US3919071A - Seal for anode stems in an electrolysis cell - Google Patents

Seal for anode stems in an electrolysis cell Download PDF

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Publication number
US3919071A
US3919071A US494745A US49474574A US3919071A US 3919071 A US3919071 A US 3919071A US 494745 A US494745 A US 494745A US 49474574 A US49474574 A US 49474574A US 3919071 A US3919071 A US 3919071A
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United States
Prior art keywords
seal
ring plug
anode
ring
sleeve
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Expired - Lifetime
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US494745A
Inventor
Luciano Mose
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ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG
ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG
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Uhde GmbH
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Priority claimed from DE19732340240 external-priority patent/DE2340240C3/en
Application filed by Uhde GmbH filed Critical Uhde GmbH
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/60—Constructional parts of cells
    • C25B9/63—Holders for electrodes; Positioning of the electrodes

Definitions

  • a unitary flexible gas-tight seal is provided between I d the stationary cover of an electrolysis cell and each [30] Foreign Apphcdnon Prmm) Dam anode stem which is of current carrying material.
  • the [973 German) 2340340 seal comprises a ring plug of flexible material which 7 7 snugly fits the cover hole through which the respective 204/286; 204/279; 19 anode stem projects.
  • Integral with the ring plug is a l neck terminating in a sleeve which gas-tightly em- 2 ll T 11/12; BOIK 1/00 braces the anode stem.
  • the neck may be bellows-like L 81 of Search or smooth. such that axial movement of the sleeve rel 204/219 ative to the ring plug can be achieved.
  • the ring plug may be equipped with an expansion ring for [56] References Cned reducing the flexibility of the plug.
  • the invention relates to flexible seals for the anode stems of an electrolysis cell with stationary cover and graphite or dimensionally stable anodes, the anode stem being the electric current conductor through the cover to the anode.
  • the anode stem seal must provide a hermetic closure between the inside of the cell and the atmosphere while permitting axial displacement of the stem relative to the cover.
  • a known method of meeting these requirements is to provide a round opening in the cell cover at each point where the stem passes through the cover, the diameter of the opening being a multiple of the anode stem diameter.
  • the annular opening around the stem is covered, e.g. according to German OS 1,671,440, with a flexible diaphragm which is heat and corrosion resistant.
  • the seal between cell cover and diaphragm is effected by means of a flanged ring and several screws.
  • Scaling the cell at the anode stem is effected by pressing the diaphragm against a corrosion and compression resistant sleeve around the stem by means of a nut on the stem.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a flexible seal at the anode stems of an electrolysis cell so as to avoid the known disadvantages.
  • this object is met by providing a seal made of one piece, with an outer ring plug having a neck which terminates at the anode stem in a cylindrical sealing sleeve.
  • a further embodiment of the invention provides for an expansion ring to be used in conjunction with the ring plug.
  • An expansion ring may be omitted if the outer ring plug is less flexible and elastic than the diaphragm.
  • FIGURE is a fragmentary sectional view of flexible seals for anode stems of an electrolysis cell.
  • Bottom 1 of the electrolysis cell serves as the base for the cathode in the form of mercury layer 2.
  • Anodes 3 of graphite are adjusted in height by means of an adjusting device (not illustrated here) so that a proper gap is obtained between the lower surface of the anode and the mercury layer.
  • Between the mercury cathode 2 and each anode 3, and around the anodes is brine to be electrolytically decomposed.
  • the upper end of the cell is closed by a stationary cover 6. Electric power is fed to the anodes 3 through current carrying anode stems 4.
  • an outer ring plug 7 has an integral flexible neck 8 which extends inwards and upwards to an integral sleeve-like sealing part 9 which embraces the respective anode stem.
  • the ring plug 7 is slightly conical on the outside in order to facilitate its being forced sealingly into a tapered opening in the cell cover 6.
  • the ring plug 7 may be provided with an expansion ring 10 of rigid material.
  • the neck 8 itself may be smooth as shown on the left side of the drawing provided with a loop connection with the ring plug 7, or of bellows or accordian form as shown on the right side of the drawing. Both forms enable axial movement of the sleeve 9 relative to the ring plug 7.
  • the sealing neck 8 should expediently have sufficient flexible lips, as shown, with the required pre-stress to ensure adequate gas-tightness.
  • the anode stems 4, against which the sealing sleeves 9 are pressed, should be as smooth as possible, in order to facilitate axial displacement of the sleeves, if required.
  • a seal as claimed in claim 1, comprising an expansion ring in said ring plug for reducing the flexibility thereof.
  • a seal as claimed in claim 1 comprising flexible prestressed lips on the interior of said sleeve for effecting a gas-tight seal with the anode stem.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
  • Electrodes For Compound Or Non-Metal Manufacture (AREA)

