A measuring device and a measuring method for an electrolyte

Abstract

The application provides a measuring device and a measuring method for an electrolyte, and relates to aluminum electrolysis production detection. The measuring device provided by the application comprises a gas supply unit, a measuring unit, one end of the measuring unit being communicated with the gas supply unit, and the other end of the measuring unit being used for extending into the electrolyte to be measured; wherein the gas supply unit introduces a measuring gas into the electrolyte to be measured through the measuring unit at a preset flow rate, and the measuring unit acquires pressure data of the measuring gas; and a data processing unit is used for determining a liquid level stability measurement result of the electrolyte to be measured according to the pressure data. The application introduces the measuring gas into the electrolyte at a constant flow rate, utilizes the corresponding relationship between the gas pressure and the liquid level height of the electrolyte, converts the liquid level fluctuation into pressure fluctuation for collection and analysis, can accurately capture the dynamic change of the liquid level, and realizes quantitative evaluation on the liquid level stability of the electrolyte.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aluminum electrolysis production testing technology, and in particular to a measuring device and method for electrolytes. Background Technology

[0002] In the aluminum electrolysis production process, the stability of the molten electrolyte level is a crucial parameter affecting electrolysis efficiency, reaction stability, and safe equipment operation. Significant fluctuations in the electrolyte level can lead to problems such as electrode exposure, uneven electrolysis reactions, and decreased current efficiency. Therefore, real-time or periodic monitoring of electrolyte level stability is of great importance.

[0003] Currently, electrolyte level stability is determined by a combination of online monitoring systems and manual on-site inspections. Manual on-site inspections typically involve briefly inserting a cold steel probe into the electrolyte and roughly estimating the electrolyte height by observing the thickness of the condensate crust at the probe tip. The measurement results are primarily qualitative and based on experience, failing to translate into recordable and reproducible quantitative data. Furthermore, it cannot capture the frequency and amplitude characteristics of dynamic fluctuations in the liquid level, making it difficult to effectively quantify short-term level fluctuations. In addition, the operation carries high safety risks, and the results heavily rely on individual skill, significantly impacting the accuracy and stability of the measurement results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this application provides a measuring device and method for electrolytes. The technical problem to be solved by this application is achieved through the following technical solution: A measuring device for electrolytes, comprising: Gas supply unit; The measuring unit has one end connected to the gas supply unit and the other end inserted into the electrolyte to be tested. The gas supply unit introduces measuring gas into the electrolyte to be tested at a preset flow rate through the measuring unit, and the measuring unit acquires the pressure data of the measuring gas. The data processing unit is used to determine the liquid level stability measurement result of the electrolyte under test based on the pressure data.

[0005] In one feasible implementation, the measurement unit includes: The rod has an internal gas passage. The gas inlet of the rod is connected to the gas supply unit, and the gas outlet of the rod is used to extend into the electrolyte to be tested so as to introduce measuring gas into the electrolyte. The pressure measurement module is mounted on the rod and connected to the gas passage to measure the pressure data of the gas.

[0006] In one feasible approach, the rod is provided with a number of graduations spaced axially, which are used to indicate the depth of the gas outlet within the electrolyte to be tested.

[0007] In one feasible embodiment, the gas inlet of the rod is located on the circumferential surface of the rod; the rod includes a first end face and a second end face disposed opposite each other along the axial direction, and the gas outlet of the rod is located on the first end face of the rod. The measurement unit also includes: The handheld module is located on the second end face of the rod. An anti-blocking module is located on the first end face of the rod, and the anti-blocking module is connected to the gas outlet.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the anti-blocking module includes: A filter element is disposed at the first end face of the rod, and the filter element has several through holes, which connect to the gas outlet; or... An open end piece is located at the first end face of the rod. The open end piece has a connected inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is connected to a gas outlet, and the opening area of ​​the outlet end is larger than the opening area of ​​the inlet end.

[0009] In one feasible embodiment, the measuring device further includes: a housing; The gas supply unit and data processing unit are located inside the enclosure.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the gas supply unit includes: The gas source module is used to provide the measuring gas and is connected to the measuring unit. The flow control module is connected between the gas source module and the measurement unit, and is used to control the flow rate of the gas source module to a preset flow rate.

