US20120152985A1 - Removable spout for a hopper - Google Patents
Removable spout for a hopper Download PDFInfo
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- US20120152985A1 US20120152985A1 US13/382,196 US201013382196A US2012152985A1 US 20120152985 A1 US20120152985 A1 US 20120152985A1 US 201013382196 A US201013382196 A US 201013382196A US 2012152985 A1 US2012152985 A1 US 2012152985A1
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- Prior art keywords
- spout
- coupling members
- hopper
- assembly
- catch
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C3/00—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts
- C25C3/06—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts of aluminium
- C25C3/14—Devices for feeding or crust breaking
Definitions
- the technical field concerns feeding particulate solids from a hopper through a removable spout into an electrolytic cell.
- Electrolytic cells for aluminium production can be supplied with various types of powder or particulate materials, including crushed electrolyte, alumina and aluminium fluoride.
- Each electrolytic cell has a plurality of spaced-apart hoppers fixedly mounted to a superstructure above the cell. Spouts are fixed to the hoppers for directing particulate or powder products at the upper surface of the cell between anodes.
- the equipment in the area of the headspace above the electrolytic cells further includes crustbreakers that penetrate any frozen electrolyte between the anodes thus allowing the particulate materials to enter the molten bath and feed the cell to produce aluminium.
- crustbreakers that penetrate any frozen electrolyte between the anodes thus allowing the particulate materials to enter the molten bath and feed the cell to produce aluminium.
- the headspace above an electrolytic cell where the spouts are located is a cramped space.
- the spouts for particulate material are typically screwed, bolted or otherwise fastened to the hoppers in a rigid and fixed manner.
- the rigid/screw type of spout attachment requires that the operator enter the cramped headspace to replace the spouts.
- the spouts are regularly replaced for various types of maintenance and operational reasons usually while the electrolytic cells are in operation.
- a removable spout for feeding a particulate from an outlet of a hopper to an aluminium electrolytic cell
- the spout comprising: a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage for the particulate between an upper inlet and a lower outlet; and a pair of first coupling members located on opposed sides of the spout adjacent the upper inlet for removably connecting the spout to a corresponding pair of second coupling members on the hopper, wherein the first coupling members and the second coupling members engage to form a linkage with a fit that permits the spout to rock around the second coupling members and maintain the linkage.
- an assembly for feeding a particulate to an aluminium electrolytic cell comprising: a hopper defining a hopper outlet discharging the particulate; a spout removably mounted to the hopper, the spout comprising a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage for the particulate between an upper inlet and a lower outlet; an articulation between the hopper and the spout allowing relative movement therebetween, the articulation comprising a pair of first coupling members provided on said spout proximate said upper inlet and a pair of second coupling members provided on the hopper proximate said hopper outlet, wherein the first coupling members and the second coupling members engage to form a linkage with a fit that permits the spout to rock around the second coupling members and maintain the linkage.
- a kit for assembly and disassembly of a spout onto a hopper of an electrolytic cell having an overhead structure comprising a spout body defining a passage extending between an upper inlet and a lower outlet, the spout body having a handle provided on an outer surface thereof and a pair of first coupling members configured for mating engagement with a corresponding pair of second coupling members on the hopper, a handler for manipulating the spout body from a remote location during assembly and disassembly of the spout body onto the hopper, the handler comprising an elongated pipe having a spout body engaging end portion engageable with the handle, an anchor releasably mountable to the overhead structure of the electrolytic cell, the elongated pipe being suspended from the anchor by a lanyard.
- a method of mounting a removable spout to a hopper outlet for feeding particulate matter to an aluminium electrolytic cell comprising: a) aligning the spout below and adjacent the hopper outlet; b) raising the spout towards the outlet; and c) rotating the spout around its axis to engage a first part of a coupling on the spout to a second part of the coupling on the hopper outlet, wherein the rotation engaging the first part and the second part of the coupling.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spout and hopper assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a preferred method of attachment with arrows;
- FIG. 2( a ) is a schematic view of a coupling that can be used to detachably mount the spout to the upper, the arrows indicating relative movements of the coupling parts;
- FIG. 2( b ) is a schematic view of the two parts of the coupling shown in FIG. 2( a ) indicating their position when engaged to retain the spout on the hopper;
- FIG. 3( a ) is a top view of the spout shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3( b ) is a front view of the spout
- FIG. 3( c ) is a side view of the spout
- FIG. 4( a ) is a perspective view of a spout handler that can be used to manipulate the spout during installation and removal manoeuvres;
- FIG. 4( b ) is a perspective view of chariot adapted to be releasably connected to the overhead or superstructure of the cell in order to suspend the spout handler while the same is being used to replace a spout in an electrolytic cell.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a spout 10 for dispensing particulates into an electrolytic cell (not shown).
