Rare Earth Molten Salt Electrolysis System and Method

Abstract

This invention discloses a rare earth molten salt electrolysis system and method. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system includes a rare earth molten salt electrolysis device, a base, liquid guiding pipes, and a rare earth metal ingot casting device. Multiple bases are arranged in parallel. Each base has multiple receiving tanks. Multiple rare earth molten salt electrolysis devices are used. Each device includes an electrolysis cell body and a tubular cathode. A portion of the tubular cathode extends into the electrolysis cell body, and another portion is located outside the electrolysis cell body. The tubular cathode has a hollow structure. At least a portion of the electrolysis cell body is disposed within the receiving tanks. Multiple liquid guiding pipes are connected to the tubular cathode and the rare earth metal ingot casting device, respectively, for guiding the electrolyzed liquid rare earth metal into the rare earth metal ingot casting device. The rare earth metal ingot casting device is configured to form multiple ingot casting chambers. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of this invention can improve electrolysis efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rare earth molten salt electrolysis system and method. Background Technology

[0002] In rare earth metal smelting processes, rare earth molten salt electrolysis is frequently employed. Rare earth compounds (rare earth metal chlorides or fluorides) are melted at high temperatures. Under the influence of an electric current, metal cations gain electrons to form metals, while chloride or fluoride ions lose electrons to form gases. The electrolysis product is removed from the crucible and transferred to a casting chamber for ingot casting. Typically, crucible tongs are used to remove the crucible. This method is complex and has poor safety. Furthermore, uneven feeding of the rare earth molten salt leads to incomplete melting, resulting in low electrolysis efficiency. Existing casting chambers produce metal ingots of fixed sizes, failing to meet customers' diverse needs.

[0003] CN113337851A discloses a large-size cathode rare earth molten salt electrolytic cell, including an anode conductive plate, an anode, a cathode, a receiver, a cell liner, a leak-proof layer, an inner protective layer, a heat insulation layer, and an outer protective layer; wherein the electrolytic cell is open. CN215799953U discloses a rare earth praseodymium-neodymium molten salt electrolytic reaction device, including a stirring device, which includes a stirring body and a power mechanism. The stirring body is cylindrical, open at the top and bottom, and hollow inside, allowing the cathode rod to pass through; the outer surface of the stirring body is provided with a stirring part for stirring the electrolyte, and the stirring body is driven by the power mechanism to rotate around the inner cathode rod. The stirring device is fitted around the cathode rod and rotates slowly, causing the electrolyte to flow slowly. CN103834969A discloses a molten salt electrolysis device, including an electrolytic cell, electrodes, a separator, a connecting ring, and a collection tower. The electrolytic cell includes a cell body and a cell opening. An isolator is connected to the cell opening and is used for opening and closing the cell opening. A connecting ring is located on the isolator and is sealed to the isolator. A first vacuum port is provided on the connecting ring. The collecting tower has a hollow structure, with one end open and the other end closed. The collecting tower is located on the connecting ring, and the edge of the collecting tower's opening is tightly fitted to the connecting ring. The first vacuum port is connected to the opening of the collecting tower. The above electrolysis device is still a single-furnace unit.

[0004] CN103436920A discloses a high-temperature molten salt electrolysis rare earth metal removal device and method. The device includes a vacuum storage tank with a molten metal outlet. One end of the vacuum storage tank is connected to a siphon pipe inserted into the molten salt electrolysis cell, and the other end is connected to a vacuum buffer tank via a metal bellows. The vacuum buffer tank is connected to a vacuum pump. This patent document uses a siphon effect to transfer the molten metal from the electrolysis cell. CN104741534A discloses an adjustable casting mold, consisting of arc-shaped water-cooled box components evenly distributed on the circumference in multiples of two or three, and adjustable water-cooling blocks and insulating pads clamped between every two arc-shaped water-cooled box components. The diameter of the mold body is adjustable to accommodate the casting requirements of more specifications of rollers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, one object of the present invention is to provide a rare earth molten salt electrolysis system that can improve electrolysis efficiency. Furthermore, the system of the present invention can form ingots of different specifications. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for rare earth molten salt electrolysis.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions.

[0007] On one hand, the present invention provides a rare earth molten salt electrolysis system, including a rare earth molten salt electrolysis device, a base, a liquid guide pipe, and a rare earth metal ingot casting device;

[0008] The base is configured as a plurality of bases; the plurality of bases are arranged in parallel; each base is provided with a plurality of receiving slots;

[0009] The rare earth molten salt electrolysis device is configured in multiple ways; the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device includes an electrolysis cell body and a tubular cathode; a portion of the tubular cathode extends into the electrolysis cell body, and another portion is located outside the electrolysis cell body; the tubular cathode has a hollow structure for exporting the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis; at least a portion of the electrolysis cell body is disposed in the receiving tank;

[0010] The liquid guiding tube is multiple; the liquid guiding tube is connected to the tubular cathode and the rare earth metal casting device respectively, and is used to guide the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis into the rare earth metal casting device.

[0011] The rare earth metal ingot casting device is configured to form multiple ingot casting chambers for forming ingots from the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis.

[0012] According to the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention, preferably, each base is uniformly provided with multiple receiving tanks along its length; the central axes of the multiple receiving tanks are located in the same plane; each liquid guide pipe is configured to be connected to the tubular cathode of multiple rare earth molten salt electrolysis devices located on the same base; the ingot chamber includes a transverse ingot chamber and / or a longitudinal ingot chamber.

[0013] According to the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention, preferably, the electrolytic cell body is configured to be enclosed by a trough-shaped graphite anode, a furnace bottom, and an upper cover; the furnace bottom is disposed opposite to the upper cover, and the furnace bottom is located below; the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device further includes a partition sleeve and a collection tank; the partition sleeve is disposed between the tubular cathode and the trough-shaped graphite anode, thereby dividing the accommodating space into a first chamber and a second chamber; the space between the partition sleeve and the trough-shaped graphite anode is the first chamber, and the space between the partition sleeve and the tubular cathode is the second chamber; the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication; the first chamber is used to accommodate the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed; the top of the partition sleeve is fixed to the upper cover, and the distance L between the bottom of the partition sleeve and the furnace bottom is greater than the distance M between the tubular cathode and the furnace bottom; the collection tank is disposed on the furnace bottom, located between the partition sleeve and the tubular cathode, and is used to collect the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis; the height H of the collection tank is greater than the distance L between the bottom of the partition sleeve and the furnace bottom.

[0014] According to the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention, preferably, it further includes a feeding unit and a rotating mechanism; the rotating mechanism is multiple, each rotating mechanism including a sprocket and a chain; the sprocket is disposed on the upper end cover; the sprocket is configured to rotate so that the upper end cover can rotate; multiple sprockets located on the same base are configured to rotate through the transmission of the chain; the feeding unit is disposed on the upper end cover and communicates with the first chamber, for adding the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber.

[0015] According to the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention, preferably, the upper end cover is provided with a first gas port and a second gas port; the first gas port is located above the first chamber, and the second gas port is located above the second chamber; the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system further includes an adapter unit; the adapter unit includes a gas guide sleeve, a sealing cover, a connecting pipe, an adapter pipe, a first connector, and a second connector; the gas guide sleeve and the sealing cover are both configured to be sleeved on the tubular cathode and located outside the electrolytic cell body; the sealing cover, the gas guide sleeve, and the tubular cathode are configured to form a gas guide cavity; the gas guide sleeve is configured to be rotatable around the tubular cathode; the connecting pipe is connected to the gas guide cavity, and the connecting pipe is also configured to be connected to the first chamber and the second chamber respectively through the first gas port and the second gas port; the adapter pipe is disposed on the sealing cover and is connected to the gas guide cavity; the first connector and the second connector are disposed on the adapter pipe and are away from the gas guide cavity.

[0016] The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system according to the present invention preferably further includes an exhaust pipe and a booster pipe; the exhaust pipe is connected to the adapter pipe through a first connector for discharging gas; the booster pipe is connected to the adapter pipe through a second connector for introducing inert gas.

[0017] According to the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention, preferably, the rare earth metal ingot casting device includes an ingot casting tank body, a longitudinal partitioning assembly, and a transmission assembly; the ingot casting tank body is enclosed by a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate, a side plate, a discharge gate, a bottom plate, and a top cover plate, forming an internal accommodating space; wherein, the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are arranged opposite to each other; the side plate and the discharge gate are arranged opposite to each other; the bottom plate and the top cover plate are arranged opposite to each other; the discharge gate is configured to be able to open or close; the ingot casting tank body is connected to the liquid guiding pipe; the side plate is provided with at least one strip-shaped side plate opening along its height direction; the longitudinal partitioning assembly includes a longitudinal partitioning plate; the longitudinal partitioning plate matches the side plate opening and is configured to be able to move into the accommodating space so that the accommodating space forms a plurality of longitudinal ingot casting chambers; the transmission assembly is configured to be able to control the movement of the longitudinal partitioning plate.