[0011] In one feasible embodiment, the measuring device further includes: The fixing frame has one end connected to an external fixing structure and the other end fitted onto the measuring unit.

[0012] In one feasible approach, the measuring unit is detachably connected to the gas supply unit via a flexible conduit.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a method for measuring electrolytes, implemented using the measuring device provided in the first aspect of this application. The measurement method includes: The measuring gas is introduced into several measuring points through the measuring unit at a preset flow rate, and the pressure data of the measuring gas corresponding to each measuring point is obtained; the several measuring points are located in the same horizontal plane of the electrolyte to be tested; Based on the pressure data of the gas at each measurement point, determine the pressure fluctuation value of each measurement point within the preset sampling time. The liquid level stability measurement results of the electrolyte under test are determined based on the pressure fluctuation value at each measurement point.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application introduces a constant flow rate of measuring gas into the electrolyte and utilizes the correlation between gas pressure and electrolyte level height to convert level fluctuations into pressure fluctuations for collection and analysis. This allows for precise capture of dynamic changes in the liquid level and enables quantitative evaluation of electrolyte level stability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a measuring device for electrolytes according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the box according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0016] Figure label: 1. Rod; 11. Gas inlet; 12. Flexible conduit; 2. Handheld module; 3. Anti-clogging module; 4. Housing; 41. Interaction module; 5. Gas supply unit; 51. Gas source module; 52. Flow control module; 6. Data processing unit. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments and application scenarios. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all of them. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0018] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0019] Please see Figure 1 ,Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a measuring device for electrolytes according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0020] This application provides a measuring device for electrolytes, comprising: a gas supply unit 5, a measuring unit, and a data processing unit 6. One end of the measuring unit is connected to the gas supply unit 5, and the other end of the measuring unit extends into the electrolyte to be tested. The gas supply unit 5 supplies measuring gas to the electrolyte through the measuring unit at a preset flow rate, and the measuring unit acquires the pressure data of the measuring gas. The data processing unit 6 is used to determine the liquid level stability measurement result of the electrolyte based on the pressure data.

[0021] Specifically, the gas supply unit 5 continuously supplies measuring gas into the electrolyte to be tested through the measuring unit at a constant preset flow rate. When the measuring gas flows through the measuring unit, the measuring unit collects the pressure data of the measuring gas in the delivery path in real time. The data processing unit 6 receives the pressure data and determines the liquid level stability measurement result of the electrolyte to be tested based on the characteristic parameters such as the fluctuation amplitude, fluctuation frequency, and variance of the pressure data.

[0022] This embodiment introduces a constant flow rate of measuring gas into the electrolyte and utilizes the correlation between gas pressure and electrolyte level height to convert level fluctuations into pressure fluctuations for collection and analysis. This allows for accurate capture of dynamic changes in the liquid level and quantitative evaluation of electrolyte level stability, overcoming the limitation of traditional level gauges that can only measure height but not stability.

[0023] In this embodiment, the measuring unit includes a rod 1 and a pressure measuring module. The rod 1 has an internal gas passage; its gas inlet 11 is connected to a gas supply unit 5; and its gas outlet extends into the electrolyte to introduce measuring gas. The pressure measuring module is mounted on the rod 1 and connected to the gas passage, used to measure the pressure data of the measuring gas.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pressure measurement module is a micro differential pressure sensor with a range of 0~5kPa. One end of the micro differential pressure sensor is connected to the probe air path, and the other end is connected to the atmosphere. It is used to collect pressure change signals caused by fluctuations in the electrolyte liquid level.

[0025] Furthermore, the gas inlet 11 of the rod 1 is located on the circumferential surface of the rod 1, the rod 1 includes a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite each other along the axial direction, and the gas outlet of the rod 1 is located on the first end face of the rod 1.

[0026] Specifically, rod 1 is made of corrosion-resistant rigid material and has a through gas passage inside. One end of the gas passage is the gas inlet 11 of rod 1, which is located on the circumference of rod 1 and close to the second end face of rod 1. The other end of the gas passage is the gas outlet of rod 1, which is located on the first end face of rod 1. The second end face of rod 1 is used to realize the handheld function of the measuring device. The gas inlet 11 of rod 1 is connected to the gas supply unit 5, and the gas outlet of rod 1 extends to a preset position inside the electrolyte to be tested, so as to stably discharge the measuring gas into the electrolyte and form continuous bubbles. The pressure measuring module is sealed on rod 1 and directly connected to the gas passage for real-time, high-precision acquisition of the pressure value of the measuring gas. Furthermore, rod 1 is made of high-purity corundum tubing or high-temperature resistant metal tubing, which can withstand the high-temperature electrolyte melt environment for a long time.

