Classifications

• • 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
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
  • B66C17/00—Overhead travelling cranes comprising one or more substantially horizontal girders the ends of which are directly supported by wheels or rollers running on tracks carried by spaced supports
  • B66C17/06—Overhead travelling cranes comprising one or more substantially horizontal girders the ends of which are directly supported by wheels or rollers running on tracks carried by spaced supports specially adapted for particular purposes, e.g. in foundries, forges; combined with auxiliary apparatus serving particular purposes
• • 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
  • C25C3/10—External supporting frames or structures
• • 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

Definitions

• Handling device intended to convey an intervention tool on an electrolysis tank.
• the present invention relates to a handling device for conveying an intervention tool on an electrolytic cell.
• the invention also relates to an intervention device on an electrolytic cell comprising this handling device and the intervention tool, an electrolysis cell comprising this handling device, and an aluminum smelter comprising this electrolysis cell.
• the invention relates to a method of working on this electrolysis cell.
• a rectangular electrolysis cell is provided, like that shown in FIG. 1, conventionally comprising a steel box 31 inside which is arranged a coating of refractory material, a cathode 33 of carbonaceous material, through which cathode electrical conductors intended to collect the electrolytic current at the cathode 33 in order to conduct it to cathode outputs passing through the bottom or the sides of the well and an electrolytic bath 35 in which the alumina is dissolved.
• the electrolytic cell comprises several anode assemblies 38 each comprising a substantially vertical anode rod 36 and an anode 37 formed of at least one anode block suspended from the anode rod 36 and immersed in this electrolytic bath 35.
• the anodes 37 are more particularly of the prebaked anode type with prebaked carbonaceous blocks, that is to say baked before introduction into the electrolytic cell.
• the electrolytic cell comprises a superstructure 30 extending above the box 31 to support and guide a vertically movable anode frame 34.
• This superstructure 30 consists in particular of at least one beam extending above the box 31 in a longitudinal direction of the tank and carried by feet arranged at the level of the transverse edges of the box 31.
• This superstructure 30 also typically carries means for extracting the vessel gases and alumina supply devices.
• the anode assemblies 38 are suspended at regular intervals along two rows from the anode frame 34 by way of removable connectors 32 pressing the anode rods 36 against the anode frame 34.
• Electrical conductors 39 for raising the electrolysis current carrying the electrolysis current from the cathode outputs of the previous electrolysis cell to the anode frame 34 extend diagonally from bottom to top from a longitudinal edge of the box 31.
• the anode blocks being consumed as the electrolysis reaction progresses, the anode assemblies 38 are progressively lowered towards the cathode 33 in order to keep the distance between the lower surface of the anodes 37 and the cathode 33 substantially constant.
• the displacement of the anode assemblies 38 is collective, since all the anode assemblies 38 hooked to the same anode frame 34 are moved simultaneously due to the displacement of this anode frame 34.
• anode assemblies 38 To ensure correct operation of the electrolytic cell, it is typically necessary for the anode assemblies 38 to be positioned such that the lower surface of their anodes 37 is in a reference plane, in particular coincident with the plane containing the lower surface of the anodes. other anodes 37 of the electrolytic cell, also called anode plane.
• anode frame 34 which collectively supports and moves a plurality of anode assemblies 38, does not allow such an adjustment to be made.
• each anode assembly 38 with an actuator allowing it to be moved individually.
• this individual motorization solution is relatively expensive and it is not easy to implement it in pre-existing lighting plants.
• the electrolysis service machine circulating in the electrolysis hall above the electrolytic cells includes a screwdriver to tighten-loosen the removable connector, working in conjunction with a gripping arm allowing to grab the anode rod, typically by its upper end, and reposition the anode assembly by lifting or lowering it.
• the number An aluminum smelter's electrolysis service machine is limited and these machines are required for multiple operations, so their availability is limited.
• electrolysis service machines cannot cross each other in the electrolysis hall. Therefore, an electrolysis service machine cannot be used as part of a process for continuous improvement of operations involving regular repositioning of anode assemblies.
