Anode carbon block preheating device and preheating method
By laying conductive filler in the anode carbon block preheating chamber to construct a conductive circuit, and using the principle of resistance heating to directly supply power to the carbon block, the problems of low heat utilization efficiency, serious pollution, and high cost in the existing technology are solved, and efficient and clean anode carbon block preheating is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing anode carbon block preheating technology suffers from problems such as low heat utilization efficiency, serious pollution, and high cost, making it difficult to achieve efficient and clean preheating treatment.
Using the principle of resistance heating, conductive fillers such as graphite powder or carbon powder are laid in the preheating chamber to construct a conductive circuit for the anode carbon block, and power is directly supplied to the carbon block for heating. The density and fluidity of the conductive filler are used to eliminate contact gaps, thereby improving conductivity and thermal efficiency.
It achieves efficient and clean preheating of anode carbon blocks, reduces power consumption, improves preheating efficiency, and reduces application costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN121737779A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of preheating technology for electrolytic aluminum anode carbon blocks, specifically, to an anode carbon block preheating device and a preheating method. Background Technology
[0002] In the electrolytic aluminum production process, the anode carbon block, as the conductive material of the electrolytic cell and a key component participating in the electrochemical reaction, directly affects the electrolysis efficiency, energy consumption, and product quality. Before installing the anode carbon block into the electrolytic cell, it usually needs to be preheated to reach a suitable operating temperature, reduce thermal stress generated when in contact with the high-temperature electrolyte, prevent cracking, and stabilize its initial electrochemical performance.
[0003] Currently, the anode carbon block preheating technologies used in the industry can be mainly divided into the following categories: 1. Combustion-based preheating: This is a relatively traditional preheating method, typically using the flames and high-temperature flue gas generated by the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, coal gas, or heavy oil to directly or indirectly heat the charcoal blocks. While simple to implement, this method has significant drawbacks: First, the thermal efficiency of fuel combustion itself is low, with a large amount of heat lost in the form of flue gas, resulting in energy waste; second, the combustion process may produce pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and dust, which is inconsistent with the development trend of green production; third, the uniformity of heating is difficult to control precisely, potentially leading to localized overheating or underheating of the charcoal blocks.
[0004] 2. Electromagnetic Induction Heating: This method generates eddy currents within the carbon block using an alternating magnetic field, thus achieving heating. Compared to combustion heating, electromagnetic heating offers advantages such as rapid heating, cleanliness, and ease of automatic control. However, this technology also has limitations: First, achieving uniform and deep heating for larger anode carbon blocks requires higher equipment power and complex coil designs, resulting in higher equipment investment and operating costs. Second, the "skin effect" of electromagnetic heating can lead to temperature differences between the carbon block surface and core, affecting preheating uniformity. Third, the overall system's energy-to-thermal conversion efficiency still has room for improvement, with some energy loss occurring in circuitry and inductor heating.
[0005] Both of the above-mentioned approaches have their advantages and limitations. In general, people are pursuing technologies with higher heat utilization efficiency, cleaner and pollution-free operation, and relatively lower application costs.
[0006] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an anode carbon block preheating device and method that offers higher thermal efficiency, is cleaner and pollution-free, and has relatively lower application costs.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: An anode carbon block preheating device includes a power module, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a preheating chamber; The bottom and / or side of the preheating chamber are provided with a space for conductive filler, the connection end of the first electrode is connected to the space for conductive filler, and the main space of the preheating chamber is a cavity for placing the anode carbon block. The connection end of the second electrode is either the anode guide rod connection end, the steel claw assembly connection end, or the anode carbon block connection end; The first electrode and the second electrode work together to form a conductive circuit for the anode carbon block, and the power module supplies power to the conductive circuit for the anode carbon block through the first electrode and the second electrode.
[0009] The basic design concept of this invention is to preheat the anode carbon block using the principle of resistance heating. Since the current is directly connected to the anode carbon block, heat is generated directly, resulting in more direct heating and relatively higher thermal efficiency. However, for resistance heating, the contact resistance between the electrode and the anode carbon block is significant. To address this issue, this application lays a conductive filler in the preheating chamber as a conductive material that directly contacts the bottom of the carbon block. Utilizing its dense and easily flowing characteristics, or its flexibility, it can eliminate conductive gaps caused by microstructures such as local undulations and grooves on the surface of the anode carbon block, thereby improving conductivity. The other electrode is connected to a guide rod or a steel claw assembly, or to the surface of the anode carbon block. The guide rod is typically made of aluminum, which has good conductivity. The steel claw assembly is made of steel and extends deep into the anode carbon block, exhibiting excellent conductivity. The anode carbon block itself is a carbon-based material, also possessing excellent conductivity. This electrode design ensures that the current flowing through the anode carbon block is stable and efficient, without excessive loss at the electrodes, further improving energy utilization efficiency and accelerating preheating efficiency to a certain extent.
