FR3032453A1 - ANODIC ASSEMBLY AND ELECTROLYSIS TANK FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LIQUID ALUMINUM COMPRISING THIS ANODIC ASSEMBLY, ALUMINUM COMPRISING THE TANK AND METHOD OF PLACING AN ANODIC ASSEMBLY IN THIS TANK - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrolysis tank (1) comprises a box (2), an anode assembly (14) movable in vertical translation inside the box (2), the anode assembly (14) having an anode block (32) and an anode cross-member (34) to which the anode block (32) is suspended, a displacement device (100) configured to drive the anode assembly (14) in vertical translation relative to the box (2), and a device (200) ) fixing means having attachment means and configured to attach the anode cross member (34) to the displacement device (100). In addition, the anode cross member (34) comprises receiving means configured to receive the attachment means of the fixing device (200).

Description

The present invention relates to an anode assembly, an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum by electrolysis, an aluminum plant comprising this electrolysis cell, and a method of placing an anode assembly inside the cell. this electrolysis cell.

It is known to produce aluminum industrially from alumina by electrolysis according to the Hall-Héroult process. For this purpose, an electrolysis cell is provided, such as the one disclosed in patent document FR 2 851 810, which conventionally comprises a steel box inside which is arranged a refractory material coating, a cathode made of carbon material, crossed by cathodic electrical conductors for collecting the electrolysis current at the cathode to lead cathodic outputs through the bottom or sides of the box, electrical conductors extending substantially horizontally to the next vessel from the cathode outlets, an electrolytic bath in which is dissolved alumina, several anode assemblies each comprising a substantially vertical anode rod and at least one anode block suspended from the anode rod and immersed in the electrolytic bath. The anode assembly is movable with the anode frame relative to the box and the cathode. The anodes are more particularly of anode type precooked with precooked carbon blocks, that is to say cooked before introduction into the electrolytic cell.

The electrolysis cell comprises a superstructure extending above the box to support and guide a moving horizontal anode frame, which horizontal anode frame is constituted by a horizontal beam. Electrical conductors for raising the electrolysis current carrying the electrolysis current from the cathode outlets to the anode frame extend diagonally upwardly from one side of the box, where they are connected to the electrical conductors for the transmission of electricity. the previous electrolysis tank to the anode frame above the box. The anode assemblies are suspended and fixed to the horizontal anode frame by means of connectors fixing the anode rods to the horizontal anode frame by veneering. The anode assemblies are thus movable with the anode frame relative to the box and the cathode. The connector provides both mechanical attachment and electrical connection between the anode rod and the anode frame. To receive and carry the connector, the anode frame conventionally comprises hooks extending parallel to each other on either side of the anode rod of the fixed anode assembly.

A spent anode assembly, whose anode block has been consumed, must be replaced by a new anode assembly. Taking into account the presence of the anode frame and the 3032453 2 superstructure above the box, this replacement is achieved by removing the spent anode assembly by one side of the electrolytic cell and then entering the new anode assembly on the same side of the electrolytic cell. Furthermore, in order to ensure the operation of the electrolytic cell, it is constant to ensure that the new anode assembly is positioned so as to place the lower surface of its anode in a horizontal anode plane, also containing the lower surface of the other anodes of the electrolysis cell. A disadvantage of these electrolytic cells is that the anode frame and the superstructure clutter the space above the electrolytic cell. This forces to change the anode assemblies by the side of the electrolytic cell. This results in a relatively long anode assembly replacement time, and difficult positioning of a bottom anode surface in a horizontal plane. An anodic assembly change from the side also requires a large inter-tank space.

It is moreover known from US Pat. No. 3,575,827 an electrolysis cell without a superstructure and an anode frame extending above the box. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to change the anode assemblies by the top of the electrolytic cell, by vertically translating these anode assemblies. Each anode assembly is supported, and moved, not collectively, but individually, i.e., independently of the other anode assemblies, by means of four jacks bearing on an upper edge of the box. This allows easier positioning of the lower anode surface in a horizontal plane. However, a disadvantage of this configuration is a high cost of the electrolytic cell, due to the use of several jacks to support, and displace, each anode assembly. In addition, the electrical connection and the mechanical support of the anode assembly are distinct. This increases the duration of an anode change. Also, the anode assemblies are not fixed to the displacement device formed by the jacks, but rest on it simply by gravity, so that the anode assembly can remain frozen by the crust forming on the surface of the electrolysis bath and not not go down when the moving device goes down, which makes this solution unreliable.

Also, the present invention aims to overcome all or part of these disadvantages by providing an anode assembly and an electrolytic cell comprising the anode assembly, the vessel limiting the replacement time of an anode assembly, the electrolysis cell. being otherwise economical, compact and allowing easy adjustment of a bottom anode surface in a horizontal plane. For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is an electrolysis cell intended for the production of liquid aluminum, the electrolysis cell comprising a box, an anode assembly movable in vertical translation inside the box, the assembly anode having an anode block and an anode cross member to which the anode block is suspended, a displacement device configured to drive the anode assembly in vertical translation relative to the box, and a fixing device comprising hooking means, the fixing device being configured to fix the anode cross member to the displacement device, characterized in that the anode cross member comprises receiving means configured to receive the fastening means of the fixing device. Thus, the fixing device is supported by the anode cross member, that is to say by the anode assembly, instead of being supported by an anode frame and a superstructure. This allows attachment of the anode assembly without encumbering the space above the well, so that an anode assembly replacement from the top of the electrolysis cell is possible. In addition, since the fastener is supported by the anode assembly, it becomes possible to position the fastener together with the anode assembly in the electrolysis cell. This thus shortens the duration of an anode set replacement operation.

The receiving means of the anode cross member are complementary to the fastening means of the fastening device. Advantageously, the fixing device is configured to fire on the receiving means by bearing on the displacement device. More specifically, the fixing device is advantageously configured to exert simultaneously a traction force on the receiving means and an opposite thrust force on the displacement device. According to a preferred embodiment, the displacement device comprises an anode receiver having a vertical side wall bearing against a vertical bearing surface of the anode cross member and movable in vertical translation relative to the box, the anode receiver being fixed mechanically to the anode cross member via the fastener. The vertical bearing surface of the anode cross-member bears against the vertical side wall of the anode receiver and the contact created may allow electrical current to flow from the anode receiver to the anode assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical side wall has a height greater than the height of the vertical bearing surface of the anode cross member and the fixing device is adapted to support the vertical bearing surface against a portion of only support of the vertical side wall.

This makes it possible to choose the location, on the anode receiver, to which to fix the anode assembly. The bearing portion of the vertical side wall against which the vertical bearing surface of the anode assembly comes to bear is determined as a function of the position at which it is desired for the lower surface of the anode (s) to be positioned. anodic set. This makes it possible to precisely adjust the position of the lower surface of the anode or anodes of the anode assembly in the anode plane. The positioning of this support portion, of height equal to the height of the bearing surface of the anode assembly, may vary over the height of the vertical side wall. The support portion therefore slides on the height of the vertical side wall as required.

When the anode assembly, receiving and carrying the fixing device is at the correct height, it remains only to fix the anode cross member to the anode receiver. The displacement and the adjustment of the position of the lower surface of the anode or anodes of the anode assembly in the anode plane is thus achieved economically. According to a preferred embodiment, the anode receiver is a vertically extending beam, one wall of which forms the vertical side wall. The beam does not comprise means for receiving the fixing device. The anode cross-member and the fixing device can slide vertically along this beam, in particular by encircling it, to allow the attachment of the anode cross-member to the beam at a given height of the beam that can vary, typically to adjust the position. of the lower surface of the anode (s) during an anode assembly change. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing device comprises a clamping element configured to press the vertical bearing surface of the anode cross member against the side wall of the anode receiver.

