WO2022109742A1 - Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell - Google Patents
Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell Download PDFInfo
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- WO2022109742A1 WO2022109742A1 PCT/CA2021/051689 CA2021051689W WO2022109742A1 WO 2022109742 A1 WO2022109742 A1 WO 2022109742A1 CA 2021051689 W CA2021051689 W CA 2021051689W WO 2022109742 A1 WO2022109742 A1 WO 2022109742A1
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- Prior art keywords
- electrode plate
- region
- aco
- electrode
- plates
- Prior art date
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- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 10
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- QYEXBYZXHDUPRC-UHFFFAOYSA-N B#[Ti]#B Chemical compound B#[Ti]#B QYEXBYZXHDUPRC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dioxygen Chemical compound O=O MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910033181 TiB2 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000010405 anode material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010406 cathode material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Carbonate Chemical compound [O-]C([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910007948 ZrB2 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VWZIXVXBCBBRGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N boron;zirconium Chemical compound B#[Zr]#B VWZIXVXBCBBRGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003575 carbonaceous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N chlorine dioxide Inorganic materials O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002860 competitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001610 cryolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001882 dioxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001338 liquidmetal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011819 refractory material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005382 thermal cycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells
- C25C7/02—Electrodes; Connections thereof
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C3/00—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts
- C25C3/06—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts of aluminium
- C25C3/08—Cell construction, e.g. bottoms, walls, cathodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C3/00—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts
- C25C3/06—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of melts of aluminium
- C25C3/08—Cell construction, e.g. bottoms, walls, cathodes
- C25C3/12—Anodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells
- C25C7/005—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells of cells for the electrolysis of melts
Definitions
- the present application generally relates to an apparatus and method for the electrolytic production of a metal.
- the apparatus and method are adapted for the production of a metal, such as aluminum, using vertical electrodes of inert or oxygen-evolving anodes and cathode plates.
- An electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum or other metals comprises alternating rows of inert anodes and wettable inert cathodes in the shape of flat plates, immersed in a molten salt bath with sufficient ionic conductivity to pass current.
- the molten salt bath has the capacity to dissolve a compound of the metal to be reduced (e.g. a metal oxide, chloride, carbonate, etc.).
- Gas, such as oxygen, chlorine or carbon dioxide, is produced on the anodes and exits the cell as an offgas.
- Liquid metal is produced on the cathode plates and runs down in a thin film by gravity into a pool or sump for collection.
- the anodes and cathode plates are separated by a distance, known as the anode-cathode distance (ACD), and have an overlapping dimension, known as anode-cathode overlapping (ACO).
- ACD anode-cathode distance
- ACO anode-cathode overlapping
- Cathodes are electrically conductive cathode plates, chemically resistant to metal and electrolyte, and have good wettability for the produced metal.
- the optimum shape and size of the cathode plates is related to the desired cell resistance, current density, anode dimensions and cell dimensions.
- an electrode plate for the electrolytic production of a metal using an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of said electrodes plates defining anode and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows of said anode and cathode plates.
- the electrode plate defines: a connecting region adjacent a first end of the electrode plate for connecting the electrode plate to the electrolytic cell; a middle region extending from the connecting region without overlapping adjacent electrode plates; and an anode-cathode overlapping (ACO) region extending from the middle region to a second end of the electrode plate opposite to the first end, and configured for overlapping adjacent electrode plate(s); wherein the electrode plate comprises two opposite surfaces for facing surfaces of electrode plates of adjacent rows; and wherein a ratio of the ACO region’s surface area to the middle region’s surface area is superior to one in order to maximize current density in the ACO region.
- the ACO/middle surface ratio is equal or superior to 2.
- the electrode plate may have a rectangular shape, wherein a width of the electrode plate is constant from the ACO region to the middle and connecting regions.
- an electrode plate for the electrolytic production of a metal using an electrolysis cell comprising a plurality of said electrodes plates defining anode and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows of said anode and cathode plates, the electrode plate defining: a connecting region adjacent a first end of the electrode plate for connecting the electrode plate to the electrolytic cell; a middle region extending from the connecting region without overlapping adjacent electrode(s); and an ACO region extending from the middle region and configured for overlapping adjacent electrodes(s); wherein an average cross-sectional area ratio of the ACO region to the middle and connecting regions is superior to one in order to maximize current density in the ACO region while retaining a mechanical strength of the connecting region for supporting the electrode plate.