- the spout 10 is designed to fit onto a hopper 1 at a hopper outlet 3 from which particulate material discharges, in this case, alumina.
- the hopper outlet 3 includes a collar 4 onto which the spout 10 can be removably mounted for replacement, as necessary.
- the spout 10 has a generally cylindrical body defining a passage from an upper spout inlet 11 to a lower spout outlet 12 .
- the passage has a substantially circular cross-section.
- the outlet 12 can take the shape of a triangle along a side wall of the spout 10 .
- the spout 10 has an inclined surface 13 that helps to direct the particulate material through the passage 11 and out through outlet 12 .
- the outlet 12 of the spout 10 may include a downwardly angled pipe projecting from the spout 10 in lieu of the illustrated triangular opening.
- the angled discharged pipe would typically have a smaller diameter than the spout 10 itself.
- the particulate matter flows downward from the hopper 1 through the passage in the spout 10 and leaves by the outlet 12 .
- the spout 10 can be mounted to the hopper 1 by a pair of couplings 28 (only one pair being shown in FIG. 2( b )) respectively provided on opposed sides of the spout 10 and the hopper 1 .
- Each coupling 28 has a first part 24 on the spout 10 and a second part 26 on the hopper 1 .
- the first part 24 is provided on the inner surface of the upper part of the spout 10 adjacent the spout inlet 11
- the second part 26 is provided on the outer surface of the collar 4 of the hopper 1 adjacent the hopper outlet 3 .
- the first part 24 can be provided in the form of a bayonet-like mount 30 having a ramp surface 29 leading to a receiving notch or catch 25 .
- the second part 26 of the coupling 28 can be provided in the form of a lug projecting outwardly from the outer surface of the collar 4 of the hopper 1 .
- the second part 26 or lug corresponds to the blocks typically provided on opposed sides of the outlet collar of existing hoppers in order to receive set screws for connecting the spouts to the hoppers.
- the use of existing blocks on the hopper 1 to suspend the spout 10 from the hopper 1 advantageously provides for a simple and economical spout mounting arrangement.
- spouts equipped with bayonet-like coupling parts 24 can be retrofitted to existing hoppers originally designed for fixed spout attachments.
- the second part 26 of the coupling 28 can take various other forms or shapes. Alternate shapes for part 26 include: circular, hexagonal and octagonal.
- the ramp surface 29 of the first part 24 is adapted to guide the second part 26 into the catch 25 during a rotational movement (represented by arrow 6 in FIG. 1 ) of the spout 10 relative to hopper 1 .
- the ramp surface 29 may be linear or curved as exemplified in FIG. 2( a ).
- the catch 25 has a downwardly facing open end and is defined by a top abutment or bearing surface 23 extending between two downwardly projecting arms 22 . In the illustrated example, the arms are coterminous.
- the configuration of the catch 25 is selected to generally correspond to that of the second part 26 of the coupling 28 .
- the catch 25 is slightly oversized with respect to the second part 26 , such that the second part 26 is in a loose fit within the catch 25 , as shown in FIG. 2( b ). This loose fit or tolerance allows the spout 10 to withstand being jarred and moved during an anode replacement operation, and that generally without falling into the bath of the electrolytic cell.
- FIG. 2( b ) represents the position of the two parts 24 and 26 of each coupling 28 once operatively engaged in order to hold the spout 10 in place on the hopper 1 .
- the main forces that maintain the spout 10 suspended are the force of gravity downward and an equal an opposite reaction force upward from part 26 .
- the coupling 28 is designed to move if jarred by an object such as an anode. It is understood that when the diametrically opposed couplings 28 are attached, the force vectors retaining the spout 10 in place are directed from the abutment surfaces 23 through the second parts 26 of the couplings 28 on the hopper 1 . When jarred the spout 10 will pivot or rock around the second parts 26 that will act as a fulcrum. The downwardly projecting arms 22 of the first part 24 of the couplings 28 will serve to retain the second parts 26 within the catches 25 , and thus hold the spout 10 on the hopper 1 .
- the coupling 28 will allow the spout 10 to pivot or rock back and forth and maintain the linkage between spout and hopper. Only if the spout 10 is jarred past a point where the arms 22 no longer retain the second parts 26 within the catches 25 will the spout 10 fall off the hopper 1 . It is understood that the position of the parts 24 , 26 on the spout 10 and the hopper 1 can be inverted such that the parts 24 , 26 are positioned respectively on the hopper 1 and spout 10 . However, this does not apply to existing hoppers already having retainer blocks extending laterally outwardly from the collar of the hoppers.