[0018] According to the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention, preferably, the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system further includes a transverse partition component and a vertical drive component; the bottom plate is provided with at least one strip-shaped bottom plate opening along its width direction; the transverse partition component includes a transverse partition plate; the transverse partition plate matches the bottom plate opening and is configured to be able to move upward so that the accommodating space forms at least one transverse ingot casting chamber; the vertical drive component is configured to be able to control the up and down movement of the transverse partition plate.

[0019] According to the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention, preferably, the longitudinal partition assembly further includes an assembly base; the assembly base is perpendicularly connected to the longitudinal partition plate; a first assembly base connection hole and a second assembly base connection hole are respectively provided on both sides of the assembly base; the transmission assembly is further configured to control the movement of the discharge gate, thereby causing the discharge gate to open or close; an extension portion is respectively provided on both sides of the discharge gate; a first discharge gate connection hole and a second discharge gate connection hole are respectively provided on the two extension portions; the transmission assembly includes a clutch sleeve, a locking bolt, and two parallel first lead screws and a second lead screw; the clutch sleeve is respectively provided in the first assembly base connection hole and the second assembly base connection hole. The clutch sleeve is provided with an internal thread, which matches the external threads of the first and second lead screws. The first lead screw is configured to pass through the clutch sleeve in the first assembly seat connection hole and the clutch sleeve in the first discharge door connection hole in sequence, and the second lead screw is configured to pass through the clutch sleeve in the second assembly seat connection hole and the clutch sleeve in the second discharge door connection hole in sequence. The first lead screw and the second lead screw are located on both sides of the ingot casting tank body. The locking bolts are respectively located on both sides of the assembly seat and both sides of the extension, and are configured to abut against the clutch sleeve for fastening the clutch sleeve.

[0020] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for rare earth molten salt electrolysis using the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system described above, comprising the following steps:

[0021] Step 1: Add the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber to form a molten rare earth salt.

[0022] Step 2: Electrolyze the molten rare earth salt. The rare earth metal cations form liquid rare earth metal at the tubular cathode, and the anions form gas at the outer peripheral wall of the first chamber.

[0023] Step 3: As the pressure in the first chamber increases, the liquid rare earth metal in the first chamber is gradually driven into the second chamber, and the pressure in the first chamber is controlled by the exhaust of the first chamber to prevent the gas in the first chamber from entering the second chamber.

[0024] Step 4: After electrolysis for the predetermined time, the liquid rare earth metal from the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device is drawn into the rare earth metal ingot casting device through the tubular cathode and the liquid guide pipe by evacuating the rare earth metal ingot casting device. According to the requirements, the rare earth metal ingot casting device is adjusted to form multiple ingot casting chambers.

[0025] When the amount of liquid rare earth metal in the rare earth metal casting device reaches a predetermined value, the pumping of liquid rare earth metal is stopped.

[0026] When liquid rare earth metal is cooled in the ingot chamber and forms one or more ingots, these formed ingots are removed.

[0027] Step 5: Discharge the gas from the first chamber so that the pressure in the first chamber is not higher than the external pressure.

[0028] The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of this invention can improve electrolysis efficiency and process different types of ingots according to different needs. Furthermore, this invention can improve the purity of the liquid rare earth metal obtained from electrolysis. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the liquid rare earth metal obtained from electrolysis can be directly introduced into the rare earth metal ingot casting device through the combined use of a tubular cathode, a liquid guiding pipe, and a rare earth metal ingot casting device, which is safe, convenient, and highly efficient. This invention, by setting a rotating upper cover and a rotating mechanism, can make the feeding more uniform. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a rare earth molten salt electrolysis system according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a partial top view of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device and its base.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an axial structural cross-sectional view of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the tubular cathode and the filter cylinder of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another type of separator sleeve according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a rare earth metal ingot casting device according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the first lead screw, the locking bolt, and the clutch sleeve.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal partition plate of the present invention being embedded only in the side plate opening.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing how longitudinal partitions divide the space into multiple longitudinal ingot chambers.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another rare earth metal ingot casting device according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one usage method of the rare earth metal ingot casting device of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Enlarged schematic diagram of the horizontal partition component and the vertical drive component.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one usage of another rare earth metal ingot casting device according to the present invention.

[0045] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0046] 100-Rare earth molten salt electrolysis device; 101-Trough-shaped graphite anode, 102-Furnace bottom, 103-Upper end cover, 104-Separating sleeve, 105-Collection tank, 111-Tube cathode, 112-Connector, 113-Insulator, 114-Wire, 120-Transfer unit, 121-Gas guide sleeve, 122-Sealing cover, 123-Connecting pipe, 124-Transfer pipe, 125-First connector, 126-Second connector, 127-First gas port, 128-Second gas port, 130-Feeding unit, 131-Feeding hopper, 132-Cut-off pipe, 133-Discharge pipe, 134-Feeding control valve, 135-Cover body;

[0047] 200-liquid guide tube;

[0048] 300 - Exhaust pipe;

[0049] 400-Boost pipe;

[0050] 500-Rare earth metal ingot casting device; 511-First fixed plate; 512-Second fixed plate; 513-Side plate; 514-Discharge door; 515-Bottom plate; 516-Top cover plate; 5161-Observation window; 5162-Liquid inlet connector; 5163-Vacuum connector; 5164-Fixed support; 520-Longitudinal partition assembly; 521-Longitudinal partition plate; 522-Assembly seat; 530-Transmission assembly; 531-First lead screw; 532-Second lead screw; 533-Transmission wheel; 534-Locking bolt; 535-Clutch sleeve; 540-Transverse partition assembly; 541-Transverse partition plate; 542-Transverse support plate; 543-Connecting plate; 550-Vertical drive assembly; 560-Support frame; 570-Unloading rack; 580-Cooling tank; 591-Pressure pump; 592-Vacuum equipment;

[0051] 600 - Rotating mechanism, 601 - Sprocket;

[0052] 700 - Base, 710 - Operating channel. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0054] The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention includes a rare earth molten salt electrolysis device, a liquid guide pipe, an exhaust pipe, a pressure boosting pipe, a rare earth metal ingot casting device, a rotating mechanism, and a base. These are described in detail below.

[0055] <Base>

[0056] The present invention comprises multiple bases arranged in parallel. Each base has multiple receiving slots for accommodating the electrolytic cell body of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device. An operating channel is formed between adjacent bases. This facilitates individual operation or maintenance of each rare earth molten salt electrolysis device by the operator.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, each base is uniformly provided with multiple receiving tanks along its length; the central axes of the multiple receiving tanks are located in the same plane. This facilitates the simultaneous operation of multiple rare earth molten salt electrolysis devices, thereby improving electrolysis efficiency.

[0058] Rare Earth Molten Salt Electrolysis Device

[0059] The rare earth molten salt electrolysis apparatus of the present invention comprises multiple units. Each rare earth molten salt electrolysis apparatus includes a trough-shaped graphite anode, a furnace bottom, an upper cover, a separator sleeve, a collecting tank, a tubular cathode, a wire, a connecting unit, and a feeding unit. Optionally, it also includes connecting parts and insulating parts. A detailed description follows.

[0060] Trough-shaped graphite anode, furnace bottom and top cover

[0061] In this invention, the grooved graphite anode has a hollow cylindrical structure. The hollow cylindrical structure has a receiving space. This receiving space has openings at both ends, an upper opening and a lower opening, respectively. A furnace bottom is located at the lower opening to close it. An upper cover is located at the upper opening to close it. The grooved graphite anode, furnace bottom, and upper cover together form the electrolytic cell body. This creates a space for accommodating the rare earth metal salts to be electrolyzed. In this invention, at least a portion of the electrolytic cell body is placed within the receiving tank of the base.

[0062] In some implementations, the top cover is designed to rotate. This facilitates the uniform addition of the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the electrolytic cell body.

[0063] In some embodiments, a first air port and a second air port are provided on the upper end cover. The first air port is located above the first chamber. The second air port is located above the second chamber. Both the first and second air ports are located on the same side of the tubular cathode.

[0064] tubular cathode and filter cartridge

[0065] A portion of the tubular cathode extends into the electrolytic cell body, while another portion lies outside the cell body. In some specific embodiments, the bottom of the tubular cathode extends to near the furnace bottom. The tubular cathode has a hollow structure for extracting the liquid rare earth metals obtained from electrolysis. The tubular cathode of this invention can serve both as a cathode and, through its hollow structure, for extracting the electrolysis products (i.e., liquid rare earth metals).