- the average ACO/middle cross-sectional area ratio is equal or superior to 2.
- the electrode plate may have a goal post shape wherein the middle and connecting regions define a pair of legs on either side thereof, with a central gap between the legs below the ACO region.
- the electrode plate may have a paddle shape, wherein the ACO region has a first width, the middle and connecting regions have a second width, the second width being inferior to the first width.
- the electrode plate may have a trapezoid shape wherein a width of the electrode plate constantly decreases from the second end to the first end of the electrode plate.
- the ACO region and the middle region of the electrode plate has a trapezoid shape with a width of the electrode plate constantly decreases from the second end of the electrode plate to a junction between the middle and connecting regions, the connecting region having a rectangular shape.
- a surrounding edge of the surfaces has round transitions between the first end of the plate and the connecting region, and/or the surrounding edge has round transitions between the second end the ACO region.
- the electrode plate comprises two opposite surfaces for facing surfaces of electrode plates of adjacent rows, and a surrounding edge of the surfaces which has round transitions between the first end of the plate and the connecting region, and/or the surrounding edge has round transitions between the second end the ACO region.
- the metal to produce is aluminum, the electrode plate being wettable by liquid aluminum metal.
- the electrode plate is a cathode plate.
- an electrolytic cell for the electrolytic production of a metal comprising one or more electrode plates as disclosed herein.
- the metal is aluminum.
- a method for controlling the current density of a plurality of electrodes plates defining anode and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows in an electrolytic cell the electrode plate defining: a connecting region for connecting the electrode plate to the electrolytic cell; a middle region extending from the connecting region without overlapping adjacent electrode(s); and an ACO region extending from the middle region and configured for overlapping adjacent electrodes(s); wherein each electrode plate comprises a surface for facing another electrode plate of the adjacent row; the method comprising the step of: maximizing current density in the ACO region by varying a ratio of the ACO region’s surface area to the middle region’s surface area such as the ACO/middle surface area ratio is superior to one.
- a method for controlling the current density of a plurality of electrodes plates defining anode and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows in an electrolytic cell the electrode plate defining: a connecting region for connecting the electrode plate to the electrolytic cell; an middle region extending from the connecting region without overlapping adjacent electrode(s); and an ACO region extending from the middle region and configured for overlapping adjacent electrodes(s); the method comprising the step of: providing electrode plates in which an average cross-sectional area ratio of the ACO region to the middle and connecting regions is superior to one in order to maximize current density in the ACO region while retaining a mechanical strength of the connecting region for supporting the electrode plate.
- a seventh aspect it is disclosed a method for maximizing the current density of an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes plates defining anode and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows in an electrolytic cell, the method comprising the steps of: replacing each of existing electrodes plates of the cell by the electrodes plate as disclosed herein.
- the electrode plates in particular the cathodes plates, as disclosed herein allows: increasing the ratios of the ACO region’s surface area to the middle region’s surface area by reducing the surface or average cross-sectional area of the lower current density regions below or above the ACO region providing less impact on heat generation and energy consumption; and/or having an average cross-sectional area ratio of the ACO region to the middle and connecting regions superior to one, preferably superior to two, in order to maximize current density in the ACO region while retaining a mechanical strength of the connecting region for supporting the electrode plates in the electrolytic cell.
- the electrode plates in particular cathodes plates, as disclosed herein, can be used for the manufacturing of new electrolytic cells, but also for replacing electrodes of existing electrolytic cells, in order to reduce the energy (e.g. electricity) consumption, providing as such an environmentally friendly process for metal production, in particular aluminum production, more preferably when the cathodes plates as disclosed herein are used conjointly with inert - oxygen evolving anodes.
- energy e.g. electricity
- FIG. 1A is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of an electrolytic cell known in the art
- FIG. IB is a side view of a portion of interleaved anode and cathode modules known in the art;
- FIG. 2A is a schematic view of an electrode plate in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2B is a schematic view of an electrode plate in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2C is a schematic view of an electrode plate in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2D is a schematic view of an electrode plate in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of an electrode plate in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a method for controlling the current density of a plurality of electrodes plates in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 illustrates a method for controlling the current density of a plurality of electrodes plates in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a method for maximizing the current density of an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes plates in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
- weight % wt.%
- time, voltage, resistance, volume or temperature can vary within a certain range depending on the margin of error of the method or device used to evaluate such weight %, time, voltage, resistance, volume or temperature.