The plating allows rapid execution of the attachment of the anode assembly on the anode receiver since it is sufficient to actuate the clamping element. In addition, plating allows simultaneous quality mechanical fixing and a reliable electrical connection. This also shortens the time to set up a new anode assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing device comprises a first bearing surface bearing against a traction surface of the anode cross member and a second bearing surface bearing against a counter-bearing surface of the anode receiver, the fastening device being configured to exert on the traction surface and the counter-support surface two opposing forces. The first bearing surface belongs more particularly to the fastening means of the fastening device. Thus, the fixing device advantageously bears on the anode receiver to pull the anode cross member against the receiver. This makes it possible to put the anode cross member and the anode receiver in compression against each other. This results in an efficient mechanical connection and electrical mechanical connection. In addition, this compression may require a positioning of the anode assembly such that a lower anode surface of this anode assembly is actually placed in a horizontal plane. This positioning is therefore concomitant with the fixing of the anode assembly, which allows a saving of time.

According to a preferred embodiment, the anode receiver is interposed between the vertical bearing surface of the anode cross member and the second bearing surface of the fixing device. Thus, the anode receiver is caught in a vice between the fixing device and the anode cross member. One advantage is that the vice-type attachment of the anode cross member to the anode receiver can be achieved by allowing degrees of freedom of movement to the anode receiver, particularly to accommodate expansion of the anode cross member or possible displacement of the anode receiver for come in contact with the anodic crossbar for fastening. This vise can close at the desired height around the anode receiver for vertical positioning of the anode assembly in the electrolysis cell. According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical bearing surface of the anode cross member is a lateral face of the anode cross member. In particular, the vertical bearing surface is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electrolytic cell.

Thus, the connection between the anode cross-member and the anode receiver is of crossed type, which makes it possible to limit the bulk of the electrolytic cell. More specifically, this reduces the inter-tank space. Alternatively, the vertical bearing surface of the anode cross member is an end face of the anode cross member. In particular, the vertical bearing surface is substantially perpendicular to a transverse direction of the electrolytic cell. This connection between the anode cross-member and the anode receiver is of the opposite type, which has the advantage of offering a reduction in the mass of conductive material of the anode cross-member. According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving means define an opening through which is intended to extend the vertical anode receiver. An advantage of this feature is that the receiving means thus helps to guide the anode cross-member along the vertical anode receiver, thereby allowing the anode assembly to be positioned easily and quickly within the housing. In addition, this makes it possible to constrain a positioning of the anode assembly so that a lower anode surface is in a horizontal anode plane. The aperture may be U-shaped or closed, and may be delimited by a plurality of lateral flanges forming the U-branches or the side wall of a ring through which the anode receiver extends. According to one advantageous embodiment, the fixing device or the receiving means comprise two flanges extending parallel on either side of the anode receiver so that the anode cross member, the receiving means and the fixing device encircle together. the anode receiver.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the fixing device comprises a threaded rod and the receiving means comprise a bore intended to cooperate with the threaded rod. This configuration has the advantage of being economical. The bore may be formed through one of the flanges.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the receiving means comprise one or more bars and the fixing device comprises an opening through which this bar or bars is intended to extend.

The receiving means and the anode assembly are therefore of simple design. The opening and the bar are of complementary shape. This opening may be delimited by hooks. The bar may be a transverse axis or a longitudinal portion of the anode cross member. According to an advantageous embodiment, the fixing device comprises an axis and the receiving means comprise hooks configured to receive this axis. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing a quick removal or setting up of the fixing device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving means are arranged at one end of the anode cross member. Access to the reception means is thus easier, which allows a quick implementation of the fixing device. According to an advantageous possibility, the receiving means are integral with the anode cross member. This ensures the possibility of placing the fastening device on the anode cross member at any time. According to another advantageous possibility, the receiving means are removably mounted on the anode cross member.

Thus, the receiving means can be disassembled from the anode cross member of a spent anode assembly and then mounted on the anode cross member of a new anode assembly. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the costs. The receiving means may define an opening, closed or not, configured to fit with a complementary portion of the anode cross member.

The receiving means may be slidably mounted on the anode cross member. According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving means are configured to carry the fixing device. Thus, the fixing device may be pre-positioned on the receiving means of the anode cross member. This reduces the changeover time of an anode assembly. According to another aspect, the subject of the invention is an aluminum plant comprising at least one electrolytic cell having the aforementioned characteristics.

3032453 8 This aluminum smelter has the advantage of offering fast replacement of used anode assemblies by new anode assemblies. In addition, this smelter can benefit from less space due to reduced inter-tank space.

According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of placing the anode assembly of an electrolytic cell having the aforementioned characteristics, the method comprising the step of: positioning the attachment means of the fixing device against the means for receiving the anode cross member of the anode assembly in order to pull the anode cross member against the displacement device by means of the fixing device. According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of: fixing the anode assembly to a vertical side wall of a vertical anode receiver of the displacement device via the fixing device. This makes it possible to position a bottom anode surface of the anode assembly in a horizontal anode plane. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing step comprises the plating of a vertical bearing surface of the anode cross member against the vertical side wall of the anode receiver. Plating allows rapid securing of the anode assembly against the anodic receiver, both mechanical and electrical. Preferably, the method comprises the step of: rotating a threaded rod of the fastener to press the anode cross member and the anode receiver against each other. Thus, a rotation of the threaded rod around the axis along which this threaded rod extends is sufficient for the attachment of the anode assembly and the anode receiver. This contributes to the speed of fixation. According to a preferred embodiment, the step of positioning the fastening means of the fastening device against the receiving means is carried out by vertical translation of the fastening device to the receiving means. In particular, this positioning step can be carried out solely by vertical translation of the fixing device. Thus, the implementation is fast, via a single descending vertical translation movement.

According to one advantageous possibility, the step of positioning the fastening means of the fastening device against the receiving means comprises sliding of the fastening device along the anodic receiver to the receiving means. Indeed, the fixing device may have been previously translated along the anode receiver to a rim of the anode receiver or inter-tank floor or grating after a spent anode assembly has been disconnected from the anode receiver and before removal. of this spent anode assembly out of the electrolytic cell. According to an advantageous possibility, the receiving means are removable and the method comprises a step of positioning the receiving means on the anode cross member of the anode assembly before the positioning step of the fastening means of the fixing device against the reception means. In particular, the receiving means can be slidably positioned along the anode cross member. According to an advantageous possibility, the method comprises a step of removing the means 15 for receiving the anode cross member from a spent anode assembly of the electrolytic cell before the step of positioning the receiving means on the anode cross member of said anode assembly . In particular, the receiving means may be slidably removed along the anode cross member.

This step allows the reuse of receiving means from a spent anode assembly, which is economical. According to another aspect, the invention also relates to an anode assembly, intended to be driven in vertical translation in an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum by means of a device for moving the electrolytic cell, said anode assembly comprising at least one anode block and an anode cross member to which the anode block is suspended, characterized in that the anode cross member comprises receiving means configured to receive attachment means of a fastening device adapted to fix the anode cross member to the displacement device.

This anodic assembly provides the possibility of attaching a fastening device thereto, which allows attachment of the anode assembly without encumbering the space above the casing, whereby an anode assembly replacement from above of the electrolysis cell is possible.

In addition, since the fastener is carried by the anode assembly, it becomes possible to position the fastener together with the anode assembly in the electrolytic cell. This thus shortens the duration of an anode set replacement operation.

The means for receiving the anode cross member are complementary to the fastening means of the fastening device. The electrolytic cell according to the invention comprises this anode assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving means delimits an opening through which is intended to extend an anode receiver of the displacement device. According to an advantageous possibility, the receiving means comprise a bore for cooperating with a threaded rod of the fixing device. According to another advantageous possibility, the receiving means comprise one or more bars intended to extend through an opening of the fixing device.