• document FR3024466 discloses a vehicle for operating electrolytic cells, which can move from one electrolysis cell to another in order to carry out an intervention there.
• this vehicle circulates in the aisles used for the movement of other vehicles performing various operations on the tanks, or in which are temporarily stored pallets used for operations on the tank, in particular to support new or used anode assemblies.
• the present invention aims to overcome all or part of these drawbacks by proposing a handling device intended to convey an intervention tool making it possible to carry out an intervention on an electrolytic cell, in particular with a view to making an adjustment of the height of the anodes, quickly, at contained costs, without hindering the movement of operators or other vehicles.
• the present invention relates to a handling device intended to convey an intervention tool making it possible to carry out an intervention on an electrolytic cell having a superstructure, the handling device comprising a frame carrying the tool. 'intervention and displacement means adapted to allow movement of the frame, characterized in that the displacement means are adapted to bear on the superstructure.
• an intervention tool can be brought by the handling device to various places along the superstructure of the electrolytic cell in order to carry out an operation there without requiring intervention of the electrolysis service machine and without require circulation in the aisles adjacent to the electrolytic cells.
• the term “superstructure” is understood to mean the structure supporting the anode frame and any fixed element of the electrolytic cell attached thereto, such as, for example, means for extracting the cell gases and devices for supplying alumina.
• This superstructure comprises for example a beam extending above the box in a longitudinal direction of the tank and carried by feet arranged at the level of the transverse edges of the box.
• the superstructure on which bear the displacement means supports these displacement means and the handling device.
• the handling device therefore makes it possible in particular to make the same intervention tool available to several anode assemblies arranged at regular intervals along the superstructure of the electrolytic cell, thus reducing costs.
• the intervention tool is a device for repositioning an anode assembly of the electrolytic cell.
• repositioning is meant adjusting the height of the anode of the anode assembly so that its lower surface is at a determined position.
• the handling device provided with such an intervention tool therefore offers the possibility of regular individualized repositioning of the anode assemblies and furthermore increases the availability of electrolysis service machines for other operations, also reducing the costs of 'exploitation.
• the handling device comprises lifting means configured to raise or lower the intervention tool between a parking position making it possible to maintain the intervention tool at a distance from the electrolytic cell and a working position allowing the intervention tool to be lowered into contact with the electrolytic cell.
• lifting means may consist of jacks or articulated arms but, according to one embodiment of the invention, the lifting means are cable lifting means.
• cable lifting means any lifting means comprising a long and flexible element intended to lower or tow a load from above, such as cable, rope, strap, rope, chain, or the like.
• cable lifting means which are inherently simple, reliable and inexpensive, is made advantageous due to the positioning of the frame above the superstructure, that is to say above a zone of intervention of the intervention tool.
• the lifting means comprise a motorized hoist or winch.
• the lifting means comprise means for detecting the arrival of the intervention tool in the working position.
• the height at which the intervention tool is in the working position depends on the height of the anode frame which varies over time. Also, stopping the descent of the intervention tool can be controlled when the intervention tool comes into contact and rests on the anode frame or a tank element fixed relative to the anode frame such as the connector, the connector axis, or the hook formed on the anode frame to support the connector.
• the detection means can be of the contact sensor or optical sensor type.
• the handling device comprises guide means configured to guide the intervention tool along a predetermined path from the parking position to the working position.
• This feature allows precise delivery of the intervention tool to an intervention area.
• the guide means comprise two parallel flanges between which the intervention tool extends in the parked position, each flange comprising a groove intended to receive and guide an element attached to the intervention tool. .
• the handling device comprises a retaining member intended to prevent tilting of the frame carrying the intervention tool on one side or the other of the superstructure.
• the handling device carries two intervention tools arranged on opposite sides of the frame.
• the handling device carries a single intervention tool arranged on a rotating platform arranged on the frame.
• the same tool can advantageously operate on both sides of the electrolysis cell.
• the movement means allow the movement of the frame along the superstructure of the electrolytic cell.
• the frame moves above the superstructure.
• the subject of the invention is an intervention device on an electrolytic cell comprising a handling device having the aforementioned characteristics and the intervention tool, the intervention tool comprising a frame provided with one or more bearing surfaces allowing the intervention tool to rest and to be supported in a stable manner directly on at least one element of the electrolytic cell in the working position.