[0066] In some preferred embodiments, a filter cartridge is disposed at the bottom of the tubular cathode. The filter cartridge is used to filter the electrolysis products, further improving their purity.

[0067] Divider sleeve and collection tank

[0068] The separator sleeve of this invention is disposed between the tubular cathode and the grooved graphite anode, thereby dividing the accommodating space into a first chamber and a second chamber. The space between the separator sleeve and the grooved graphite anode is the first chamber. The space between the separator sleeve and the tubular cathode is the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication, i.e., a channel is formed between the bottom of the separator sleeve and the furnace bottom. The first chamber is used to accommodate the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed. The top of the separator sleeve is fixed to the upper end cover, and the distance L between the bottom of the separator sleeve and the furnace bottom is greater than the distance M between the tubular cathode and the furnace bottom.

[0069] During the initial electrolysis, molten rare earth metal salts in a molten state are located in the second chamber and the first chamber, forming a structure similar to communicating vessels. As electrolysis proceeds, metal cations gradually enter the second chamber and form metal at the tubular cathode, while anions enter the first chamber and form gas at the grooved graphite anode.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the tubular cathode and the central axis of the separator sleeve both coincide with the central axis of the grooved graphite anode.

[0071] In some implementations, the cross-sectional area of ​​the separator sleeve is equal from top to bottom.

[0072] In other embodiments, the separator sleeve is an inverted frustum-shaped structure. Its cross-sectional area gradually increases from top to bottom. Multiple protrusions are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the separator sleeve. These protrusions are spirally distributed along the outer circumferential surface of the separator sleeve. The protrusions are strip-shaped. For example, the outer contour of the protrusions can be rectangular or parallelogram-shaped. Using this structure, the rare earth metal salts can settle along the outer circumferential wall of the separator sleeve, slowing down the settling rate. The protrusions on the separator sleeve can also act as a disturbance, improving the mixing efficiency of the rare earth metal salts and thus increasing their melting rate.

[0073] In some embodiments, the present invention includes a collection tank. The collection tank, located on the furnace bottom, is used to collect the liquid rare earth metal obtained from electrolysis. It is positioned between a separator sleeve and a tubular cathode. The height H of the collection tank is greater than the distance L between the bottom of the separator sleeve and the furnace bottom. The tubular cathode extends into the lower part of the collection tank. This ensures that the liquid rare earth metal obtained from electrolysis accumulates within the collection tank. Once the collection tank is full of liquid rare earth metal, a suction operation can be performed to extract the liquid rare earth metal from the hollow structure of the tubular cathode.

[0074] The above setup prevents unelectrolyzed rare earth metal salts from contaminating the electrolytic products (i.e., liquid rare earth metals), thus ensuring high purity of the electrolytic products. Furthermore, the extracted electrolytic products are free of residual rare earth metal salts, further enhancing their purity.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the collecting tank coincides with the central axis of the tubular cathode.

[0076] In this invention, the electrolysis products (i.e., liquid rare earth metals) obtained by electrolysis accumulate in the second chamber, while the gas produced by electrolysis accumulates in the first chamber. As electrolysis proceeds, the liquid level in the first chamber gradually decreases, while the liquid level in the second chamber gradually increases. When the channel connecting the lower parts of the first and second chambers is also filled with liquid rare earth metals, or when the container used to collect the metal is full of liquid rare earth metals, the liquid rare earth metals can be extracted sequentially through the tubular cathode and the liquid guide tube by evacuation.

[0077] In this invention, during the extraction of the electrolytic product (i.e., liquid rare earth metal), the gas in the first chamber is gradually discharged through the first tube, thereby preventing unelectrolyzed rare earth metal molten salt from mixing into the liquid rare earth metal and affecting its quality. Then, when the pressure in the first chamber is not higher than the external pressure, the rare earth metal molten salt is added to the first chamber. During the addition of the rare earth metal molten salt, the pressure in the second chamber can be adjusted by introducing inert gas, ensuring that the pressure in the second chamber is greater than that in the first chamber, thus preventing unelectrolyzed rare earth metal molten salt from mixing into the second chamber. Neither the discharge of the liquid rare earth metal nor the addition of the rare earth metal molten salt affects the electrolysis process. Thus, while improving the purity of the electrolytic product, the electrolysis efficiency can also be increased.

[0078] Feeding unit

[0079] The feeding unit of the present invention is disposed on the upper end cover. The feeding unit is connected to the first chamber and is used to add the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber.

[0080] The feeding unit includes a hopper, a throttling pipe, a discharge pipe, a feeding control valve, and a cover. The hopper, throttling pipe, and discharge pipe are connected sequentially from top to bottom. The outlet end of the discharge pipe is connected to the first chamber. The cover is located on the hopper. The feeding control valve is located at the throttling pipe and is used to control the feeding.

[0081] In this invention, the rotation of the upper cover drives the feeding unit to rotate. The rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed enters the first chamber through the feeding unit and is evenly distributed in the upper part of the first chamber along the circumference. As the rare earth metal salt settles, it is melted to form a liquid state.

[0082] Adapter Unit

[0083] The adapter unit of the present invention includes a gas guide sleeve, a sealing cap, a connecting pipe, an adapter pipe, a first connector, and a second connector. This facilitates buffering during exhaust or inert gas introduction and makes the overall structure more compact.

[0084] Both the gas guide sleeve and the sealing cap can be fitted onto the tubular cathode and are located outside the electrolytic cell body. A gas guide cavity can be formed between the sealing cap, the gas guide sleeve, and the tubular cathode. The gas guide cavity is preferably annular. In some embodiments, the gas guide sleeve includes a bottom wall and side walls. A sleeve hole is provided at the center of the bottom wall, the shape of which matches the contour of the tubular cathode. The side walls are perpendicularly disposed on the bottom wall along the circumference. The gas guide sleeve can rotate around the tubular cathode. The sealing cap is fixedly connected to the tubular cathode.

[0085] A connecting pipe connects the gas guide chamber to the electrolytic cell body. Specifically, the connecting pipe is horizontally positioned, with one end attached to the gas guide sleeve and connected to the gas guide chamber. The connecting pipe connects to the first chamber via a first gas port. The connecting pipe connects to the second chamber via a second gas port.

[0086] An adapter pipe is mounted on the sealing cap and communicates with the gas guide chamber. A first connector and a second connector are mounted on the adapter pipe and located away from the gas guide chamber. In some specific embodiments, the adapter pipe includes a first connecting portion, a transition portion, and a second connecting portion connected in sequence; the first connecting portion is connected to the sealing cap; one end of the transition portion is arc-shapedly connected to the first connecting portion, and the other end is arc-shapedly connected to the second connecting portion; the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged parallel to each other and both perpendicular to the transition portion. The transition portion is substantially horizontal. The second connecting portion is provided with a first connector for discharging gas and a second connector for introducing gas.

[0087] Connectors, insulators and wires

[0088] One end of the insulating component is connected to the top of the tubular cathode, and the other end is connected to the connector. The insulating component ensures that the liquid guide tube is non-conductive, thereby improving safety. The end of the connector furthest from the insulating component is connected to the liquid guide tube. This allows the liquid guide tube to connect to the tubular cathode sequentially through the connector and the insulating component.

[0089] The tubular cathode is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply via a wire. The connection point between the wire and the tubular cathode is located between the sealing cap and the insulating component. Each wire connected to the tubular cathode is independently connected to the negative terminal of the power supply.

[0090] <Exhaust pipe and booster pipe>

[0091] The exhaust pipe is connected to the adapter pipe via the first connector and is used to discharge gas. The exhaust pipe is connected to both the first and second chambers. The first connector of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis mechanism within the same base can be connected to the same exhaust pipe.

[0092] The booster pipe is connected to the adapter pipe via a second connector for introducing inert gas. The booster pipe is connected to both the first and second chambers. The second connector of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis mechanism within the same base can be connected to the same booster pipe.

[0093] <Liquid delivery tube>

[0094] The tubular cathode and the casting tank of the rare earth metal casting device are connected by multiple liquid guide pipes. These pipes are used to guide the liquid rare earth metal obtained from electrolysis into the rare earth metal casting device.

[0095] In some specific implementations, the liquid guide tubes are connected to the tubular cathodes sequentially via connectors and insulators. The number of liquid guide tubes can be the same as the number of bases. Each liquid guide tube is connected to the tubular cathodes of multiple rare earth molten salt electrolysis devices located on the same base.

[0096] <Transmission Mechanism>

[0097] The transmission mechanism of this invention includes a sprocket and a chain. The sprocket is mounted on the upper end cover. Specifically, each upper end cover has a sprocket. The central axis of the sprocket coincides with the central axis of the tubular cathode. Multiple sprockets located on the same base can rotate through the transmission of the same chain. The rotation of the sprocket causes the upper end cover to rotate. The rotation of the upper end cover drives the feeding unit to rotate. This facilitates the uniform addition of the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber of the electrolytic cell body.