According to yet another advantageous possibility, the receiving means comprise hooks configured to receive an axis of the fixing device. According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving means are arranged at one end of the anode cross member. According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving means are arranged at both ends of the anode cross member. Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the following detailed description of an embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a view schematic and side of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view along the line 1-1 of Figure 1, Figures 3 and 4 are views schematic, respectively downstream side and upstream side, of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view along the line 11-11 of Figures 3 and 4, 30 Figure 6 is a schematic side view, upstream or downstream, of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrammatic views, respectively on the downstream side and the upstream side, of a electrolytic cell according to a mode of realization FIGS. 9 to 16 are diagrammatic cross-sectional views of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating steps of a method of setting up a 9 and 18 are perspective views illustrating connection devices of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views illustrating connection devices of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 19, 21, 23, 24 and 27 are side views in a transverse plane YZ illustrating connection devices of an electrolytic cell according to one embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 20, 22, 25 and 28 are top views illustrating connection devices of an electrolysis cell according to one embodiment of the invention, Figs. 26, and 29 to 32 are side views in a longitudinal plane XZ illustrating devices. connection of an electrolysis cell according to a mode of réa implementation of the invention. Figure 1 shows an electrolytic tank 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The electrolysis tank 1 is intended for the production of aluminum according to the Hall-Héroult method.

It is specified that the description is made with respect to a Cartesian frame of reference related to the electrolysis tank 1, the X axis being oriented in a longitudinal direction of the electrolysis tank 1, the Y axis being oriented in one direction. transverse of the electrolysis tank 1, and the Z axis being oriented in a vertical direction of the electrolysis tank 1. The orientations, directions, planes and longitudinal, transverse and vertical displacements are thus defined with respect to this reference frame. The electrolysis tank 1 may be part of a series of electrolysis cells, this series may comprise several hundred electrolysis cells 1 which are aligned in optionally parallel rows, the electrolysis tanks 1 being electrically connected in series. to be traversed by an electrolysis current of the order of several hundreds of thousands of amperes. The electrolysis tanks 1 are preferably substantially rectangular and are preferably arranged transversely with respect to the line that these electrolysis tanks 1 form, that is to say that the length of the electrolysis cells is substantially perpendicular to the line of electrolysis tanks they form.

FIG. 2 shows in more detail the electrolysis tank 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. The electrolysis tank 1 comprises a box 2, for example made of steel. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the box 2 here comprises two longitudinal sides 4 and two opposite transverse sides 6 in pairs, as well as a substantially rectangular bottom 5 that can be covered with refractory materials 10. The box 2 can be substantially parallelepipedic . The longitudinal, and / or transverse sides 4, 6 of the box 2 may comprise reinforcing cradles 12 intended to reinforce the box 2. The sides 4, 6 of the box 2 have an upper edge delimiting an opening of the box 2 through which are introduced or extracts from the anodic assemblies. A set of hoods 16 closes the opening of the caisson 2 or of a confinement chamber formed above the opening of the caisson, in order to limit the heat losses and the gas leaks generated during the reaction. electrolysis. The electrolysis tank 1 further comprises cathode blocks 18 of carbon material arranged at the bottom of the box 2, the cathode blocks 18 being crossed by cathodic electrical conductors 20 intended to collect the electrolysis current at the cathode formed by the cathodic blocks 18 to lead to cathodic exits 22 passing through the bottom 8 or the sides of the box 2, electrical conductors 24 extending substantially horizontally and in a transverse direction of the electrolysis tank 1 until to the next electrolysis cell of the series 20 (not shown) from the cathode outlets 22, and an electrolytic bath in which the alumina is dissolved. A sheet of liquid aluminum 30 covering the cathode blocks 18 is formed as the electrolysis reaction progresses. The electrolysis tank 1 also comprises several anode assemblies 14 suspended above the box 2, and in particular above the cathode blocks 18, and movable vertically with respect to the box 2 and to the cathode 18. As illustrated in the figures , the anode assemblies 14 comprise an anode formed of one or more anodic blocks 32 immersed in the electrolytic bath and an anode cross-member 34 to which the anode block or blocks 32 are suspended, in particular via vertical logs. The anode is more particularly of the precooked type with pre-cooked carbonaceous blocks, that is to say cooked before introduction into the electrolysis tank 1. The anode cross member 34 comprises an electrically conductive material, especially a metallic material such as steel and / or copper, for conducting the electrolysis current to the anode blocks 32. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the anode cross-member 34 extends longitudinally substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y of the electrolysis tank 1, that is to say according to the width of the tank 1 electrolysis, parallel to the transverse sides 6 of the box 2, 3032453 13 from one longitudinal side to the other 4 of the box 2, and in a substantially horizontal plane. The anode cross-member 34 comprises two opposite ends 38, of which an upstream end 38 (on the left in FIG. 2) and a downstream end 38 (on the right in FIG. 2), upstream and downstream being here defined with respect to the overall direction of circulation. electrolysis current at the scale of the electrolysis cell line. The anode cross-member 34 may have a parallelepipedal beam shape, in particular at its ends 38. The anodes are consumed as the electrolysis reaction progresses. The anode assemblies 14 are thus progressively translated vertically towards the cathode 18 in order to keep at least a portion of the anodes 32 immersed. The electrolysis vessel 1 10 thus comprises one or more displacement devices 100 configured to support and drive the anode assemblies 14. in vertical translation relative to the box. To secure the anode assemblies 14 to the displacement device 100, the electrolysis tank 1 also comprises fixing devices 200. More specifically, the electrolysis tank 1 comprises an anodic set fixing device 200. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the fixing devices 200 make it possible to mechanically fasten the anode crossmember 34 of the anode assemblies 14 to the displacement device 100. The fixing devices 200 comprise hooking means, for example a threaded rod 202, an axis 214, hooks 218 or an opening 216, which will be described in more detail below. According to the invention, the anode cross-member 34 of the or each anode assembly 14 comprises reception means configured to receive the attachment means of the fixing device 200. The receiving means may be intended to cooperate in complementary form with the fixing device 200. These reception means, complementary to the fixing device 200, will be described in more detail below. Thus, it is precisely the anodic cross-member 34 which makes it possible to receive and support the fixing device 200. As illustrated in the figures, the displacement device or devices 100 advantageously comprise one or more anodic receptors 102 positioned along the tank, extending in a vertical direction Z of the electrolysis tank 1, ie say a direction for example substantially perpendicular to the bottom 8 of the caisson 2. The anodic receivers 102 are movable in vertical translation relative to the caisson 2. The fixing devices 200 fix the anode crossbar 34 anodic assemblies 14 to these receivers 102 anodic vertical , so that the anodic receivers 35 support and drive in vertical translation the anode assemblies 14 of the electrolysis tank 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the anodic receivers 102 further include a side wall 104 bearing against the anode assembly 14. The sidewall 104 is shaped to allow vertical translation of the anode assembly 14 along the anode receiver 102. In particular, the side wall 104 is substantially vertical.