[0027] In one embodiment, the measuring unit further includes a handheld module 2 and an anti-blocking module 3, wherein the handheld module 2 is disposed on the second end face of the rod 1. The anti-blocking module 3 is disposed on the first end face of the rod 1 and is connected to the gas outlet. The surface of the handheld module 2 is provided with an anti-slip structure to facilitate handheld operation, fixed-point measurement, or relocation by the operator. The anti-blocking module 3 is sealed and installed on the first end face and connected to the gas outlet to effectively block particulate impurities in the electrolyte from entering the gas passage and avoid pipeline blockage.

[0028] Furthermore, the handheld module 2 is an integrated handheld handle structure. The diameter of the integrated handheld handle structure is larger than the diameter of the main body of the rod 1, forming a radially protruding limiting step, which facilitates finger gripping and force application, and prevents the rod 1 from slipping during measurement. The surface of the integrated handheld handle structure can be provided with knurled texture, frosted surface, or anti-slip bumps to improve grip friction. The internal structure of the integrated handheld handle structure is filled with a metal skeleton and filled with ceramic fiber thermal insulation material.

[0029] In one embodiment, the anti-clogging module 3 includes a filter element. The filter element is disposed at the first end face of the rod 1 and has several through holes that connect to a gas outlet. The filter element is made of a corrosion-resistant porous material and is fixedly installed on the first end face of the rod 1. Several micron-sized through holes with a diameter of 1~5μm are evenly distributed on the filter element, and these through holes are connected to the gas outlet. This ensures smooth discharge of the measuring gas while effectively intercepting larger particulate impurities from entering the gas passage, thus achieving the anti-clogging function.

[0030] In one embodiment, the anti-blocking module 3 includes an opening member. The opening member is located at the first end face of the rod member 1, and has a connected inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is connected to a gas outlet, and the opening area of ​​the outlet end is larger than the opening area of ​​the inlet end.

[0031] Specifically, the open component has a funnel-shaped structure with a connected inlet and outlet end. The inlet end is sealed and connected to the gas outlet, while the outlet end has a larger opening area than the inlet end. By increasing the outlet cross-sectional area, the probability of impurity accumulation is reduced, while ensuring smooth gas discharge, thus structurally reducing the risk of blockage. The angle between the inner wall and the axis of the open component is 30~60°, and the length between the inlet and outlet ends is 5~10mm.

[0032] In this embodiment, the rod 1 is provided with several scale lines at intervals along the axial direction. These scale lines are used to indicate the insertion depth of the gas outlet in the electrolyte to be tested, so as to ensure that the insertion depth remains consistent during multiple measurements and multi-point measurements, thereby improving data comparability and measurement repeatability.

[0033] In this embodiment, the measuring device further includes: a housing 4. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the gas supply unit 5 and the data processing unit 6 are housed within the enclosure 4. Furthermore, the surface of the enclosure 4 is equipped with an interactive module 41, which includes at least one of a display screen, indicator lights, and operation buttons. The display screen shows measurement results, the indicator lights indicate the operating status, and the operation buttons are used to start / stop the equipment and set parameters, enabling human-machine interaction and achieving integrated and portable design of the device, facilitating on-site relocation and fixed installation. The measurement unit is detachably connected to the gas supply unit 5 via a flexible conduit 12. The flexible conduit 12 is a polytetrafluoroethylene tube with a reinforced braided layer, and both ends of the flexible conduit 12 are equipped with quick-connect interfaces that match the measurement unit and the gas supply unit 5, allowing for convenient assembly and disassembly, flexible arrangement, and easy on-site installation, maintenance, replacement, and storage, thus improving the applicability of the device.

[0034] In this embodiment, the gas supply unit 5 includes a gas source module 51 and a flow control module 52. The gas source module 51 provides the measuring gas and is connected to the measuring unit. The flow control module 52 is connected between the gas source module 51 and the measuring unit, and is used to control the flow rate of the gas source module 51 to a preset flow rate.