• This feature allows it to be the electrolytic cell which supports the weight of the intervention tool when the intervention tool is in the working position and, in particular during the intervention on the cell.
• the weight of the intervention tool is transferred from the handling device to at least one element of the electrolytic cell when the intervention tool arrives in the working position and is supported on this cell element. .
• the handling device is not subjected to mechanical force from the intervention tool when the latter is in the working position and during intervention on the tank.
• the handling device therefore does not need to be sized to withstand significant mechanical stresses, which reduces the associated design and maintenance costs. Also, there is no risk of the handling device tipping when the tool is in the working position and in particular when working on the tank.
• the frame of the intervention tool comprises reversible fixing means adapted to establish a reversible fixing between the frame and at least one element of the electrolytic cell.
• the intervention tool when the intervention tool is in the working position resting on at least one element of the tank, the intervention tool can also be attached to at least one element of the tank to further improve the stability of the tank. the intervention tool on the tank and increase the degrees of stress that the intervention tool can undergo during the intervention on the tank.
• the intervention tool comprises a part movable relative to the frame, displacement means for moving the mobile part in translation relative to the frame, the mobile part comprising engagement means configured to engage a rod anode of an anode assembly of the electrolytic cell in order to secure in translation the anode rod and the mobile part of the intervention tool.
• the mobile part can be moved with the anode assembly in vertical translation upward or downward with respect to the frame depending on the desired positioning of the anode assembly.
• Such an intervention tool that can be moved along the superstructure by means of the handling device facing each of the anode assemblies of the tank makes it possible, if necessary, to reposition one after the other in an individualized manner all the anode assemblies of the tank.
• the engagement means making it possible to secure the anode rod and the movable part of the intervention tool in translation, are in particular gripping means of the conventional type, for example of the clamp or vice type which clamp the anode rod between two opposing elements forming a jaw.
• the intervention tool comprises tightening / loosening means adapted to tighten / loosen a connector holding the anode assembly in position in the electrolytic cell.
• tightening / loosening means are advantageously a screwdriver engaging a threaded rod of the connector when the intervention tool is positioned in the working position.
• the invention relates to an electrolysis cell comprising a superstructure, an anode frame supported by the superstructure and a handling device having the aforementioned characteristics, in which the superstructure comprises a surface on which the means rest. of displacement.
• the handling device intended to convey an intervention tool moves on the electrolytic cell instead of moving in the aisles serving the electrolysis cells. This limits the footprint in the electrolysis hall and improves safety.
• All the electrolysis cells of an aluminum smelter can be equipped with a handling device allowing the movement of an intervention tool and therefore interventions at different places of each electrolysis cell without creating a detrimental bulk in the aisles work adjacent to the electrolytic cells or the mobilization of an electrolysis service machine.
• the surface on which the displacement means rest is an upper surface of the superstructure.
• This embodiment is the simplest because the superstructure typically has an upper surface extending the entire length of the electrolytic cell.
• the superstructure and / or the displacement means form a path for moving the frame over at least the entire length of the anode frame.
• the intervention tool carried by the handling device can be moved and brought into position for intervention near all the anode assemblies supported by the anode frame.
• the movement path has a siding at one end of the electrolytic cell.
• the displacement means comprise guide means intended to guide the frame in translation in a longitudinal direction of the electrolytic cell.
• These guide means ensure precise positioning of the handling device on the superstructure and can in particular be rails forming the movement path and cooperating with wheels arranged on the frame.
• the movement means comprise drive means configured to move the frame along the superstructure.
• the handling device can move autonomously on the superstructure of the electrolytic cell.
• the invention relates to an aluminum smelter comprising at least one electrolysis cell having the aforementioned characteristics.