More specifically, it is the anodic cross member 34 of the anode assembly 14 which is in contact with the side wall 104 and fixed against this side wall 104 by the fixing device 200. Because of this attachment, the anodic receiver 102 is concurrently movable with the anode assembly. This makes it possible to choose on the anodic receiver 102 the height at which to fix thereto the anode assembly 14, by sliding the latter 14 vertically against the corresponding anode receiver (s) 102. The height is advantageously chosen so that a lower surface 36 of the anode blocks 18 is positioned in a horizontal plane, in particular a horizontal anodic plane also containing the lower surfaces of the anode blocks of the other anode assemblies 14 of the vessel 1 15. 'electrolysis. As illustrated in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 5, the displacement device 100 preferably comprises at least two anodic receivers 102 per anode assembly 14, for example an upstream anode receiver 102 adjacent to the upstream longitudinal side 4 of the casing 2 (on the left Figures 2, 5 and 9-16) and a downstream anodic receiver 102 adjacent the downstream longitudinal side 4 of the well 2 (right in Figures 2, 5 and 9-16). A securing device 200 is provided for attaching each anode receiver 102 to the corresponding anode assembly. The upstream and downstream anodic receivers 102 may be similar and have the same characteristics described in the present application.

It will be appreciated that the one or more displacement devices 100 may comprise a plurality of upstream anodic receivers 102 and a plurality of downstream anodic receivers 102. Preferably, an upstream anodic receptor 102 is associated with a downstream anodic receptor 102 to form a pair of anode receptors 102 supporting the same anode set, preferably distinct, of the electrolytic cell 1. Thus, each anode assembly 14 can be supported and driven in vertical translation by two anodic receivers 102: an upstream anodic receiver 102 and a downstream anode receiver 102. The downstream anodic receiver 102 may be disposed substantially symmetrically with the upstream anode receiver 102 with respect to a longitudinal median plane XZ of the electrolysis vessel 1, ie a plane substantially perpendicular to a transverse axis Y of the electrolysis tank 1 and separating the electrolysis tank 1 into two similar halves. The upstream and downstream anodic receivers 3032453 may have an upper end 106 arranged at substantially the same height. Anode receivers 102 adjacent to the same side 4 of the vessel 2 may be distributed at regular intervals in a longitudinal direction X of the electrolysis vessel 1. These anodic receivers 102 adjacent to the same side 4 of the box 2 can be aligned in the same longitudinal plane XZ. The upstream and downstream anodic receivers 102 may all extend parallel to each other and in a vertical direction Z of the electrolytic cell 1 and may be for example in the form of beams. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the anode cross-member 34 is fixed to the anode receptors 102, respectively upstream and downstream, at its ends 38, respectively upstream and downstream, via the fixing devices 200. It is therefore found that the anode cross-member 34 does not extend beyond its attachment to the anodic receivers 102. The anodic receivers 102 preferably extend out of the box 2 along the opposite longitudinal sides 4 of the box 2, for example between two consecutive reinforcement cradles 12 to reduce the space requirement between two adjacent electrolysis tanks 1. More particularly, the anodic receivers 102 extend entirely out of the casing 2. The anodic receivers 102, and the entire displacement device 100, if any, do not extend to the right of the opening delimited by the edges. upper sides of the sides 4, 6 of the box 2. This facilitates a change of anode assembly from the top of the tank 1 of electrolysis, it is otherwise free of anodic frame and superstructure which are traditionally provided the tanks. electrolysis of the state of the art. The electrolysis tank 1 is therefore of the anodic overall change type 14 from above, and not from the sides, ie by upward vertical translation of a spent anodic assembly 14 and vertical translation. descending from a new anode assembly 14 above the box 2, in particular above the opening delimited by the upper edges of the sides 4, 6 of the box 2. At least one of the anode receivers 102 associated with a The same anode assembly 30 comprises an electrically conductive material configured to conduct the electrolysis stream to this anode assembly via the side wall 104 of this anode receiver 102 in contact with the anode assembly. When a single anode receiver 102 conducts the electrolysis current to the anode assembly, it is advantageously the upstream anodic receiver 102 to minimize the electrical path.

Preferably, both the upstream anodic receivers 102 and the downstream anodic receivers 102 are configured to conduct the electrolysis stream to the anode assembly via their side wall 104 in contact with this anode assembly. Thus, the connection between the anodic receiver 102 and the anode cross member 34 provided by the fixing device 200 is also electrical. In this case, the upstream anodic receivers 102 and the downstream anodic receivers 102 may advantageously have a horizontal cross-section with a surface substantially equal to the height of the vertical lateral wall 104 against which the vertical support surface 42 of the assembly 14 anodic can come in support, this for a question of electrical balancing.

As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the downstream and upstream sides of the electrolysis tank 1, the downstream anodic receivers 102 have a horizontal section with a surface area substantially equal to an upper portion 105 corresponding to the portion of the anodic receiver 102 against which is likely to abut the vertical support surface 42 of the anode assembly 14 to secure the anode assembly 14 to the anode receiver 102 (above the limit 103), while the horizontal section has a much larger surface area for downstream anodic receivers 102 than for upstream anode receivers 102 on the side of a lower portion 107 of downstream anode receivers 102, this lower portion 107 being electrically connected to the conductor system (other than below the limit of 103). The upper portion 105 is that comprising the support portion 101. The conductor system of the electrolysis tank 1, that is to say all the electrical conductors of the electrolysis tank 1 intended to conduct the electrolysis current to the anode assembly, is in fact configured so that an equilibrium of the electric potential is obtained at the limit 103 and that this equilibrium is not modified from this limit 103 to 25 in the distribution of the current between the anodes 32 of the anode assembly 14, and regardless of the height at which the anode assembly is connected against the vertical side wall 104 of the anode receivers 102. The anodic receivers 102 comprise or are, for example, of electrically conductive material, in particular metal such as aluminum, steel and / or copper. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the anodic receivers 102 can be electrically connected to the electrical routing conductors 24 of the preceding electrolytic cell of the series, so that these electrical conductors 24 conduct the current of electrolysis to the anodic receivers 102 which in turn conduct the electrolysis current to the anode crossbar.

In particular, the electrical routing conductors 24 may comprise, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, flexible electrical conductors 40 that can be deformed to accompany the vertical translation movement of the anodic receivers 102 and the anodic assembly 14. by optimizing the length of the electrical path 5 traversed by the electrolysis current. According to the example of FIGS. 2 and 5 and 9 to 16, the electrolysis tank 1 may comprise flexible, flexible electric conductors 40 extending under this electrolysis tank 1, in particular under box 2, and electrically connected to an anodic receiver 102 downstream of the electrolysis tank 1. As illustrated in the figures, the anodic receivers 102 are or advantageously comprise a vertical beam, that is to say substantially parallel to a vertical direction Z of the electrolysis tank 1. The vertical beams forming the anodic receivers 102 are here substantially rectilinear between a lower end 108 and an upper end 106 of the anodic receivers 102. This form of vertical beam offers a better recovery of efforts, including better support of the assembly 14 15 anodic, the latter can weigh several tons. This also minimizes if necessary the electrical path of the electrolysis current, for a question of efficiency of the electrolysis tank 1. As represented in FIGS. 2 and 5, the anodic assembly 14 comprises, for each anodic receiver 102, a vertical bearing surface 42 located in particular on the anode cross-member 34, bearing against a bearing portion 101 of the wall 104 vertical side of these anodic receptors 102. Preferably, this contact surface 42 is shaped to make plane-plane contact between the anode assembly and the corresponding anode receiver 102. In particular, the vertical support surface 42 and the vertical lateral wall 104 of the anode receptors 102 are substantially planar, which makes it possible in particular to ensure good conduction of the electrolysis current between the anodic receivers 102 and the anode cross-member 14. . In particular, the vertical beams forming anodic receivers 102 may have a straight prism shape, having a polygonal horizontal section. More precisely, the vertical beams may have a parallelepipedal shape, having a rectangular or square horizontal section. The side wall 104 is optionally a face of this prism or parallelepiped. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 5, the fixing device 200 is advantageously configured to press the anode cross-member 34, in particular the vertical bearing surface 42, against the side wall 104 of an anodic receiver 102.