- the spout 10 is provided on its outside surface with diametrically opposite grips 14 that can be selectively used to manipulate or hold the spout 10 while being positioned on the hopper 1 , as will be described hereinafter.
- Lugs 18 are positioned adjacent to the grips 14 on the interior surface of the spout 10 for aligning and spacing the spout 10 as it receives the collar 4 of the hopper outlet 3 .
- the grips 14 are provided at the upper end of the spout 10 and placed so as to be circumferentially offset relative to the bayonet-like connecting part 24 (see FIG. 3 a ).
- Each grip 14 has a C-shaped profile and cooperates with the outside surface of the spout 10 to define an open ended receiving slot 15 .
- the slot 15 is designed for receiving a blade 46 of a handler 40 ( FIGS. 4( a ) and ( b )) that can be used for holding and rotating the spout 10 in position on the hopper 1 .
- the handler 40 comprises an elongated and sturdy pipe 42 capable of supporting the weight of the spout 10 .
- the length of the pipe 42 is selected to permit reaching into an electrolytic cell from the plant floor which is typically a relatively short height above the level of the electrolytic bath.
- a handle 41 used to manipulate the handler 40 .
- the opposed working end of the pipe 42 is a generally U-shaped part 43 defining a shallow curve portion 44 generally matching the outer curvature of the spout 10 to provide for uniform bearing engagement therewith.
- the blade 46 projects upwardly at right angles to the pipe 42 from a central region of the shallow curve portion 44 and is sized and configured to be received in a selected one of the receiving slots 15 formed between the spout 10 outer wall and the grips 14 .
- the handler 40 may also include a pair of downwardly extending tongues 47 disposed on opposed sides of central blade 46 (see FIG. 4( a )).
- Other suitable blade and tongue arrangements are considered as well.
- the handler 40 can be suspended from the superstructure (not shown) supporting the hoppers above the vessel of the electrolytic cell using an attachment support which includes a lanyard 50 and a chariot 52 (shown in FIG. 4( b )).
- the chariot 52 has a generally C-shaped configuration and comprises a moveable linkage that grasps a horizontal member (typically associated with the superstructure associated to electrolytic cell) in a space 53 defined between top and bottom plates 54 and 55 interconnected by an end plate 56 .
- the chariot 52 is adapted to roll along the horizontal structural member (not shown) of the cell by a combination of rollers 57 a,b,c,d and ball bearings 58 (only one of which is shown) and fixed to the plates 54 , 55 and 57 for rolling contact with the structural member.
- the lanyard or strap 58 is attached to hook 58 fixed to the bottom plate 55 of the chariot 52 and may include means for adapting its length such that the handler 40 will be suspended at different heights from the structural member on which the chariot 52 is mounted.
- the strap 58 has a snap hook 59 shown in FIG.
- a double looped connector 60 that glidingly receives the pipe 42 of the handler 40 between two axially spaced stop rings 62 a,b .
- One loop of the connector 60 includes a metal ring having an internal diameter greater than that of the pipe 42 .
- an operator In use, an operator must first manually mount the chariot 52 to a structural member of the superstructure of the cell near the hopper 1 where the spout 10 is to be mounted.
- the chariot 52 is slid on the structural member to a proper position near the outlet 3 of the hopper 1 .
- the handler 40 After, the handler 40 has been so suspended or hooked from the superstructure of the cell, the spout 10 is placed into position at the working end 43 of the handler 40 , with the blade 46 inserted in a selected one of the receiving slots 15 .
- the handler 40 is thereafter manipulated so as to axially align the spout 10 below and adjacent the hopper outlet 3 .
- the spout 10 is subsequently raised towards the outlet 3 , as depicted by arrow 5 in FIG.
- the handler 40 is then manipulated by the operator to rotate the spout 10 around its cylindrical axis to engage the first parts 24 of the couplings 28 to the second parts 26 of the couplings 28 , as represented by arrow 6 in FIG. 1 .
- this movement is represented as a pure rotational movement it is understood that the rotation will also have a component of upward movement along the first parts 24 of the couplings 28 as a result of the engagement of the ramp surfaces 29 on the second parts 26 of the couplings 28 .
- a fluorescent reference strip 16 see FIG.
- the spout 10 can be readily dismounted from the hopper 1 by reversing the above-described procedure.