• the subject of the invention is a method of working on an electrolysis cell having the aforementioned characteristics, comprising the steps of:
• the intervention on the electrolytic cell is a repositioning of an anode assembly and comprises the following steps:
• Figure 1 is a sectional view of an electrolysis cell according to the state of the art.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a handling device according to one embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 3 is a side view of a handling device and an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of an electrolysis cell according to one embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of part of a handling device according to one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the handling device and of the electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 7 is a side view of part of an electrolysis cell according to one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of an intervention tool of a handling device according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 9 is a side view of the intervention tool of Figure 8 after a vertical displacement of a moving part
• Figure 10 is a perspective view of part of an intervention tool of a handling device according to one embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a handling device and an electrolysis cell according to one embodiment of the invention
• Figure 12 is a perspective view of a handling device and an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 13 is a side view of a handling device and of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 14 is a top view of a handling device and of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 shows a handling device 1 on an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention.
• the handling device 1 is intended to transport one or more intervention tools 2 to jointly form an intervention device.
• Each intervention tool 2 is intended to perform one or more operations on an electrolysis cell 3, for example a repositioning of an anode assembly as will be described in more detail below.
• FIG. 3 shows that the handling device 1 is advantageously intended to transport two intervention tools 2. Where appropriate, each intervention tool 2 is intended to intervene on one half of the electrolysis cell 3.
• the handling device 1 comprises a frame 10, and means for moving the frame 10 along a superstructure 30 of the electrolysis cell 3.
• the frame 10 extends longitudinally along a transverse axis X, intended to extend parallel to a transverse direction of the electrolytic cell 3.
• the frame 10 can take the form of a support plate or platform ( Figure 2), or a beam ( Figures 12 to 14).
• these two intervention tools 2 are advantageously positioned at opposite sides of the frame 10 along the transverse axis X.
• the movement means support the frame 10.
• the movement means are configured to rest on a surface 300, advantageously an upper surface, of the superstructure 30 and to allow translation of the handling device 1 in a longitudinal direction of the tank 3 d electrolysis, along a travel path delimited by the upper surface 300 of the superstructure 30.
• the movement means may comprise wheels or rollers 12 rotatably mounted on the frame 10 about the transverse axis X.
• the movement means may further include means for guide, such as a rail 41 fixed for example to the superstructure 30, intended to cooperate with the wheels or rollers 12.
• the means for moving the handling device 1 can comprise drive means such as a motor which can be mounted on the frame 10 to allow the handling device 1 to move along the superstructure 30, in the longitudinal direction Y of the electrolysis cell 3.
• the movement means may comprise a motor 42 arranged on the superstructure 30 and a transmission member 44, such as a chain actuated by the motor 42 and attached to the frame 10. This motor 42 may be arranged. at one end of the travel path, for example at the level of the siding 40.
• the frame 10 advantageously comprises one or more retaining members 14 intended to prevent tilting of the handling device 1 to one side or the other of the superstructure 30.
• the retaining members 14 may be an L-shaped tab or hook intended to engage under a surface of the superstructure 30, for example under a head of the rail 41, to prevent vertical lifting of the frame 10 of the handling device 1 relative to the superstructure 30.
• the handling device 1 may include lifting means.
• the lifting means are configured to individually move the intervention tool or tools 2 between a parking position ( Figures 2 and 3 on the right; Figure 12; Figures 13 and 14 on the left), where the intervention tool 2 is at a distance from the electrolysis cell 3 to allow its conveying along the electrolysis cell 3, and a working position (figures 2 and 3 on the left; figure 6; figures 13 and 14 on the right), where the intervention tool 2 is lowered into contact with electrolysis cell 3 in order to perform a predetermined operation, for example repositioning anode.
• the intervention tools 2 In the parked position, the intervention tools 2 are close to or in contact with the frame 10.
• the intervention tools 2 are distant from the frame 10, further away from the latter than in the parked position. .
• the lifting means advantageously comprise, for each intervention tool 2, a winch 100 with an electric motor, for example, having a cable 102 intended to be connected to the tool. 2 intervention.
• the cable 102 may comprise a lifter 104.
• the lifting means may also comprise one or more return pulleys 106 which can be arranged above a horizontal plane containing the frame 10.
• the return pulleys 106 are mounted. rotatable about a longitudinal axis Y on support arms 108 which extend from and above the frame 10.