To this end, the fixing device 200 may comprise a clamping element 202 adapted to cause, when actuated, bringing the vertical bearing surface 42 and the vertical lateral wall 104 towards each other closer together. to press them against each other. This clamp member 202 may be a threaded rod whose rotation causes the anode assembly to be plated against the corresponding anode receiver 102. Fixing by plating is quick to implement: it is sufficient to actuate the element 202 clamping. In addition, if the surface 42 of vertical support and the side wall 104 are flat, the plating provides effective mechanical strength and reliable electrical conduction.

Figures 17 to 32 show examples of fixing devices 200 that can secure the anode assembly to an anode receiver 102. The fastening device 200 may comprise a first bearing surface 204 bearing against the anode assembly 14 and intended to exert on the anode crossmember 34 a first bearing force, and a second bearing surface 206 bearing against the anodic receiver 102 and intended to exert on the anodic receiver 102 and thus the side wall 104 a second support force opposite to the first support force. By way of example, the first bearing surface 204 is the thread of a threaded rod forming a clamping element 202 screwed through a bore formed in a plate integral with the anode assembly while the second bearing surface 206 is an end of this threaded rod (FIGS. 17, 19, 20). This end may be a plate 208 substantially perpendicular to the threaded rod (Figure 17). The threaded shank may include a screw head 210 at another end. Still as an example, the fixing device 200 may comprise two jaws 212 articulated in rotation about an axis 214 and a threaded rod connecting the two jaws 212 pivotally mounted relative to one another so that rotation of the threaded rod causes the jaws 212 to move towards or away from one another and consequently to secure or separate the anodic cross member 34 and the anodic receiver 102 (FIGS. 18 and 21 to 32). The threaded rod is the clamping member 202 of the fastener. Such a fixing device 200 is for example described in the patent application FR 2,884,833. The first bearing surface 204 is defined for example by a lateral wall of the axis 214 around which the two jaws 212 are hinged. that the second bearing surface 206 is delimited by the parts of the jaws 212 bearing against the anodic receiver 102. In another example, the first bearing surface 204 may be a wall of an opening 57 or 35 of a hook 218.

In a complementary manner, as can be seen in FIGS. 20 and 23, the side wall 104 of the anodic receiver 102 comprises a counter-support surface 110 against which the second support surface 206 of the device 200 is to bear. and the anode cross-member 34 comprises a traction surface 44 against which is intended to abut the first bearing surface 204 of the attachment device 200 to pull the anode cross-member 34 against the side wall 104 of the anodic receiver 102 . The anode cross member 34 comprises complementary receiving means of the fixing device 200. The receiving means are preferably arranged at one end 38 or at both ends 38 of the anode cross member 34. The reception means are configured to allow the anode assembly 14 to receive the hooking means of the connection device 200. The reception means are advantageously configured to fully support the connection device 200. This allows pre-positioning of the attachment device 200 on the anode cross member 34, prior to use of the securing device 200 to secure the anode cross member 34 to the anode receiver 102. As can be seen in FIGS. 17 to 26, the receiving means advantageously delimit a U-shaped aperture 54 or a closed ring or aperture 52 through which the vertical anodic receiver 102 is to extend. To define this aperture 54 in the U-shape or the aperture 52 closed, the receiving means may comprise flanges 56. It will be noted that the fixing device 200 (FIGS. 27 to 30), or the receiving means (FIGS. and 31, 32) may comprise two flanges 56 extending parallel to each other across the anode receiver 102 so that the anode cross member 34, the receiving means and the fixing device 200 together encircle the anode receiver 102. . According to a first embodiment, the receiving means may comprise a bore 46 intended to receive a threaded rod of the fixing device 200 (FIGS. 17, 19 and 20). As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the bore 46 is for example made through one of the flanges 56 defining the ring or opening 52 closed. According to a second embodiment, the receiving means comprise hooks 48 intended to receive an axis 214 or a bar of the connection device 200 (FIGS. 18 and 21 to 26). The hooks 48 may belong to the flanges 56 defining here the opening 54 in U.

Conversely, according to a third embodiment, the receiving means comprise one or more bars 50 and the fixing device 200 comprises hooks 218 configured to attach to this or these bars 50. The axis 214 The hooks 218 may form flanges 56 between which the vertical anodic receiver 102 extends. According to the example of Figures 9 to 16, the bar or bars 50 are one or axes extending perpendicularly to the crossbar 34 anode. According to the example of FIGS. 27 to 30, the bar or bars 50 are one or longitudinal portions of the anode cross member 34. The bar or bars 50 and the hooks 218 may be of complementary shape. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the bar 50 may be of polygonal section, and the opening 216 delimited by the hooks 218 is also polygonal. This allows the fixing device 200 carried by the receiving means to be maintained in a stable position, in which the fixing device 200 is ready for fixing the anode cross-member 34 and the corresponding anodic receiver 102, that is, ie a position in which the second bearing surface 206 and the vertical support surface 42 are for example opposite. The receiving means may be integral with the anode cross member 34 or removable. Thus, according to the example of FIGS. 31 and 32, the receiving means, in particular the flanges 56 or hooks 48, can be removably mounted on the anode cross-member 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32. In this case, the receiving means, in particular the flanges 56 or hooks 48 may comprise an opening or light 57 through which is intended to extend a portion 50 of the anode crossbar 34. The opening or light 57 has a shape complementary to the portion 50, this portion 50 preferably having a polygonal section. As previously indicated, this advantageously allows the fixing device 200 carried by the receiving means to be maintained in a stable position in which the fixing device 200 is ready for attachment of the anode cross member 34 and the corresponding anode receiver 102. The connection between the anode cross member 34 and the anodic receiver 102 may be vis-à-vis (FIGS. 17 and 19-23) or preferably sideways (FIGS. 18 and 24-32). In the first case, the vertical support surface 42 of the anode crossmember 34 is located on an end face of the anode crossmember 34; the plating force is oriented in a transverse direction Y of the electrolysis tank 1. In the second case, the vertical support surface 42 of the anode crossmember 34 is located on a side face of the anode crossmember 34; the plating force is oriented in a longitudinal direction X of the electrolysis tank 1.

The fixing device 200 may be configured to clamp the anode receiver 102, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 32. The anode receiver 102 is then arranged between the vertical support surface 42 of the assembly 14. anodic and the second bearing surface 206 of the fixing device 200.

It will be appreciated that the fixing device 200 permits reversible attachment of the anode assembly to the anodic receiver 102, i.e. the fixing device 200 allows the anode assembly 14 to be secured or disengaged. Anodic receiver 102 according to the needs of the user, in particular for performing the anode changes or a global lift device 100 displacement.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the displacement device 100 advantageously comprises one or more compensation connecting rods 112 connected to a first end 116 by a longitudinal axis pivot connection X on one of the anode receptors 102. At a second end 118 opposite to the first end, the compensation rod 112 is also connected by a second longitudinal axis pivot connection X 15 to a vertically movable drive part 114 of the displacement device 100. The compensation rod 112 thus enables the anodic receiver 102 to be displaced in a transverse plane YZ in order to compensate for the expansion of the anode cross-member 104 connected to the anodic receiver 102. This rod further allows the anodic receiver 102 to be moved in a YZ transverse lan for plating between the anode receiver 102 and the anode assembly 14 when the connection between the anode assembly and the anodic receiver 102 is made vis-à-vis. -screw. In addition, the compensation rod 112 is thus configured to drive the anodic receiver 102 in vertical translation relative to the caisson 2, via the workpiece 114. This driving piece 114 may be a driving beam 114 extending parallel to a longitudinal direction X of the electrolysis tank 1, as will be described in more detail below. No effort related to the displacement of the anodic receiver 102 is thus reported on the drive part or the actuator 124. According to the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the compensation connecting rod 112 can be connected to an upper end 106 of the anodic receivers 102. However, the compensation rod 112 is preferably connected to a lower end 108 of the anode receivers 102, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The upper end 106 of the anode receivers 102 can thus be free and the connection between the anodic assembly and the anodic receiver 102 made simply laterally, after a simple vertical sliding of the anode cross member 34 against the anodic receivers 102.

Advantageously, for each pair of upstream and downstream anode receptors 102, the anodic receiver 102 having the lowest mass among the two upstream and downstream anode receptors 102 is connected to a compensation rod 112, while the anode receiver 102 having the highest mass is mounted integral with a vertically movable drive member 114 of the displacement device 100, the driving member 114 being a driving beam 114 extending parallel to a longitudinal direction X of the electrolysis tank 1. According to the example of FIGS. 1 to 5, the compensation connecting rod 112 is pivotally mounted on the upstream anodic receivers 102, whereas the downstream anodic receivers 102 are mounted integral with the driving part 114 of the displacement device 100. The electrolysis tank 1 comprises guide means intended to guide the anodic receivers 102 in vertical translation relative to the box 2. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the anode receivers 102 advantageously have an upper end 106 provided with an element 120. centering. It should be noted that the upper end 106 of the anodic receivers 102 is their end farthest from the floor or bottom 8 of the box 2. This centering element 120 is shaped to guide the anode assembly against and / or around the side wall 104 of the corresponding anode receiver 102 when the anode assembly 14 is lowered vertically to the cathode 18 and prevent the anode assembly from abutting the anode receiver 102 and causing damage. Preferably, the anode receptors 102 have a free upper end 106, that is to say not connected to the remainder of the displacement device 100, the rest 100 of the displacement device being connected to one side of the anodic receiver 102 or preferably to a lower end 108 of the anode receiver 102, for example via an end face 108 lower than the connecting rod 112 compensation. The centering element 120 may have a decreasing surface cross section away from the anode receiver 102. For example, the centering element 120 has a conical, frustoconical, or pyramidal shape. Preferably, the centering element 120 has a base similar to the anodic receiver 102 section and a side wall 122 extending from this base, the side wall 122 having an inclined pan adjacent to the vertical side wall 104 of the anodic receiver 102. The anode assembly 14 may be shaped to cooperate with the centering element 120. In particular, as previously described, the receiving means may define a U-shaped aperture 54 or a closed aperture 52 for receiving the anode receiver 102.