[0098] In this invention, when it is necessary to uniformly feed the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber, the chain is driven to rotate, so that the chain drives each upper end cover to rotate through the sprocket. In this way, the feeding unit also rotates, and the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed enters the first chamber through the feeding unit and is evenly distributed in the upper part of the first chamber along the circumference of the first chamber.

[0099] Rare Earth Metal Ingot Casting Device

[0100] In some embodiments, the rare earth metal ingot casting apparatus of the present invention includes an ingot casting tank body, a longitudinal partition assembly, and a transmission assembly. This allows for the formation of multiple longitudinal ingot casting chambers. In other embodiments, the rare earth metal ingot casting apparatus of the present invention includes an ingot casting tank body, a longitudinal partition assembly, a transmission assembly, a transverse partition assembly, and a vertical drive assembly. This allows for the formation of longitudinal or transverse ingot casting chambers individually, or simultaneously. Optionally, the rare earth metal ingot casting apparatus further includes a support frame, a feeding rack, a cooling tank, a vacuum device, and a pressure pump. A detailed description follows.

[0101] Ingot casting tank body

[0102] The ingot casting tank body of the present invention is formed by a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate, a side plate, a discharge gate, a bottom plate, and a top cover plate, forming an internal accommodating space. The first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are arranged opposite to each other. The side plate and the discharge gate are arranged opposite to each other. The bottom plate and the top cover plate are arranged opposite to each other.

[0103] The discharge gate is designed to open and close to discharge the formed ingots. The interior of the discharge gate is hollow, allowing coolant to pass through. Specifically, the discharge gate has a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. This creates a cooling discharge gate, which facilitates cooling and allows the liquid rare earth metal to be formed into ingots more quickly.

[0104] In some implementations, extensions are provided on both sides of the discharge gate; the two extensions are respectively provided with a first discharge gate connection hole and a second discharge gate connection hole.

[0105] In some embodiments, the side plate has at least one strip-shaped side plate opening along its height direction. According to one embodiment of the invention, only one strip-shaped side plate opening is provided on the side plate, located in the middle of the side plate. In other embodiments, the bottom plate has at least one strip-shaped bottom plate opening along its width direction. This facilitates the separation of multiple ingot chambers. In still other embodiments, the side plate has at least one strip-shaped side plate opening along its height direction, and the bottom plate has at least one strip-shaped bottom plate opening along its width direction.

[0106] The top cover plate is equipped with an observation window, a liquid inlet connector, and a vacuum connector. The liquid inlet connector, located in the center of the top cover plate, is used to introduce rare earth metal. The liquid guide pipe is connected to the ingot casting tank body through the liquid inlet connector. The vacuum connector is located near the edge of the top cover plate, which facilitates evacuation of the ingot casting tank body's containment space. The vacuum connector can be connected to a vacuum tube. The vacuum equipment evacuates the ingot casting tank body through the vacuum tube, thereby introducing the liquid rare earth metal in the liquid guide pipe into the ingot casting tank body. The observation window is located away from the vacuum connector for easy observation.

[0107] Support frame and unloading rack

[0108] The support frame is located below the ingot casting tank body. It is used to support the ingot casting tank body. There are no particular restrictions on the structure of the support frame; for example, it can be a frame structure.

[0109] The unloading rack is positioned close to the discharge gate. This facilitates the discharge of ingots and reduces labor intensity. The unloading rack may include two inclined sections with different angles connected in sequence. The inclined section connected to the discharge gate has a larger angle, while the inclined section further away from the discharge gate has a smaller angle. This provides cushioning for the ingots.

[0110] Longitudinal partition components and transmission components

[0111] In this invention, the longitudinal partition assembly includes a longitudinal partition plate and a mounting base.

[0112] The longitudinal partition plate matches the side plate opening and is designed to move into the receiving space to form multiple longitudinal ingot chambers. The longitudinal partition plate can be embedded into the side plate opening. This maintains the airtightness of the ingot chambers and prevents leakage of liquid rare earth metals from the ingot chambers.

[0113] The mounting base is perpendicularly connected to the longitudinal partition plate. A first mounting base connection hole and a second mounting base connection hole are respectively provided on both sides of the mounting base. In some specific embodiments, the mounting base includes a first connecting arm, a middle portion, and a second connecting arm connected in sequence. The middle portion is perpendicularly connected to the longitudinal partition plate. The first mounting base connection hole is located at the end of the first connecting arm away from the middle portion. The second mounting base connection hole is located at the end of the second connecting arm away from the middle portion.

[0114] In this invention, the interior of the longitudinal partition plate is hollow, allowing coolant to pass through. A coolant inlet and outlet are located in the middle of the mounting base, and these inlet and outlet are respectively connected to the interior of the longitudinal partition plate. This facilitates the formation of a cooled longitudinal partition plate, which is beneficial for cooling the liquid rare earth metal to accelerate the ingot formation process.

[0115] In this invention, the transmission assembly is configured to control the movement of the longitudinal partition plate. In some embodiments, the transmission assembly is also configured to control the movement of the discharge gate, thereby opening or closing the discharge gate.

[0116] The transmission assembly includes a first lead screw, a second lead screw, a clutch sleeve, a locking bolt, and a transmission wheel.

[0117] The clutch sleeves are respectively installed in the first mounting base connection hole, the second mounting base connection hole, the first discharge gate connection hole, and the second discharge gate connection hole. The clutch sleeves are provided with internal threads.

[0118] The first lead screw and the second lead screw are arranged in parallel. The first lead screw is configured to pass through the first assembly base connection hole and the first discharge gate connection hole in sequence. The second lead screw is configured to pass through the second assembly base connection hole and the second discharge gate connection hole in sequence. The first lead screw and the second lead screw are located on opposite sides of the ingot casting tank body.

[0119] In some specific implementations, the external threads of the first and second lead screws match the internal threads of the clutch sleeves. The first lead screw is configured to pass sequentially through the clutch sleeves in the first mounting base connection hole and the first discharge gate connection hole, and the second lead screw is configured to pass sequentially through the clutch sleeves in the second mounting base connection hole and the second discharge gate connection hole. The first and second lead screws are located on opposite sides of the ingot casting tank body.

[0120] There are multiple locking bolts. These multiple locking bolts are respectively located on both sides of the mounting base and both sides of the extension, and are configured to abut against the clutch sleeve for fastening the clutch sleeve.

[0121] When the locking bolt is tightened, its end abuts against the outer circumferential wall of the clutch sleeve, thus fixing the clutch sleeve to the mounting base or discharge gate. This drives the first and second lead screws to rotate, causing the longitudinal partition plate or discharge gate to move axially along the first and second lead screws. When the locking bolt is loosened, it separates from the clutch sleeve. Thus, as the first and second lead screws rotate, the clutch sleeve also rotates, preventing axial movement of the longitudinal partition plate or discharge gate.

[0122] There are two drive wheels, respectively mounted on the first and second lead screws, used to drive the first and second lead screws to rotate. These two drive wheels are driven synchronously, thereby causing the two lead screws to rotate synchronously, ensuring the stability of the movement of the longitudinal partition plate or discharge gate.

[0123] Horizontal partition components and vertical drive components

[0124] In this invention, the vertical drive assembly includes a vertical drive component and a fixed support. The fixed support is located at both edges of the upper cover plate along its width direction. The fixed support is used to fix the vertical drive component. The vertical drive component is vertically arranged and configured to control the vertical movement of the transverse partition plate. The vertical drive component can extend and retract vertically, and it can be a telescopic electric cylinder. This vertical drive component can control the depth to which the transverse partition plate extends into the receiving space, thereby forming ingots of different thicknesses (after the liquid rare earth metal enters the receiving space, its liquid level is not higher than the upper end surface of the transverse partition plate).

[0125] In this invention, the transverse partition assembly includes a transverse partition plate and a connecting base. The transverse partition plate matches the opening in the base plate and is configured to move upwards to form at least one transverse ingot chamber. This facilitates the formation of the transverse ingot chamber. The transverse partition plate can be embedded into the opening in the base plate. This maintains the airtightness of the ingot chamber and prevents leakage of liquid rare earth metal within the ingot chamber.

[0126] In this invention, the interior of the transverse partitions is hollow, allowing coolant to pass through. This facilitates the formation of cooled transverse partitions.

[0127] A horizontal partition is installed on the connecting base.

[0128] In some embodiments, the connecting base includes only a transverse support plate. The transverse support plate is positioned along the width of the ingot trough body. A transverse partition plate is disposed on the transverse support plate. There may be more than one transverse support plate. One end of the vertical drive component of the vertical drive assembly is connected to the transverse support plate, and the other end is connected to a fixed support.

[0129] In other embodiments, the connecting base includes two or more transverse support plates and two connecting plates, which connect the transverse support plates. The ends of the connecting plates are connected to the ends of the transverse support plates. One end of each of the two vertical drive members is fixed to the connecting plate, and the other end is connected to a fixed support.

[0130] Cooling tank, vacuum equipment and pressure pump

[0131] The cooling tank, containing coolant, circulates within the discharge gate, longitudinal partitions, and transverse partitions via a pressure pump. This creates a cooled discharge gate, cooled longitudinal partitions, and cooled transverse partitions, facilitating rapid cooling of the ingot.

[0132] The vacuum equipment and vacuum connector are connected by a vacuum tube, which allows the liquid rare earth metal to be drawn out from the tubular cathode through the vacuum tube and then enter the casting tank body through the liquid guide tube.

[0133] <Electrolysis Method>

[0134] The present invention also provides a method for rare earth molten salt electrolysis using the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system described above, comprising the following steps:

[0135] Step 1: Add the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber to form a molten rare earth salt. Heating can cause the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed to form a molten rare earth salt.

[0136] Step 2: Electrolysis of the molten rare earth salt. Rare earth metal cations form liquid rare earth metal at the tubular cathode, while anions form gas at the outer peripheral wall of the first chamber. At the tubular cathode, rare earth metal cations gain electrons to form liquid rare earth metal. At the outer peripheral wall of the first chamber, anions (e.g., chloride or fluoride ions) lose electrons to form gas.

[0137] Step 3: As the pressure in the first chamber increases, the liquid rare earth metal in the first chamber is gradually driven into the second chamber, and the pressure in the first chamber is controlled by the exhaust of the first chamber to prevent the gas in the first chamber from entering the second chamber.

[0138] Step 4: After electrolysis for the predetermined time, the rare earth metal casting device is evacuated. Liquid rare earth metal from the molten salt electrolysis unit is then drawn into the rare earth metal casting device through a tubular cathode and a liquid guide pipe. The rare earth metal casting device is adjusted to form multiple casting chambers as needed. When the amount of liquid rare earth metal in the casting device reaches a predetermined value, the evacuation of liquid rare earth metal is stopped. Once the liquid rare earth metal has cooled and formed one or more ingots within the casting chambers, these formed ingots are removed.

[0139] Step 5: Discharge the gas from the first chamber so that the pressure in the first chamber is not higher than the external pressure.

[0140] Step 5 can be performed simultaneously during the extraction of liquid rare earth metals.

[0141] During the extraction of liquid rare earth metal, the gas in the first chamber is gradually discharged through the exhaust pipe, thus preventing unelectrolyzed rare earth molten salt from mixing into the liquid rare earth metal and affecting its quality. When the pressure in the first chamber is not higher than the external pressure, the rare earth molten salt is added to the first chamber. During the feeding process, the pressure in the second chamber can be adjusted through the pressure boosting pipe to ensure that the pressure in the second chamber is greater than that in the first chamber, preventing unelectrolyzed rare earth molten salt from mixing into the first chamber. This invention does not affect the electrolysis process during the extraction of liquid rare earth metal or the feeding of rare earth molten salt.

[0142] Example 1

[0143] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a rare earth molten salt electrolysis system according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a partial top view of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device and its base. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an axial structural cross-sectional view of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device of the present invention. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a rare earth metal ingot casting device according to the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the first lead screw, the locking bolt, and the clutch sleeve. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal partition plate of the present invention being embedded only in the side plate opening. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing how longitudinal partitions divide the space into multiple longitudinal ingot chambers.

[0144] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of this embodiment includes a rare earth molten salt electrolysis device 100, a liquid guide pipe 200, an exhaust pipe 300, a pressure boosting pipe 400, a rare earth metal ingot casting device 500, a rotating mechanism 600, and a base 700.

[0145] There are multiple bases 700. The multiple bases 700 are arranged in parallel. Each base 700 is provided with multiple receiving slots. Specifically, each base 700 has multiple receiving slots evenly arranged along its length; the central axes of the multiple receiving slots are located in the same plane. An operating channel 710 is formed between adjacent bases 700.

[0146] There are multiple rare earth molten salt electrolysis devices 100. At least a portion of the electrolysis cell body of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device 100 is located in the receiving tank of the base 700.

[0147] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, each rare earth molten salt electrolysis device 100 includes a trough-shaped graphite anode 101, a furnace bottom 102, an upper end cover 103, a partition sleeve 104, a collection tank 105, a tubular cathode 111, a connector 112, an insulating component 113, a wire 114, a transfer unit 120, and a feeding unit 130.

[0148] The grooved graphite anode 101, the furnace bottom 102, and the upper end cover 103 form the body of the electrolytic cell. Specifically, the grooved graphite anode 101 has a receiving space with openings at both ends, namely an upper opening and a lower opening. The furnace bottom 102 is located at the lower opening and is used to close it. The upper end cover 103 is located at the upper opening and is used to close it. The upper end cover 103 can rotate under the drive of the rotating mechanism 600.

[0149] The tubular cathode 111 is vertically arranged, with one part extending into the electrolytic cell body and close to the furnace bottom 102; the other part is located outside the electrolytic cell body. The tubular cathode 111 has a hollow structure for extracting the liquid rare earth metal obtained from electrolysis.

[0150] like Figure 5 As shown, a partition sleeve 104 is disposed between the tubular cathode 111 and the grooved graphite anode 101, thereby dividing the accommodating space into a first chamber and a second chamber. The space between the partition sleeve 104 and the grooved graphite anode 101 is the first chamber. The space between the partition sleeve 104 and the tubular cathode 111 is the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication. The first chamber is used to accommodate the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed. The top of the partition sleeve 104 is fixed to the upper end cover 103, and the distance L between the bottom of the partition sleeve 104 and the furnace bottom 102 is greater than the distance M between the tubular cathode 111 and the furnace bottom 102.

[0151] A collection tank 105 is disposed on the furnace bottom 102, located between the separator sleeve 104 and the tubular cathode 111, and is used to collect the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis. The height H of the collection tank 105 is greater than the distance L between the bottom of the separator sleeve 104 and the furnace bottom 102. The tubular cathode 111 extends into the lower part of the collection tank 105.

[0152] like Figures 4 to 5As shown, the feeding unit 130 is disposed on the upper cover 103 and communicates with the first chamber, used to add the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber. Specifically, the feeding unit 130 includes a feeding hopper 131, a throttling pipe 132, a discharge pipe 133, a feeding control valve 134, and a cover 135. The feeding hopper 131, the throttling pipe 132, and the discharge pipe 133 are connected sequentially from top to bottom. The outlet end of the discharge pipe 133 communicates with the first chamber. The cover 135 is disposed on the feeding hopper 131. The feeding control valve 134 is disposed at the throttling pipe 132.

[0153] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper end cover 103 is provided with a first air port 127 and a second air port 128. The first air port 127 is located above the first chamber. The second air port 128 is located above the second chamber.

[0154] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the adapter unit 120 includes an air guide sleeve 121, a sealing cap 122, a connecting pipe 123, an adapter pipe 124, a first connector 125, and a second connector 126.

[0155] Both the gas guide sleeve 121 and the sealing cap 122 can be fitted onto the tubular cathode 111 and are located outside the electrolytic cell body. A gas guide cavity 129 can be formed between the sealing cap 122, the gas guide sleeve 121, and the tubular cathode 111. The gas guide sleeve 121 can rotate around the tubular cathode 111. A connecting pipe 123 connects the gas guide cavity 129 to the electrolytic cell body. Specifically, the connecting pipe 123 is horizontally arranged, with one end attached to the gas guide sleeve 121. The connecting pipe 123 is also connected to the first chamber and the second chamber through the first gas port 127 and the second gas port 128, respectively. A transfer pipe 124 is disposed on the sealing cap 122 and is connected to the gas guide cavity 129. A first connector 125 and a second connector 126 are disposed on the transfer pipe 124 and are located away from the gas guide cavity 129.

[0156] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the exhaust pipe 300 is connected to the adapter pipe 124 via the first connector 125 for discharging gas. The booster pipe 400 is connected to the adapter pipe 124 via the second connector 126 for introducing inert gas.

[0157] One end of the insulating member 113 is connected to the top of the tubular cathode 111, and the other end is connected to the connector 112. The end of the connector 112 away from the insulating member 113 is connected to the liquid guide tube 200. The tubular cathode 111 is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply via the wire 114. The part where the wire 114 connects to the tubular cathode 111 is located between the sealing cap 122 and the insulating member 113.

