital data for the control system.
• the detection system typically includes at least one telemetry system, such as a laser range finder.
• the detection system may comprise a set of two rangefinders configured to detect the presence of a reflection-determined cover and to measure the orientation and position of this cover.
• the detection system may advantageously be used to detect the presence of surface patterns and / or elements determined on the covers in order to avoid or impose placing the gripping members (161) on these elements or patterns.
• the detection system can be used to detect the position of the handles, which are generally significantly elevated relative to the hoods and therefore easier to differentiate from the hoods. , and use the position of the handles as pins for positioning the grippers (161) relative to the covers.
• the handling device (100) advantageously comprises a telemetry system configured in a manner to measure this distance.
• the reference point determined on the cell is typically located on the anode frame, the anode rods or the covers.
• the telemetry system is advantageously chosen from rangefinders (typically laser rangefinders), spatial configuration analyzers and cameras equipped with an image analyzer.
• rangefinders typically laser rangefinders
• spatial configuration analyzers typically cameras equipped with an image analyzer.
• the device (100) handling of covers according to the invention is intended to be mounted on a transport device, such as a service unit (4), a service machine (6) or a self-propelled vehicle able to move in the circulation aisle (3) and in the access ways (3 ').
• a cap handling device (100) can thus serve several distinct cells.
• the transport device is intended for interventions on the electrolysis cells (2) for the production of aluminum.
• the device (100) for handling the covers according to the invention is advantageously mounted on a service unit (4) or a service machine (6) intended for anode change operations, possibly on the same service machine (6) which comprises said determined set of tools (10).
• the transport device is used to set up the positioning device (110) near the hood or the set of covers (33) which is to be handled. This relatively coarse approach is performed in a second defined tolerance range, which is typically of the order of ⁇ 1 cm.
• the replacement of a spent anode (40 ') with a new anode (40) is typically carried out according to a method in which: - a service machine (6) is placed in the vicinity of said determined set of tools (10). of the determined spent anode (40 ');
• hoods (33) located near the worn anode (40 ') are removed and stored close to their place of origin, generally by depositing them on adjacent hoods; the metal rod (41 ') of the spent anode (40 1 ) is gripped using an anode clamp;
• the connector (26 ') of the spent anode is loosened and the connector is removed by means of a connector handling tool, which can be mounted on the service machine used for the anode changes;
• the used anode (40 ') is removed from the electrolysis cell by means of the anode clamp and is deposited in a determined location;
• a replacement anode (40) is gripped using a handling tool, usually the same anode clamp that was used to handle the spent anode, and is placed in the location initially occupied by the worn anode;
• the replacement anode (40) is fixed to the anode frame (25) by means of a connector (26);
• the handling of the covers can be carried out using the device (100) for handling the covers according to the invention. It typically includes the following operations:
• the transport device provided with a handling device (100) is placed near the worn anode (40 ') to be changed, typically by reference to its metal rod (41').
• This maneuver which can be performed automatically if the device is equipped with a computerized control system, is intended to place the positioning device (110) in a given position relative to the covers to be removed, with a determined precision, of the order of ⁇ 2 cm, preferably ⁇ 1 cm.
• This position constitutes a point of reference for the subsequent movements of the members of the handling device (100).
• the vertical guide member (101) and / or the movable support (120) is actuated so as to place the mobile support (120) at a height determined with respect to the level of the access path (3 ').
• the grippers (161) are actuated so as to capture the determined covers (which are four in Figures 4 to 8).
• the articulated arm (130), the first frame (140), the second frame (150) and, optionally, the gripping system (160) are maneuvered so as to remove the said covers and transport them to a zone of determined storage.
• the determined storage area is advantageously set back from the working area required for the anode change operations.
• the covers preferably remain attached to the gripping members (161) during all the anode change operations and until they are reset. square.
• the articulated arm (130), the first frame (140), the second frame (150) and, optionally, the gripping system (160) are maneuvered so as to put back said covers in their original place.
• the gripping system (160) Before replacing the covers, it is generally preferable to remove the crust and anode dust and debris left behind by the anode change operations. This cleaning can be done manually or with the aid of said cleaning means (180, 180 ').
• the use of the cleaning means (180, 180 ') according to the invention allows a thorough automation of the handling of the covers.
• the gripping members (161) When capturing the covers, it is advantageous to check that the gripping members (161) actually grip the covers.
• This control can be performed automatically by means of complementary measuring means and / or the activation system of the gripping members.
• the gripping system (160) comprises four grips per cover, it can prohibit movement if a cover is not grasped by at least three of these bodies. An operator can then intervene to verify the origin of the failure.
• the movement of the covers during removal, storage and refitting is done in a manner that does not touch the positive risers and the covers left in place.
• the movements of the second frame (150) are generally made necessary when at least one of the covers of the assembly is located between a positive rise (52) and the tank (20).
• the maneuvers typically include positioning said set of covers at a determined distance from the plane of the covers left on the cell, so as to place them at a distance sufficient not to hang the handles of the covers left on the cell , and a lateral displacement of the set of covers.
• an oscillating movement of the covers which is substantially horizontal and of small amplitude (typically less than approximately 10 mm, and more typically between 1 and 10 mm), by placing in corresponding motion of the second frame (150).
• This movement is intended in particular to facilitate the extraction of the covers in cases where they would be tightened by the adjacent covers or their establishment in cases where the space left by the covers already in place on the electrolysis cell would be insufficient.
• the maneuvering of the gripping system (160) can include, in addition to the movement of the frame (s) (163). ), lateral movements of the articulated frame (162) by actuating the displacement means (166, 167, 168).
• These lateral displacements are generally required when the width covered by the set of covers attached to the gripping system (160) is greater than the distance separating two adjacent positive risers.
• the one or one of the frames (163) is placed perpendicular to the plane of the other covers by means of the actuator (165, 165 '), which reduces the total width of the set of covers, and moves the hinged frame (162) towards said frame by means of the displacement means (166, 167, 168), so as to place all the covers in a position which allows them to slide between the two adjacent positive risers without hanging them.
• the handling operations of the covers advantageously include a measurement of the position and orientation of the covers to be seized by the device. These measurements make it possible to carry out with greater precision the maneuvers for setting the grasping system (160) into the gripping position. These measures also allow the precise replacement of the covers after the anode change operations. These measures also allow complete automation of the maneuvers.
• the handling of the covers can be carried out according to a method in which:
• the handling device (100) is placed in an initial position (FIG. 10);
• the gripping members (161) are placed in the catching position of the covers (33) by moving the gripping system (160) using the articulated arm (130), the first frame (140) and the second frame ( 150) ( Figure 12);
• the hoods (33) are moved laterally and, optionally, one or more hoods are retracted, as shown in FIG. 9, so as to allow the complete removal of all the hoods seized by the handling device (100);
• Replacing the covers (33) can follow a similar process, reversing the order of operations.

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• 2004
  • 2004-12-21 FR FR0413644A patent/FR2879582B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2005
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  • 2005-12-20 EP EP05850542A patent/EP1828438A2/fr not_active Withdrawn
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  • 2005-12-20 WO PCT/FR2005/003193 patent/WO2006067324A2/fr active Application Filing
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