Advantageously, the electrolysis tank 1 is devoid of elements extending to the right of the anodic receivers 102 and, if necessary, of the centering element 120. In particular, the other elements of the displacement device 100 described in more detail below do not preferentially extend to the right of its anodic receivers 102, as the case may be to the right of the centering element 120. Thus, these other elements of the displacement device 100 do not interfere with the displacement of the anode assemblies 14 during their introduction or extraction. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6, the displacement device or devices 100 advantageously comprise an actuator 124 for simultaneously or collectively moving all the anodic receivers 102 that the displacement device or devices 100 comprise. The anodic receivers 102 of a device 100 for moving the electrolysis tank 1 are here located on the same side of the electrolysis tank 1. Preferably, the displacement device or devices 100 each comprise a single actuator 124 for moving all their anode receivers 102 adjacent to the same side of the box 2. The actuator 124 is in particular a cylinder, for example hydraulic. Thus, the displacement device may comprise an upstream actuator 124 for moving all upstream anodic receivers 102 and a downstream actuator 124 for moving all downstream anodic receivers 102. The electrolysis tank 1 may comprise a control unit (not shown) for synchronizing, as the case may be, the upstream actuator 124 and the downstream actuator 124. The actuator 124 allows simultaneous movement of all the anodic receivers 102 that this actuator 124 is intended to set in motion. As indicated above, the characteristics described on one side of the electrolytic cell 1 may also be present on the other side of the electrolytic cell 1. In particular, the described characteristics of a displacement device 100 can be applied both to an upstream-side displacement device 100 and to a downstream-side displacement device 100 of the electrolysis vessel 1, the vessel 1 of FIG. electrolysis preferably comprising an upstream displacement device 100 and a downstream displacement device 100. To limit costs, the displacement device or 100 advantageously comprise a lever system configured to reduce a force generated by each actuator 124. This indeed avoids using an oversized actuator. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6, this lever system may comprise a main lever 126, at least one secondary lever 128, and a control gear member 130. Preferably, the lever system comprises a plurality of secondary levers 128. The main lever 126 and the secondary lever or levers 128 are pivotally mounted relative to a fixed part of the electrolysis tank 1, in particular with respect to the box 2 and more precisely with respect to a longitudinal side 4 of the box 2. Thus, , the main lever 126 and the secondary lever or levers 128 are connected to this fixed part by pivot links P1 of transverse axis Y. The main lever 126 is connected to the actuator 124 so that the actuator 124 drives the lever 126 principal in rotation with respect to the fixed part. The main lever 126 is, according to the example of FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6, pivotally mounted with respect to a movable rod of the actuator 124. A pivot link P2 with a transverse axis Y thus connects the main lever 126. and the cylinder rod forming the actuator 124. The at least one secondary lever 128 is connected to the main lever 126 via the control transmission member 130, so that the rotation of the main lever 126 with respect to the fixed part under the action of the actuator 124 causes the rotation of the lever or levers 128 secondary with respect to the fixed part. The control transmission member 130 may be a rod pivotally mounted on the main lever 126, for example connected by a pivot link P3 of transverse axis Y to the main lever 126, and pivotally mounted on the or at least one of the secondary levers 128, for example connected by a pivot link P4 having a transverse axis Y to the or at least one of the secondary levers 128. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the displacement device or devices 100 may comprise a longitudinal driving beam 114 intended to drive together all or more adjacent anode receivers 102 on the same side 4 of the box 2. The longitudinal driving beam 114 is connected to the main and secondary levers by means of rods 132 pivotally mounted on the beam and the levers. The driving beam 114 is thus vertically movable relative to the caisson 2, in particular in a vertical longitudinal plane XZ. The electrolysis tank 1 may comprise guide means configured to guide the vertical translation drive beam 114 relative to the box 2, in particular a longitudinal vertical plane XZ perpendicular to a transverse direction Y of the electrolysis tank 1 . In addition, the driving beam 114 is permanently attached, irremovable, to the anodic receivers 102 that the driving beam 114 supports. In other words, there is no need to detach the driving beam 114 from the anodic receivers 102 during the operation of the electrolytic cell 1. In particular, the driving beam 114 can be fixedly mounted, integral with the anodic receivers 102 that this driving beam 114 drives and supports (FIG. 3 or 7), or the driving beam 114 can be connected to the receivers 102. anodic that this driving beam 114 5 drives and supports via the connecting rod 112 compensation described above (Figure 4 or 8). According to an advantageous possibility (FIGS. 2 to 5 and FIG. 8), the upstream drive beam 114, that is to say belonging to the displacement device 100 located upstream of the electrolysis tank 1, is connected to each upstream anodic receiver 102 by a compensating connecting rod 112 (FIGS. 4 and 8 illustrate the upstream side of the electrolysis tank 1), while the downstream driving beam 114, that is to say belonging to the device 100 of displacement located downstream side of the electrolysis tank 1, is fixed, integral with downstream anodic receptors 102 (Figures 3 and 7 illustrate the downstream side of the electrolysis tank 1). The driving beam 114 may be connected to a top end of the anodic receivers 102 (Fig. 1, 2) or to one side of the anodic receivers 102 (Fig. 3). Preferably, the driving beam 114 is connected to a lower end 108 of the anodic receivers 102 (FIGS. 4, 5). In order to drive the anodic receivers 102 in vertical translation, the driving beam 114 is furthermore connected to the actuator 124, where appropriate via the lever system. The driving beam 114 may however be directly connected to one or preferably several actuators 124 intended to move it vertically (FIGS. 7 and 8); the actuators 124 are attached to the longitudinal driving beam 114 at remote points. Preferably, the main lever 126 and a plurality of secondary levers 128 of the lever system are connected to the driving beam 114 to limit warping of the driving beam 114. For this purpose, the displacement device 100 comprises connecting means connecting the driving beam 114 to this or these levers 126, 128 of the lever system, these connecting means being adapted to transform a rotational movement of this or these levers. 126, 128 in a translation movement in a longitudinal vertical plane XZ of the beam 114 drive. These connecting means may comprise a link 132 pivotally mounted on a secondary lever 128, that is to say for example connected to a secondary lever 128 by a transverse axis pivot connection Y, and pivotally mounted on the beam 114 d drive, in particular connected to the driving beam 114 by a transverse axis pivot connection Y (FIGS. 3 and 4). Alternatively, the link 132 may be pivotally mounted on a secondary lever 128 by means of a transverse axis pivot connection Y, and movably mounted in longitudinal translation X on the driving beam 114 (FIG. 1). According to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the displacement device 100 comprises, for each anode receiver 102, a secondary lever 128 of the lever system 5 configured to support and drive the anodic receiver 102 in vertical translation relative to the box 2. A this effect, the displacement device 100 comprises connecting means adapted to transform a rotational movement of the levers 126, 128 into a vertical translation movement of the anodic receivers 102. The connecting means comprise, for example, a link 132 pivotally mounted on a lever 126, 128, for example connected to this lever 126, 128 by a transverse axis pivot connection Y, and pivotally mounted on the corresponding anode receiver 102, in particular connected to this anodic receiver 102 by a transverse axis pivot connection Y. Alternatively, the rod 132 may be mounted to be movable in longitudinal translation on the anodic receiver 102 or the lever 126, 128 and pivotally mounted about a transverse axis Y 15 respectively on the lever 126, 128 or the anodic receiver 102. It will be noted that a compensation rod 112 as described above may be interposed between the lever 126, 128 and the corresponding anode receiver 102, in particular between the link link 132 and the anode receiver 102. Where appropriate, the rod 132 may be mounted movably in longitudinal translation on the connecting rod 112 or pivotally mounted about a transverse axis Y on the connecting rod 112 compensation. The levers 126, 128 individually supporting the anodic receivers 102 may be connected to a top end of the anodic receivers 102 or to one side of the anodic receivers 102. Preferably, the levers 126, 128 each supporting an anode receiver 102 are connected to a lower end 108 of the anode receivers 102 (Fig. 6). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, and more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 5, the displacement device or devices 100 are located outside the box 2 and adjacent to a longitudinal side 4 of the box 2. In other words, the or the displacement devices 100 do not extend to the right of the box, in particular to the right of the upper edges of the sides 4, 6 of the box 2. By "the right of the box" means located in a volume defined vertically above of the box. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, the displacement device or devices 100 preferably extend below a horizontal plane XY tangential to the upper edges of the sides 4, 6 of the box 2. This has the advantage to limit the overall height of the electrolysis tanks and by the same the height of the electrolysis building and the space occupied by the operations on the tank.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the electrolysis tank 1 may advantageously comprise sealing plates 58 mounted for example sliding on the anode assembly 14, in particular on the anode crossmember 34. These sealing plates 58 make it possible to improve the sealing of the casing 2 at the passage of the anode crossmember 34. The sealing plates 58 may be made of ferromagnetic material, which makes it possible to stick them against the caisson 2 because of the strong magnetic field present around the anodic receivers 102 and the anode cross-member 34. The invention also relates to an aluminum smelter comprising one or more electrolytic cells 1 10 as described above, as well as a method of placing an anode assembly inside the chamber 2 of the vessel 1 d. electrolysis as described above. This method is hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16, in the case where the anode assembly 14 is set up to replace a spent anode assembly. FIG. 9 shows an electrolytic cell 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the anode 32 of an anode assembly 14 has been consumed, so that this anode assembly, used, must be replaced by a new anodic assembly 14. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the method may comprise a step of detaching one or more sealing plates 58 initially pressed against the casing 2. This detachment can be achieved by spreading the plates by means of a device adapted, in particular by means of an arm of a mobile service machine on a handling bridge. This step allows the removal of the covers 16 and to avoid damage to the sealing plate 58 or plates 58, which can be reused. The method may comprise a step of removing the covers 16 closing the opening delimited above anodic assemblies 14 to be replaced by the upper edges of the sides 4, 6 of the casing 2 (FIG. Anodic assembly 14 used, for example via a mobile service machine on a handling bridge (not shown), disconnecting the anode assembly and anode receivers 102 initially supporting the anode assembly 14. This disconnection may comprise a rotation of the clamping element 202 and, if appropriate, a loosening of the jaws 212. The disconnection may be followed by a sliding of the fixing device 200 along the anodic receiver 102 to a support which may be a portion of the anodic receiver 102 or a floor 60 inter-tank, including a grating. If the receiving means of the anode cross member 34 are removable, the method may include a step of removing the means for receiving the anode cross member 34 from the spent anode assembly 14. The method may also include a step of placing the receiving means on the anode cross member 34 of the new anode assembly. The method may then comprise a step of removing the spent anode assembly, in particular by upward vertical translation as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 12. The method may comprise a step of removing the at least one plate 58 from sealing the spent anode assembly 14 and then placing this or these sealing plates 58 on the new anode assembly 14.

The method comprises placing the new anode assembly 14 inside the well 2 of the electrolysis cell 1. The anode assembly 14 is translated vertically downwards towards the bottom 8 of the box 2, as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 13. The method may comprise a step of guiding the anode assembly 14 for its insertion without collision between the anodic receivers 102 disposed on either side of the tank. Guiding is carried out in particular by means of a centering element 120 arranged on an upper end 106 of the anodic receivers 102. The method may also include translating the anode assembly against and along the anodic receptors 102 (FIGS. 14 and 15). The method then comprises the step of positioning the attachment means 200 of the fixing device 200 against the receiving means of the anode cross member 34 of the new anode assembly 14, in order to use the fixing device 200 to pull the anodic cross member 14 against the displacement device 100, in particular the anodic receiver 102. This positioning can make it possible to make the fixing device 200 support the anodic assembly 14.

This step can be carried out by vertically translating the fixing device 200 to the receiving means. In particular, the fixing device 200 which rested on the support can be reassembled along the anodic receiver 102 to the receiving means. The method then comprises a step of fixing, through the fastening devices 200, the new anode assembly 14 against the side wall 104 of the anodic receivers 102 (FIG. 15). This fixing step may be performed by rotating a threaded rod of the fastener device 200 to press the anode cross member 34 and the anode receiver 102 against each other.

It will be appreciated from these steps that the upper end of the anode receptors 102 protrude from the anode cross member 34 and extend vertically above a plane containing the anode cross member 34. The step of fixing the surface 42 of vertical support against the vertical side wall 104 advantageously comprises the simultaneous adjustment of the position of a lower surface 36 of anode 34 of the anode assembly 14 in a plane substantially horizontal XY. This substantially horizontal plane is an anodic plane containing the lower surfaces 36 of the anodes 34 of the other anode assemblies 14 of the electrolysis tank 1.

