Loading and unloading mechanism for connector for electrolytic cells which are used for the production of aluminum

Abstract

The invention relates to an element (300) for handling an anode connector (200) which is equipped with two lateral trunnions (212, 212') and a clamping screw (210). According to the invention, the aforementioned connector can co-operate with the hook fasteners (10, 10') of a cell (1) for the production of aluminium by means of fused-salt electrolysis, such that anodes can be connected to said cell. Moreover, the inventive element comprises a clamping member (302) which can co-operate with the clamping screw (210) of the connector, such as to alter the clamping condition thereof. The inventionis characterised in that it comprises a locking system (310, 310', 320) which can co-operate with the clamping member (302) and the connector (200), such as to lock the latter in a determined position,known as the normal position, in the handling element (300) by loosening the connector using the clamping member. The invention is further characterised in that it also comprises at least one mobilem ember (312, 312') having an open position and a closed position and in that each mobile member (312, 312') consists of: a support (313, 313') which can support the connector (200) in the closed position, typically by means of the above-mentioned lateral trunnions (212, 212'); and a means (315, 315') for moving each mobile member (312, 312') from the closed position to the open position. The invention prevents a connector from being dropped during the handling thereof.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a plant for the production of aluminum by molten salt electrolysis according to the Hall-Héroult method. The invention relates in particular to the handling mechanism used in said plant. Background technique [0002] Metal aluminum is produced industrially according to the well-known Hall-Héroult method, using dissolved salt electrolysis, that is, electrolysis of alumina dissolved in molten cryolite liquid (called electrolyte). The electrolyte is housed in a tank, an "electrolyzer", comprising a steel box coated with refractory and / or insulating material inside, and a cathode set Located at the bottom of the electrolytic tank. An anode, usually made of carbonaceous material, is partially submerged in the electrolyte. The assembly formed by an electrolytic cell, its anode and electrolyte is called an electrolytic cell. [0003] The anode is equipped with a metal rod for electrical and mechanical connection to a metal frame, ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] But sometimes the connector cannot be gripped by the known handling mechanism, which can lead to accidental drop of the connector, which usually happens during transport or when it is installed in place

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