Electrolytic tank for preparing thorium by molten salt method

Abstract

The invention discloses an electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by a molten salt method. The electrolytic cell comprises an anode and a cathode. The anode comprises an anode upper end shell, an anode lower end shell and a gas guide tube; the anode upper end shell and the anode lower end shell form an anode cavity with an upper opening and a lower opening, and a conduction nozzle is arranged in the anode cavity; the conduction nozzle is trumpet-shaped and is provided with a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end; the conduction nozzle is provided with a communication channel; the cathode comprises a cathode upper end cover, a cathode lower end cover and an adapter tube; a cathode cone is arranged on the inner wall of the cathode lower end cover; the bottom surface of the cathode cone is connected with the inner wall of the cathode lower end cover, and at least one part of the cathode cone is arranged in the communicating channel. The electrolytic tank is large in electrolytic area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by molten salt method. Background Art

[0002] Molten salt electrolysis is a metallurgical process that uses electrical energy to heat and convert it into chemical energy, melts certain metal salts and uses them as electrolytes for electrolysis to extract and purify metals. Heating solid thorium salt in an electrolytic cell to make it molten, changing from solid state to liquid state, and then electrolyzing can obtain relatively high-purity metallic thorium.

[0003] CN108423773A discloses a three-dimensional fluidized bed electrolysis device, which includes a reactor shell, and a water outlet and a water inlet are respectively arranged at the upper and lower parts of the reactor shell. An electrolytic anode and an electrolytic cathode, which are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes of an external power supply through wires, are arranged in the reactor shell. The electrolytic anode is wrapped and isolated by an insulating partition. The space between the outside of the insulating partition and the inner wall of the reactor shell is a fluidization chamber, and a large number of particle electrodes with electrical conductivity are arranged in the fluidization chamber. Small holes for water to pass through but blocking the contact between the particle electrodes and the electrolytic anode are arranged on the insulating partition. When the circulating water enters from the water inlet and then exits from the water outlet, it drives the particle electrodes to form a fluidized bed in the fluidization chamber. This electrolytic device uses granular electrodes and is not suitable for preparing thorium by molten salt method.

[0004] CN202440552U discloses an electrolytic cell, which includes an anode, a cathode and a carrier. The anode is located on the central axis of the carrier, the cathode is parallel to the anode and is evenly distributed around the anode on the carrier, and a cathode coil is wound on the cathode. The electrolytic area of this electrolytic cell needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by molten salt method, which has a large electrolytic area. Further, the electrolytic cell has a short electrode distance, a low cell voltage, and high electrolysis efficiency.

[0006] The present invention provides an electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by molten salt method, which includes an anode and a cathode;

[0007] The anode includes an upper anode shell, a lower anode shell and a gas duct;

[0008] The upper anode shell includes an upper anode shell body and an upper anode shell edge; the upper anode shell body has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the upper anode shell body is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper anode shell body; the upper anode shell edge is formed by extending downward from the bottom of the upper anode shell body;

[0009] The lower anode housing has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the lower anode housing is larger than that of the bottom opening of the lower anode housing; the top of the lower anode housing is connected to the edge of the upper anode housing, the bottom of the lower anode housing is a free end, and an anode through-hole is provided on the lower anode housing;

[0010] The upper anode housing and the lower anode housing form an anode cavity with openings at both the top and bottom. A conduction nozzle is provided in the anode cavity; the conduction nozzle is in a horn shape and has a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end; the large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle is connected to the anode through-hole; the conduction nozzle has a communication channel;

[0011] The gas guide pipe has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other; the first end of the gas guide pipe is connected to the top opening of the upper anode housing body;

[0012] The cathode includes an upper cathode cover, a lower cathode cover and a transition pipe;

[0013] The upper cathode cover includes an upper cathode cover body and an upper cathode cover edge; the upper cathode cover body has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the upper cathode cover body is smaller than that of the bottom opening of the upper cathode cover body; the upper cathode cover edge extends downward from the bottom of the upper cathode cover body; the upper cathode cover covers the outside of the upper anode housing;

[0014] The lower cathode cover has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the lower cathode cover is larger than that of the bottom opening of the lower cathode cover; the top of the lower cathode cover is connected to the upper cathode cover edge, and the bottom of the lower cathode cover is a free end; the lower cathode cover covers the outside of the lower anode housing;

[0015] A cathode cone is provided on the inner wall of the lower cathode cover; the bottom surface of the cathode cone is connected to the inner wall of the lower cathode cover, and at least a part of the cathode cone is arranged in the communication channel;

[0016] The transition pipe has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other; the first end of the transition pipe is connected to the top opening of the upper cathode cover body; the transition pipe is sleeved on the outer periphery of the gas guide pipe.