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Abstract
Description
- The technical field concerns feeding particulate solids from a hopper through a removable spout into an electrolytic cell.
- Electrolytic cells for aluminium production can be supplied with various types of powder or particulate materials, including crushed electrolyte, alumina and aluminium fluoride.
- Each electrolytic cell has a plurality of spaced-apart hoppers fixedly mounted to a superstructure above the cell. Spouts are fixed to the hoppers for directing particulate or powder products at the upper surface of the cell between anodes.
- The equipment in the area of the headspace above the electrolytic cells further includes crustbreakers that penetrate any frozen electrolyte between the anodes thus allowing the particulate materials to enter the molten bath and feed the cell to produce aluminium. Clearly, the headspace above an electrolytic cell where the spouts are located is a cramped space.
- In Alcan Pechiney “AP” type electrolytic cells, the spouts for particulate material are typically screwed, bolted or otherwise fastened to the hoppers in a rigid and fixed manner. The rigid/screw type of spout attachment requires that the operator enter the cramped headspace to replace the spouts. The spouts are regularly replaced for various types of maintenance and operational reasons usually while the electrolytic cells are in operation.
- One such operational reason is the periodic replacement of the anodes themselves. It is preferable that the spouts remain in position when the anodes are replaced. However, leaving the spouts attached to the hoppers causes a further problem that during the manipulation of these large and heavy anodes, the spouts often come into contact with the anodes and are jarred. When this occurs, the rigid type fasteners often break with the result that the spouts fall into the molten bath, producing a further unfavourable consequence that the molten electrolyte and the aluminium produced are contaminated.
- Therefore, there is a need for a removable spout that is attached to the hoppers above an electrolytic cell that can be replaced without an operator entering the electrolytic cell and getting exposed to serious risks of burning and inhaling dangerous gases. Furthermore, there is a need for a new spout and hopper connection allowing spouts to remain in place when the anodes of an electrolytic cell are replaced and withstand some potential contact between anodes during the anode replacement operation and that without falling into the molten bath.
- In one aspect of the present application, there is provided a removable spout for feeding a particulate from an outlet of a hopper to an aluminium electrolytic cell, the spout comprising: a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage for the particulate between an upper inlet and a lower outlet; and a pair of first coupling members located on opposed sides of the spout adjacent the upper inlet for removably connecting the spout to a corresponding pair of second coupling members on the hopper, wherein the first coupling members and the second coupling members engage to form a linkage with a fit that permits the spout to rock around the second coupling members and maintain the linkage.
- In another aspect of the application, there is provided an assembly for feeding a particulate to an aluminium electrolytic cell, the assembly comprising: a hopper defining a hopper outlet discharging the particulate; a spout removably mounted to the hopper, the spout comprising a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the inner surface defining a passage for the particulate between an upper inlet and a lower outlet; an articulation between the hopper and the spout allowing relative movement therebetween, the articulation comprising a pair of first coupling members provided on said spout proximate said upper inlet and a pair of second coupling members provided on the hopper proximate said hopper outlet, wherein the first coupling members and the second coupling members engage to form a linkage with a fit that permits the spout to rock around the second coupling members and maintain the linkage.
- According a further aspect, there is provided a kit for assembly and disassembly of a spout onto a hopper of an electrolytic cell having an overhead structure; the kit comprising a spout body defining a passage extending between an upper inlet and a lower outlet, the spout body having a handle provided on an outer surface thereof and a pair of first coupling members configured for mating engagement with a corresponding pair of second coupling members on the hopper, a handler for manipulating the spout body from a remote location during assembly and disassembly of the spout body onto the hopper, the handler comprising an elongated pipe having a spout body engaging end portion engageable with the handle, an anchor releasably mountable to the overhead structure of the electrolytic cell, the elongated pipe being suspended from the anchor by a lanyard.
- In yet a further aspect of the application, there is provided a method of mounting a removable spout to a hopper outlet for feeding particulate matter to an aluminium electrolytic cell, the method comprising: a) aligning the spout below and adjacent the hopper outlet; b) raising the spout towards the outlet; and c) rotating the spout around its axis to engage a first part of a coupling on the spout to a second part of the coupling on the hopper outlet, wherein the rotation engaging the first part and the second part of the coupling.