Abstract

A unitary flexible gas-tight seal is provided between the stationary cover of an electrolysis cell and each anode stem which is of current carrying material. The seal comprises a ring plug of flexible material which snugly fits the cover hole through which the respective anode stem projects. Integral with the ring plug is a neck terminating in a sleeve which gas-tightly embraces the anode stem. The neck may be bellows-like or smooth, such that axial movement of the sleeve relative to the ring plug can be achieved. If desired, the ring plug may be equipped with an expansion ring for reducing the flexibility of the plug.

Description

United States Patent [m Mose i 1 SEAL FOR ANODE STEMS IN AN ELECTROLYSIS CELL [75] Inventor:
[73] Assignee: Friedrich Uhde. GmbH, Dortmund,
Luciano Mose. Dortmund. Germany Nov. 11, 1975 351L766 5/1970 Kisner el al........... 104N379 Primary EAGHIUILf-F. C. Edmundson Attorney. Age/1!, or Firm-Malcolm W. Fraser German [22] Filed: Aug. 5, 1974 ABSTRACT [21] App]. No; 494,745
A unitary flexible gas-tight seal is provided between I d the stationary cover of an electrolysis cell and each [30] Foreign Apphcdnon Prmm) Dam anode stem which is of current carrying material. The [973 German) 2340340 seal comprises a ring plug of flexible material which 7 7 snugly fits the cover hole through which the respective 204/286; 204/279; 19 anode stem projects. Integral with the ring plug is a l neck terminating in a sleeve which gas-tightly em- 2 ll T 11/12; BOIK 1/00 braces the anode stem. The neck may be bellows-like L 81 of Search or smooth. such that axial movement of the sleeve rel 204/219 ative to the ring plug can be achieved. If desired. the ring plug may be equipped with an expansion ring for [56] References Cned reducing the flexibility of the plug.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.260.662 7/1966 Henegar 204/279 6 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 3,919,071
SEAL FOR ANODE STEMS IN AN ELECTROLYSIS CELL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to flexible seals for the anode stems of an electrolysis cell with stationary cover and graphite or dimensionally stable anodes, the anode stem being the electric current conductor through the cover to the anode.
The anode stem seal must provide a hermetic closure between the inside of the cell and the atmosphere while permitting axial displacement of the stem relative to the cover.
A known method of meeting these requirements is to provide a round opening in the cell cover at each point where the stem passes through the cover, the diameter of the opening being a multiple of the anode stem diameter. The annular opening around the stem is covered, e.g. according to German OS 1,671,440, with a flexible diaphragm which is heat and corrosion resistant. The seal between cell cover and diaphragm is effected by means of a flanged ring and several screws. Scaling the cell at the anode stem is effected by pressing the diaphragm against a corrosion and compression resistant sleeve around the stem by means of a nut on the stem.
Further methods are known for sealing the cell at the anode cell by means of diaphragms, the central part of which is secured to the smooth stern by means of a clamp. The seal comprises several parts in this case also. A major disadvantage of these known sealing methods is the fact that the diaphragms, which are held in place by screws and clamps, are cumbersome to disengage for the purpose of adjusting the anode height. If the screws are tightened excessively, the diaphragm may easily be contused or injured, and, thus, lose its sealing properties. In the event of minor explosions in a cell using such known methods of anode stem sealing, the seals will be destroyed, since they constitute the weakest part of a cell.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to provide a flexible seal at the anode stems of an electrolysis cell so as to avoid the known disadvantages.
According to the invention, this object is met by providing a seal made of one piece, with an outer ring plug having a neck which terminates at the anode stem in a cylindrical sealing sleeve.
If it is desired to increase the force with which the ring plug is pressed against the cover, a further embodiment of the invention provides for an expansion ring to be used in conjunction with the ring plug. An expansion ring may be omitted if the outer ring plug is less flexible and elastic than the diaphragm.
The particular advantages of the seal according to this invention are quick and simple installation and dismantling, the good sealing effect and the ability to adjust or displace the anode stem in the vertical or horizontal direction. In the event of any explosions within the cell, caused by the formation of explosive gas mixtures, the ring plugs are forced out in an upward direction without damaging any parts of the cell or the sealing arrangement itself.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The FIGURE is a fragmentary sectional view of flexible seals for anode stems of an electrolysis cell.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Bottom 1 of the electrolysis cell serves as the base for the cathode in the form of mercury layer 2. Anodes 3 of graphite are adjusted in height by means of an adjusting device (not illustrated here) so that a proper gap is obtained between the lower surface of the anode and the mercury layer. Between the mercury cathode 2 and each anode 3, and around the anodes is brine to be electrolytically decomposed. The upper end of the cell is closed by a stationary cover 6. Electric power is fed to the anodes 3 through current carrying anode stems 4.
The gas-tight closure between the cell cover 6 and each anode stem 4 is achieved by a unitary seal of elastomeric material according to the invention. As shown, an outer ring plug 7 has an integral flexible neck 8 which extends inwards and upwards to an integral sleeve-like sealing part 9 which embraces the respective anode stem. The ring plug 7 is slightly conical on the outside in order to facilitate its being forced sealingly into a tapered opening in the cell cover 6.
If it is desired to reduce the radial flexibility or resilience in the direction of the anode stem, the ring plug 7 may be provided with an expansion ring 10 of rigid material. The neck 8 itself may be smooth as shown on the left side of the drawing provided with a loop connection with the ring plug 7, or of bellows or accordian form as shown on the right side of the drawing. Both forms enable axial movement of the sleeve 9 relative to the ring plug 7.
The sealing neck 8 should expediently have sufficient flexible lips, as shown, with the required pre-stress to ensure adequate gas-tightness. The anode stems 4, against which the sealing sleeves 9 are pressed, should be as smooth as possible, in order to facilitate axial displacement of the sleeves, if required.
What I claim is:
l. A sea] of elasomeric material between an anode stern and the edge of the hole in the stationary cover of an electrolysis cell through which the stem freely projects, said seal comprising a unitary structure having a tapered ring plug for fitting the cover hole, a sleeve for engagement with the anode stem, and a neck part connecting said ring plug and said sleeve.
2. A seal as claimed in claim 1, comprising an expansion ring in said ring plug for reducing the flexibility thereof.
3. A seal as claimed in claim I, in which said neck part is of bellows form.
4. A seal as claimed in claim 1, in which said neck part is in the form of a tube to fit the anode stem and has a loop connection with said ring plug to afford axial movement of said sleeve relative to said ring plug.
5. A seal as claimed in claim 1, comprising flexible prestressed lips on the interior of said sleeve for effecting a gas-tight seal with the anode stem.
6. A seal as claimed in claim 1, in which said ring plug is less flexible and resilient than said neck part.