[0017] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the communication channel is in a horn shape; the communication channel starts from the large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle and ends at the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle;

[0018] The pointed end of the cathode cone is arranged in the communication channel, and the pointed end of the cathode cone is substantially flush with the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle.

[0019] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the upper end shell of the anode and the upper end cover of the cathode do not contact each other, the lower end shell of the anode and the lower end cover of the cathode do not contact each other, and the cathode cone and the conduction nozzle do not contact each other.

[0020] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the conduction nozzle is arranged to incline upward from the large-diameter end to the small-diameter end.

[0021] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the length of the upper end shell of the anode in the vertical direction is less than the length of the lower end shell of the anode in the vertical direction;

[0022] The length of the upper end cover of the cathode in the vertical direction is less than the length of the lower end cover of the cathode in the vertical direction.

[0023] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the electrolytic cell further includes a housing, and the housing includes a lower housing and an upper end cover;

[0024] The lower housing includes a lower housing bottom plate and a lower housing side wall, and the lower housing bottom plate and the lower housing side wall enclose a lower housing cavity with an upper opening;

[0025] The upper end cover covers the upper opening of the lower housing cavity;

[0026] The upper end shell of the anode, the lower end shell of the anode, the upper end cover of the cathode, and the lower end cover of the cathode are arranged in the lower housing cavity;

[0027] The second end of the gas guide pipe extends out from the upper end cover;

[0028] The second end of the adapter pipe extends out from the upper end cover.

[0029] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the electrolytic cell further includes a lining tank body, the lining tank body is arranged in the lower housing cavity, and at least a part of the anode and the cathode is arranged in the lining tank body;

[0030] The lining tank body includes a lining bottom plate, and the lower end surface of the lining bottom plate is attached to the upper end surface of the lower housing bottom plate; the end of the upper end surface of the lining bottom plate is inclined towards the middle, so that the height of the middle of the upper end surface of the lining bottom plate is lower than the height of the end of the upper end surface of the lining bottom plate.

[0031] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the lining tank body further includes a lining side wall;

[0032] The lining side wall is provided with a lining guide through hole, and the lower housing side wall is provided with a lower housing guide through hole; the lining guide through hole and the lower housing guide through hole are communicated with each other;

[0033] The middle of the lining bottom plate is provided with a bottom plate guide through hole;

[0034] A conduction channel is provided inside the inner lining bottom plate; the first end of the conduction channel is connected to the bottom plate conduction hole, and the second end of the conduction channel penetrates through the inner lining conduction hole and the lower housing conduction hole.

[0035] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, a first pipe body is connected to the second end of the conduction channel, and at least a part of the first pipe body is arranged outside the lower housing cavity; the first pipe body is arranged to discharge the electrolytically obtained thorium metal from the electrolytic cell;

[0036] A second pipe body is connected to the part of the first pipe body located outside the lower housing cavity, and the second pipe body is arranged to convey molten salt.

[0037] For the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, preferably, the lower housing bottom plate is composed of a heat insulation layer and a protective layer, the lower housing side wall is composed of a heat insulation layer and a protective layer, and the upper end cover is composed of a heat insulation layer and a protective layer;

[0038] The heat insulation layer is attached to the side of the protective layer close to the lower housing cavity.

[0039] The electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by the molten salt method of the present invention has a large electrolysis area, which can reduce the probability of the occurrence of the phenomenon of too high local electrolysis density. The design of the cathode and anode of the present invention can shorten the pole pitch, reduce the cell voltage, and improve the current efficiency of the electrolytic cell. The inner lining bottom plate of the present invention is convenient for collecting and fully discharging thorium. The conduction nozzle and the cathode cone of the present invention can increase the electrolysis area and facilitate the introduction of the generated gas into the gas guide pipe. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by the molten salt method of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of the shown cathode and anode.