• the winch or winches 100 are advantageously positioned above the track defined by the displacement means, in the center of the frame 10.
• the lifting means may consist of jacks or articulated arms.
• the handling device 1 comprises for each intervention tool 2 guide means configured to guide the intervention tool 2 along a predetermined path, for example in an inverted L, from from the parking position to the working position.
• the guide means may include grooves 16 intended to receive and guide a rotary axis or roller 20 of the intervention tool 2.
• the grooves 16 can be made on two parallel flanges 18 connected to the frame 10 and delimiting between them a space intended to receive the intervention tool 2 in the parked position.
• Each groove 16 preferably comprises a lower portion 160, which advantageously extends along a vertical axis Z orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse axes Y, X, essentially under a horizontal plane containing or flush with the displacement means, and an upper portion 162, which extends obliquely with respect to the lower portion 160, at or above a horizontal plane containing the frame 10 or means for moving the handling device 1.
• the upper portion 162 preferably extends outwardly to from the lower vertical portion 160, that is to say away from the frame 10 and from the electrolysis cell 3.
• the rotary axis or roller 20 of the intervention tool 2 is located in the upper portion 162 of the groove, while in the working position, the rotary axis or roller 20 of the intervention tool 2 is located in the lower portion 160 of the groove.
• each flange 18 comprises two similar and parallel grooves 16. These lined grooves 16 prevent the intervention tool 2 from tilting around the axis or the rotating roller 20 placed in the groove 16.
• the handling device 1 may include means for supporting each tool 2 for intervention in the parked position.
• the intervention tool 2 is based at least in part on these support means.
• the support means may be a side wall of the groove or grooves 16 of the flanges 18.
• the handling device 1 may comprise wired power supply means, of the electric cable or pneumatic hose type, intended to supply the lifting means and / or a motor making it possible to move the handling device 1 on the superstructure 30, and a reel automatic intended for winding wire power means.
• the handling device 1 can carry one or more energy storage units such as batteries.
• the intervention tool 2 comprises a frame 22 provided with one or more support surfaces 220 allowing the intervention tool 2 to bear and be directly supported in a stable manner. on at least one element of the electrolysis cell 3 in the working position, more precisely on an element fixed relative to the anode frame 34, such as connector 32, connector pin 320 32, anode frame 34, hook 322 supporting the connector 32.
• the frame 22 comprises a bearing surface 220a intended to bear against an upper face of the anode frame 34, and / or a bearing surface 220b intended to bear against a lateral face of the frame 34.
• the bearing surface or surfaces 220 are configured to allow the 'intervention tool 2 to rest by gravity in a stable manner on the tank 3 of electrolysis and to be fully supported if necessary by the electrolysis tank 3.
• the frame 22 can also include reversible fixing means suitable for establishing a reversible fixing between the frame 22 and at least one element of the electrolysis cell 3.
• the reversible fixing means may comprise one or more locking tabs, optionally movable relative to the frame 22 between a retracted position and a deployed position, configured to cooperate with an element of the electrolytic cell 3 when the tool 2 of intervention is in the working position, more precisely with a fixed element relative to the anode frame 34, such as connector 32, connector pin 320 32, anode frame 34, hook 322 supporting connector 32.
• the locking tab (s), with the support surface or surfaces 220 therefore make it possible to fix the intervention tool 2 to the electrolysis cell 3.
• the intervention tool 2 is advantageously intended to perform a predetermined operation on the electrolysis cell 3, such as, for example, the repositioning of an anode.
• the intervention tool 2 can comprise engagement means allowing the gripping of an anode rod 36 of an anode assembly 38 of the electrolytic cell 3, and translation drive means of these gripping means, in order to move the anode assembly 38 vertically.
• the intervention tool 2 comprises a part 24 movable in translation with respect to the frame 22, this movable part 24 supporting the engagement means, and drive means for driving the part 24 movable in translation along l 'vertical axis Z relative to the frame 22.
• the movable part 24 and the frame 22 can be connected by a guide slide 26.