- a margin of error of 10% is generally accepted.
- the invention as disclosed herein is directed to anew configuration of an electrolytic cell, in particular the electrodes plates, for increasing the current density.
- cathode and anode plates are arranged in parallel, alternating rows as illustrated on Figures 1A and IB from U.S. patent US 10,415,147 (LIU Xinghua), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- FIG. 1 A shows a schematic cross-section of an electrolytic cell 10 for producing a metal (e.g. aluminum) by the electrochemical reduction of an electrolyte (e.g. alumina dissolved in molten cryolite) using an anode and a cathode.
- the cell 10 has at least one anode module 12 comprising a plurality of vertically oriented anodes 12E suspended above at least one cathode module 14 having a plurality of vertically oriented cathodes 14E positioned in a cell reservoir 16.
- the vertical cathodes 14E extend upwards towards the anode module 12. While a plurality of anodes 12E and cathodes 14E of a specific number are shown FIGS.
- any number of anodes 12E and cathodes 14E greater than or equal to 1 may be used to define an anode module 12 or a cathode module 14, respectively.
- the cathode module 14 is fixedly coupled to the bottom of the cell 10 with the cathodes 14E supported in a cathode support 14B which rests in the cell reservoir 16 on cathode blocks 18, e.g., made from carbonaceous material in electrical continuity with one or more cathode current collector bars 20.
- the cathode blocks 18 may be fixedly coupled to the bottom of the cell 10.
- the reservoir 16 may has a steel shell 16S and be lined with insulating material 16A, refractory material 16B and sidewall material 16C.
- the reservoir 16 is capable of retaining a bath of molten electrolyte (shown by dashed line 22) and a molten aluminum metal pad therein. Portions of an anode bus 24 that supplies electrical current to the anode modules 12 are shown pressed into electrical contact with anode rods 12L of the anode modules 12.
- the anode rods 12L are structurally and electrically connected to an anode distribution plate 12S, to which a thermal insulation layer 12B is attached.
- the anodes 12E extend through the thermal insulation layer 12B and mechanically and electrically contact the anode distribution plate 12S.
- the anode bus 24 would conduct direct electrical current from a suitable source 26 through the anode rods 12L, the anode distribution plate 12S, anode elements, electrolyte 22 to the cathodes 14E and from there through the cathode support 14B, cathode blocks 18 and cathode current collector bars 20 to the other pole of the source of electricity 26.
- the anodes 12E of each anode module 12 are in electrical continuity.
- the cathodes 14E of each cathode module 14 are in electrical continuity.
- FIG. IB shows the anode module 12 and the cathode module 14 with their electrodes 12E and 14E in an interleaved relationship.
- the height of the bath 22 relative to the cathodes 14 may be called the “bath-to cathode distance” or BCD.
- the anode module 12 can be raised and lowered (i.e. selectively positionable) in height relative to the position of the cathode module 14, as indicated by double ended arrow V.
- the anodes 12E are not completely submerged in the bath and extend across the bath-vapor interface 22 during metal production. This vertical adjustability allows the “overlap” Y of the anodes 12E and the cathodes 14E to be adjusted.
- the level of the electrolytic bath 22, the height of the anodes 12E and the cathodes 14E may require the adjustment of the anode module 12 position relative to the cathode module 14 in the vertical direction, to achieve a selected anode-cathode overlap (ACO) Y, as well as depth of submersion in the electrolyte 22.
- ACO anode-cathode overlap
- the anodesl2E are at least partially immersed in the electrolyte and the cathode electrodes 14E are completely immersed in the electrolyte.
- Changing the ACO Y can be used to change the cell resistance and maintain stable cell temperature.
- the opposed, vertically oriented electrodes 12E, 14E permit the gaseous phases (O2) generated proximal thereto to detach therefrom and physically disassociate from the anodes 12E due to the buoyancy of the O2 gas bubbles in the molten electrolyte. Since the bubbles are free to escape from the surfaces of the anode 12, they do not build up on the anode surfaces to form an electrically insulative/resistive layer allowing the build-up of electrical potential, resulting in high resistance and, high energy consumption.
- O2 gaseous phases
- the anodes 12E may be arranged in rows or columns with or without a side-to side clearance or gap between them to create a channel that enhances molten electrolyte movement, thereby improving mass transport and allowing dissolved alumina to reach the surfaces of the anode module 12.