[0042] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0043] 401 - Protective layer; 402 - Upper end cover; 403 - Heat insulation layer; 404 - Inner lining tank body; 405 - Conduction channel; 406 - First pipe body; 407 - Second pipe body; 408 - First control valve; 409 - Second control valve; 411 - Anode; 4111 - Anode upper shell; 4112 - Anode lower shell; 4114 - Conduction nozzle; 412 - Gas guide pipe; 410 - Cathode; 4101 - Cathode upper cover; 4102 - Adapter pipe; 4103 - Cathode lower cover; 4105 - Cathode cone. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0044] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0045] The electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by molten salt method of the present invention includes an anode and a cathode. In some embodiments, it further includes a housing and / or a lining tank body.

[0046] Anode

[0047] The anode of the present invention includes an upper anode shell, a lower anode shell, and a gas duct.

[0048] The upper anode shell includes an upper anode shell body and an upper anode shell edge. The upper anode shell is arranged in the cavity of the lower housing.

[0049] The upper anode shell body has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the upper anode shell body is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper anode shell body. The upper anode shell body is trumpet-shaped.

[0050] The upper anode shell edge is formed by extending downward from the bottom of the upper anode shell body. The upper anode shell edge is tubular.

[0051] The lower anode shell has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the lower anode shell is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening of the lower anode shell. The lower anode shell is trumpet-shaped. The top of the lower anode shell is connected to the bottom of the upper anode shell edge. The bottom of the lower anode shell is a free end. An anode through hole is provided on the lower anode shell. The diameter of the top opening of the lower anode shell is basically equal to the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper anode shell. The lower anode shell is arranged in the cavity of the lower housing. The length of the lower anode shell in the vertical direction is greater than the length of the upper anode shell in the vertical direction.

[0052] The upper anode shell and the lower anode shell form an anode cavity with upper and lower openings. A conduction nozzle is arranged in the anode cavity. The conduction nozzle is trumpet-shaped and has a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end. The large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle is connected to the anode through hole. The small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle is a free end. Preferably, the conduction nozzle is inclined upward from the large-diameter end to the small-diameter end. The conduction nozzle has a communication channel. The communication channel is trumpet-shaped. The communication channel starts from the large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle and ends at the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle. The large-diameter end of the communication channel is close to the large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle, and the small-diameter end of the communication channel is close to the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle. This helps to increase the electrolysis area and facilitate the introduction of gas into the gas duct.

[0053] The gas duct has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other. The first end of the gas duct is connected to the top opening of the upper anode shell body. The second end of the gas duct extends out from the upper cover. The second end of the gas duct is arranged outside the cavity of the lower housing. The gas duct is arranged to discharge the gas in the cavity of the lower housing. A gas valve can be arranged on the gas duct.

[0054] Cathode

[0055] The cathode of the present invention includes an upper cathode cover, a lower cathode cover and a connecting pipe.

[0056] The upper cathode cover includes an upper cathode cover body and an upper cathode cover edge. The upper cathode cover is disposed in the cavity of the lower housing. The upper cathode cover covers the outside of the upper anode shell. There is no contact between the upper cathode cover and the upper anode shell.

[0057] The upper cathode cover body has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the upper cathode cover body is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper cathode cover body. The upper cathode cover body is in a horn shape.

[0058] The upper cathode cover edge is formed by extending downward from the bottom of the upper cathode cover body. The upper cathode cover edge is tubular.

[0059] The lower cathode cover is disposed in the cavity of the lower housing. The lower cathode cover has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the lower cathode cover is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening of the lower cathode cover. The lower cathode cover is in a horn shape. The top of the lower cathode cover is connected to the bottom of the upper cathode cover edge. The diameter of the top opening of the lower cathode cover is substantially equal to the diameter of the lower opening of the upper cathode cover. The bottom of the lower cathode cover is a free end. The lower cathode cover covers the outside of the lower anode shell. There is no contact between the lower cathode cover and the lower anode shell.