• the engagement means may be gripping means making it possible to grip the anode rod 36 and comprising a vertical screw 200 with double thread with reverse pitch, two cams 202 each engaged with one of the threads. of the vertical screw 200 so that a rotation of the screw 200 causes the cams 202, a pair of upper jaws 204 and a pair of lower jaws 206 to move closer or further.
• Each upper jaw 204 is rotatably linked to one of the lower jaws 206.
• Each cam 202 is engaged in a lumen 208 of the upper or lower jaws 204, 206.
• the bringing together or the distance of the cams 202 due to the rotation, in one direction or the other, of the threaded rod 200 causes a tightening or a widening of the upper and lower jaws 204, 206 in order to secure the part. 24 mobile of the intervention tool 2 with the anode rod 36.
• the drive means of the movable part 24 relative to the frame 22 may comprise one or more jacks 240, of the screw jack type, preferably trapezoidal, which can be actuated by an electric motor 242.
• the jack 240 is in the retracted position while in Figure 9 the jack 240 is in the deployed position.
• the position of the jack 240 before the step of engaging the anode rod 36 by the gripping means may depend on the direction of movement necessary for the repositioning of the anode assembly 38, namely an ascent or a descent of the assembly 38. anodic.
• the intervention tool 2 advantageously comprises means for tightening / loosening a connector 32 of the electrolytic cell 3.
• the connector 32 may be of the type with rotary levers actuated by a threaded rod 324, as described in the patent document WO2013159218.
• the clamping / loosening means of the intervention tool 2 may comprise a screwdriver 28 intended to engage and rotate in one direction or the other the threaded rod 324 of the connector 32, in order to loosen or tighten the vice exerted by the connector 32 and the anode frame 34 on the anode rod 36.
• the clamping / loosening means are provided on the frame 22 to allow engagement of the clamping / loosening means of the intervention tool 2 with the corresponding components of the connector 32 when positioning the intervention tool 2 in working position and maintaining this engagement during the intervention, and in particular during the movement of the movable part 24 of the intervention tool 2 relative to the frame 22.
• the handling device 1, and more particularly the lifting means advantageously comprises detection means, such as for example a contact or optical sensor 11, shown schematically in FIGS. 8 and 9, making it possible to ensure the positioning of the intervention tool 2 in the working and / or parking position.
• the intervention tool 2 may include wired power supply means, of the electric cable or pneumatic hose type, intended in particular to supply the means for driving, engaging and / or tightening / releasing the. intervention tool 2, and an automatic winder intended for winding the wire feed means.
• the intervention tool 2 can embed one or more energy storage units such as batteries.
• the invention also relates to an electrolysis cell 3 comprising a superstructure 30, an anode frame 34 supported by the superstructure 30, an anode assembly 38, a connector 32 for removably suspending the anode assembly 38 from the anode frame 34, and a handling device 1 as described above, the handling device 1 being able to carry one or more intervention tools 2.
• the superstructure 30 comprises a surface 300, in particular an upper surface, on which the displacement means bear.
• the superstructure 30 and / or the movement means form a movement path for the frame 10 of the handling device 1 over at least the entire length of the anode frame 34, or of a casing of the electrolysis cell 3.
• the surface 300 extends in a horizontal XY plane.
• the movement path is advantageously rectilinear, positioned at the center of the electrolysis cell 3, symmetrical with respect to the median plane YZ of the electrolysis cell 3.
• the movement path may extend beyond a vertical projection of the anode frame 34 or of the casing of the electrolysis cell 3.
• the movement path may include a siding 40 to store the handling device 1, for example in the absence of intervention or to release above the tank 3 d electrolysis space for the passage or intervention of an electrolysis service machine.
• the siding 40 is located at one end of the movement path, and of the electrolysis tank 3, for example in cantilever.
• the siding 40 may extend in a horizontal plane which is below the plane containing the surface 300 of the superstructure 30, in order to free up more space above the electrolytic cell 3.
• the positioning of the handling device 1 on the siding 40 can allow, if necessary, an electrical recharging of the batteries of different equipment such as the means of movement, the lifting means and / or the intervention tool 2.