[0035] Specifically, the measuring gas is an inert gas. The gas source module 51 is a small high-pressure inert gas cylinder used to provide a stable and clean measuring gas. The flow control module 52 includes a pressure reducing valve and a mass flow controller connected in series. The gas source module 51, pressure reducing valve, mass flow controller, and measuring unit are connected in sequence. The flow control module 52 can stably control the flow rate of the measuring gas between 50 and 200 mL / min, with a flow control accuracy better than ±1%FS. The flow control module 52 can accurately adjust and stably maintain the gas output flow rate, ensuring a constant flow rate during the measurement process, eliminating the interference of flow rate changes on pressure data, and improving measurement accuracy. For example, the gas source module 51 is a 0.5L cylinder filled with argon gas.

[0036] In this embodiment, the measuring device further includes a fixing frame. One end of the fixing frame is connected to an external fixing structure, and the other end of the fixing frame is sleeved on the measuring unit.

[0037] Specifically, one end of the fixing frame clamps and connects to the external electrolytic cell, while the other end is movably sleeved on the outside of the rod 1 of the measuring unit. This allows for adjustment of the height, angle, and horizontal position, providing support and positioning for the measuring unit, preventing the rod 1 from shaking during the measurement process, and improving measurement stability and data accuracy.

[0038] In one embodiment, rod 1 is made of high-purity corundum tube or seamless metal tube with an outer diameter of Φ8mm and an inner diameter of Φ4mm, and the length of rod 1 is 0.3~0.5 meters. The angle between the inner wall and the axis of the open part is 45°, and the length between the inlet end and the outlet end is 8mm. The other end of the fixing frame is a sleeve with an inner diameter of Φ12mm, and the sleeve is provided with a locking structure for fixing the sleeve and rod 1.

[0039] The second aspect of this embodiment provides a method for measuring electrolytes, implemented using the measuring device provided in the first aspect of this application. The measurement method includes: S1: At a preset flow rate, the measuring gas is introduced into several measuring points through the measuring unit, and the pressure data of the measuring gas corresponding to each measuring point is obtained; the several measuring points are located in the same horizontal plane of the electrolyte to be tested.

[0040] Specifically, the measuring unit and the gas supply unit 5 are connected via a flexible conduit 12. The gas supply unit 5 is turned on, and the flow control module 52 is adjusted to output the measuring gas at a preset flow rate. The pipeline is purged with gas for several seconds to remove residual air from the gas passage, completing the system preheating. The gas outlet of the rod 1 is inserted into a measuring point of the electrolyte to be tested, and the insertion depth is determined by the scale lines. Once the insertion depth reaches the set scale depth, the pressure-time change data of that measuring point is recorded, completing the measurement at that point. The measuring unit is then inserted into another measuring point for measurement, until the pressure-time change sequence data of all measuring points are recorded.

[0041] Furthermore, the measurement points include at least the typical locations of the anode center and anode edge of the electrolytic cell, with an insertion depth of 5-10 cm, a preset flow rate of 50-200 mL / min, a sampling time of 30-60 s, and a sampling frequency of not less than 50 Hz for the measurement unit.

[0042] For example, several measurement points include: the center of the large surface on side A of the electrolytic cell, the center of the large surface on side B, the aluminum outlet, the flue outlet, and the edge of the anode. The preset flow rate is 100 mL / min, the insertion depth is 8 cm, the sampling frequency is 80 Hz, and the sampling time is 40 s.

[0043] S2: Determine the pressure fluctuation value of each measurement point within the preset sampling time based on the pressure data of the gas corresponding to each measurement point.

[0044] In one feasible approach, pressure data at each measurement point is analyzed based on the pressure-time variation sequence data at each measurement point to obtain the pressure fluctuation value corresponding to each measurement point. The pressure fluctuation value can be characterized by at least one of the following: the difference between the maximum and minimum pressure values, variance, and range.

[0045] S3: Determine the liquid level stability measurement result of the electrolyte under test based on the pressure fluctuation value at each measurement point.

[0046] In one embodiment, when the pressure fluctuation value at a certain measuring point is higher than 1.3 times the average pressure fluctuation value of all measuring points, it is determined that the anode in that area has excessive current or local disturbance; when the pressure fluctuation value at a certain measuring point is lower than 0.5 times the average pressure fluctuation value of all measuring points, it is determined that the anode in that area may have passivation, poor contact, or poor local fluidity; when the range of pressure fluctuation values ​​at all measuring points is less than 0.2 times the average pressure fluctuation value, and the pressure fluctuation value at each point is lower than 0.1 kPa, it is determined that the electrolyte viscosity is too high or the liquid level is too low; when the range of pressure fluctuation values ​​at all measuring points is less than 0.2 times the average pressure fluctuation value, and the pressure fluctuation value at each point is higher than 0.1 kPa, it is determined that the overall fluctuation of the electrolytic cell is strong.

[0047] Specifically, a constant flow of inert gas is injected into the electrolyte under test through the measuring unit. The back pressure at the gas outlet of rod 1 is related to the static pressure of the electrolyte column and the hydrodynamic pressure loss. When the electrolyte level is stable, the back pressure is basically stable. When the liquid level fluctuates due to electromagnetic force, bubble precipitation, etc., the immersion depth at the probe outlet changes accordingly, causing a change in the static pressure component, which in turn causes synchronous fluctuations in the back pressure. Therefore, the pressure fluctuation of the measuring gas can reflect the liquid level change of the electrolyte under test. The pressure measurement module is connected to the gas passage and can measure the pressure data of the measuring gas in the gas passage. By measuring the pressure change value of the gas at each measuring point, the liquid level change of the electrolyte under test can be determined, and thus the liquid level stability of the electrolyte under test can be evaluated.

[0048] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0049] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A measuring device for electrolytes, characterized in that, include: Gas supply unit; A measuring unit, one end of which is connected to the gas supply unit, and the other end of which is used to extend into the electrolyte to be tested; wherein, the gas supply unit introduces the measuring gas into the electrolyte to be tested through the measuring unit at a preset flow rate, and the measuring unit acquires the pressure data of the measuring gas; The data processing unit is used to determine the liquid level stability measurement result of the electrolyte under test based on the pressure data.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement unit includes: The rod has an internal gas passage. The gas inlet of the rod is connected to the gas supply unit, and the gas outlet of the rod is used to extend into the electrolyte to be tested, so as to introduce the measuring gas into the electrolyte to be tested. A pressure measurement module is mounted on the rod and connected to the gas passage for measuring the pressure data of the gas being measured.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rod is provided with several scale lines spaced apart along the axial direction. The scale lines are used to indicate the insertion depth of the gas outlet into the electrolyte to be tested.

4. The measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas inlet of the rod is located on the circumferential surface of the rod; the rod includes a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite each other along the axial direction, and the gas outlet of the rod is located on the first end face of the rod; The measurement unit also includes: A handheld module is located on the second end face of the rod; An anti-blocking module is disposed on the first end face of the rod, and the anti-blocking module is connected to the gas outlet.

5. The measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The anti-blocking module includes: A filter element is disposed at the first end face of the rod, and the filter element has a plurality of through holes communicating with the gas outlet; or... An open end piece is provided at the first end face of the rod, the open end piece having a connected inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is connected to the gas outlet, and the opening area of ​​the outlet end is larger than the opening area of ​​the inlet end.

6. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The measuring device also includes: a housing; The gas supply unit and the data processing unit are located inside the housing.

7. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The gas supply unit includes: A gas source module is used to provide the measuring gas, and the gas source module is connected to the measuring unit; A flow control module, connected between the gas source module and the measurement unit, is used to control the flow rate of the gas source module to a preset flow rate.

8. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The measuring device further includes: A fixing frame, one end of which is connected to an external fixing structure, and the other end of which is fitted onto the measuring unit.

9. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The measuring unit is detachably connected to the gas supply unit via a flexible conduit.

10. A method for measuring electrolytes, characterized in that, The measurement is achieved by the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the measuring method includes: A measuring gas is introduced into several measuring points through a measuring unit at a preset flow rate, and pressure data of the measuring gas corresponding to each measuring point is acquired; the several measuring points are located in the same horizontal plane of the electrolyte to be tested; Based on the pressure data of the gas being measured at each measurement point, the pressure fluctuation value of each measurement point within a preset sampling time is determined; The liquid level stability measurement result of the electrolyte under test is determined based on the pressure fluctuation value at each measurement point.

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