[0060] A cathode cone is provided on the inner wall of the lower cathode cover. The cathode cone is a cone. The bottom surface of the cathode cone is connected to the inner wall of the lower cathode cover. A part of the cathode cone is disposed in the communication channel. The pointed end of the cathode cone is disposed in the communication channel. The pointed end of the cathode cone is substantially flush with the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle. The cathode cone is not in contact with the conduction nozzle. This helps to increase the electrolysis area.

[0061] The length of the lower cathode cover in the vertical direction is greater than the length of the upper cathode cover in the vertical direction.

[0062] The connecting pipe has a first end and a second end that are away from each other. The first end of the connecting pipe is connected to the top opening of the upper cathode cover body. The connecting pipe is sleeved on the outer periphery of the air duct. The second end of the connecting pipe extends out of the upper end cover. The second end of the connecting pipe is disposed outside the cavity of the lower housing. A sealing block may be provided on the inner wall of the connecting pipe. The sealing block is provided to fill the space between the connecting pipe and the air duct.

[0063] Housing

[0064] The housing of the present invention includes a lower housing and an upper end cover.

[0065] The lower housing includes a lower housing bottom plate and a lower housing side wall. The lower housing bottom plate and the lower housing side wall enclose a lower housing cavity with an open upper end. Lower housing guide through holes may be provided on the lower housing side wall.

[0066] The lower housing bottom plate may be composed of a heat insulation layer and a protective layer. The lower housing side wall may be composed of a heat insulation layer and a protective layer. In the lower housing bottom plate and the lower housing side wall, the heat insulation layer is attached to the side of the protective layer close to the lower housing cavity.

[0067] The upper end cover covers the upper open end of the lower housing cavity. The upper end cover is composed of a heat insulation layer and a protective layer. In the upper end cover, the heat insulation layer is attached to the side of the protective layer close to the lower housing cavity.

[0068] Inner lining tank

[0069] The inner lining tank body of the present invention is arranged in the lower housing cavity. At least a part of the anode and the cathode is arranged in the inner lining tank body.

[0070] The inner lining tank body includes an inner lining bottom plate. The lower end surface of the inner lining bottom plate is attached to the upper end surface of the housing bottom plate. The end of the upper end surface of the inner lining bottom plate is inclined towards the middle, so that the height of the middle of the upper end surface of the inner lining bottom plate is lower than the height of the end of the upper end surface of the inner lining bottom plate. A bottom plate guide through hole may be provided in the middle of the inner lining bottom plate.

[0071] The inner lining tank body further includes an inner lining side wall. The outer surface of the inner lining side wall is attached to the inner surface of the lower housing side wall. Inner lining guide through holes may be provided on the inner lining side wall. The inner lining guide through holes and the lower housing guide through holes are in communication.

[0072] A conduction channel may be arranged in the inner lining bottom plate. The conduction channel has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other. The first end of the conduction channel is connected to the bottom plate guide through hole. The second end of the conduction channel passes through the inner lining guide through hole and the lower housing guide through hole. This facilitates the collection of metallic thorium and is conducive to the full discharge of metallic thorium.

[0073] The second end of the conduction channel is connected with a first pipe body. At least a part of the first pipe body is arranged outside the lower housing cavity. The first pipe body is arranged to discharge the electrolyzed metallic thorium out of the electrolytic cell. A first control valve is arranged on the first pipe body. The first control valve may be arranged at the end of the first pipe body far away from the conduction channel. Metallic thorium can be sucked out through the first pipe body by means of suction.

[0074] A second pipe body is connected to the part of the first pipe body located outside the lower housing cavity. The second pipe body is arranged to convey molten salt. A second control valve may be arranged on the second pipe body. The second control valve may be arranged at the end of the second pipe body far away from the first pipe body. The inside of the lower housing cavity can be evacuated through an air duct, so that the molten salt enters the inner lining tank body through the second pipe body and the conduction channel.

[0075] Example 1

[0076] As Figure 1 shown, the electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by the molten salt method in this embodiment includes a housing, an anode 411, a cathode 410, and a lining tank body 404.

[0077] The housing includes a lower housing and an upper end cover 402.