- Reference is now made to the accompanying figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a spout and hopper assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a preferred method of attachment with arrows; -
FIG. 2( a) is a schematic view of a coupling that can be used to detachably mount the spout to the upper, the arrows indicating relative movements of the coupling parts; -
FIG. 2( b) is a schematic view of the two parts of the coupling shown inFIG. 2( a) indicating their position when engaged to retain the spout on the hopper; -
FIG. 3( a) is a top view of the spout shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3( b) is a front view of the spout; -
FIG. 3( c) is a side view of the spout; -
FIG. 4( a) is a perspective view of a spout handler that can be used to manipulate the spout during installation and removal manoeuvres; and -
FIG. 4( b) is a perspective view of chariot adapted to be releasably connected to the overhead or superstructure of the cell in order to suspend the spout handler while the same is being used to replace a spout in an electrolytic cell. -
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of aspout 10 for dispensing particulates into an electrolytic cell (not shown). Thespout 10 is designed to fit onto ahopper 1 at ahopper outlet 3 from which particulate material discharges, in this case, alumina. Thehopper outlet 3 includes acollar 4 onto which thespout 10 can be removably mounted for replacement, as necessary. - The
spout 10 has a generally cylindrical body defining a passage from anupper spout inlet 11 to alower spout outlet 12. As can be appreciated fromFIGS. 1 and 3( a) the passage has a substantially circular cross-section. As shown inFIG. 3 (b), theoutlet 12 can take the shape of a triangle along a side wall of thespout 10. As best shown inFIG. 3( c), thespout 10 has aninclined surface 13 that helps to direct the particulate material through thepassage 11 and out throughoutlet 12. In another embodiment for feeding aluminium fluoride (not shown), theoutlet 12 of thespout 10 may include a downwardly angled pipe projecting from thespout 10 in lieu of the illustrated triangular opening. The angled discharged pipe would typically have a smaller diameter than thespout 10 itself. - When the
spout 10 andhopper 1 are connected, the particulate matter flows downward from thehopper 1 through the passage in thespout 10 and leaves by theoutlet 12. - The
spout 10 can be mounted to thehopper 1 by a pair of couplings 28 (only one pair being shown inFIG. 2( b)) respectively provided on opposed sides of thespout 10 and thehopper 1. Eachcoupling 28 has afirst part 24 on thespout 10 and asecond part 26 on thehopper 1. Thefirst part 24 is provided on the inner surface of the upper part of thespout 10 adjacent thespout inlet 11, while thesecond part 26 is provided on the outer surface of thecollar 4 of thehopper 1 adjacent thehopper outlet 3. - As shown in
FIG. 2( a), thefirst part 24 can be provided in the form of a bayonet-like mount 30 having aramp surface 29 leading to a receiving notch or catch 25. Thesecond part 26 of thecoupling 28 can be provided in the form of a lug projecting outwardly from the outer surface of thecollar 4 of thehopper 1. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thesecond part 26 or lug corresponds to the blocks typically provided on opposed sides of the outlet collar of existing hoppers in order to receive set screws for connecting the spouts to the hoppers. The use of existing blocks on thehopper 1 to suspend thespout 10 from thehopper 1 advantageously provides for a simple and economical spout mounting arrangement. In this way, spouts equipped with bayonet-like coupling parts 24 (such as the ones shown inFIG. 1) can be retrofitted to existing hoppers originally designed for fixed spout attachments. It is however understood that thesecond part 26 of thecoupling 28 can take various other forms or shapes. Alternate shapes forpart 26 include: circular, hexagonal and octagonal. - Referring concurrently to
FIGS. 1 , 2 a and 2 b, it can be appreciated that theramp surface 29 of thefirst part 24 is adapted to guide thesecond part 26 into thecatch 25 during a rotational movement (represented by arrow 6 inFIG. 1 ) of thespout 10 relative tohopper 1. Theramp surface 29 may be linear or curved as exemplified inFIG. 2( a). - The
catch 25 has a downwardly facing open end and is defined by a top abutment or bearingsurface 23 extending between two downwardly projectingarms 22. In the illustrated example, the arms are coterminous. The configuration of thecatch 25 is selected to generally correspond to that of thesecond part 26 of thecoupling 28. Thecatch 25 is slightly oversized with respect to thesecond part 26, such that thesecond part 26 is in a loose fit within thecatch 25, as shown inFIG. 2( b). This loose fit or tolerance allows thespout 10 to withstand being jarred and moved during an anode replacement operation, and that generally without falling into the bath of the electrolytic cell. - The movement of the