Claims (6)

1. A SEAL OF ELASOMERIC MATERIAL BETWEEN AN ANODE STEM AND THE EDGE OF THE HOLE IN THE STATIONARY COVER OF AN ELECTROLYSIS CELL THROUGH WHICH THE STEM FREELY PROJECTS, SAID SEAL COMPRISING A UNITARY STRUCTURE HAVING A TAPERED RING PLUG FOR FITTING THE COVER HOLE, A SLEEVE FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ANODE STEM, AND A NECK PART CONNECTING SAID RING PLUG AND SAID SLEEVE.
2. A seal as claimed in claim 1, comprising an expansion ring in said ring plug for reducing the flexibility thereof.
3. A seal as claimed in claim 1, in which said neck part is of bellows form.
4. A seal as claimed in claim 1, in which said neck part is in the form of a tube to fit the anode stem and has a loop connection with said ring plug to afford axial movement of said sleeve relative to said ring plug.
5. A seal as claimed in claim 1, comprising flexible prestressed lips on the interior of said sleeve for effecting a gas-tight seal with the anode stem.
6. A seal as claimed in claim 1, in which said ring plug is less flexible and resilient than said neck part.
US494745A 1973-08-09 1974-08-05 Seal for anode stems in an electrolysis cell Expired - Lifetime US3919071A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19732340240 DE2340240C3 (en) 1973-08-09 Anode rod sealing of an electrolytic cell