[0158] There are multiple liquid guide tubes 200. Each liquid guide tube 200 is connected to a tubular cathode 111 via a connector 112 and an insulator 113. Specifically, each liquid guide tube 200 is connected to the tubular cathode 111 of multiple rare earth molten salt electrolysis devices 100 located on the same base 700.

[0159] The liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis can be sequentially introduced into the rare earth metal casting device 500 through the hollow structure of the tubular cathode 111 and the liquid guide tube 200.

[0160] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the rotating mechanism 600 includes a sprocket 601 and a chain (not shown). The sprocket 601 is mounted on the upper end cover 103. Multiple sprockets 601 located on the same base 700 can rotate through the transmission of the same chain. The rotation of the sprocket 601 causes the upper end cover 103 to rotate. The rotation of the upper end cover 103 drives the feeding unit 130 to rotate, which facilitates the uniform addition of the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber of the electrolytic cell body.

[0161] like Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, the rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 is connected to the liquid guide pipe 200 and is used to form ingots from the received liquid rare earth metal. The rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 can form multiple ingot chambers. In this embodiment, the multiple ingot chambers are multiple longitudinal ingot chambers. The rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 of this embodiment includes an ingot tank body 510, a longitudinal partition assembly 520, a transmission assembly 530, a support frame 560, a feeding rack 570, a cooling tank 580, a pressure pump 591, and a vacuum device 592.

[0162] like Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the ingot casting tank body 510 is enclosed by a first fixing plate 511, a second fixing plate 512, a side plate 513, a discharge gate 514, a bottom plate 515, and a top cover plate 516, forming an internal accommodating space. The first fixing plate 511 and the second fixing plate 512 are arranged opposite to each other and are parallel. The side plate 513 and the discharge gate 514 are arranged opposite to each other and are parallel. The bottom plate 515 and the top cover plate 516 are arranged opposite to each other and are parallel.

[0163] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the side plate 513 has at least one strip-shaped side plate opening along its height direction. In this embodiment, only one strip-shaped side plate opening is provided near the middle of the side plate 513.

[0164] The longitudinal partition assembly 520 includes a longitudinal partition plate 521 and a mounting base 522. The longitudinal partition plate 521 mates with the side panel opening. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the longitudinal partition plate 521 can be embedded in the side plate opening and can move into the receiving space so that the receiving space forms multiple longitudinal ingot chambers.

[0165] When the longitudinal partition 521 is embedded in the side panel opening and does not move into the receiving space, the longitudinal partition 521 can close the side panel opening. Figure 11 When the longitudinal partition plate 521 moves into the receiving space and abuts against the discharge gate 514, it can cause the receiving space to form multiple longitudinal ingot chambers. Figure 12 In this embodiment, two longitudinal ingot chambers are formed.

[0166] The mounting base 522 has a first mounting base connecting hole and a second mounting base connecting hole on both sides. Specifically, the mounting base 522 includes a first connecting arm, a middle part, and a second connecting arm connected in sequence. The longitudinal partition plate 521 is perpendicularly connected to the middle part of the mounting base 522. The first mounting base connecting hole is located at the end of the first connecting arm away from the middle part. The second mounting base connecting hole is located at the end of the second connecting arm away from the middle part.

[0167] Extensions are provided on both sides of the discharge gate 514. The two extensions are respectively provided with a first discharge gate connection hole and a second discharge gate connection hole.

[0168] The transmission assembly 530 can control the movement of the longitudinal partition plate 521. The transmission assembly 530 can also control the movement of the discharge gate 514, thereby opening or closing the discharge gate 514. The transmission assembly 530 includes a first lead screw 531, a second lead screw 532, a transmission wheel 533, a clutch sleeve 535, and a locking bolt 534.

[0169] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, clutch sleeves 535 are respectively disposed in the first mounting base connection hole, the second mounting base connection hole, the first discharge gate connection hole, and the second discharge gate connection hole. The clutch sleeves 535 have internal threads. The internal threads of the clutch sleeves 535 match the external threads of the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532.

[0170] The first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 are arranged in parallel and are located on both sides of the ingot casting tank body 510, respectively. The first lead screw 531 passes through the clutch sleeve 535 in the first mounting base connection hole and the clutch sleeve 535 in the first discharge gate connection hole in sequence. The second lead screw 532 passes through the clutch sleeve 535 in the second mounting base connection hole and the clutch sleeve 535 in the second discharge gate connection hole in sequence.

[0171] There are two drive wheels 533, which are respectively sleeved on the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532, and can drive the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 to rotate. The first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 are provided with stop members near the drive wheels 533 to prevent the longitudinal partition plate 521 from leaving the side plate 513.

[0172] like Figure 10 As shown, locking bolts 534 are respectively provided on both sides of the mounting base 522 and both sides of the extension of the discharge gate 514, and can abut against the clutch sleeve 535 to fasten the clutch sleeve 535.

[0173] When the locking bolt 534 is tightened, the end of the locking bolt 534 abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the clutch sleeve 535, thereby fixing the clutch sleeve 512 to the mounting base 522 or the discharge door 514, driving the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 to rotate, so that the longitudinal partition plate 521 or the discharge door 514 moves along the axial direction of the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532.

[0174] When the locking bolt 534 is loosened, the locking bolt 534 separates from the clutch sleeve 535. Thus, as the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 rotate, the clutch sleeve 535 also rotates, thereby preventing the longitudinal partition plate 521 or the discharge gate 514 from moving axially.

[0175] The interiors of the discharge gate 514 and the longitudinal partition plate 521 are hollow, allowing coolant to pass through. Specifically, the discharge gate 514 is equipped with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The middle section of the mounting base 522 is also equipped with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, which are connected to the interior of the longitudinal partition plate 521. All coolant inlets and outlets can be connected to pipes. The cooling tank 580, containing coolant, is used for cooling. A pressure pump 591 circulates the coolant within the cooling tank 580 through the discharge gate 514 and the longitudinal partition plate 521, forming a cooled discharge gate and a cooled longitudinal partition plate. This facilitates rapid cooling of the ingot.

[0176] The support frame 560 is located below the ingot casting tank body 510 to support the ingot casting tank body 510. The unloading rack 570 is located near the discharge gate 514.

[0177] like Figure 9As shown, the upper cover plate 516 is equipped with an observation window 5161, a liquid inlet connector 5162, and a vacuum connector 5163. The liquid inlet connector 5162 is located in the middle of the upper cover plate 5161 and is connected to the liquid guide pipe 200, allowing liquid rare earth metal to be introduced. The vacuum connector 5163 is located near the edge of the upper cover plate 516 and can be connected to a vacuum device 592 via a vacuum pipe. This allows for vacuuming to facilitate the extraction of liquid rare earth metal from the tubular cathode 111, which then flows through the liquid guide pipe 200 into the ingot casting tank body 510. The observation window 5161 is located away from the vacuum connector 5163.

[0178] Example 2

[0179] Except for the following structure, everything else is the same as in Example 1:

[0180] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the tubular cathode and the filter cylinder of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the rare earth molten salt electrolysis apparatus 100 also includes a filter cylinder 115. The filter cylinder 115 is disposed at the bottom of the tubular cathode 111 and is used to filter the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis.

[0181] Example 3

[0182] Except for the following structure, everything else is the same as in Example 2:

[0183] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another type of separator sleeve according to the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the partition sleeve 104 of the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device 100 in this embodiment is an inverted frustum-shaped structure, with its cross-sectional area gradually increasing from top to bottom. Multiple protrusions 1041 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the partition sleeve 104. The multiple protrusions 1041 are spirally distributed along the outer circumferential surface of the partition sleeve 104. The protrusions 1041 are strip-shaped.

[0184] Example 4

[0185] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another rare earth metal ingot casting device according to the present invention. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one usage method of the rare earth metal ingot casting device of the present invention. Figure 15 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the horizontal separating component and the vertical driving component of the present invention.

[0186] The difference from Example 1 lies in the rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 in this example. For example... Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 of this embodiment includes the structure and arrangement of the rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 of Embodiment 1, and also includes a horizontal separation component 540 and a vertical drive component 550.

[0187] The base plate 515 has at least one strip-shaped opening along its width. In this embodiment, the base plate 515 has two strip-shaped openings along its width. These openings are arranged in parallel.

[0188] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the lateral partition assembly 540 includes a lateral partition plate 541 and a connecting base. The connecting base includes a lateral support plate 542 and a connecting plate 543.

[0189] Two transverse support plates 542 are arranged in parallel. The transverse support plates 542 are located within the space formed between the ingot casting tank body and the support frame 560. Two connecting plates 543 are also arranged in parallel. One end of the connecting plate 543 is fixed to one of the transverse support plates 542, and the other end is fixed to the other transverse support plate 542. The ends of the connecting plate 543 are connected to the ends of the transverse support plates 542.

