Aluminum electrolysis cell electrolyte containment systems and apparatus and methods relating to the same

Abstract

Aluminum electrolysis cells and associated system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aluminum electrolysis cell includes an outer shell, a bottom, a plurality of bath resistant blocks defining a surrounding wall, and at least one spring member coupled to at least one of the plurality of bath resistant blocks and the outer shell, where the at least one spring member is configured to maintain the plurality of bath resistant blocks in a substantially leak-tight configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Aluminum is generally produced via the Hall process, which entails passing current through an electrolytic bath comprising alumina and cryolite to reduce the alumina to aluminum metal. An electrolysis cell generally holds the electrolytic bath and includes a plurality of anodes that pass current through the bath to a cathode. Conventional anodes are made of carbon and are thus consumed during the electrolysis process. Efforts have been made to utilize non-consumable anodes for use in electrolysis cells. Such anodes are typically metal or metal-oxide based and are referred to as “inert anodes” since they are both dimensionally stable, compared to carbon anodes, and electrically conductive at normal electrolysis temperatures.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Broadly, the instant disclosure relates to systems and methods for containing the electrolytic bath within an aluminum electrolysis cell. During conventional aluminum production processes, a crust generally develops o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0002]Broadly, the instant disclosure relates to systems and methods for containing the electrolytic bath within an aluminum electrolysis cell. During conventional aluminum production processes, a crust generally develops over the electrolytic bath. Crust that develops on the sidewall is called a ledge. The ledge may protect the sidewall and may prevent the electrolytic bath from leaking out of the cell via cracks between sidewall members. Maintenance of the ledge results in significant heat loss, and attempts to insulate the system to conserve this heat loss generally result in loss of the ledge (e.g., via melting). Thus, it is desirable to eliminate reliance on the ledge for bath containment purposes, especially with the use of inert anodes, which may facilitate operation of electrolysis cells at lower temperatures.

Problems solved by technology

Maintenance of the ledge results in significant heat loss, and attempts to insulate the system to conserve this heat loss generally result in loss of the ledge (e.g., via melting).

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