GB1301120A - A process for supplying alumina to reduction cells - Google Patents

Abstract

1301120 Charging electrolytic furnaces COMPAGNIE PECHINEY and ELECTRIFICATION CHARPENTE LEVAGE 13 April 1970 [16 April 1969] 17351/70 Heading F4B A process for the supply of alumina to a reduction cell for the preparation of aluminium, in which, in a first step, the crust at a first end of the cell is punctured at regularly spaced points 101-104, with alumina being then poured continuously on to that end, in a second step, the crust is punctured at regularly spaced points parallel with the longitudinal side of the tank 105-119 and along the second end of the cell at points 121-124, and in a third step, the alumina is poured continuously at constant speed on to the zone punctured during the second step; each operation of puncturing and pouring of alumina being effected simultaneously at two points symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axial vertical plane 1002 of the cell 1000 by two identical assemblies. The apparatus is mounted on a half-gantry (7, Fig. 7) movable parallel with the axis of the cell. Each assembly comprises a hopper 1 connected by a flexible pipe 11 to a constant delivery alumina distributer 2. The distributer 2 is suspended from a horizontal frame 33, the frame 33 being itself suspended from beams 31 and 32 affixed to the hopper 1, by two pairs of levers 34, 35, the front pair 34 on the cell side being longer than the rear pair 35. Pivoted in pairs on shafts fast with the distributer 2 are four parallel levers, an upper and shorter pair 36 and a lower and longer pair 37, the other ends of the levers being pivoted to a hammer-piercer 4 fitted with a puncturing tool 41. A reciprocatory displacement of the distributer 2 is ensured by a jack 51, pivoted at one end to the frame 33 and at the other to the lever 34. The downward displacement of the hammer-piercer 4 is ensured by a jack 52, pivoted at one end to the levers 36 and at the other with a support 38 fixed to the distributer 2. The apparatus is provided with a sequential control assembly, in which each action is caused by one or more position detectors transmitting the fact that all the members are in the desired position so that the action can be initiated.