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JP (1) JPS5050295A (en)
BE (1) BE818323A (en)
CA (1) CA1022881A (en)
FI (1) FI57131C (en)
FR (1) FR2240303B1 (en)
GB (1) GB1462460A (en)
IN (1) IN142921B (en)
PL (1) PL90307B1 (en)
SE (1) SE394462B (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4072595A (en) * 1977-03-07 1978-02-07 Olin Corporation Anode seal assembly for electrolytic cells
US4407614A (en) * 1977-12-30 1983-10-04 Muhr Und Bender Apparatus for perforating a workpiece
US4891104A (en) * 1987-04-24 1990-01-02 Smithkline Diagnostics, Inc. Enzymatic electrode and electrode module and method of use
US4935106A (en) * 1985-11-15 1990-06-19 Smithkline Diagnostics, Inc. Ion selective/enzymatic electrode medical analyzer device and method of use
US4946651A (en) * 1985-11-15 1990-08-07 Smithkline Diagnostics, Inc. Sample holder for a body fluid analyzer
US6200438B1 (en) 1997-01-10 2001-03-13 Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Cell cover for electrolytic cells
US20050194249A1 (en) * 2002-10-14 2005-09-08 Aluminum Pechiney Electrolytic cell leak limiter
US20050266735A1 (en) * 2003-05-12 2005-12-01 Aluminum Pechiney Element for handling connectors for electrolytic cells which are used for the production of aluminum
US20080097135A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2008-04-24 Alcoa Inc. Electrode containers and associated methods

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4211629A (en) * 1979-02-12 1980-07-08 Diamond Shamrock Corporation Anode and base assembly for electrolytic cells

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3260662A (en) * 1962-02-13 1966-07-12 Olin Mathieson Anode assembly for mercury cathode cells
US3511766A (en) * 1967-10-02 1970-05-12 Dow Chemical Co Current lead-in pin

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3260662A (en) * 1962-02-13 1966-07-12 Olin Mathieson Anode assembly for mercury cathode cells
US3511766A (en) * 1967-10-02 1970-05-12 Dow Chemical Co Current lead-in pin

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4072595A (en) * 1977-03-07 1978-02-07 Olin Corporation Anode seal assembly for electrolytic cells
US4407614A (en) * 1977-12-30 1983-10-04 Muhr Und Bender Apparatus for perforating a workpiece
US4935106A (en) * 1985-11-15 1990-06-19 Smithkline Diagnostics, Inc. Ion selective/enzymatic electrode medical analyzer device and method of use
US4946651A (en) * 1985-11-15 1990-08-07 Smithkline Diagnostics, Inc. Sample holder for a body fluid analyzer
US4891104A (en) * 1987-04-24 1990-01-02 Smithkline Diagnostics, Inc. Enzymatic electrode and electrode module and method of use
US6200438B1 (en) 1997-01-10 2001-03-13 Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Cell cover for electrolytic cells
US20050194249A1 (en) * 2002-10-14 2005-09-08 Aluminum Pechiney Electrolytic cell leak limiter
US7678244B2 (en) 2002-10-14 2010-03-16 Aluminum Pechiney Electrolytic cell leak limiter
US20050266735A1 (en) * 2003-05-12 2005-12-01 Aluminum Pechiney Element for handling connectors for electrolytic cells which are used for the production of aluminum
US7344625B2 (en) 2003-05-12 2008-03-18 E.C.L. Element for handling connectors for electrolytic cells which are used for the production of aluminum
US20080097135A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2008-04-24 Alcoa Inc. Electrode containers and associated methods
US8252156B2 (en) * 2006-10-18 2012-08-28 Alcoa Inc. Electrode containers and associated methods

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Publication number Publication date
JPS5050295A (en) 1975-05-06
BE818323A (en) 1974-11-18
FR2240303B1 (en) 1979-08-03
SE394462B (en) 1977-06-27
GB1462460A (en) 1977-01-26
AU7231274A (en) 1976-02-19
FI57131C (en) 1980-06-10
CA1022881A (en) 1977-12-20
FI57131B (en) 1980-02-29
PL90307B1 (en) 1977-01-31
DE2340240B2 (en) 1976-01-02
FI236574A (en) 1975-02-10
DE2340240A1 (en) 1975-03-06
IN142921B (en) 1977-09-10
FR2240303A1 (en) 1975-03-07
SE7410044L (en) 1975-02-10

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