first part 24 relative to thesecond part 26 that causes the first part to capture second part is indicated byarrow 31 inFIG. 2( a).FIG. 2( b) represents the position of the twoparts coupling 28 once operatively engaged in order to hold thespout 10 in place on thehopper 1. When the twocouplings 28 are engaged, the main forces that maintain thespout 10 suspended, are the force of gravity downward and an equal an opposite reaction force upward frompart 26. - The
coupling 28 is designed to move if jarred by an object such as an anode. It is understood that when the diametricallyopposed couplings 28 are attached, the force vectors retaining thespout 10 in place are directed from theabutment surfaces 23 through thesecond parts 26 of thecouplings 28 on thehopper 1. When jarred thespout 10 will pivot or rock around thesecond parts 26 that will act as a fulcrum. The downwardly projectingarms 22 of thefirst part 24 of thecouplings 28 will serve to retain thesecond parts 26 within thecatches 25, and thus hold thespout 10 on thehopper 1. Thus, thecoupling 28 will allow thespout 10 to pivot or rock back and forth and maintain the linkage between spout and hopper. Only if thespout 10 is jarred past a point where thearms 22 no longer retain thesecond parts 26 within thecatches 25 will thespout 10 fall off thehopper 1. It is understood that the position of theparts spout 10 and thehopper 1 can be inverted such that theparts hopper 1 andspout 10. However, this does not apply to existing hoppers already having retainer blocks extending laterally outwardly from the collar of the hoppers. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c), it can be seen that thespout 10 is provided on its outside surface with diametricallyopposite grips 14 that can be selectively used to manipulate or hold thespout 10 while being positioned on thehopper 1, as will be described hereinafter.Lugs 18 are positioned adjacent to thegrips 14 on the interior surface of thespout 10 for aligning and spacing thespout 10 as it receives thecollar 4 of thehopper outlet 3. - The
grips 14 are provided at the upper end of thespout 10 and placed so as to be circumferentially offset relative to the bayonet-like connecting part 24 (seeFIG. 3 a). Eachgrip 14 has a C-shaped profile and cooperates with the outside surface of thespout 10 to define an open ended receivingslot 15. Theslot 15 is designed for receiving ablade 46 of a handler 40 (FIGS. 4( a) and (b)) that can be used for holding and rotating thespout 10 in position on thehopper 1. - As shown in
FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b), thehandler 40 comprises an elongated andsturdy pipe 42 capable of supporting the weight of thespout 10. The length of thepipe 42 is selected to permit reaching into an electrolytic cell from the plant floor which is typically a relatively short height above the level of the electrolytic bath. At one end of thepipe 42 is a handle 41 used to manipulate thehandler 40. The opposed working end of thepipe 42 is a generallyU-shaped part 43 defining ashallow curve portion 44 generally matching the outer curvature of thespout 10 to provide for uniform bearing engagement therewith. Theblade 46 projects upwardly at right angles to thepipe 42 from a central region of theshallow curve portion 44 and is sized and configured to be received in a selected one of the receivingslots 15 formed between thespout 10 outer wall and thegrips 14. For greater stability, thehandler 40 may also include a pair of downwardly extendingtongues 47 disposed on opposed sides of central blade 46 (seeFIG. 4( a)). Other suitable blade and tongue arrangements are considered as well. - In order to facilitate manipulation of the
spout 10, thehandler 40 can be suspended from the superstructure (not shown) supporting the hoppers above the vessel of the electrolytic cell using an attachment support which includes alanyard 50 and a chariot 52 (shown inFIG. 4( b)). Thechariot 52 has a generally C-shaped configuration and comprises a moveable linkage that grasps a horizontal member (typically associated with the superstructure associated to electrolytic cell) in aspace 53 defined between top andbottom plates end plate 56. Thechariot 52 is adapted to roll along the horizontal structural member (not shown) of the cell by a combination ofrollers 57 a,b,c,d and ball bearings 58 (only one of which is shown) and fixed to theplates strap 58 is attached to hook 58 fixed to thebottom plate 55 of thechariot 52 and may include means for adapting its length such that thehandler 40 will be suspended at different heights from the structural member on which thechariot 52 is mounted. Thestrap 58 has asnap hook 59 shown inFIG. 4( a) at the free end thereof opposite thechariot 52 to hook into a double loopedconnector 60 that glidingly receives thepipe 42 of thehandler 40 between two axially spaced stop rings 62 a,b. One loop of theconnector 60 includes a metal ring having an internal diameter greater than that of thepipe 42. Thehandler 40 allows for replacing thespout 10 from a distance and without the operator having to enter into the cramped headspace of the electrolytic cell. - In use, an operator must first manually mount the