[0010] Based on the above, in the cavity of the preheating chamber, the conductive filler fills the space to cover part or all of the bottom surface of the preheating chamber.
[0011] Since the core of the preheating of the anode carbon block is the preheating of the bottom end, it covers part or all of the bottom end, so that a current channel is formed between the part of the bottom end that needs to be preheated and the anode guide rod, resulting in a more concentrated preheating range and higher efficiency.
[0012] Based on the above, the conductive filler filling the space is a micro-powder filler, including graphite powder, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, copper powder, or silver powder. Alternatively, the conductive filler is a gel filler, including carbon-based aerogel, ceramic aerogel, or conductive ceramic gel. When carbon-based materials are used, the heat transfer efficiency is better because both the substrate material and the anode carbon block are carbon.
[0013] Alternatively, the conductive filler can be filled with a flexible conductive material, including copper braid, which can also provide good communication with the anode carbon block.
[0014] A method for preheating anode carbon blocks, implemented based on the aforementioned anode carbon block preheating device, comprises the following steps: According to the preset contact area between the conductive filler and the anode carbon block, the conductive filler in the preheating chamber is laid out, and the anode carbon block with an anode guide rod and conductive steel claw is placed in the preheating chamber so that the bottom of the anode carbon block is in full contact with the conductive filler. The connection end of the second electrode is electrically connected to the anode guide rod, or to the steel claw assembly, or to the surface of the anode carbon block on the opposite side of the first electrode, so that the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block is complete; The output current parameters of the control power module are used to supply power to the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block through the first and second electrodes, thereby heating the anode carbon block.
[0015] Based on the above, the conductive filler is also filled in the gaps around the anode carbon block and the preheating chamber, so that the conductive filler covers or partially covers the sides of the anode carbon block.
[0016] A method for preheating anode carbon blocks, the specific process of which is as follows: The anode carbon block with an anode guide rod and conductive steel claw is placed into the preheating chamber. According to the preset contact area between the conductive filler and the anode carbon block, the conductive filler is filled into the gap between the side of the preheating chamber and the anode carbon block, so that the side of the anode carbon block is in full contact with the conductive filler. The connection end of the second electrode is electrically connected to the anode guide rod, or to the steel claw assembly, or to the surface of the anode carbon block on the opposite side of the first electrode, so that the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block is complete; The output current parameters of the control power module are used to supply power to the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block through the first and second electrodes, thereby heating the anode carbon block.
[0017] This invention has significant substantive features and remarkable progress compared to existing technologies. Specifically, this invention utilizes the principle of heating up the anode carbon block after the resistor is energized to preheat it, maximizing heat utilization efficiency. Due to the large volume and uneven surface of the anode carbon block, the contact resistance in the area where it contacts the electrode is relatively high. This invention lays a conductive filler at the bottom of the anode carbon block, utilizing its dense and fluid characteristics to eliminate gaps in the contact area and improve the conductivity of the contact area. On the other pole, the energized area is selectively connected to a guide rod, utilizing the conductive properties of the aluminum material of the guide rod to minimize contact resistance. Overall, this reduces current loss in the electrode contact area, improves the utilization efficiency of electrical energy, and thus improves preheating efficiency. Furthermore, since this scheme is relatively simple to set up, the main loss is in the conductive filler, which can be replaced periodically to ensure its performance. The application cost is relatively low, the modification difficulty is low, and it is conducive to widespread application. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anode carbon block preheating device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the anode carbon block preheating device in other embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the anode carbon block preheating device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0021] In the figure: 1. First electrode; 2. Second electrode; 3. Preheating chamber; 4. Power module; 5. Conductive filler; 6. Anode carbon block; 7. Anode guide rod. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.
[0023] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, an anode carbon block preheating device includes a power module 4, a first electrode 1, a second electrode 2, and a preheating chamber 3.
[0024] The structure of the anode carbon block 6 includes the anode carbon block 6, the anode guide rod 7, and the conductive steel claw for connecting the two.