[0078] The lower housing includes a lower housing bottom plate and lower housing side walls. The lower housing bottom plate and the lower housing side walls enclose a lower housing cavity with an upper opening. Lower housing guide through holes are provided on the lower housing side walls. The lower housing bottom plate is composed of a heat insulation layer 403 and a protective layer 401. The lower housing side walls are composed of a heat insulation layer 403 and a protective layer 401. In the lower housing bottom plate and the lower housing side walls, the heat insulation layer 403 is attached to the side of the protective layer 401 close to the lower housing cavity.

[0079] The upper end cover 402 covers the upper opening of the lower housing cavity. The upper end cover 402 is composed of a heat insulation layer 403 and a protective layer 401. In the upper end cover 402, the heat insulation layer 403 is attached to the side of the protective layer 401 close to the lower housing cavity.

[0080] As Figure 2 shown, the anode 411 includes an anode upper shell 4111, an anode lower shell 4112, and a gas guide pipe 412.

[0081] The anode upper shell 4111 is arranged in the lower housing cavity. The anode upper shell 4111 includes an anode upper shell body and an anode upper shell edge. The anode upper shell body has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the anode upper shell body is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening of the anode upper shell body. The anode upper shell body is trumpet-shaped. The anode upper shell edge extends downward from the bottom of the anode upper shell body. The anode upper shell edge is tubular.

[0082] The anode lower shell 4112 is arranged in the lower housing cavity. The anode lower shell 4112 has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the anode lower shell 4112 is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening of the anode lower shell 4112. The anode lower shell 4112 is trumpet-shaped. The top of the anode lower shell 4112 is connected to the bottom of the anode upper shell edge. The diameter of the top opening of the anode lower shell 4112 is substantially equal to the diameter of the lower opening of the anode upper shell 4111. The bottom of the anode lower shell 4112 is a free end. Anode guide through holes are provided on the anode lower shell 4112. The length of the anode lower shell 4112 in the vertical direction is greater than the length of the anode upper shell 4111 in the vertical direction.

[0083] The upper anode housing 4111 and the lower anode housing 4112 form an anode cavity with openings at both the top and the bottom. A conduction nozzle 4114 is arranged in the anode cavity. The conduction nozzle 4114 is in a horn shape, having a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end. The large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle 4114 is connected to the anode through-hole. The small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle 4114 is a free end. In the direction from the large-diameter end to the small-diameter end, the conduction nozzle 4114 is inclined upward. The conduction nozzle 4114 has a communication channel. The communication channel starts from the large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle 4114 and ends at the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle 4114. The communication channel is in a horn shape.

[0084] The gas guide pipe 412 has a first end and a second end that are away from each other. The first end of the gas guide pipe 412 is connected to the top opening of the upper anode housing body. The second end of the gas guide pipe 412 extends out from the upper end cover 402. The second end of the gas guide pipe 412 is arranged outside the lower housing cavity. The gas guide pipe 412 is used to discharge the gas in the lower housing cavity. A gas guide pipe control valve can be arranged on the gas guide pipe 412.

[0085] The cathode 410 includes an upper cathode cover 4101, a lower cathode cover 4103, and a transition pipe 4102.

[0086] The upper cathode cover 4101 is arranged in the lower housing cavity. The upper cathode cover 4101 includes an upper cathode cover body and an upper cathode cover edge. The upper cathode cover body has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the upper cathode cover body is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper cathode cover body. The upper cathode cover body is in a horn shape. The upper cathode cover edge extends downward from the bottom of the upper cathode cover body. The upper cathode cover edge is tubular. The upper cathode cover 4101 covers the outside of the upper anode housing 4111, and there is no contact between them.

[0087] The lower cathode cover 4103 is arranged in the lower housing cavity. The lower cathode cover 4103 has a top opening and a bottom opening. The diameter of the top opening of the lower cathode cover 4103 is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening of the lower cathode cover 4103. The lower cathode cover 4103 is in a horn shape. The top of the lower cathode cover 4103 is connected to the bottom of the upper cathode cover edge. The diameter of the top opening of the lower cathode cover 4103 is basically equal to the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper cathode cover 4101. The bottom of the lower cathode cover 4103 is a free end. The lower cathode cover 4103 covers the outside of the lower anode housing 4112, and there is no contact between them.