[0190] Two horizontal partition plates 541 are provided, each mounted on a horizontal support plate 542. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the transverse partition plate 541 matches the bottom plate opening, can be embedded into the bottom plate opening, and can move upward so that the receiving space forms at least one transverse ingot chamber.

[0191] In this embodiment, one way of using the rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 is as follows: Figure 14 As shown, only the transverse partition plate 541 is used to divide the accommodating space, forming three transverse ingot chambers.

[0192] The interiors of the transverse support plate 542 and the transverse partition plate 541 are both hollow structures, designed to allow coolant to pass through. The transverse support plate 542 is equipped with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet.

[0193] The vertical drive assembly 550 controls the vertical movement of the transverse partition plate 541. The vertical drive assembly 550 includes vertical drive members and fixed supports 5164. The fixed supports 5164 are located at the two side edges of the upper cover plate 516 along its width direction. Two vertical drive members are provided; one end of each member is fixed near the middle of the two connecting plates 543, and the other end is connected to the two fixed supports 5164. The vertical drive members can extend and retract vertically, thereby driving the transverse partition plate 541 to move vertically. The vertical drive members can be telescopic electric cylinders.

[0194] Example 5

[0195] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another usage of the rare earth metal ingot casting device of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 4 lies in the rare earth metal ingot casting device 500. Specifically, this embodiment does not include a connecting plate 543; the vertical drive component is directly mounted on the horizontal support plate 542. The rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 will be described in detail below.

[0196] The rare earth metal ingot casting device 500 of this embodiment includes an ingot casting tank body 510, a longitudinal partition component 520, a transmission component 530, a transverse partition component 540, a vertical drive component 550, a support frame 560, a feeding rack 570, a cooling tank 580, a pressure pump 591, and a vacuum device 592.

[0197] The ingot casting tank body 510 is enclosed by a first fixing plate 511, a second fixing plate 512, a side plate 513, a discharge gate 514, a bottom plate 515, and a top cover plate 516, forming an internal accommodating space. The first fixing plate 511 and the second fixing plate 512 are arranged opposite to each other and are parallel. The side plate 513 and the discharge gate 514 are arranged opposite to each other and are parallel. The bottom plate 515 and the top cover plate 516 are arranged opposite to each other and are parallel.

[0198] like Figure 16 As shown, the side plate 513 has at least one strip-shaped side plate opening along its height direction. In this embodiment, only one strip-shaped side plate opening is provided near the middle of the side plate 513.

[0199] The longitudinal partition assembly 520 includes a longitudinal partition plate 521 and a mounting base 522. The longitudinal partition plate 521 mates with the side plate opening. The longitudinal partition plate 521 can be inserted into the side plate opening and can be moved into the receiving space to form a plurality of longitudinal ingot chambers.

[0200] When the longitudinal partition 521 is embedded in the side panel opening and does not move into the receiving space, the longitudinal partition 521 can close the side panel opening. Figure 11 When the longitudinal partition plate 521 moves into the receiving space and abuts against a transverse partition plate 541, the receiving space can simultaneously form two longitudinal ingot chambers and one transverse ingot chamber. Figure 16 ).

[0201] The mounting base 522 has a first mounting base connecting hole and a second mounting base connecting hole on both sides. Specifically, the mounting base 522 includes a first connecting arm, a middle part, and a second connecting arm connected in sequence. The longitudinal partition plate 521 is perpendicularly connected to the middle part of the mounting base 522. The first mounting base connecting hole is located at the end of the first connecting arm away from the middle part. The second mounting base connecting hole is located at the end of the second connecting arm away from the middle part.

[0202] Extensions are provided on both sides of the discharge gate 514. The two extensions are respectively provided with a first discharge gate connection hole and a second discharge gate connection hole.

[0203] The transmission assembly 530 can control the movement of the longitudinal partition plate 521. The transmission assembly 530 can also control the movement of the discharge gate 514, thereby opening or closing the discharge gate 514. The transmission assembly 530 includes a first lead screw 531, a second lead screw 532, a transmission wheel 533, a clutch sleeve 535, and a locking bolt 534.

[0204] Clutch sleeves 535 are respectively disposed in the first mounting base connection hole, the second mounting base connection hole, the first discharge gate connection hole, and the second discharge gate connection hole. The clutch sleeves 535 have internal threads. The internal threads of the clutch sleeves 535 match the external threads of the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532.

[0205] The first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 are arranged in parallel and are located on both sides of the ingot casting tank body 510, respectively. The first lead screw 531 passes through the clutch sleeve 535 in the first mounting base connection hole and the clutch sleeve 535 in the first discharge gate connection hole in sequence. The second lead screw 532 passes through the clutch sleeve 535 in the second mounting base connection hole and the clutch sleeve 535 in the second discharge gate connection hole in sequence.

[0206] There are two transmission wheels 533, which are respectively sleeved on the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532, and can drive the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 to rotate.

[0207] Locking bolts 534 are respectively provided on both sides of the mounting base 522 and both sides of the extension of the discharge gate 514, and can abut against the clutch sleeve 535 for fastening the clutch sleeve 535.

[0208] When the locking bolt 534 is tightened, the end of the locking bolt 534 abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the clutch sleeve 535, thereby fixing the clutch sleeve 512 to the mounting base 522 or the discharge door 514, driving the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 to rotate, so that the longitudinal partition plate 521 or the discharge door 514 moves along the axial direction of the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532.

[0209] When the locking bolt 534 is loosened, the locking bolt 534 separates from the clutch sleeve 535. Thus, as the first lead screw 531 and the second lead screw 532 rotate, the clutch sleeve 535 also rotates, thereby preventing the longitudinal partition plate 521 or the discharge gate 514 from moving axially.

[0210] The interiors of the discharge gate 514 and the longitudinal partition plate 521 are hollow structures, allowing coolant to pass through. Specifically, the discharge gate 514 is provided with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The middle part of the mounting base 522 is provided with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, which are respectively connected to the interior of the longitudinal partition plate 521.

[0211] The support frame 560 is located below the ingot casting tank body 510 to support the ingot casting tank body 510. The unloading rack 570 is located near the discharge gate 514.

[0212] The upper cover plate 516 is equipped with an observation window 5161, a liquid inlet connector 5162, and a vacuum connector 5163. The liquid inlet connector 5162 is located in the middle of the upper cover plate 5161 and is connected to the liquid guide pipe 200, allowing liquid rare earth metal to enter. The vacuum connector 5163 is located near the edge of the upper cover plate 516 and is connected to a vacuum device 592 for evacuation, facilitating the extraction of liquid rare earth metal from the tubular cathode 111 and then through the liquid guide pipe 200 into the ingot casting tank body 510. The observation window 5161 is located away from the vacuum connector 5163.

[0213] The base plate 515 has at least one strip-shaped opening along its width. In this embodiment, the base plate 515 has one strip-shaped opening along its width.

[0214] like Figure 16 As shown, the lateral partition assembly 540 includes a lateral partition plate 541 and a connecting base. The connecting base includes only a lateral support plate 542.

[0215] A transverse support plate 542 is located within the space formed between the ingot casting tank body and the support frame 560. A transverse partition plate is disposed on the transverse support plate 542. The transverse partition plate 541 matches the bottom plate opening, can be inserted into the bottom plate opening, and can move upward so that the receiving space forms at least one transverse ingot casting chamber.

[0216] The interiors of both the transverse support plate 542 and the transverse partition plate 541 are hollow structures, allowing coolant to pass through. The transverse support plate 542 is equipped with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet.

[0217] All coolant inlets and outlets can be connected to pipes. Cooling tank 580, containing coolant, is capable of cooling. A pressure pump 591 causes the coolant in cooling tank 580 to circulate within the discharge gate 514, longitudinal partition plate 521, and transverse partition plate 541, forming a cooled discharge gate, cooled longitudinal partition plate, and cooled transverse partition plate. This facilitates rapid cooling of the ingot.

[0218] The vertical drive assembly 550 controls the vertical movement of the horizontal partition plate 541. The vertical drive assembly 550 includes vertical drive members and fixed supports 5164. The fixed supports 5164 are located at the two side edges of the upper cover plate 516 along its width direction. In this embodiment, four fixed supports 5164 are evenly distributed on the upper cover plate 516. Four vertical drive members are provided, one end of which is fixed to both ends of the two horizontal support plates 542, and the other end is connected to the four fixed supports 5164. The vertical drive members can extend and retract vertically, thereby driving the horizontal partition plate 541 to move vertically.

[0219] In this embodiment, as Figure 16 As shown, a longitudinal partition plate 521 and a transverse partition plate 541 are used to divide the accommodating space to form three ingot chambers, namely two longitudinal ingot chambers and one transverse ingot chamber.