The determination of the height of the new anodic assembly 14 in the well 2 of the electrolytic tank 1 so that the lower surface 36 of its anode (s) 34 is in the horizontal anodic plane can be made for example by marking by chalk line, by use of a position sensor or by use of a sound or electromagnetic wave beam, as disclosed by WO 2006/030092.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 11 and 15, the anode crossbeams and devices 200 for attaching the spent anode assembly and the new anode assembly are positioned at a different height on the associated anode receivers 102. The associated support portions are offset on the vertical side walls. In view of the different state of wear of the anodes 34 of the anode assemblies 14 of the electrolysis tank 1, the devices 200 for fixing the electrolysis tank 1 are fixed at different heights on the anodic receivers 102. . This is more particularly visible in Figures 3 and 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing step comprises a plating of the vertical support surface 42 against the side wall 104.

The process may then include a step of replacing the removed hoods 16 to extract the spent anode assembly. The method may comprise a step of plating the sealing plates 58 against the caisson 2 (FIG. 16). The anode assembly 14 is thus put in place inside the chamber 2 of the electrolysis tank 1, supported by the anodic receivers 102 and driven by the anodic receivers 102 in vertical translation towards the cathode 18 as and when required. measuring the consumption of his or her anodes 34 during the electrolysis reaction and the withdrawal of the aluminum depositing on the cathode. The invention also relates to an anode assembly 14 of the electrolysis tank 1 according to the invention, this anodic assembly 14 being intended to be driven in vertical translation 3032453 30 by means of the device 100 for moving the electrolytic cell 1, the anodic assembly 14 comprising at least one anode block 32 and an anode cross-member 34 to which the anode block 32 is suspended, the anode cross-member 34 comprising receiving means configured to receive the attachment means of the device 200 for fixing the anode the electrolysis tank 1. The anode assembly 14 may further comprise all or part of the other features of the anode assembly of the electrolysis vessel 1 described above. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, this embodiment having been given only as an example. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (33)

REVENDICATIONS1. Cell (1) electrolysis for the production of liquid aluminum, the tank (1) electrolysis comprising a box (2), an assembly (14) anode movable in vertical translation inside the box (2) the anode assembly (14) having an anode block (32) and an anode cross member (34) to which the anode block (32) is suspended, a displacement device (100) configured to drive the anode assembly (14) in vertical translation relative to the box (2), and a fixing device (200) comprising hooking means, the fixing device (200) being configured to fix the anode crossmember (34) to the displacement device (100). , characterized in that the anode crosspiece (34) comprises receiving means configured to receive the attachment means of the fixing device (200). Electrolytic cell (1) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement device (100) comprises an anode receiver (102) having a vertical side wall (104) bearing against a vertical support surface (42). the cross member (34) is anodic and movable in vertical translation relative to the box (2), the anode receiver (102) being mechanically fixed to the anode cross member (34) via the fixing device (200). Electrolytic cell (1) according to claim 2, wherein the vertical side wall (104) has a height greater than the height of the vertical bearing surface (42) of the anode cross member (34) and the device (200) is adapted to support the surface (42) of vertical support against a portion (101) bearing only the wall (104) lateral vertical. 4. Electrolytic cell (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the anode receiver (102) is a vertically extending beam having a wall forming the vertical side wall (104). 5. Electrolytic cell (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fixing device (200) comprises a clamping element (202) configured to press the surface (42) of vertical support of the anodic cross member (34) against the side wall (104) of the anode receiver (102). 6. tank (1) for electrolysis according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fixing device (200) comprises a first surface (204) bearing against a surface (44) of traction of the anodic cross member (34) and a second bearing surface (206) bearing against a counter-bearing surface (110) of the anode receiver (102), the fastening device (200) being configured to exert on the surface (44) traction and the counterforce surface (110) two opposing forces. Electrolytic cell (1) according to claim 6, wherein the anode receiver (102) is interposed between the vertical bearing surface (42) of the anode cross member (34) and the second surface (206) of the anode. support of the fixing device (200). 8. tank (1) for electrolysis according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the surface (42) of vertical support of the crosspiece (34) anode is a side face of the crosspiece (34) anode. 9. Electrolytic cell (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the surface (42) of vertical support of the anode cross member (34) is an end face of the cross member (34). anodic. 10. Electrolytic cell (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the receiving means define an opening (52, 54) through which is intended to extend the vertical anode receiver (102). 15 11. tank (1) for electrolysis according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the device (200) for fixing or receiving means comprises two flanges (56) extending parallel to either side of the anodic receiver (102) such that the anode cross member (34), the receiving means, and the fixing device (200) together encircle the anode receiver (102). 20 12. tank (1) for electrolysis according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fixing device (200) comprises a threaded rod and the receiving means comprise a bore (46) for cooperating with the threaded rod . 13. Electrolytic cell (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the receiving means comprise one or more bars (50) and the fixing device (200) comprises an opening (216, 57). through which is intended to extend this or these bars (50). 14. Electrolytic cell (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fixing device (200) comprises an axis (214) and the receiving means comprise hooks (218) configured to receive this axis. (214). 30 15. tank (1) for electrolysis according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the receiving means are arranged at one end (38) of the crosspiece (34) anode. 3032453 33 16. Tank (1) for electrolysis according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the receiving means are integral with the cross member (34) anode. 17. Tank (1) electrolysis according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the receiving means are removably mounted on the crosspiece (34) anode. 5 18. Electrolytic cell (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the receiving means is configured to carry the device (200) for fixing. 19. Smelter comprising at least one electrolytic cell (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18. 20. A method of placing the assembly (14) anodic an electrolytic tank (1) 10 according to one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising the step: positioning the attachment means of the device (200) for fixing against the receiving means of the anode cross member (34) of the anode assembly (14) in order to pull the anode cross member (34) against the displacement device (100) via the device (200) fastening. 15 The method of claim 20, wherein the method comprises the step of: attaching the anode assembly (14) to a vertical side wall (104) of a vertical anode receiver (102) of the displacement device (100). via the fixing device (200). 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the securing step comprises plating a vertical bearing surface (42) of the anode cross member (34) against the vertical side wall (104) of the receiver (102). anodic. 23. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the step of positioning the fastening means of the device (200) for fixing against the receiving means is achieved by vertical translation of the device (200) 25 to the means of reception. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of positioning the fastening means of the fastening device (200) against the receiving means comprises sliding the fastening device (200) along the anodic receiver (102). to the means of reception. 30 25. Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the receiving means are removable and the method comprises a step of positioning the receiving means on the anode cross member (34) of the assembly (14) anodic before the step of positioning the attachment means of the device (200) for fixing against the receiving means. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the method comprises a step of removing the means for receiving the anode cross member (34) from an anode assembly (14) used from the electrolytic cell (1) prior to positioning step of the receiving means on the anode crosspiece (34) of said anode assembly (14). 27. Anode assembly (14) for vertical translation in an electrolytic cell (1) for the production of aluminum by means of a device (100) for moving the vat (1). electrolysis, said anode assembly (14) comprising at least one anode block (32) and an anode cross-member (34) to which the anode block (32) is suspended, characterized in that the anode cross-member (34) comprises receiving means configured to receive attachment means of a fastening device (200) adapted to secure the anode cross member (34) to the displacement device (100). 28. Anode assembly (14) according to claim 27, wherein the receiving means defines an opening (52, 54) through which is intended to extend an anode receiver (102) of the displacement device (100). 29. Anode assembly (14) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the receiving means 20 comprises a bore (46) for cooperating with a threaded rod of the fixing device (200). Anode assembly (14) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the receiving means comprises one or more bars (50) for extending through an opening (216, 57) of the attachment device (200). 25 Anode assembly (14) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the receiving means comprises hooks (218) configured to receive an axis (214) of the attachment device (200). 32. The assembly (14) anodic according to one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the receiving means are arranged at one end (38) of the crosspiece (34) anode. 30 33. The assembly (14) anode according to one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the receiving means are arranged at both ends (38) of the crosspiece (34) anode.