• the electrolysis cell 3 or the handling device 1 can advantageously comprise means for controlling the position of the handling device 1, such as an encoder fitted to the motor 42 intended to drive the handling device 1 as well as a zero point sensor, for example a first end of the travel path such as the siding 40, and limit switch, for example a second opposite end of the travel path.
• a zero point sensor for example a first end of the travel path such as the siding 40
• limit switch for example a second opposite end of the travel path.
• associated markings and detectors can make it possible to precisely determine the stopping stations of the frame 10 opposite the anode assemblies 38, the positions of which always remain the same and at regular intervals, as shown in Figure 14.
• the electrolysis cell 3, the handling device 1 or the intervention tool 2 can be equipped with wired or wireless communication means, known to those skilled in the art, to communicate. with a control unit provided within the aluminum plant and intended to control the movements and actions of the handling device 1 and of the intervention tool 2.
• the invention also relates to an aluminum smelter comprising a plurality of electrolysis cells 3 including at least one electrolysis cell 3 described above.
• all the electrolysis tanks 3 of the aluminum smelter have the aforementioned characteristics.
• the aluminum smelter may include one or more electrolysis service machines intended to move above the handling devices 1 present on the path of movement of the superstructure 30.
• the aluminum plant or the electrolytic cell (s) 3 advantageously comprise means for measuring the current flowing in each of the anode assemblies 38, such as for example Hall effect sensors, as described in patent document US 6136177.
• the aluminum smelter can include a control unit intended to control the movements and actions of the handling devices 1 and the intervention tools 2 according to the results of the measurements of the current flowing in each of the anode assemblies 38, and according to the information received. positioning and actions of handling devices 1 and / or intervention tools 2 and / or electrolysis service machines.
• the invention relates to a method of working on an electrolysis cell 3 as described above. This process comprises the steps of: - movement of the chassis 10 on the superstructure 30,
• the method may include an initial step of measuring an operating parameter of the vessel, such as the intensity of the current flowing through each of the anode assemblies 38.
• the descent of the intervention tool 2 to the working position can include the resting of the intervention tool 2 on an element of the electrolysis cell 3, more precisely an element fixed with respect to the anode frame 34, such as connector 32, pin 320 of connector 32, anode frame 34, hook 322 supporting connector 32.
• the descent of the intervention tool 2 to the working position can be followed by a step of fixing the intervention tool 2 to the electrolysis cell 3 in the working position, more precisely on a element of electrolysis cell 3 fixed relative to the anode frame 34, such as connector 32, connector pin 320 32, anode frame 34, hook 322 supporting connector 32.
• the step of performing the intervention by means of the intervention tool 2 is a repositioning of an anode assembly, for example the displacement of an anode assembly 38 in order to reposition the lower face of the anode assembly. anode block in the reference anode plane.
• Repositioning an anode assembly can include the following steps:
• the step of loosening the connector 32 is a step of partially loosening so that the connector 32 maintains contact between the anode rod 36 and the anode frame 34.
• the tightening and loosening of the connector 32 are advantageously carried out by the tightening / loosening means of the intervention tool 2.
• the method may also include the communication of information or control signals between the control unit of the aluminum smelter and the handling devices 1 and / or the intervention tools 2 and / or the electrolysis service machines. in order to control their respective movements and actions.

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• 2019
  • 2019-03-14 FR FR1902640A patent/FR3093737B1/fr active Active
• 2020
  • 2020-03-11 EP EP20769420.9A patent/EP3938147A1/de active Pending
  • 2020-03-11 WO PCT/CA2020/050325 patent/WO2020181380A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2020-03-11 BR BR112021017185A patent/BR112021017185A2/pt unknown
  • 2020-03-11 CN CN202080020893.XA patent/CN113573853A/zh active Pending
  • 2020-03-11 AU AU2020237368A patent/AU2020237368B2/en active Active
  • 2020-03-11 EA EA202192493A patent/EA202192493A1/ru unknown
  • 2020-03-11 CA CA3131081A patent/CA3131081A1/fr active Pending
  • 2020-03-11 US US17/433,674 patent/US20220090280A1/en active Pending
  • 2020-03-13 AR ARP200100715A patent/AR118360A1/es unknown

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