[0025] The bottom of the preheating chamber 3 has a space for conductive filler. This space can be a partitioned area at the bottom of the chamber or a groove with a set shape and depth for laying a layer of conductive filler 5. The connection end of the first electrode 1 is introduced into the conductive filler space and electrically connected to the conductive filler 5. The cavity above the conductive filler in the preheating chamber 3 is the anode carbon block placement cavity. When preheating the anode carbon block, the anode carbon block 6 is placed here.
[0026] In this specific design embodiment, the conductive filler is graphite powder. The connection between the first electrode 1 and the conductive filler 5 can be achieved using a metal plate with an area equivalent to the coverage area of the conductive filler 5, or by decomposing the terminal of the first electrode 1 into several parallel, evenly distributed conductive ends and inserting them into the conductive filler 5 to ensure conductivity.
[0027] The connection end of the second electrode 2 is the connection end of the anode guide rod. Its specific structure can be designed as a terminal block, a clamp-shaped conductive clip, or other types of conductive structures that can fully fit with the anode guide rod 7.
[0028] The first electrode 1 and the conductive filler 5 work together with the second electrode 2 to form a conductive circuit for the anode carbon block. The power module 4 supplies power to the conductive circuit for the anode carbon block through the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2.
[0029] In this embodiment, the power supply module 4 outputs a current between 10000mA and 20000mA. In the cavity of the preheating chamber, the conductive filler 5 covers the bottom surface of the anode carbon block 6 to increase the conductive area.
[0030] In other embodiments, the current can also be selected from other parameter values, which can be set according to the requirements of preheating efficiency.
[0031] In other embodiments, the coverage area of the conductive filler 5 can be relatively smaller and more specific, and the coverage area is determined according to the area of the anode carbon block that needs to be preheated and the heat transfer characteristics.
[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the conductive filler covers the bottom and periphery of the anode carbon block within the preheating chamber. The power module output current can be selected as either less than 10000mA or a large current greater than 20000mA. In terms of size design, the preheating chamber is slightly larger than the anode carbon block to be preheated to allow for gaps for side filling with conductive filler. The specific gap size can be designed with reference to the thickness of the conductive filler laid at the bottom to ensure sufficient conductivity.
[0033] Regarding the specific stacking height, the conductive filler covers less than half the total height of the anode carbon block. Of course, in other embodiments, it can be stacked to a higher height. This approach is used when the entire anode carbon block requires thorough preheating.
[0034] In other embodiments, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, copper powder, or silver powder may also be used. In other embodiments, gel-like materials, such as carbon-based aerogels, ceramic aerogels, or conductive ceramic gels, may also be used. The main purpose is to reduce the contact resistance between the anode carbon block and the anode.
[0035] In more embodiments, the conductive filler is filled with a flexible conductive material, including copper braid, which can also communicate well with the anode carbon block.
[0036] Working principle explanation: A layer of graphite powder is laid at the bottom of the preheating chamber 3 as a conductive filler. When the anode carbon block needs to be preheated, the anode carbon block is hoisted into the preheating chamber 3 using hoisting equipment. The bottom surface of the anode carbon block 6 is in full contact with the graphite powder. Then, the second electrode is connected to the anode guide rod 7 above the anode carbon block 6. After checking that the connection is stable, the working parameters are adjusted and the power is turned on for preheating.
[0037] At the bottom of the anode carbon block, the current flows fully through the anode carbon block 6 from various positions on the bottom surface along the uniformly spread graphite powder; at the top of the anode carbon block 6, the current enters through the steel claw structure that penetrates deep into the anode carbon block 6 and is transmitted to the electrode position at the upper end of the anode guide rod 7, forming a conductive circuit. In this circuit, the resistance at the anode carbon block is relatively the largest, and the heat generated is the most, thus achieving the purpose of preheating the anode carbon block.
[0038] The temperature change of the anode carbon block is observed and detected in real time. Once the temperature reaches the target, the power module 4 is turned off to complete the preheating process of the anode carbon block. After removing the second electrode, the anode carbon block can be lifted away as a whole.
[0039] The graphite powder at the bottom is subject to oxidation and loss during use, so it can be replaced periodically or every time, making it relatively inexpensive.
[0040] If the clamping structure at the second electrode 2 generates a high amount of heat, additional heat exchange or cooling equipment can be applied to cool it down in order to ensure the electrode performance.