[0220] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any modifications, improvements, or substitutions that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential content of this invention fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A rare earth molten salt electrolysis system, characterized by, The rare earth molten salt electrolysis device, the base, the liquid guide pipe and the rare earth metal ingot casting device are provided. The base is provided in plurality, and the plurality of bases are arranged in parallel. Each base is uniformly provided with a plurality of accommodating grooves along the length direction thereof. The center axes of the plurality of accommodating grooves on each base are located in the same plane. Operation channels are formed between adjacent bases. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis device is provided in plurality. The electrolysis tank body and the tubular cathode are provided. The tubular cathode has a hollow structure for guiding the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis. The electrolysis tank body is at least partially arranged in the accommodating groove. The liquid guide pipe is provided in plurality. Each liquid guide pipe is connected with the tubular cathodes of the plurality of rare earth molten salt electrolysis devices arranged on the same base. The electrolysis tank body is enclosed by the graphite anode, the bottom and the upper end cover. The bottom is arranged opposite to the upper end cover. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis device further comprises a separation sleeve and a collecting groove. The separation sleeve is arranged between the tubular cathode and the graphite anode, thereby separating the accommodating space into a first chamber and a second chamber. The space between the separation sleeve and the graphite anode is the first chamber, and the space between the separation sleeve and the tubular cathode is the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication. The first chamber is used for accommodating the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed. The distance L between the bottom of the separation sleeve and the bottom is greater than the distance M between the tubular cathode and the bottom. The collecting groove is arranged on the bottom between the separation sleeve and the tubular cathode, and is used for collecting the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis. The height H of the collecting groove is greater than the distance L between the bottom of the separation sleeve and the bottom. The separation sleeve has the following optional structure: (a) The cross-sectional area of the separation sleeve is equal from top to bottom. (b) The separation sleeve has an inverted circular truncated cone structure, and the cross-sectional area gradually increases from top to bottom. A plurality of protrusions are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the separation sleeve. The protrusions are distributed in a spiral manner along the outer circumferential surface of the separation sleeve. The upper end cover is provided with a first gas port and a second gas port. The first gas port is located above the first chamber, and the second gas port is located above the second chamber. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system further comprises an adapter unit; the adapter unit comprises a gas guide sleeve, a sealing cover, a connecting pipe, an adapter pipe, a first joint and a second joint; the gas guide sleeve and the sealing cover are both arranged to be capable of being sleeved on the tubular cathode and located outside the electrolytic tank body; the sealing cover, the gas guide sleeve and the tubular cathode are arranged to be capable of forming a gas guide cavity; the gas guide sleeve is arranged to be capable of rotating around the tubular cathode; the gas guide sleeve comprises a bottom wall and a side wall, the center of the bottom wall is provided with a sleeve hole, the shape of the sleeve hole matches the contour of the tubular cathode, and the side wall is arranged on the bottom wall in the circumferential direction of the bottom wall; the connecting pipe is in communication with the gas guide cavity, and the connecting pipe is further arranged to be in communication with the first chamber and the second chamber through a first gas port and a second gas port, respectively; the adapter pipe is arranged on the sealing cover and in communication with the gas guide cavity; the adapter pipe comprises a first connecting part, a transition part and a second connecting part connected in sequence; the first connecting part is connected with the sealing cover; one end of the transition part is connected with the first connecting part in an arc shape, and the other end thereof is connected with the second connecting part in an arc shape; the first connecting part and the second connecting part are arranged in parallel with each other and both perpendicular to the transition part; the transition part is arranged substantially horizontally; the second connecting part is provided with a first joint for discharging gas and a second joint for introducing gas; the rare earth metal ingot casting device is arranged to be capable of forming a plurality of ingot casting chambers for forming the liquid rare earth metal obtained by electrolysis into ingots; the ingot casting chamber comprises a transverse ingot casting chamber and / or a longitudinal ingot casting chamber; the rare earth metal ingot casting device comprises an ingot casting tank body, a longitudinal separation assembly and a transmission assembly; the ingot casting tank body is enclosed by a first fixed plate, a second fixed plate, a side plate, a discharge door, a bottom plate and an upper cover plate to form an accommodation space; wherein, the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate are arranged oppositely; the side plate and the discharge door are arranged oppositely; the bottom plate and the upper cover plate are arranged oppositely; the discharge door is arranged to be capable of being opened or closed; the ingot casting tank body is in communication with the liquid guide pipe; the side plate is provided with at least one strip-shaped side plate opening in the height direction thereof; the longitudinal separation assembly comprises a longitudinal separation plate; the longitudinal separation plate matches the side plate opening and is arranged to be capable of moving into the accommodation space to form a plurality of longitudinal ingot casting chambers in the accommodation space; the longitudinal separation plate is arranged to be capable of being embedded into the side plate opening; the inside of the longitudinal separation plate is a hollow structure and is arranged to be capable of introducing cooling liquid; the transmission assembly is arranged to be capable of controlling the movement of the longitudinal separation plate; the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system further comprises a transverse separation assembly and a vertical driving assembly; the bottom plate is provided with at least one strip-shaped bottom plate opening in the width direction thereof; the transverse separation assembly comprises a transverse separation plate; the transverse separation plate matches the bottom plate opening and is arranged to be capable of moving upward to form at least one transverse ingot casting chamber in the accommodation space; the transverse separation plate is arranged to be capable of being embedded into the bottom plate opening; the inside of the transverse separation plate is a hollow structure and is arranged to be capable of introducing cooling liquid; the vertical driving assembly is arranged to be capable of controlling the upward and downward movement of the transverse separation plate.

2. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a discharging unit and a rotating mechanism; The rotating mechanism is multiple, each rotating mechanism comprises a chain wheel and a chain; the chain wheel is arranged on the upper end cover; the chain wheel is arranged to be able to rotate to make the upper end cover rotate; the multiple chain wheels on the same base are arranged to rotate through the transmission of the chain; The discharging unit is arranged on the upper end cover and communicates with the first chamber, and is used for adding the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber.

3. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising an exhaust pipe and a booster pipe; The exhaust pipe communicates with the adapter pipe through a first joint for discharging gas; the booster pipe communicates with the adapter pipe through a second joint for introducing inert gas.

4. The rare earth molten salt electrolysis system according to claim 1, wherein: The longitudinal separation assembly further comprises an assembly seat; the assembly seat is vertically connected with the longitudinal separation plate; the two sides of the assembly seat are respectively provided with a first assembly seat connecting hole and a second assembly seat connecting hole; The transmission assembly is further arranged to control the movement of the discharge door, so that the discharge door is opened or closed; the two sides of the discharge door are respectively provided with an extension part; the first discharge door connecting hole and the second discharge door connecting hole are respectively arranged on the two extension parts; The transmission assembly comprises a clutch sleeve, a locking bolt, two parallel arranged first and second lead screws; The clutch sleeve is arranged in the first assembly seat connecting hole, the second assembly seat connecting hole, the first discharge door connecting hole and the second discharge door connecting hole respectively; the clutch sleeve is provided with an internal thread; the internal thread of the clutch sleeve matches the external thread of the first and second lead screws; The first lead screw is arranged to pass through the clutch sleeves in the first assembly seat connecting hole and the first discharge door connecting hole in sequence, and the second lead screw is arranged to pass through the clutch sleeves in the second assembly seat connecting hole and the second discharge door connecting hole in sequence; the first and second lead screws are respectively located on the two sides of the ingot casting tank body; The locking bolt is arranged on the two sides of the assembly seat and the two sides of the extension part, and is arranged to abut against the clutch sleeve, for fastening the clutch sleeve.

5. A method for performing a rare earth molten salt electrolysis using the rare earth molten salt electrolysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Step 1, adding the rare earth metal salt to be electrolyzed into the first chamber to form a molten rare earth molten salt; Step 2, electrolyzing the molten rare earth molten salt, the rare earth metal cation forms liquid rare earth metal at the tubular cathode, and the anion forms gas at the outer peripheral wall of the first chamber; Step 3, as the pressure of the first chamber increases, the liquid rare earth metal in the first chamber is gradually driven into the second chamber, and the exhaust of the first chamber controls the pressure of the first chamber to prevent the gas in the first chamber from entering the second chamber; Step 4, after electrolysis to a predetermined time, the rare earth molten salt electrolysis device is vacuumized, the liquid rare earth metal passes through the tubular cathode and the liquid guide pipe to be drawn into the rare earth metal ingot casting device; according to the demand, the rare earth metal ingot casting device is adjusted to form multiple ingot casting chambers; When the amount of liquid rare earth metal in the rare earth metal ingot casting device reaches a predetermined value, the suction of the liquid rare earth metal is stopped. When the liquid rare earth metal is cooled and formed into one or more ingots in the ingot forming chamber, the formed ingots are removed; Step 5, the gas in the first chamber is discharged, so that the pressure of the first chamber is not higher than the external pressure.

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