- the number of rows of anodes 12E can vary from 1 to any selected number and the number of anodes 12E in a row can vary from 1 to any number.
- the cathodes 14E may be similarly arranged in rows with or without side-to-side clearance (gaps) between them and may similarly vary in the number of rows and the number of cathodes 14E in a row from 1 to any number.
- the shapes of both vertical anodes and cathodes illustrated on FIG. 1A and IB are generally plate shaped. Most commonly, the plates are thin and rectangular in shape. More complicated shapes, which may include sharp angles and rapidly changing cross sections can be locations of crack initiation, especially during thermal cycling periods.
- the electrode plates 100, 200, 300, 400 may define three regions: an ACO (Anode-Cathode Overlap) region 110 (referenced as “Y” in FIG. IB), configured to be located across from anode and cathode material where the current density at the cathode plate is high or maximal for actively producing aluminum; a middle region 120 that is not across from anode or cathode material, where the surface current density at the electrode is low.
- ACO Anaode-Cathode Overlap
- the middle region is also known as the AMD (Anode-to-Metal-Distance) region when the electrode plate is a cathode, and as aforesaid, as the BCD (Bath to Cathode Distance) region when the electrode plate is an anode; and a connecting region 130 extending from the middle region 120 for connecting the electrode plate 100 to the cell.
- AMD Alignment-to-Metal-Distance
- BCD Second to Cathode Distance
- a connecting region 130 extending from the middle region 120 for connecting the electrode plate 100 to the cell.
- the electrode plate 100 is a cathode plate extending from the cell’s bottom 14B (Fig. IB)
- this region is typically located in the metal pad 30 (see Fig. IB), where the surface current density actively producing aluminum is zero, and this region is also known as the “Metal Pad region” 30.
- Another approach consists in decreasing the middle region 120 of the electrode plate 100 as far as its mechanical strength and stability allow.
- the ratio of cross-sectional area at the top of the electrode plate to the cross-sectional area at the bottom of the electrode plate should be superior to 1, more preferably equal or superior to 2.
- the electrode plate 100 has a straight rectangular shape in which the average cross-sectional area ratio of the ACO region to the middle or to the lower region is 1 (one).
- the surface ratio between the ACO and middle areas can be modulated or tuned by varying the ACO region in order to have a surface ratio superior to 1.
- FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate more complex shapes with a larger area of the electrode plates in regions of high current density and a smaller area in regions of low current density.
- FIG. 2B illustrates an electrode plate 200 having a goal post shape with a pair of narrow legs 210 on either side with a gap 220 in the middle and connecting regions 120, 130 below the ACO region 110.
- Fig. 2C illustrates an electrode plate 300 having a paddle shape wider in the ACO region 110 and narrower in the middle / connecting regions 120, 130.
- Fig. 2D illustrates an electrode plate 400 having a trapezoidal shape, wherein the width of the electrode plate is continuously sizing down from the ACO region 110 to the middle region 120 and then to the connecting region 130.
- the shape which results in the highest current density is the one that has the least area in the middle / connecting regions 120, 130 below the ACO region 110, such as with goal post shape 200 and the paddle shape 300.
- the trapezoidal shape 400 of FIG. 2D preferably combines the advantages of maximizing the metal produced in the upper ACO region 110, with ease of manufacture (i.e., the parts can be made as net-shape without cut-outs) with lower manufacturing cost, adequate strength, and avoidance of abrupt changes in cross section or inside cuts, that be sources of crack initiation (i.e., no introduction of weak points or crack initiation sites).
- the electrode plates as defined herein, when used as a cathode plate can be made of titanium diboride (T1B2) or zirconium diboride (ZrE ). Any material that is electrically conductive, resistant to molten metal and electrolyte, and wettable to a metal, such as aluminum, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the method 1000 comprises the step of:
- the method 2000 comprises the step of:
- FIG. 6 it is also disclosed a method 3000 for maximizing the current density of an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes plates defining anode and cathode plates vertically aligned and arranged in alternating rows in an electrolytic cell.
- the method 3000 comprising the step of:
- FIG. 3 shows an example of an electrode plate 500 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure comprising as well an ACO region 110, a connecting region 130 and a middle region 120 extending therebetween.
- the electrode plate 500 and the trapezoidal electrode plate 400 of FIG. 2D differ in that the opposite edges 530a, 530b of the connecting region 130 of the plate 500 are parallel one to the other.
- the width of the electrode plate 500 is continuously sizing down from XI at the top end 510 of the ACO region 110 to X2 at the bottom end 520 of the middle region 120, the bottom 530 of the plate forming the connecting region 130 having a rectangular-like shape with the parallel edges 530a, 530b.
- the plate 500 may further have a round transition between the top end 510 and each of the two opposite edges 510a, 510b of the ACO region 110, identified with the radius Rl. Furthermore, the plate 500 may have a round transition between the bottom end end 530 and each of the two opposite edges 530a, 530b of the connecting region 130, identified with the radius R2. Such round transitions Rl and/or R2 allow avoiding to introduce weak points or crack initiation sites of the electrode plates 500.
- Table 1 below provides some dimensions of the electrodes plates 500 illustrated on FIG. 3, with L representing the total length of the electrode plate. [0072] Table 1: Example of electrode plate (FIG. 3)
- the electrode plates as disclosed herein avoids the weaknesses discussed in accordance with the previous embodiments because there are no sharp geometry changes or narrow cross sections.
- the parts can be made into net shapes, without cut outs, which can introduce flaws and crack initiation sites.
- the invention enables metal production with competitive energy efficiency.
- the invention also allows for less heat loss in the cathode plate(s).
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US18/038,804 US20240003031A1 (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2021-11-25 | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
AU2021388087A AU2021388087A1 (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2021-11-25 | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
CA3197052A CA3197052A1 (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2021-11-25 | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
CN202180079616.0A CN117203373A (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2021-11-25 | Controlling electrode current density of electrolytic cells |
EP21896012.8A EP4251790A1 (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2021-11-25 | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
ZA2023/05469A ZA202305469B (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2023-05-19 | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
DKPA202370308A DK202370308A1 (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2023-06-19 | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US202063118774P | 2020-11-27 | 2020-11-27 | |
US63/118,774 | 2020-11-27 |
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WO2022109742A1 true WO2022109742A1 (en) | 2022-06-02 |
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PCT/CA2021/051689 WO2022109742A1 (en) | 2020-11-27 | 2021-11-25 | Controlling electrode current density of an electrolytic cell |
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US (1) | US20240003031A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4251790A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN117203373A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2021388087A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3197052A1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK202370308A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022109742A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA202305469B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2023035063A1 (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2023-03-16 | Elysis Limited Partnership | An electrode body of an electrode for the electrolytic production of a metal |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4865701A (en) * | 1988-08-31 | 1989-09-12 | Beck Theodore R | Electrolytic reduction of alumina |
US20170283968A1 (en) * | 2016-03-30 | 2017-10-05 | Alcoa Usa Corp. | Apparatuses and systems for vertical electrolysis cells |
US10415147B2 (en) * | 2016-03-25 | 2019-09-17 | Elysis Limited Partnership | Electrode configurations for electrolytic cells and related methods |
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2021
- 2021-11-25 US US18/038,804 patent/US20240003031A1/en active Pending
- 2021-11-25 EP EP21896012.8A patent/EP4251790A1/en active Pending
- 2021-11-25 WO PCT/CA2021/051689 patent/WO2022109742A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-11-25 CN CN202180079616.0A patent/CN117203373A/en active Pending
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US4865701A (en) * | 1988-08-31 | 1989-09-12 | Beck Theodore R | Electrolytic reduction of alumina |
US10415147B2 (en) * | 2016-03-25 | 2019-09-17 | Elysis Limited Partnership | Electrode configurations for electrolytic cells and related methods |
US20170283968A1 (en) * | 2016-03-30 | 2017-10-05 | Alcoa Usa Corp. | Apparatuses and systems for vertical electrolysis cells |
Cited By (1)
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WO2023035063A1 (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2023-03-16 | Elysis Limited Partnership | An electrode body of an electrode for the electrolytic production of a metal |
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CA3197052A1 (en) | 2022-06-02 |
AU2021388087A1 (en) | 2023-06-22 |
CN117203373A (en) | 2023-12-08 |
EP4251790A1 (en) | 2023-10-04 |
US20240003031A1 (en) | 2024-01-04 |
ZA202305469B (en) | 2024-01-31 |
DK202370308A1 (en) | 2023-07-07 |
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