[0088] The length of the lower cathode cover 4103 in the vertical direction is greater than the length of the upper cathode cover 4101 in the vertical direction.

[0089] On the inner wall of the lower cathode cover 4103, a cathode cone 4105 is provided. The cathode cone 4105 is a cone. The bottom surface of the cathode cone 4105 is connected to the inner wall of the lower cathode cover 4103. A part of the cathode cone 4105 is arranged in the communication channel. The pointed end of the cathode cone 4105 is arranged in the communication channel and is basically flush with the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle 4114. The cathode cone 4105 does not contact the conduction nozzle 4114.

[0090] The adapter pipe 4102 has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other. The first end of the adapter pipe 4102 is connected to the top opening of the upper cathode cover body. The second end of the adapter pipe 4102 extends out of the upper end cover 402. The second end of the adapter pipe 4102 is arranged outside the lower housing cavity. The adapter pipe 4102 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the air duct 412. A sealing block is arranged on the inner wall of the adapter pipe 4102. The sealing block is arranged to fill the space between the adapter pipe 4102 and the air duct 412.

[0091] As Figure 1 shown, the inner lining tank body 404 is arranged in the lower housing cavity. At least a part of the cathode 410 and the anode 411 is arranged in the inner lining tank body 404. The inner lining tank body 404 includes an inner lining bottom plate and inner lining side walls. The lower end surface of the inner lining bottom plate is attached to the upper end surface of the lower housing bottom plate. The outer surface of the inner lining side walls is attached to the inner surface of the lower housing side walls. Inner lining guide through holes are arranged on the inner lining side walls. The inner lining guide through holes and the lower housing guide through holes are communicated. The end part of the upper end surface of the inner lining bottom plate is inclined towards the middle, so that the height of the middle part of the upper end surface of the inner lining bottom plate is lower than the height of the end part of the upper end surface of the inner lining bottom plate. A bottom plate guide through hole is arranged in the middle of the inner lining bottom plate. A conduction channel 405 is arranged in the inner lining bottom plate. The conduction channel 405 has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other. The first end of the conduction channel 405 is connected to the bottom plate guide through hole. The second end of the conduction channel 405 penetrates through the inner lining guide through hole and the lower housing guide through hole.

[0092] A first pipe body 406 is connected to the second end of the conduction channel 405. At least a part of the first pipe body 406 is arranged outside the lower housing cavity. The first pipe body 406 is used to discharge the electrolytically obtained thorium metal from the electrolytic cell. A first control valve 408 is arranged on the first pipe body 406. The first control valve 408 is arranged at one end of the first pipe body 406 far away from the conduction channel 405.

[0093] A second pipe body 407 is connected to the part of the first pipe body 406 located outside the lower housing cavity. The second pipe body 407 is used to transport molten salt. A second control valve 409 is arranged on the second pipe body 407. The second control valve 409 is arranged at one end of the second pipe body 407 far away from the first pipe body 406.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the essence of the present invention, any variations, improvements, and substitutions that can be conceived by those skilled in the art fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell for preparing thorium by the molten salt method, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell includes an anode and a cathode; The anode includes an upper anode shell, a lower anode shell, and a gas duct; The upper anode shell includes an upper anode shell body and an upper anode shell edge; the upper anode shell body has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the upper anode shell body is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper anode shell body; the upper anode shell edge is formed by extending downward from the bottom of the upper anode shell body; The lower anode shell has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the lower anode shell is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening of the lower anode shell; the top of the lower anode shell is connected to the upper anode shell edge, the bottom of the lower anode shell is a free end, and an anode conduction hole is provided on the lower anode shell; The upper anode shell and the lower anode shell form an anode cavity with openings at both the top and bottom, and a conduction nozzle is arranged in the anode cavity; the conduction nozzle is in a horn shape and has a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end; the large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle is connected to the anode conduction hole; the conduction nozzle has a communication channel; The gas duct has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other; the first end of the gas duct is connected to the top opening of the upper anode shell body; The cathode includes an upper cathode cover, a lower cathode cover, and a connecting pipe; The upper cathode cover includes an upper cathode cover body and an upper cathode cover edge; the upper cathode cover body has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the upper cathode cover body is smaller than the diameter of the bottom opening of the upper cathode cover body; the upper cathode cover edge is formed by extending downward from the bottom of the upper cathode cover body; the upper cathode cover covers the outside of the upper anode shell; The lower cathode cover has a top opening and a bottom opening, and the diameter of the top opening of the lower cathode cover is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening of the lower cathode cover; the top of the lower cathode cover is connected to the upper cathode cover edge, the bottom of the lower cathode cover is a free end; the lower cathode cover covers the outside of the lower anode shell; A cathode cone is arranged on the inner wall of the lower cathode cover; the bottom surface of the cathode cone is connected to the inner wall of the lower cathode cover, and at least a part of the cathode cone is arranged in the communication channel; The connecting pipe has a first end and a second end that are far away from each other; the first end of the connecting pipe is connected to the top opening of the upper cathode cover body; the connecting pipe is sleeved on the outer periphery of the gas duct.

2. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein, The communication channel is in a horn shape; the communication channel starts from the large-diameter end of the conduction nozzle and ends at the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle; The pointed end of the cathode cone is arranged in the communication channel, and the pointed end of the cathode cone is basically flush with the small-diameter end of the conduction nozzle.

3. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper anode shell and the upper cathode cover do not contact each other, the lower anode shell and the lower cathode cover do not contact each other, and the cathode cone and the conduction nozzle do not contact each other.

4. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein, The conduction nozzle is arranged to incline upward from the large-diameter end to the small-diameter end.

5. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that The length of the upper anode shell in the vertical direction is smaller than the length of the lower anode shell in the vertical direction; The length of the upper cathode cover in the vertical direction is less than the length of the lower cathode cover in the vertical direction.

6. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein The electrolytic cell further includes a housing, and the housing includes a lower housing and an upper end cover; The lower housing includes a lower housing bottom plate and a lower housing side wall, and the lower housing bottom plate and the lower housing side wall enclose a lower housing cavity with an upper opening; The upper end cover covers the upper opening of the lower housing cavity; The upper anode shell, the lower anode shell, the upper cathode cover and the lower cathode cover are arranged in the lower housing cavity; The second end of the gas guide pipe extends out of the upper end cover; The second end of the adapter pipe extends out of the upper end cover.

7. The electrolytic cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell further includes a lining tank body, the lining tank body is arranged in the lower housing cavity, and at least a part of the anode and the cathode is arranged in the lining tank body; The lining tank body includes a lining bottom plate, and the lower end surface of the lining bottom plate is attached to the upper end surface of the lower housing bottom plate; the end part of the upper end surface of the lining bottom plate is inclined towards the middle, so that the height of the middle part of the upper end surface of the lining bottom plate is lower than the height of the end part of the upper end surface of the lining bottom plate.

8. The electrolytic cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lining tank body further includes a lining side wall; Lining guide through holes are arranged on the lining side wall, and lower housing guide through holes are arranged on the lower housing side wall; the lining guide through holes and the lower housing guide through holes are communicated with each other; A bottom plate guide through hole is arranged in the middle of the lining bottom plate; A conduction channel is arranged in the lining bottom plate; the first end of the conduction channel is connected to the bottom plate guide through hole, and the second end of the conduction channel is arranged in the lining guide through hole and the lower housing guide through hole.

9. The electrolytic cell according to claim 8, characterized in that, A first pipe body is connected to the second end of the conduction channel, and at least a part of the first pipe body is arranged outside the lower housing cavity; the first pipe body is arranged to discharge the electrolytically obtained thorium metal out of the electrolytic cell; A second pipe body is connected to the part of the first pipe body located outside the lower housing cavity, and the second pipe body is arranged to convey molten salt.

10. The electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The lower housing bottom plate is composed of a heat insulation layer and a protection layer, the lower housing side wall is composed of a heat insulation layer and a protection layer, and the upper end cover is composed of a heat insulation layer and a protection layer; The heat insulation layer is attached to the side of the protection layer close to the lower housing cavity.

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