chariot 52 to a structural member of the superstructure of the cell near thehopper 1 where thespout 10 is to be mounted. Thechariot 52 is slid on the structural member to a proper position near theoutlet 3 of thehopper 1. After, thehandler 40 has been so suspended or hooked from the superstructure of the cell, thespout 10 is placed into position at the workingend 43 of thehandler 40, with theblade 46 inserted in a selected one of the receivingslots 15. Thehandler 40 is thereafter manipulated so as to axially align thespout 10 below and adjacent thehopper outlet 3. Thespout 10 is subsequently raised towards theoutlet 3, as depicted byarrow 5 inFIG. 1 . Thehandler 40 is then manipulated by the operator to rotate thespout 10 around its cylindrical axis to engage thefirst parts 24 of thecouplings 28 to thesecond parts 26 of thecouplings 28, as represented by arrow 6 inFIG. 1 . Although this movement is represented as a pure rotational movement it is understood that the rotation will also have a component of upward movement along thefirst parts 24 of thecouplings 28 as a result of the engagement of the ramp surfaces 29 on thesecond parts 26 of thecouplings 28. In order to ensure proper alignment between thespout 10 and thehopper 1 prior to rotating thespout 10 in position, a fluorescent reference strip 16 (seeFIG. 3( c)) or other suitable markings can be applied to the exterior surface of thespout 10 which is spaced the required distance from the lugs or pre-existing blocks (i.e.second parts 26 of the couplings 28) on thehopper 1 to allow the lugs to slide into position from the ramp surfaces 29 and into thecatches 25 of the bayonet mounts, as shown inFIGS. 2( a) and 2(b). - It is understood that the
spout 10 can be readily dismounted from thehopper 1 by reversing the above-described procedure. - All the above operations can be manually and effectively carried out from outside of the electrolytic cell with a minimum set up time and with minimum risk of injury to the health and safety of operators.
- The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (19)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2671136A CA2671136A1 (en) | 2009-07-06 | 2009-07-06 | Removable spout for a hopper |
CA2671136 | 2009-07-06 | ||
PCT/CA2010/000975 WO2011003176A1 (en) | 2009-07-06 | 2010-06-22 | Removable spout for a hopper |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120152985A1 true US20120152985A1 (en) | 2012-06-21 |
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ID=43426252
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/382,196 Abandoned US20120152985A1 (en) | 2009-07-06 | 2010-06-22 | Removable spout for a hopper |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120152985A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2451996A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102471907A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010269086A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2671136A1 (en) |
IN (1) | IN2012DN00575A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2012103893A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011003176A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220162053A1 (en) * | 2015-04-06 | 2022-05-26 | Steven P. Keeling | Beverage Dispensing System |
US11414313B2 (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2022-08-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Water purifier |
US11412717B1 (en) * | 2020-05-05 | 2022-08-16 | Central Garden & Pet Company | Movable spout for an aquarium |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1238013A (en) * | 1917-05-12 | 1917-08-21 | William P Harper | Apparatus for cleansing and removing sediment from milk. |
US3681229A (en) * | 1970-07-17 | 1972-08-01 | Aluminum Co Of America | Alumina feeder |
US4320615A (en) * | 1979-03-14 | 1982-03-23 | Gebrueder Buehler Ag | Apparatus for the automatic filling of bags at the discharge spout of a filling hopper |
US4398652A (en) * | 1979-11-21 | 1983-08-16 | Suntory Limited | Method and dispenser for dispensing beer |
US4435255A (en) * | 1981-04-15 | 1984-03-06 | Aluminium De Grece | Process and apparatus for controlled feed of alumina and halogen additives into electrolysis vats for the production of aluminum |
US4498818A (en) * | 1981-03-30 | 1985-02-12 | Swiss Aluminium Ltd. | Device for batch feeding of a fluidizable particulate material |
US4525105A (en) * | 1981-06-15 | 1985-06-25 | Swiss Aluminium Ltd. | Device for controlled batch feeding of a fluidizible particulate material and process for its operation |
US4702364A (en) * | 1986-05-09 | 1987-10-27 | Johanneck Richard G | Silo chute hopper attachment |
US4938848A (en) * | 1989-02-13 | 1990-07-03 | Aluminum Company Of America | Method and apparatus for conveying split streams of alumina powder to an electrolysis cell |
US5405506A (en) * | 1991-12-12 | 1995-04-11 | Kumera Oy | Apparatus and method for feeding raw material into an aluminum producing electrolysis |
US6530131B1 (en) * | 2002-02-20 | 2003-03-11 | Fastening Solutions, Inc. | Tool leash device |
