Molten salt equipment and cleaning device thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the field of equipment for producing metal through an electrolytic method, in particular to molten salt equipment and a cleaning device thereof. And the cleaning device is used for cleaning the metal mixture. The metal mixture is formed in the first electrolyte through electrolytic reduction and is formed on an electrode body of the cathode assembly, and the metal mixture can be subjected to next-step electrolysis in a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte in composition; the electrode body comprises a first electrode connecting piece. The cleaning device comprises a cleaning container used for containing cleaning liquid with the same components as the second electrolyte so as to dilute the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture; and the first electrode connecting piece is detachably connected with the cathode connecting piece, so that the electrode body can be soaked in the cleaning liquid of the cleaning container. By means of the cleaning device, the influence of the first electrolyte left on the surface of the metal mixture on the next step of electrolysis can be reduced, so that the next step of electrolysis of the metal mixture is smoothly conducted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of equipment used for producing metals by electrolysis, and specifically to a molten salt equipment and a cleaning device thereof. Background Art

[0002] The statements herein merely provide background information related to the present application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] In some cases, to obtain metal materials, the corresponding metal compounds need to be processed. Currently, the electrolytic reduction method is commonly used to obtain the corresponding metal materials. During the electrolytic reduction process of metal compounds to obtain metal materials, the surface of the obtained product may contain residual molten salt used for conductivity, which affects subsequent processing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A brief overview of the present application is provided below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the present application. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive overview of the present application. It is not intended to identify key or important portions of the present application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present application. Its purpose is simply to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be discussed later.

[0005] In response to the above problems, embodiments of the present application provide a molten salt device and a cleaning device thereof.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a cleaning device for cleaning a metal mixture. The metal mixture is formed by electrolytic reduction of radioactive metal oxide contained in a cathode assembly in a first electrolyte. The metal mixture is further used for further electrolysis in a second electrolyte, the components of which are different from those of the first electrolyte. The cathode assembly includes an electrode body for containing the radioactive metal oxide and a conductive connection assembly for connecting the electrode body to an external cable. The electrode body of the cathode assembly includes a first electrode connector, and the conductive connection assembly includes a first conductive connector, which is detachably connected to the first electrode connector.

[0007] The cleaning device provided in the embodiments of the present application includes a cleaning container and a cathode connector. The cleaning container is used to hold a cleaning liquid having the same composition as the second electrolyte, so as to dilute the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture with the second electrolyte; the first electrode connector of the electrode body is detachably connected to the cathode connector, and the electrode body can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container after being connected to the cathode connector.

[0008] The cleaning device provided in the embodiment of the present application can use the second electrolyte to dilute the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture, thereby reducing the impact of the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture on the next electrolysis, so that the next electrolysis of the metal mixture in the second electrolyte can proceed smoothly.

[0009] In a second aspect, the molten salt equipment provided in the embodiments of the present application includes a first electrolysis device, a second electrolysis device, and the cleaning device provided in the embodiments of the first aspect of the present application. The first electrolysis device is used to accommodate a first electrolyte, and the cathode assembly of the first electrolysis device is used to accommodate a radioactive metal oxide. The radioactive metal oxide is electrolytically reduced in the first electrolyte to form a metal mixture; the second electrolysis device is used to accommodate a second electrolyte. The metal mixture undergoes a further electrolysis in the second electrolysis device using the second electrolyte, and the components of the second electrolyte are different from those of the first electrolyte. The cleaning device provided in the embodiments of the first aspect of the present application is configured to use the second electrolyte to clean the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present application.

[0011] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cleaning device is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cathode assembly of the first electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of the cathode assembly shown at another angle.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of the electrode body of the cathode assembly is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of the hanging basket of the electrode body is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The figure shows a schematic structural diagram of the cathode assembly after the second conductive connecting member, the third conductive connecting member, the conductive locking member and the third insulating member are assembled.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The structure shown is a schematic diagram after the second conductive connecting member and the third insulating member are omitted.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of the first electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the first electrolysis device without the electrolysis container body.

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the structure is shown.

[0022] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the anode assembly is shown.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cathode assembly of the first electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of the cathode assembly shown at another angle.

[0025] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of the electrode body of the cathode assembly after omitting multiple hollow parts.

[0026] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure shown is shown at another angle.

[0027] Figure 17 yes Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of a hollow part of a cathode assembly is shown.

[0028] Figure 18 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the anode assembly is shown.

[0029] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 An enlarged view of a portion of the anode assembly is shown.

[0030] Figure 20 yes Figure 8 The structure shown is a schematic diagram after omitting the electrode assembly and the collector.

[0031] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the structure is shown.

[0032] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A partial enlarged view of the structure shown.

[0033] Figure 23 yes Figure 12 An enlarged view of a portion of the anode assembly is shown.

[0034] Figure 24 yes Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of the anode assembly shown at another angle.

[0035] Figure 25 yes Figure 20 An enlarged view of a portion of the anode assembly is shown.

[0036] Figure 26 yes Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of the collecting component of the first electrolysis device is shown.

[0037] Figure 27 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the structure shown is shown at another angle.

[0038] Description of reference numerals:

[0039] 100. A first electrolysis device;

[0040] 11. Electrolytic container body; 12. Electrolytic container cover; 121. Electrode mounting interface; 1211. Pipe fitting; 1212. Pipe connection piece; 12121. Mounting hole; 122. Mounting locking piece; 1221. Rod; 1222. Pressing piece; 1223. Elastic piece; 123. Gas outlet interface;

[0041] 21. Electrode body; 22. Electrode connector; 221. Electrode connector body; 222. Raised portion; 223. Sealing member; 224. Electrode mounting hole;

[0042] 23. Electrode lifting part; 230. Conical surface; 231. Lifting fitting; 232. Lifting connection; 2321. Connecting plate; 2322. Connecting column; 24. Mounting and locking fitting; 241. Notch; 242. Guide surface; 243. Fitting groove; 25. Guide part;

[0043] 26. Conductive connection assembly; 261. First conductive connector; 2611. Insulation mating portion; 262. Second conductive connector; 2621. First connecting portion; 2622. Second connecting portion; 26221. Connecting slot; 26222. Side wall opening; 26223. Top wall opening; 263. Third conductive connector; 2631. Third conductive body; 2632. Third connecting portion; 2633. Conductive locking mating portion; 264. Conductive locking member; 2601. First portion; 2602. Second portion;

[0044] 265, insulation assembly; 2651, first insulation member; 2652, second insulation member; 2653, third insulation member; 28, thermal insulation member; 281, thermal insulation board; 282, connecting rod;

[0045] 201, cathode assembly; 2011, first end connector; 20110, first positioning groove; 20111, first plate; 20112, through hole; 20113, first frame member;

[0046] 2012, second end connector; 20120, second positioning groove; 20121, second plate; 20122, threaded connector; 20123, second frame member;

[0047] 201221, clamping plane; 2013, hollow part; 20131, opening; 20132, hollow side wall; 2014, center connecting part; 20141, connecting rod; 20142, limiter; 20143, threaded fitting; 201431, clamping plane;

[0048] 2015, body connector; 20151, plate; 20152, first electrode connector; 20150, slot; 201501, first slot section; 201502, second slot section; 2016, hanging basket assembly; 20161, hanging basket; 201610, opening; 201611, bottom plate; 201612, ring member; 201613, mesh sidewall; 20162, hanging basket hanging member; 20163, hanging basket connector; 201631, first connecting rod; 201632, second connecting rod;

[0049] 202, anode assembly; 2021, anode material; 2022, anode connector;

[0050] 40. Molten salt steam overflow prevention member; 41. Gas collection pipe; 411. First pipe; 412. Second pipe; 42. Steam shielding member; 421. Vent; 43. Gas collection chamber;

[0051] 50. Cleaning device; 51. Cleaning container; 511. Cleaning container body; 5110. Accommodating chamber; 5111. Outer shell; 5112. Inner shell; 5113. Cooling assembly; 51131. Cooling chamber; 51132. Cooling pipeline; 5114. Container connector; 5115. Stopper; 5116. Stopper fitting; 5117. Protective shell; 5118. Heating element; 512. Cleaning container cover; 5120. Cleaning through-hole; 52. Cathode connector; 53. Rotating drive element; 54. Moving element; 55. Lifting drive element; 56. Guide element; 57. Support element;

[0052] 60. Cooling shell; 601. Cooling cavity; 602. Cooling pipeline;

[0053] 70. Collecting member; 700. Collecting body; 701. Collecting mounting member; 7011. Rod; 70111. Guide portion; 7012. Sealing member; 702. Mounting fitting; 703. Collecting mounting hole;

[0054] 80. Cover insulation.

[0055] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are merely shown in a schematic manner that does not affect the reader's understanding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, not all features of actual implementations are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made in the process of developing any such actual implementation in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as meeting those constraints related to the system and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. In addition, it should be understood that although the development work may be very complex and time-consuming, it is a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this application.

[0057] Here, it should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the present application due to unnecessary details, only the equipment structure and / or processing steps that are closely related to the scheme according to the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, and other details that are not closely related to the present application are omitted. For the process of preparing metal materials by electrolytic reduction of metal oxides, in some cases, it is necessary to use a mixture of lithium oxide and more than 90% lithium chloride as the molten salt (i.e., electrolyte) used in the molten salt equipment, so there will be residues of lithium oxide and lithium chloride on the surface of the prepared product. In the related art, distillation is usually used to remove the electrolyte residues, but due to the high boiling point of lithium oxide, it is not suitable for removal by distillation, and water-containing components cannot be added when removing the electrolyte, which causes the problem of difficulty in processing.

[0058] Embodiments of the present application provide a molten salt device and a cleaning device thereof.

[0059] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cleaning device shown; Figure 3Schematic diagram of the structure of a cathode assembly of a first electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The cleaning device 50 provided in an embodiment of the present application is used to clean a metal mixture formed by electrolytic reduction of radioactive metal oxides contained in a cathode assembly 201 in a first electrolyte. The metal mixture is also used for further electrolysis in a second electrolyte, the components of which are different from those of the first electrolyte. The cathode assembly 201 includes an electrode body 21 for containing radioactive metal oxides and a conductive connection assembly 26 for connecting the electrode body 21 to an external cable. The electrode body 21 includes a first electrode connector 20152. The conductive connection assembly 26 includes a first conductive connector 261. The first conductive connector 261 is detachably connected to the first electrode connector 20152.

[0060] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cleaning device 50 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a cleaning container 51 and a cathode connector 52. The cleaning device 50 is used to contain a cleaning liquid having the same composition as the second electrolyte, so as to dilute the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture with the second electrolyte; the first electrode connector 20152 of the electrode body 21 can be detachably connected to the cathode connector 52, and after the electrode body 21 and the cathode connector 52 are connected, they can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container 51.

[0061] The cleaning device 50 provided in the embodiment of the present application can use the second electrolyte to dilute the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture, thereby reducing the impact of the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture on the next electrolysis, so that the next electrolysis of the metal mixture in the second electrolyte can proceed smoothly.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first electrolyte is lithium oxide and more than 90% lithium chloride, and the second electrolyte is a mixture eutectic salt of lithium chloride and potassium chloride.

[0063] See also Figure 2In some embodiments, the cleaning container 51 may include a cleaning container body 511 and a cleaning container cover 512. The cleaning container body 511 forms a accommodating cavity 5110 with a top opening. The cleaning container cover 512 is used to close the top opening. The cleaning container cover 512 is provided with a cleaning through-hole 5120. The cathode connector 52 passes through the cleaning through-hole 5120 from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the cleaning device 50 may further include a rotating drive member 53. The cathode connector 52 is connected to the rotating drive member 53 so that the rotating drive member 53 is used to drive the cathode connector 52 to rotate, thereby driving the electrode body 21 to rotate. In such an embodiment, the rotation of the cathode connector 52 by the rotating drive member 53, thereby driving the electrode body 21 to rotate, can accelerate the diffusion of the first electrolyte remaining in the cathode body into the cleaning liquid, which is conducive to improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0064] In some embodiments, the rotation driving member 53 may be a motor.

[0065] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the cleaning device 50 may further include a moving part 54 and a lifting drive part 55. The cleaning container cover 512 and the rotating drive part 53 are arranged on the moving part 54; the lifting drive part 55 is used to drive the moving part 54 to move up and down, so as to drive the metal mixture in the electrode body 21 to move to a position above the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container 51 and a position below the liquid level of the cleaning liquid. When the metal mixture moves to a position below the liquid level of the cleaning liquid, the metal mixture can be cleaned; when the metal mixture moves to a position above the liquid level of the cleaning liquid, the cleaned metal mixture can be deliquated to separate the liquid on the electrode body 21 from the electrode body 21. In such an embodiment, by driving the moving part 54 up and down by the lifting drive part 55, the metal mixture can be switched between cleaning and deliquating, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0066] Specifically, when the lifting drive 55 drives the electrode body 21 to move below the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container 51, the rotating drive 53 drives the electrode body 21 to rotate at a first speed to accelerate the diffusion of the electrolyte remaining in the electrode body 21 into the cleaning liquid; when the lifting drive 55 drives the electrode body 21 to move above the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container 51, the rotating drive 53 drives the electrode body 21 to rotate at a second speed to utilize centrifugal action to separate the liquid on the electrode body 21 from the electrode body 21; the first speed is less than the second speed.

[0067] In some embodiments, the lifting drive member 55 may also be a motor.

[0068] join Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the cleaning device 50 may further include a guide member 56 and a support member 57. The support member 57 is connected to the guide member 56. The lifting drive member 55 drives the movable member 54 to rise and fall relative to the guide member 56. The lifting drive member 55 is disposed on the support member 57. In such an embodiment, the support member 57 supports the lifting drive member 55, which facilitates the smooth lifting and lowering of the movable member 54. At the same time, the guide member 56 provides guidance for the movement of the movable member 54, which also facilitates the smooth lifting and lowering of the movable member 54.

[0069] In some embodiments, the support member 57 may be a ring member disposed above the moving member 54. In some embodiments, the guide member 56 may be a rod member.

[0070] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments, the cleaning container body 511 may include an outer shell 5111, an inner shell 5112, and a heating element 5118. The lower and middle portion of the inner shell 5112 is disposed within the outer shell 5111, and the upper portion of the inner shell 5112 extends above the outer shell 5111, forming a receiving chamber 5110. The heating element 5118 is disposed within the outer shell 5111 and is configured to heat the inner shell 5112. In such an embodiment, the heating element 5118 heats the inner shell 5112, thereby heating the cleaning liquid within the receiving chamber 5110 and improving the cleaning effect.

[0071] In some embodiments, the cleaning container body 511 may include a protective shell 5117 disposed on the outside of the inner shell 5112 to provide protection for the inner shell 5112 .

[0072] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments, the cleaning container body 511 may further include a cooling assembly 5113 disposed above the outer shell 5111 for cooling the upper portion of the inner shell 5112. In such an embodiment, cooling the upper portion of the inner shell 5112 by the cooling assembly 5113 ensures that the cleaning container cover 512 seals the receiving chamber 5110 and also helps reduce the amount of cleaning liquid within the receiving chamber 5110 that escapes the receiving chamber 5110 in the form of vapor. The cooling assembly 5113 may be disposed within the protective shell 5117.

[0073] In some embodiments, the cooling assembly 5113 is configured to form a cooling cavity 51131, into which a cooling medium is passed to cool the upper portion of the inner shell 5112. In some embodiments, the cooling assembly may further include a cooling line 51132 in communication with the cooling cavity 51131 for passing a cooling medium into the cooling cavity 51131.

[0074] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the cleaning container body 511 may further include a container connector 5114, which is arranged radially outside the top opening of the inner shell 5112. The cleaning container cover 512 can be lowered to abut against the container connector 5114 under the action of the lifting drive 55, and the guide member 56 is arranged on the container connector 5114.

[0075] In such an embodiment, the container cover 512 is abutted against the container connector 5114 to close the accommodating cavity 5110 .

[0076] In some embodiments, the container connector 5114 of the inner shell 5112 is disposed above the protective shell 5117 .

[0077] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the cleaning container cover 512 is connected to the movable member 54 below the movable member 54. In some embodiments, the cleaning container body 511 may further include a stopper 5115 disposed on the container connector 5114 to limit the position at which the movable member 54 descends. In such an embodiment, the stopper 5115 can limit the position at which the electrode body 21 descends; when the movable member 54 descends and abuts the stopper 5115, the movable member 54 stops moving, and the electrode body 21 is now located below the level of the cleaning liquid.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cleaning container body 511 may further include a limiting fitting 5116 , which is disposed on the container connector 5114 and is configured to cooperate with the limiting fitting to limit the position at which the movable member 54 descends.

[0079] Specifically, the limit member 5115 is a pad, and the limit matching member 5116 is a limit sensor. The movable member 54 is provided with a limit switch. When the lifting drive member 55 drives the movable member 54 to descend until it contacts the pad, the limit switch blocks the limit sensor, and the lifting drive member 55 stops driving the movable member 54 downward.

[0080] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the electrode body 21 may further include a body connector 2015 and multiple basket assemblies 2016. A first electrode connector 20152 is disposed on the body connector 2015; multiple basket assemblies 2016 are detachably suspended from the body connector 2015, and the metal mixture is contained in the multiple basket assemblies 2016; wherein the height of the accommodating chamber 5110 is greater than twice the height of the basket assemblies 2016. In such an embodiment, the basket assemblies 2016 can be immersed below the liquid level of the cleaning liquid and positioned above the liquid level of the cleaning liquid. At the same time, when the basket assemblies 2016 are positioned above the liquid level of the cleaning liquid, they remain within the accommodating chamber 5110, preventing the cleaning liquid from entering the outside of the accommodating chamber 5110 during de-liquidation.

[0081] The molten salt equipment provided in the embodiments of the present application may include a first electrolysis device, a second electrolysis device, and a cleaning device 50 provided in the embodiments of the present application. The first electrolysis device is used to accommodate a first electrolyte, and the cathode assembly 201 of the first electrolysis device is used to accommodate radioactive metal oxides. The radioactive metal oxides are electrolytically reduced in the first electrolyte to form a metal mixture; the second electrolysis device is used to accommodate a second electrolyte. The metal mixture undergoes a further electrolysis in the second electrolysis device using the second electrolyte, and the components of the second electrolyte are different from those of the first electrolyte; the cleaning device 50 provided in the embodiments of the present application is configured to use the second electrolyte to clean the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture.

[0082] See also Figure 9 The present invention provides a first electrolysis device 100, which may include an electrolysis vessel body 11 for containing a molten salt (i.e., an electrolyte), an electrolysis vessel cover 12 for sealing the electrolysis vessel body 11, and a plurality of electrode assemblies. The electrolysis vessel body 11 is provided with an electrode mounting interface 121, and the electrode assembly is detachably mounted to a corresponding electrode mounting interface 121.

[0083] See also Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may include an electrode body 21, an electrode connector 22 for sealingly connecting to the electrode mounting interface 121 of the first electrolysis device 100, and a conductive connection component 26 for connecting the electrode body 21 to an external cable, and the electrode body 21 is insulated and connected to the electrode connector 22 through the conductive connection component 26.

[0084] The plurality of electrode assemblies may include a cathode assembly 201 and a plurality of anode assemblies 202. In the embodiments of the present application, the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201 and the electrode body 21 of the anode assembly 202 have different structures, while the other structures of the cathode assembly 201 and the anode assembly 202 may be identical. When describing the same structural composition of the cathode assembly 201 and the anode assembly 202, the term "electrode assembly" may be used to represent the cathode assembly 201 and the anode assembly 202.

[0085] During the electrolytic reduction of metal oxides, only the metal oxides in contact with the cathode can be electrolytically reduced because the metal oxides are non-conductive. The cathode surface area in related art is relatively small, resulting in a small amount of metal oxide in contact with the cathode and low electrolytic reduction efficiency.

[0086] The electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201 includes a body connector 2015 and multiple hanging basket assemblies 2016. The body connector 2015 is connected to the conductive connection assembly 26. The multiple hanging basket assemblies 2016 are detachably hung on the body connector 2015 to accommodate metal oxides to be electrolytically reduced.

[0087] The cathode assembly 201 provided in the embodiment of the present application can accommodate the metal oxide to be electrolytically reduced by setting up multiple hanging basket assemblies 2016, so that the cathode assembly 201 has a larger surface area, which is beneficial to increasing the contact area between the cathode assembly 201 and the metal oxide, and thus is beneficial to improving the efficiency of electrolytic reduction; at the same time, the multiple hanging basket assemblies 2016 are arranged to be detachably hung on the main body connector 2015, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of the multiple hanging basket assemblies 2016.

[0088] In some embodiments, the molten salt in the first electrolysis device 100 can be a mixture of lithium oxide and lithium chloride, with the lithium chloride comprising greater than 90%. In some embodiments, the metal oxide to be electrolytically reduced forms a radioactive metal mixture after electrolysis, which forms on the cathode. The resulting metal mixture can be electrolytically refined to extract specific components.

[0089] See also Figure 5 In some embodiments, the body connector 2015 forms a plurality of slots 20150. The hanging basket assembly 2016 includes a hanging basket 20161 and a hanging basket hanging member 20162 connected to the hanging basket 20161. The hanging basket hanging member 20162 can enter the slots 20150 and be hung in the slots 20150. In such an embodiment, the hanging basket assembly 2016 can be detachably hung on the body connector 2015 by hanging the hanging basket hanging member 20162 in the slots 20150. At the same time, the body connector 2015 forms a plurality of slots 20150, which facilitates hanging multiple hanging basket assemblies 2016 on the body connector 2015, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the cathode assembly 201.

[0090] In some embodiments, the basket 20161 is used to hold the metal oxide to be electrolytically reduced.

[0091] See also Figure 5 In some embodiments, the slot 20150 includes a first slot section 201501 extending radially from the periphery of the main body connector 2015, and a second slot section 201502 communicating with the first slot section 201501 and extending in a direction that forms an angle with the first slot section 201501. The hanging basket hanging member 20162 can enter the second slot section 201502 via the first slot section 201501. In such an embodiment, the angle formed between the first slot section 201501 and the second slot section 201502 helps prevent the hanging basket hanging member 20162 from unexpectedly returning to the first slot section 201501 after entering the second slot section 201502, thereby preventing the hanging basket hanging member 20162 from falling out of the slot 20150.

[0092] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the hanging basket assembly 2016 may include a hanging basket connector 20163 for connecting the hanging basket 20161 and the hanging basket hanging member 20162. The hanging basket connectors 20163 of two adjacent hanging basket assemblies 2016 can be mutually limited to prevent the hanging basket hanging member 20162 from entering the first slot section 201501 from the second slot section 201502. In such an embodiment, by enabling the hanging basket connectors 20163 of two adjacent hanging basket assemblies 2016 to be mutually limited, the hanging basket hanging member 20162 can be further prevented from entering the first slot section 201501 from the second slot section 201502 in unexpected circumstances, further facilitating the prevention of the hanging basket hanging member 20162 from falling out of the slot 20150.

[0093] See also Figure 6In some embodiments, the basket connector 20163 may include two first connecting rods 201631 and a second connecting rod 201632 connecting the two first connecting rods 201631, with the basket hanging member 20162 connected to the second connecting rod 201632. In some embodiments, an opening 201610 is formed at the upper end of the basket 20161, and the two first connecting rods 201631 are connected to the basket 20161 radially outward of the opening 201610. In some embodiments, when the basket assembly 2016 is hung on the body connector 2015, the second connecting rods 201632 of the basket assembly 2016 form a regular polygon; the first connecting rods 201631 of two adjacent basket assemblies 2016 face each other to prevent the basket hanging member 20162 from entering the first slot section 201501 from the second slot section 201502. In such an embodiment, the hanging basket hanging component 20162 is prevented from entering the first slot section 201501 from the second slot section 201502 to avoid the hanging basket hanging component 20162 from being separated from the body connecting component 2015 in an unexpected situation.

[0094] See also Figure 5 In some embodiments, the distance L1 between the first connecting rods 201631 of two adjacent basket assemblies 2016 is less than the length L2 of the second slot section 201502, allowing the basket assemblies 2016 to rotate relative to the second slot section 201502. In such embodiments, the basket assemblies 2016 can only move by a length L1. Because L1 is less than L2, the basket assemblies 2016 remain within the second slot section 201502 after movement and do not move from the second slot section 201502 into the first slot section 201501. When the basket assemblies 2016 rotate, the distance between the two adjacent basket assemblies 2016 increases, reaching a maximum distance equal to the distance between the two adjacent baskets 20161, which is greater than L2. This allows the basket assemblies 2016 to move within the second slot section 201502 and into the first slot section 201501, thereby separating from the body connector 2015 and facilitating removal of the basket assemblies 2016.

[0095] In some embodiments, after the basket assembly 2016 is removed, the metal mixture formed after electrolytic reduction can be taken out from the basket 20161 , or the metal oxide to be electrolytically reduced can be placed into the basket 20161 .

[0096] See also Figure 6In some embodiments, the hanging basket 20161 may include a bottom plate 201611, a ring member 201612 forming an opening 201610, and a mesh side wall 201613 connecting the bottom plate 201611 and the ring member 201612. In such an embodiment, the mesh side wall 201613 can increase the area of ​​conductive contact between the metal oxide and the metal oxide, while facilitating sufficient contact between the molten salt and the metal oxide to be electrolytically reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of electrolytic reduction.

[0097] See also Figure 5 In some embodiments, the main connector 2015 may include a plate 20151 and a first electrode connector 20152 disposed on the plate 20151. The first electrode connector 20152 is threadedly connected to the conductive connection assembly 26. The slot 20150 is formed in the plate 20151. In such an embodiment, the threaded connection between the first electrode connector 20152 and the conductive connection assembly 26 enables quick disassembly and connection of the main connector 2015 and the conductive connection assembly 26.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first electrode connector 20152 is threadedly connected to the first conductive connector 261 .

[0099] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may further include an electrode suspender 23 disposed on the electrode connector 22 and configured for suspending the electrode. In some embodiments, the electrode suspender 23 may include a tapered surface 230 that cooperates with a suspending mechanism to reduce the degree to which the electrode body 21 of the electrode assembly deviates from the vertical direction when the electrode suspender 23 is suspended. In such embodiments, the tapered surface 230 cooperates with the suspending mechanism to reduce eccentricity of the electrode body 21 of the electrode assembly.

[0100] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the electrode hanging member 23 may include a hanging fitting 231 and a hanging connection 232 connected to the hanging fitting 231, and the hanging connection 232 is provided on the electrode connecting member 22. The hanging fitting 231 forms a tapered surface 230, which facilitates the hanging part to cooperate and reduces the eccentricity of the electrode assembly during the hanging process.

[0101] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the hanging connector 232 may include a connecting plate 2321 and a plurality of connecting posts 2322 connected to the connecting plate 2321. The connecting plate 2321 is connected to the hanging fitting 231; the plurality of connecting posts 2322 are provided on the electrode connector 22 to connect the connecting plate 2321 to the electrode connector 22.

[0102] The electrode assemblies of molten salt equipment typically draw high currents. In particular, the cathode assembly 201 can draw currents up to 1000A through the conductive connector assembly 26, requiring thicker cables. In related art, the conductive connector assembly typically utilizes an electrical connector for quick-connection with an external cable connector. This facilitates separation of the electrical connector from the external cable connector when the electrode assembly is hoisted separately.

[0103] The inventors of this application have discovered that the current electrical connectors for large currents are relatively heavy, and when the electrode assembly is hoisted using a hoisting mechanism, it will cause a slight eccentricity in the electrode assembly. Since the overall length of the electrode assembly is relatively long, even a slight eccentricity will make it difficult for the hoisting mechanism to successfully hoist the electrode assembly into the electrode mounting interface.

[0104] See also Figure 3 and Figure 18 In some embodiments, the conductive connection assembly 26 may include a first portion 2601 and a second portion 2602 that can be quickly disconnected. The first portion 2601 is insulated from and electrically connected to the electrode connector 22 and is conductively connected to the electrode body 21, and the second portion 2602 is connected to an external cable. The projection of the center of gravity of the first portion 2601 in the horizontal plane is located within the projection outline of the electrode suspending member 23 in the horizontal plane. When the electrode assembly is hoisted, the first portion 2601 and the second portion 2602 are disassembled. In such an embodiment, since the projection of the center of gravity of the first portion 2601 in the horizontal plane is located within the projection outline of the electrode suspending member 23 in the horizontal plane, it is possible to prevent the electrode body 21 from deviating from the vertical direction due to the eccentricity of the electrode connector 22 when the electrode assembly is hoisted, which is conducive to the electrode body 21 being smoothly hoisted into the electrode mounting interface 121.

[0105] See also Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 18 In some embodiments, the first portion 2601 may include a first conductive connector 261 and a second conductive connector 262. The first conductive connector 261 passes through the electrode connector 22 and is conductively connected to the electrode body 21. The second conductive connector 262 is conductively connected to the first conductive connector 261 above the electrode connector 22. The projection of the center of gravity of the first conductive connector 261 and the second conductive connector 262 in the horizontal plane is located within the projection outline of the hanging fitting 231 and the hanging connector 232 in the horizontal plane.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second portion 2602 may include a third conductive connector 263 and a conductive locking member 264. The third conductive connector 263 is used to connect to an external cable, and the conductive locking member 264 is used to quickly connect the third conductive connector 263 to the second conductive connector 262. In such an embodiment, the quick-release connection of the third conductive connector 263 to the second conductive connector 262 via the conductive locking member 264 can achieve a quick-release connection between the first portion 2601 and the second portion 2602, facilitating assembly and disassembly of the electrode assembly.

[0107] In some embodiments, when the electrode assembly is hoisted, the second conductive connector 262 and the third conductive connector 263 are detached.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first conductive connector 261 and the second conductive connector 262 are both insulated and connected to the electrode connector 22. In some embodiments, the threaded connector 20122 is threadedly connected to the first conductive connector 261.

[0109] See also Figure 8 In some embodiments, the second conductive connector 262 may include a first connecting portion 2621 for connecting to the first conductive connector 261 and a second connecting portion 2622 for connecting to the third conductive connector 263. In some embodiments, the third conductive connector 263 may include a third connecting portion 2632 for connecting to an external cable and a conductive locking portion 2633 for engaging with the conductive locking member 264. The conductive locking portion 2633 is connected to the second connecting portion 2622 through a locking engagement with the conductive locking member 264. In such an embodiment, the locking engagement of the conductive locking portion 2633 with the conductive locking member 264 enables a quick-release connection between the third conductive connector 263 and the second conductive connector 262, thereby achieving a quick-release connection between the first and second portions.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first connection portion 2621 and the second connection portion 2622 may be arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0111] In some embodiments, the third conductive connector 263 may further include a third conductive body 2631, and the third connecting portion 2632 and the conductive locking portion 2633 are both connected to the third conductive body 2631. The third connecting portion 2632 and the conductive locking portion 2633 may be perpendicular to each other.

[0112] See also Figure 7In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 2622 can form a connecting groove 26221, with the sidewalls and top wall of the connecting groove 26221 forming sidewall openings 26222 and top wall openings 26223, respectively. The conductive locking portion 2633 can enter the connecting groove 26221 through the sidewall opening 26222, and the conductive locking member 264 can lockably engage with the conductive locking portion 2633 at the top wall opening 26223, thereby conductively connecting the third conductive connector 263 to the second conductive connector 262. In such an embodiment, the second conductive connector 262 can be lightweight and compact, thereby preventing severe eccentricity of the electrode connector 22.

[0113] In some embodiments, the conductive locking portion 2633 and the conductive locking member 264 can be locked together by threaded engagement. In some embodiments, the conductive locking portion 2633 can be a stud, and the conductive locking member 264 can be a nut.

[0114] See also Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, cathode assembly 201 forms a chamber for accommodating a mixture composed of radioactive metal oxides. The mixture is electrolytically reduced in molten salt to form a metal mixture, and oxygen-containing gas is generated at anode assembly 202. Since tail gas (i.e., oxygen-containing gas) is generated during the electrolysis process, it is necessary to discharge the tail gas. In some embodiments, the mixture chamber is a hollow chamber to facilitate the flow of molten salt in and out.

[0115] In some embodiments, the electrolysis container cover 12 forms a gas outlet port 123 for allowing oxygen-containing gas to flow out.

[0116] The inventors of this application have discovered that during the exhaust gas discharge process, molten salt vapor is discharged along with the exhaust gas, resulting in significant losses. To address this issue, in some embodiments, the first electrolysis device 100 may further include a molten salt vapor overflow prevention member 40 to reduce the amount of molten salt vapor entering the gas outlet port 123. In such an embodiment, the provision of the molten salt vapor overflow prevention member 40 to reduce the amount of molten salt vapor entering the gas outlet port 123 can reduce the loss of molten salt vapor that flows out with the oxygen-containing gas.

[0117] In some embodiments, the oxygen-containing gas is formed at the electrode body 21 of the anode assembly 202. Figure 10 and Figure 11In some embodiments, the molten salt steam overflow prevention component 40 includes a plurality of gas collecting pipes 41, which are connected to the electrolysis container cover 12. The plurality of gas collecting pipes 41 are fluidically connected to the gas outlet interface 123. The plurality of gas collecting pipes 41 extend downward from the electrolysis container cover 12 to enter below the molten salt liquid surface. Each anode assembly 202 extends downward to below the molten salt liquid surface on the radial inner side of a corresponding gas collecting pipe 41; the oxygen-containing gas formed at the electrode body 21 of the anode assembly 202 can move upward along the electrode body 21 to enter the gas collecting pipe 41. In such an embodiment, a gas collecting pipe 41 connected to the electrolysis container cover 12 is provided, and the gas collecting pipe 41 is arranged to enter below the molten salt liquid surface, so that the gas formed on the surface of the electrode body 21 of the anode assembly 202 will enter the gas outlet interface 123 along the gas collecting pipe 41, thereby achieving the purpose of exhaust gas discharge; at the same time, the molten salt vapor located in the gas collecting pipe 41 can enter the gas outlet interface 123, while the molten salt vapor located outside the gas collecting pipe 41 will not enter the gas outlet interface 123, thereby reducing the amount of molten salt vapor entering the gas collecting pipe 41, and further significantly reducing the amount of molten salt vapor entering the gas outlet interface 123.

[0118] See also Figure 12 In some embodiments, the electrode body 21 of the anode assembly 202 may include an anode material 2021 and an anode connector 2022 , the anode material 2021 is connected to the anode connector 2022 , and the anode connector 2022 is connected to the conductive connection assembly 26 .

[0119] In some embodiments, the oxygen-containing gas is formed at the anode material 2021. In some embodiments, the anode material 2021 may be formed of a carbon-carbon composite material, and the oxygen-containing gas formed at the anode material 2021 is composed of carbon oxide.

[0120] See also Figure 11 In some embodiments, the molten salt steam overflow prevention member 40 further includes a steam shielding member 42, which is disposed below the electrolysis container cover 12. The steam shielding member 42 and the electrolysis container cover 12 together form a gas collection chamber 43, and the gas collection chamber 43 is fluidically connected to the gas outlet interface 123; the steam shielding member 42 forms a plurality of vents 421, and each gas collection pipe 41 is fluidically connected to the gas collection chamber 43 through a corresponding vent 421. In such an embodiment, the gas collection chamber 43 is formed by providing the steam shielding member 42, so that the gas in each gas collection pipe 41 can enter the gas collection chamber 43 and flow out from one gas outlet interface 123. In addition, due to the provision of the steam shielding member 42, most of the molten salt vapor is prevented from flowing to the electrolysis container cover 12, thereby helping to reduce the heat transfer effect of the molten salt vapor to the electrolysis container cover 12 and helping to improve the sealing of the electrolysis container cover 12.

[0121] See also Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the gas collection pipe 41 may include a first pipe 411 and a second pipe 412 connected to the first pipe 411, wherein the first pipe 411 is located above the molten salt liquid surface, and the second pipe 412 extends from the upper end of the molten salt liquid surface to below the molten salt liquid surface, and the second pipe 412 is formed of a non-metallic material.

[0122] The inventors of this application have discovered that the molten salt surface severely corrodes metals, affecting electrolytic reduction efficiency and contaminating the molten salt. In this embodiment, the gas collection pipe 41 is configured to consist of a first pipe 411 formed of a metal material and a second pipe 412 formed of a non-metallic material. This prevents the metal from coming into contact with the molten salt, thereby ensuring the strength of the gas collection pipe 41 while preventing corrosion from the molten salt surface.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second tube 412 is a corundum tube. In such an embodiment, the molten salt liquid surface will not corrode the corundum tube, which is conducive to ensuring the efficiency of electrolytic reduction.

[0124] See also Figure 11 In some embodiments, the electrolysis vessel cover 12 is provided with multiple electrode mounting ports 121. Each gas collection pipe 41 is aligned with an electrode mounting port 121, and the electrode mounting ports 121 communicate with the gas collection chamber 43, allowing for smooth entry and exit of the electrode assembly. In such an embodiment, the amount of molten salt vapor lost through the gas outlet ports 123 can be reduced without affecting the entry and exit of the anode assembly 202.

[0125] See also Figure 12 In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may further include a thermal insulator 28 connected to the electrode connector 22 below the electrode connector 22. The thermal insulator 28 is used to reduce heat radiation from the molten salt within the electrolysis vessel body 11. In such an embodiment, by reducing heat radiation from the molten salt through the thermal insulator 28, the heat transferred to the electrode connector 22 can be reduced, thereby lowering the temperature of the electrode connector 22 and ensuring a sealing effect between the electrode mounting interface 121 and the electrode connector 22.

[0126] See also Figure 12 In some embodiments, the thermal insulation member 28 may include a plurality of thermal insulation plates 281 spaced apart along the axial direction of the electrode body 21, and the plurality of thermal insulation plates 281 are connected to the electrode connector 22 via connecting rods 282. In such an embodiment, the provision of a plurality of thermal insulation plates 281 can improve the thermal insulation effect of the thermal insulation member 28.

[0127] See also Figure 11In some embodiments, the thermal insulation member 28 is located inside the electrode mounting interface 121. In such an embodiment, the thermal insulation member 28 disposed inside the electrode mounting interface 121 can reduce the heat conducted to the electrode connector 22, thereby helping to lower the temperature of the electrode connector 22.

[0128] See also Figure 11 In some embodiments, the first electrolysis device 100 may further include a cooling shell 60. The cooling shell 60 is connected to the electrolysis container cover 12 above the electrolysis container cover 12 to form a cooling chamber 601 with the electrolysis container cover 12. A cooling medium is introduced into the cooling chamber 601 to cool the electrolysis container cover 12. The molten salt in the gas collection pipe 41 can transfer heat to the electrode connector 22 and the electrolysis container cover 12 in the form of thermal radiation, resulting in higher temperatures of the electrode connector 22 and the electrode mounting interface 121. This may adversely affect the seal between the electrode connector 22 and the electrode mounting interface 121 and reduce the sealing between the electrode connector 22 and the electrode mounting interface 121. In such an embodiment, the cooling medium in the cooling chamber 601 can cool the electrolysis container cover 12, thereby cooling the electrode mounting interface 121 to reduce the temperature of the electrode mounting interface 121 and ensure the sealing between the electrode mounting interface 121 and the electrode connector 22.

[0129] See also Figure 20 In some embodiments, the first electrolysis device 100 may further include a cooling pipeline 602 , which is disposed on the electrolysis container cover 12 and communicates with the cooling cavity 601 , and is used to pass a cooling medium into the cooling cavity 601 .

[0130] See also Figure 20 In some embodiments, the first electrolysis device 100 may further include a cover insulation member 80 disposed below the electrolysis vessel cover 12 to reduce heat transfer to the electrolysis vessel cover 12. The cover insulation member 80 may be disposed on the steam shield 42. The cover insulation member 80 may include a plurality of insulation plates spaced apart along the axial direction of the electrolysis vessel body 11, the plurality of insulation plates being connected to the steam shield 42 via connecting rods. The insulation plates of the cover insulation member 80 may be provided with a clearance hole for the first pipe 411 to pass through.

[0131] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 The embodiment of the present application also provides another cathode assembly 201, wherein the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201 shown is different, but the other structures are the same.

[0132] The electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201 may include a first end connector 2011, a second end connector 2012 and a plurality of hollow accommodating cavities spaced apart from each other, the first end connector 2011 being connected to the conductive connection assembly 26, the second end connector 2012 being detachably connected to the first end connector 2011, and a plurality of hollow accommodating cavities spaced apart from each other being detachably arranged between the first end connector 2011 and the second end connector 2012.

[0133] The cathode assembly 201 provided in the embodiment of the present application can accommodate the metal oxide to be electrolytically reduced through multiple hollow accommodating cavities, so that the cathode assembly 201 has a larger specific surface area, which is beneficial to increasing the contact area between the cathode assembly 201 and the metal oxide. At the same time, the molten salt can smoothly enter the accommodating cavity and contact the metal oxide, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of electrolytic reduction; at the same time, the multiple hollow accommodating cavities are arranged to be detachably arranged between the first end connector 2011 and the second end connector 2012, so as to facilitate installation and disassembly.

[0134] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the surfaces facing each other of the first end connector 2011 and the second end connector 2012 may respectively form a first positioning groove 20110 and a second positioning groove 20120. Figure 15 、 Figure 16 and Figure 17 In some embodiments, the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201 may further include a plurality of hollow parts 2013, the hollow parts 2013 are circumferentially closed and form an opening 20131 at one end facing the first end connector 2011 or the second end connector 2012, and the two ends of the hollow parts 2013 are respectively embedded in the first positioning groove 20110 and the second positioning groove 20120 to form a hollow accommodating cavity together with the first end connector 2011 or the second end connector 2012. In such an embodiment, by setting the hollow piece 2013 to be open at one end 20131 and closed at the other end, it is convenient to load the cathode material through the opening 20131 at one end of the hollow piece 2013 when the hollow piece 2013 is not connected to the first end connecting piece 2011 and the second end connecting piece 2012; at the same time, due to the opening 20131 at one end of the hollow piece 2013, it has a small amount of elasticity along the length direction. When assembling multiple hollow pieces 2013, the first end connecting piece 2011 and the second end connecting piece 2012, even if there are differences in the lengths of the multiple hollow pieces 2013 due to processing errors, the small amount of elasticity of the hollow piece 2013 along the length direction allows the two ends of the multiple hollow pieces 2013 to be smoothly installed in the first positioning groove 20110 and the second positioning groove 20120, and allows the two end connecting pieces to be detachably connected.

[0135] See also Figure 17 In some embodiments, the hollow member 2013 may include a plurality of hollow side walls 20132 , and the plurality of hollow side walls 20132 are interconnected to achieve circumferential closure.

[0136] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201 may further include a central connector 2014, and the first end connector 2011 and the second end connector 2012 may be detachably connected to the central connector 2014. In such an embodiment, the first end connector 2011 may be detachably connected to the second end connector 2012 via the central connector 2014.

[0137] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the first end connector 2011 may form a through hole 20112 , and the center connector 2014 passes through the through hole 20112 , so that the first end connector 2011 can be sleeved on the center connector 2014 .

[0138] The first end connector 2011 may include a first plate body 20111 and a plurality of first frame members 20113 disposed on the first plate body 20111 , wherein the first frame members 20113 and the first plate body 20111 together form a first positioning groove 20110 .

[0139] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the central connector 2014 may include a connecting rod 20141 and a limiting member 20142 provided on the connecting rod 20141, wherein the limiting member 20142 is used to prevent the first end connector 2011 from detaching from the connecting rod 20141 to facilitate assembly.

[0140] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the second end connector 2012 may include a second plate body 20121 and a threaded connector 20122 arranged on the second plate body 20121. The threaded connector 20122 is threadedly connected to the conductive connection component 26 and the central connector 2014, so that the electrode body 21 can be assembled and disassembled with the conductive connection component 26 through the threaded connector 20122, which is convenient for removing the electrode body 21 separately for subsequent processing after the electrolysis is completed.

[0141] In such an embodiment, the threaded connection between the threaded connector 20122 and the central connector 2014 can achieve a detachable connection between the threaded connector 20122 and the central connector 2014 , thereby achieving a detachable connection of the electrode body 21 .

[0142] The threaded connector 20122 is threadedly connected to the connecting rod 20141. In some embodiments, a limiter 20142 is provided at one end of the connecting rod 20141, and a thread is formed at the other end of the connecting rod 20141 to be threadedly connected to the threaded connector 20122.

[0143] The second end connector 2012 may further include a plurality of second frame members 20123 disposed on the second plate body 20121 , and the second frame members 20123 and the second plate body 20121 together form a second positioning groove 20120 .

[0144] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the central connector 2014 may further include a threaded fitting 20143 disposed on the connecting rod 20141 and located on the side of the stopper 20142 away from the second end connector 2012. The radially outer surfaces of the threaded fitting 20143 and the threaded connector 20122 respectively form a clamping plane 201431 and a clamping plane 201221 that can be clamped by a clamping member. This allows the threaded fitting 20143 and the threaded connector 20122 to be clamped by the clamping member for relative rotation, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly of the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201. In such an embodiment, the ability to rotate by clamping the clamping plane 201431 of the threaded fitting 20143 and the clamping plane 201221 of the threaded connector 20122 facilitates simplified assembly and disassembly of the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201. In some embodiments, the central connector 2014 is a single piece.

[0145] The threaded fitting 20143 can have, for example, six hexagonal clamping flats 201431 .

[0146] When assembling the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201, first embed the two ends of each hollow part 2013 into the first positioning groove 20110 and the second positioning groove 20120 respectively, then pass the connecting rod 20141 through the through hole 20112 formed on the first end connecting part 2011, and enter the through hole of the second end connecting part 2012, and then clamp the clamping plane 201431 of the threaded fitting 20143 and the clamping plane 201221 of the threaded connecting part 20122 respectively, rotate the threaded fitting 20143, tighten the connecting rod 20141 and the threaded connecting part 20122, and complete the assembly of the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201.

[0147] When disassembling the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201, first clamp the clamping plane 201431 and the clamping plane 201221 of the threaded fitting 20143 and the threaded connector 20122 respectively through the clamping parts, rotate the threaded fitting 20143, disassemble the connecting rod 20141 from the threaded connector 20122, and pull the connecting rod 20141 out of the second end connector 2012 and the first end connector 2011. At this time, each hollow part 2013 can be separated from the first positioning groove 20110 and the second positioning groove 20120, thereby completing the disassembly of the electrode body 21 of the cathode assembly 201.

[0148] See also Figure 16 In some embodiments, a gap can be formed between the threaded fitting 20143 and the stopper 20142, and the outer diameter of the threaded fitting 20143 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting rod 20141. After electrolysis is completed, the threaded fitting 20143 and the stopper 20142 are immersed in the molten salt and corroded, and a large amount of molten salt adheres to both. This makes it difficult for the clamping member to clamp the threaded fitting 20143, making it difficult to achieve relative rotation between the threaded fitting 20143 and the threaded connector 20122, thereby making it difficult to disassemble the cathode assembly 201. In such an embodiment, the gap formed between the threaded fitting 20143 and the stopper 20142, and the outer diameter of the threaded fitting 20143 being larger than the outer diameter of the connecting rod 20141, helps reduce the amount of molten salt adhering to the threaded fitting 20143, thereby facilitating the clamping member to clamp the threaded fitting 20143.

[0149] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may further include an insulating component 265 for forming insulation between the conductive connection component 26 and the electrode connector 22 .

[0150] See also Figure 19In some embodiments, the electrode connector 22 may form an electrode mounting hole 224. In some embodiments, the insulating assembly 265 may include a first insulating member 2651 and a second insulating member 2652. The first insulating member 2651 is embedded in the electrode mounting hole 224, and the second conductive connector 262 is abutted against the first insulating member 2651 above the first insulating member 2651. The first conductive connector 261 passes through the electrode mounting hole 224 on the inner side of the first insulating member 2651 and is connected to the second conductive connector 262; the second insulating member 2652 is disposed below the electrode connector 22, and the first conductive connector 261 has an insulating mating portion 2611. The second insulating member 2652 is disposed between the first insulating member 2651 and the insulating mating portion 2611 to prevent the first conductive connector 261 from electrically contacting the lower surface of the electrode connector 22. In such an embodiment, insulation can be formed between the first connection portion 2621 of the second conductive connector 262 and the electrode connector 22 by the first insulating member 2651, and insulation can also be formed between the first conductive connector 261 and the electrode connector 22 by the first insulating member 2651 and the second insulating member 2652.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 2651 and the second insulating member 2652 may be rubber or plastic rings.

[0152] See also Figure 12 In some embodiments, the insulating assembly 265 may further include a third insulating member 2653 for providing support for the second connecting portion 2622 of the second conductive connector 262 and insulating the second connecting portion 2622 from the electrode connector 22. In such an embodiment, the third insulating member 2653 can provide insulation between the second connecting portion 2622 of the second conductive connector 262 and the electrode connector 22, thereby cooperating with the first insulating member 2651 to achieve insulation between the second conductive connector 262 and the electrode connector 22.

[0153] See also Figure 12 In some embodiments, the top wall opening 26223 is close to the connecting plate 2321, and the third insulating member 2653 is disposed below the top wall opening 26223 to prevent the second conductive connector 262 from tilting downward after the third conductive connector 263 and the second conductive connector 262 are assembled.

[0154] See also Figure 3 and Figure 12In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may include a guide 25, which is provided on the first conductive connector 261 below the electrode connector 22. When the electrode hoist 23 is lifted, the guide 25 is used to guide the electrode body 21 so that the electrode body 21 can be smoothly moved out of the electrode mounting interface 121. When the electrode body 21 is moved out of the electrode mounting interface 121 by lifting, the electrode body 21 may be eccentric or shaken due to the long length of the electrode assembly, and the electrode body 21 may be stuck and cannot be smoothly moved out. In such an embodiment, by providing the guide 25, a guide can be provided for the electrode body 21 so that the electrode body 21 can be smoothly moved out of the electrode mounting interface 121. In some embodiments, the guide 25 can be a frustum structure, and the maximum outer diameter of the frustum is the same as the outer diameter of the electrode body 21.

[0155] See also Figure 10 and Figure 20 In some embodiments, each electrode assembly can be detachably mounted on a corresponding electrode mounting interface 121 .

[0156] During the electrolysis of radioactive materials, the molten salt equipment is located within a glove box, and manual installation and removal of each electrode assembly from the electrode mounting interface 121 is performed. Due to the large number of electrode assemblies, manual removal of electrode assemblies located away from the operator's gloves on the side of the glove box is inconvenient. Streamlining the installation and removal of electrode assemblies from the electrode mounting interface 121 presents a pressing challenge.

[0157] For this issue, see Figure 9 and Figure 20 In some embodiments, the electrode mounting interface 121 includes a plurality of mounting locking members 122, and the electrode assembly includes a plurality of mounting locking fittings 24. When the electrode assembly rotates relative to the electrode mounting interface 121, the mounting locking members 122 and the mounting locking fittings 24 can be locked or unlocked to seal or separate the electrode assembly and the electrode mounting interface 121. Typically, the electrode assembly is located within a glove box and is transferred within the glove box via a lifting mechanism. In such embodiments, the lifting mechanism drives the electrode assembly to rotate relative to the electrode mounting interface 121, thereby enabling installation and removal of the electrode assembly from the electrolysis vessel cover 12.

[0158] See also Figure 20 In some embodiments, the electrode mounting interface 121 may include a pipe 1211 connected to the electrolysis container cover 12 and a pipe nozzle connector 1212 disposed at the pipe nozzle of the pipe 1211. The pipe nozzle connector 1212 has a plurality of mounting holes 12121, and the mounting locking member 122 is disposed in the mounting hole 12121. Figure 9In some embodiments, the mounting locking member 24 is provided on the electrode connector 22. The electrode body 21 is inserted into the tube 1211 through the nozzle connector 1212, and the mounting locking member 122 is locked with the mounting locking member 24 to seal the electrode connector 22 with the nozzle connector 1212. In such an embodiment, by sealing the electrode connector 22 with the nozzle connector 1212, the electrode assembly is sealed to the electrode mounting interface 121.

[0159] See also Figure 11 In some embodiments, the thermal insulation member 28 is located within the tube 1211 of the electrode mounting interface 121 .

[0160] See also Figure 21 and Figure 22 In some embodiments, the mounting locking member 122 may include a rod 1221 and a pressing member 1222, wherein the rod 1221 is passed through a corresponding mounting hole 12121, and the pressing member 1222 is connected to the rod 1221. Figure 23 In some embodiments, the locking fitting 24 is installed to form a notch 241. When the electrode assembly is rotated relative to the electrode mounting interface 121, the rod 1221 can enter the notch 241, and the pressing member 1222 can press the electrode connector 22 against the nozzle connector 1212. In such an embodiment, after the electrode assembly is inserted into the electrode mounting interface 121 and the rod 1221 is aligned with the notch 241, rotating the electrode assembly can cause the rod 1221 to enter the notch 241, and the pressing member 1222 can then press the electrode connector 22 against the nozzle connector 1212, thereby achieving connection of the electrode assembly, which is suitable for operation within a glove box.

[0161] See also Figure 22 In some embodiments, the mounting locking member 122 may further include an elastic member 1223 for providing a force to the pressing member 1222 to press the electrode connector 22 and the nozzle connector 1212. In such an embodiment, the elastic member 1223 provides a pressing force to ensure that the electrode connector 22 and the nozzle connector 1212 are pressed tightly together, thereby ensuring a stable connection between the electrode assembly and the electrode mounting interface 121.

[0162] See also Figure 23 In some embodiments, the mounting locking fitting 24 may be a U-shaped piece connected to the electrode connector 22 , and the U-shaped piece forms a notch 241 .

[0163] See also Figure 23In some embodiments, the surfaces of the U-shaped member on both sides of the notch 241 may form guide surfaces 242. When the rod 1221 enters the notch 241, the guide surfaces 242 guide the movement of the pressing member 1222 relative to the U-shaped member. In such an embodiment, the guide surfaces 242 guide the movement of the pressing member 1222 relative to the U-shaped member, allowing the pressing member 1222 to smoothly press the electrode connector 22 and the nozzle connector 1212. Specifically, the installation locking member 24 can smoothly enter between the pressing member 1222 and the nozzle connector 1212.

[0164] See also Figure 23 In some embodiments, the U-shaped member further forms a mating groove 243. After the rod 1221 enters the notch 241, the pressing member 1222 can be inserted into the mating groove 243. In such an embodiment, the pressing member 1222 inserted into the mating groove 243 can limit the rod 1221 to prevent the rod 1221 from being separated from the notch 241.

[0165] See also Figure 14 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 24 and Figure 25 In some embodiments, the electrode connector 22 may include an electrode connector body 221, a raised portion 222 disposed on the electrode connector body 221, and a sealing member 223 disposed on the raised portion 222. When the pressing member 1222 presses the electrode connector 22 against the nozzle connector 1212, the raised portion 222 embeds into the nozzle connector 1212, and the sealing member 223 seals the raised portion 222 and the nozzle connector 1212. In such an embodiment, by providing the raised portion 222 and the sealing member 223, a sealed connection between the electrode assembly and the electrode mounting interface 121 can be achieved.

[0166] In some embodiments, the electrode mounting hole 224 is formed in the electrode connection body 221. Figure 1 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the electrode hanging member 23 is disposed on the electrode connection body 221, and the connecting posts 2322 are connected to the electrode connection body 221. The multiple connecting posts 2322 support the connecting plate 2321 in a suspended manner above the electrode mounting hole 224. In some embodiments, the mounting locking fitting 24 is connected to the electrode connection body 221.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 2651 can form insulation between the first connection portion 2621 and the electrode connection body 221, the second insulating member 2652 can form insulation between the first conductive connection member 261 and the electrode connection body 221, and the third insulating member 2653 can form insulation between the second connection portion 2622 and the electrode connection body 221.

[0168] In some embodiments, the plurality of heat insulation plates 281 are connected to the electrode connection body 221 via connecting rods 282 .

[0169] See also Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first electrolysis device 100 may further include a collector 70 connected to the electrolysis vessel cover 12. The collector 70 is positioned beneath the multiple electrode assemblies to collect material that has fallen from the multiple electrode assemblies. After multiple electrolysis cycles, the collector 70 needs to be removed at 650°C to process the material within. In related art, the collector 70 is typically placed directly within the electrolysis vessel body 11, making removal inconvenient.

[0170] In the embodiment of the present application, the collecting member 70 is connected to the electrolysis container cover 12 , so that the collecting member 70 can be taken out by simply lifting the electrolysis container cover 12 , which is easy to operate.

[0171] See also Figure 10 In some embodiments, the collecting member 70 is detachably connected to the electrolysis container cover 12. When the collecting member 70 and the electrolysis container cover 12 are simultaneously lifted off the electrolysis container body 11, sufficient space is required above the electrolysis container body 11. When the space above the electrolysis container body 11 is limited, the collecting member 70 and the electrolysis container cover 12 cannot be lifted off at the same time. The collecting member 70 can only be retained in the electrolysis container body 11, and the electrolysis container cover 12 can only be lifted off separately. In the embodiments of the present application, by arranging the collecting member 70 and the electrolysis container cover 12 to be detachably connected, it is convenient to disassemble the electrolysis container cover 12 and the collecting member 70 when necessary, and then facilitate the lifting of the electrolysis container cover 12 separately.

[0172] See also Figure 10 and Figure 26 In some embodiments, the collector 70 may include a collector body 700 and multiple collector mounting members 701 connected to the collector body 700. The first electrolysis device 100 may further include multiple mounting fittings 702. The electrolysis container cover 12 may include a cover collection mounting hole for the collector mounting members 701 to pass through. The collector mounting members 701 extend upward from the collector body 700 to extend out of the cover collection mounting hole. The mounting fittings 702 cooperate with the collector mounting members 701 to connect the collector mounting members 701 to the electrolysis container cover 12. In such an embodiment, the mounting fittings 702 and 701 cooperate to achieve a detachable connection between the collector 70 and the electrolysis container cover 12.

[0173] See also Figure 27In some embodiments, the steam shielding member 42 is also formed with a plurality of collecting installation holes 703 for the collection installation member 701 to pass through. The heat insulation board of the cover heat insulation member 80 is provided with a clearance hole for the collection installation member 701 to pass through.

[0174] See also Figure 20 and Figure 26 In some embodiments, the collection mounting member 701 may include a threaded rod 7011, and the mounting member 702 may be a nut, so that the mounting member 702 can be assembled and disassembled from the collection mounting member 701 by a robot in the glove box. In such an embodiment, the collection mounting member 701 and the mounting member 702 are threadedly connected to facilitate operation by the robot in the glove box.

[0175] See also Figure 26 In some embodiments, a guide portion 70111 is provided at the top of the rod 7011 to guide the rod 7011 to smoothly enter the collection mounting hole of the cover.

[0176] Since the collecting member 70 is located inside the electrolytic container body 11, when the electrolytic container cover 12 is assembled with the collecting member 70, it may not be easy to accurately align the collecting mounting member 701 with the collecting mounting hole of the cover. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the rod 7011 is guided by the guide portion 70111 to allow the collecting mounting member 701 to smoothly enter the collecting mounting hole of the cover, thereby allowing the collecting member 70 and the electrolytic container cover 12 to be smoothly assembled.

[0177] See also Figure 26 In some embodiments, the collection mounting member 701 may further include a seal 7012 disposed on the rod 7011. When the rod 7011 is tightened with the nut, the seal 7012 seals the cover collection mounting hole on the lower surface of the electrolysis container cover 12. In such an embodiment, the cover collection mounting hole is sealed by the seal 7012 to prevent the molten salt vapor from leaving the electrolysis container body 11 through the cover collection mounting hole.

[0178] In some embodiments, the seal 7012 is formed of a high-temperature resistant polymer material.

[0179] Regarding the embodiments of the present application, it should also be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features therein can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0180] The above are only specific implementation methods of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. The protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning a metal mixture, wherein the metal mixture is formed by electrolytic reduction of a radioactive metal oxide contained in a cathode assembly in a first electrolyte, the metal mixture being further used for further electrolysis in a second electrolyte, the second electrolyte having a composition different from that of the first electrolyte, the cathode assembly comprising an electrode body for containing the radioactive metal oxide and a conductive connection assembly for connecting the electrode body to an external cable; It is characterized in that The electrode body includes a first electrode connector, the conductive connection assembly includes a first conductive connector, and the first conductive connector is detachably connected to the first electrode connector; The cleaning device comprises: a cleaning container for containing a cleaning liquid having the same component as the second electrolyte, so as to dilute the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture with the second electrolyte; The cathode connector is a first electrode connector of the electrode body that can be detachably connected to the cathode connector. After the electrode body is connected to the cathode connector, it can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cleaning container includes a cleaning container body and a cleaning container cover, wherein the cleaning container body forms a receiving cavity with a top opening; the cleaning container cover is used to close the top opening, and the cleaning container cover is provided with a cleaning through-hole, and the cathode connector passes through the cleaning through-hole from top to bottom; The cleaning device further includes a rotating driving member, to which the cathode connecting member is connected, so that the rotating driving member drives the cathode connecting member to rotate, thereby driving the electrode body to rotate.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: a moving member, the cleaning container cover and the rotating driving member being arranged on the moving member; The lifting drive member is used to drive the moving member to move up and down, so as to drive the metal mixture in the electrode body to move to a position above the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container and a position below the liquid level of the cleaning liquid.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A guide member and a support member, wherein the support member is connected to the guide member, and the lifting drive member drives the movable member to move up and down relative to the guide member; The lifting driving component is arranged on the supporting component.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that The cleaning container body comprises: shell; an inner shell, wherein the middle and lower parts of the inner shell are arranged in the outer shell, the upper part of the inner shell extends above the outer shell, and the inner shell forms the accommodating cavity; A heating element is arranged in the outer shell and is used to heat the inner shell.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cleaning container body also includes: A cooling assembly is arranged above the outer shell and is used to cool the upper part of the inner shell.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that The cleaning container body also includes: a container connector, disposed radially outward of the top opening of the inner shell; The cleaning container cover can be lowered to abut against the container connecting member under the action of the lifting drive member; The guide member is arranged on the container connecting member.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cleaning container cover is connected to the moving member below the moving member; The cleaning container body further includes a limiting member, which is arranged on the container connecting member and is used to limit the position where the moving member descends.

9. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The electrode body further comprises: a body connector, wherein the first electrode connector is provided on the body connector; A plurality of hanging basket assemblies are detachably hung on the body connector, and the metal mixture is accommodated in the plurality of hanging basket assemblies; Wherein, the height of the accommodating cavity is greater than twice the height of the hanging basket assembly.

10. A molten salt device, characterized in that: include: a first electrolysis device, the first electrolysis device being used to contain a first electrolyte, the cathode assembly of the first electrolysis device being used to contain a radioactive metal oxide, the radioactive metal oxide being electrolytically reduced in the first electrolyte to form a metal mixture; a second electrolysis device, the second electrolysis device being configured to contain a second electrolyte, wherein the metal mixture undergoes a further electrolysis in the second electrolysis device using the second electrolyte, wherein the second electrolyte has a component different from that of the first electrolyte; The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is configured to use the second electrolyte to clean the first electrolyte remaining on the surface of the metal mixture.

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