[0041] Example 2 A method for preheating anode carbon blocks, implemented based on the anode carbon block preheating device described in Example 1, is as follows: According to the preset contact area between the conductive filler and the anode carbon block, the conductive filler in the preheating chamber is laid out, and the anode carbon block with an anode guide rod and conductive steel claw is placed in the preheating chamber so that the bottom of the anode carbon block is in full contact with the conductive filler. The connection end of the second electrode is electrically connected to the anode rod to make the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block complete; The output current parameters of the control power module are used to supply power to the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block through the first and second electrodes, thereby heating the anode carbon block.
[0042] In other embodiments, based on the scheme described in Embodiment 2, the conductive filler is also filled in the gaps around the anode carbon block and the preheating chamber, so that the conductive filler covers the side of the anode carbon block.
[0043] In other embodiments, based on the scheme described in Embodiment 2, the second electrode may also be connected to the steel claw assembly, or to the surface of the anode carbon block on the side opposite to the first electrode.
[0044] Example 3 A method for preheating anode carbon blocks, implemented based on the anode carbon block preheating device described in Example 1, is as follows: The anode carbon block with an anode guide rod and conductive steel claw is placed into the preheating chamber. According to the preset contact area between the conductive filler and the anode carbon block, the conductive filler is filled into the gap between the side of the preheating chamber and the anode carbon block, so that the side of the anode carbon block is in full contact with the conductive filler. The connection end of the second electrode is electrically connected to the anode rod to make the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block complete; The output current parameters of the control power module are used to supply power to the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block through the first and second electrodes, thereby heating the anode carbon block.
[0045] Example 4 like Figure 3 As shown, the significant difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the preheating chamber 3 is equipped with a top sealing cover 8, and a vacuum port 9 is opened on the top sealing cover 8 to connect to the chamber for connecting an external vacuum device. Since some conductive materials are easily oxidized, the addition of the vacuum structure creates a vacuum environment inside the chamber, thereby reducing material loss.
[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.
Claims
1. A preheating device for anode carbon blocks, characterized in that: Includes a power module, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a preheating chamber; The bottom and / or side of the preheating chamber are provided with a space for conductive filler, the connection end of the first electrode is connected to the space for conductive filler, and the main space of the preheating chamber is a cavity for placing the anode carbon block. The connection end of the second electrode is either the anode guide rod connection end, the steel claw assembly connection end, or the anode carbon block connection end; The first electrode and the second electrode work together to form a conductive circuit for the anode carbon block, and the power module supplies power to the conductive circuit for the anode carbon block through the first electrode and the second electrode.
2. The anode carbon block preheating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive filler fills the space to cover part or all of the anode carbon block.
3. The anode carbon block preheating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive filler is filled with micro powder filler, including graphite powder, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, copper powder, or silver powder.
4. The anode carbon block preheating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive filler is filled with a flexible conductive material, including copper braid.
5. The anode carbon block preheating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive filler filling space is filled with gel filler, including carbon-based aerogel, ceramic aerogel, or conductive ceramic gel.
6. A method for preheating anode carbon blocks, characterized in that: The implementation of the anode carbon block preheating device according to any one of claims 1-5 is as follows: According to the preset contact area between the conductive filler and the anode carbon block, the conductive filler is laid into the conductive filler filling space at the bottom of the preheating chamber, and the anode carbon block with an anode guide rod and conductive steel claw is placed into the preheating chamber so that the bottom of the anode carbon block is in full contact with the conductive filler. The connection end of the second electrode is electrically connected to the anode guide rod, or to the steel claw assembly, or to the surface of the anode carbon block on the opposite side of the first electrode, so that the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block is complete; The output current parameters of the control power module are used to supply power to the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block through the first and second electrodes, thereby heating the anode carbon block.
7. The anode carbon block preheating method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The conductive filler is also filled in the gaps around the anode carbon block and the preheating chamber, so that the conductive filler covers or partially covers the sides of the anode carbon block.
8. A method for preheating anode carbon blocks, characterized in that: The implementation of the anode carbon block preheating device according to any one of claims 1-7 is as follows: The anode carbon block with an anode guide rod and conductive steel claw is placed into the preheating chamber. According to the preset contact area between the conductive filler and the anode carbon block, the conductive filler is filled into the gap between the side of the preheating chamber and the anode carbon block, so that the side of the anode carbon block is in full contact with the conductive filler. The connection end of the second electrode is electrically connected to the anode guide rod, or to the steel claw assembly, or to the surface of the anode carbon block on the opposite side of the first electrode, so that the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block is complete; The output current parameters of the control power module are used to supply power to the conductive circuit of the anode carbon block through the first and second electrodes, thereby heating the anode carbon block.