US20060071028A1 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2006-04-06 | Ambs Richard W | System and method for storing, transporting and dispensing bulk particulate materials and dispensing apparatus therefor |
US20070143981A1 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2007-06-28 | E.C.L. | Device for fixing a chute to a powder-product-feed hopper of an electrolytic cell |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2527647A1 (en) * | 1982-05-27 | 1983-12-02 | Pechiney Aluminium | REMOVABLE ALUMINUM POWER SUPPLY DEVICE OF AN ELECTROLYTIC TANK FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALUMINUM |
-
2009
- 2009-07-06 CA CA2671136A patent/CA2671136A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2010
- 2010-06-22 WO PCT/CA2010/000975 patent/WO2011003176A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-06-22 EP EP10796608A patent/EP2451996A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-06-22 RU RU2012103893/02A patent/RU2012103893A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2010-06-22 US US13/382,196 patent/US20120152985A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-06-22 AU AU2010269086A patent/AU2010269086A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-06-22 CN CN2010800306568A patent/CN102471907A/en active Pending
-
2012
- 2012-01-19 IN IN575DEN2012 patent/IN2012DN00575A/en unknown
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1238013A (en) * | 1917-05-12 | 1917-08-21 | William P Harper | Apparatus for cleansing and removing sediment from milk. |
US3681229A (en) * | 1970-07-17 | 1972-08-01 | Aluminum Co Of America | Alumina feeder |
US4320615A (en) * | 1979-03-14 | 1982-03-23 | Gebrueder Buehler Ag | Apparatus for the automatic filling of bags at the discharge spout of a filling hopper |
US4398652A (en) * | 1979-11-21 | 1983-08-16 | Suntory Limited | Method and dispenser for dispensing beer |
US4498818A (en) * | 1981-03-30 | 1985-02-12 | Swiss Aluminium Ltd. | Device for batch feeding of a fluidizable particulate material |
US4435255A (en) * | 1981-04-15 | 1984-03-06 | Aluminium De Grece | Process and apparatus for controlled feed of alumina and halogen additives into electrolysis vats for the production of aluminum |
US4525105A (en) * | 1981-06-15 | 1985-06-25 | Swiss Aluminium Ltd. | Device for controlled batch feeding of a fluidizible particulate material and process for its operation |
US4702364A (en) * | 1986-05-09 | 1987-10-27 | Johanneck Richard G | Silo chute hopper attachment |
US4938848A (en) * | 1989-02-13 | 1990-07-03 | Aluminum Company Of America | Method and apparatus for conveying split streams of alumina powder to an electrolysis cell |
US5405506A (en) * | 1991-12-12 | 1995-04-11 | Kumera Oy | Apparatus and method for feeding raw material into an aluminum producing electrolysis |
US6530131B1 (en) * | 2002-02-20 | 2003-03-11 | Fastening Solutions, Inc. | Tool leash device |
US20070143981A1 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2007-06-28 | E.C.L. | Device for fixing a chute to a powder-product-feed hopper of an electrolytic cell |
US20060071028A1 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2006-04-06 | Ambs Richard W | System and method for storing, transporting and dispensing bulk particulate materials and dispensing apparatus therefor |
US7434709B2 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2008-10-14 | The Young Industries, Inc. | System and method for storing, transporting and dispensing bulk particulate materials and dispensing apparatus therefor |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220162053A1 (en) * | 2015-04-06 | 2022-05-26 | Steven P. Keeling | Beverage Dispensing System |
US11873204B2 (en) * | 2015-04-06 | 2024-01-16 | Steven P. Keeling | Beverage dispensing system |
US11414313B2 (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2022-08-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Water purifier |
US11412717B1 (en) * | 2020-05-05 | 2022-08-16 | Central Garden & Pet Company | Movable spout for an aquarium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2671136A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 |
EP2451996A1 (en) | 2012-05-16 |
RU2012103893A (en) | 2013-08-20 |
WO2011003176A1 (en) | 2011-01-13 |
IN2012DN00575A (en) | 2015-06-12 |
AU2010269086A1 (en) | 2012-02-09 |
CN102471907A (en) | 2012-05-23 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GAUTHIER, GILLES;REEL/FRAME:027784/0261 Effective date: 20090622 Owner name: RIO TINTO ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, CANADA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:027786/0562 Effective date: 20100920 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, CANADA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE CITY OF THE ASSIGNEE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 027784 FRAME 0261.ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CITY OF THE ASSIGNEE IS MONTREAL;ASSIGNOR:GAUTHIER, GILLES;REEL/FRAME:028146/0808 Effective date: 20090622 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |