A continuous lithium outlet structure of electrolytic cell

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of metal lithium collection, and particularly relates to a continuous lithium outlet structure of an electrolytic cell. The electrolyte liquid level is higher than the discharge port of the electrolytic cell. When electrolysis is performed, metal flows out of the discharge port of the electrolytic cell. The liquid on the left side of the outer wall of the lithium collection barrel forms a U-shaped principle. Due to the density difference between the electrolyte and the metal, the height of the metal liquid surface gradually increases and is higher than the liquid level of the right side electrolyte. When the metal liquid surface is higher than the top of the baffle, the liquid metal enters the right side of the baffle and gradually accumulates as the electrolysis proceeds. When the metal liquid level entering the overflow pipe is higher than the top of the elbow pipe, the metal lithium automatically flows out. Since the electrolysis is continuously performed, continuous discharge is achieved. The present application uses the U-shaped tube principle, utilizes the density difference between the metal and the electrolyte, collects the metal in the lithium collection barrel, and then discharges through the overflow mode, so as to achieve automatic and continuous discharge of lithium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lithium metal collection technology, specifically relating to a continuous lithium extraction structure for an electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] The current method for unloading lithium metal from electrolytic cells typically involves manually scooping it into ingot molds using a ladle. This method is labor-intensive, requiring significant manual operation. Operators are exposed to high-temperature molten electrolyte, liquid lithium metal, and chlorine gas generated during electrolysis when opening the electrolytic cell cover, posing significant safety risks and potential health hazards. Furthermore, inconsistent operator skill levels lead to uneven lithium ingot casting and the potential presence of electrolytes within the ingots, increasing the workload for subsequent purification. While overflow-based liquid metal transfer has been applied in the unloading processes of non-ferrous metals such as sodium, research on automated continuous unloading processes for liquid lithium metal remains in the exploratory stage due to the unique properties of lithium. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a structure and method for continuous lithium extraction from an electrolytic cell. It adopts the principle of a U-tube and utilizes the density difference between the metal and the electrolyte to collect the metal in a lithium collection tank and then discharge it through overflow, thereby realizing automatic and continuous lithium extraction. At the same time, the control system has data recording, storage and indicator display functions, and can realize abnormal data alarm function, providing a reliable guarantee for the safe and stable operation of the equipment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A continuous lithium output structure for an electrolytic cell includes a lithium collection tank and an overflow pipe. Inside the lithium collection tank, there is a baffle that divides the lithium collection tank into two sides. The bottom of the left side has no baffle and is directly connected to the discharge port of the electrolytic cell. The bottom of the right side has a baffle and an argon gas port at the top. The overflow port of the overflow pipe is lower than the top of the baffle.

[0006] The overflow pipe is DN20.

[0007] The overflow pipe is at an angle of 5-15°.

[0008] The overflow pipe is made of stainless steel.

[0009] The overflow pipe is a bend.

[0010] The overflow pipe exposed outside the lithium collection tank is equipped with heat tracing and insulation cotton.

[0011] The electrolyte level is higher than the discharge port of the electrolytic cell. During electrolysis, the metal flows out of the discharge port. The liquid on the left and right sides of the outer wall of the lithium collection tank forms a U-shape. Due to the density difference between the electrolyte and the metal, the metal liquid level gradually increases and becomes higher than the electrolyte level on the right side. When the metal liquid level is higher than the top of the baffle, the liquid metal enters the right side of the baffle and gradually accumulates as electrolysis progresses. When the metal liquid level entering the overflow pipe is higher than the top of the bend, the lithium metal flows out automatically. Since electrolysis is continuous, continuous discharge is achieved.

[0012] During the electrolysis process, argon gas is continuously added to the lithium collecting tank to ensure that the metal is not oxidized.

[0013] The beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows:

[0014] This invention integrates liquid lithium collection and continuous discharge into a single electrolytic cell structure and method. Utilizing the U-tube principle and the density difference between the electrolyte and the metal, the liquid metal is collected in a lithium collection tank. A baffle separates the electrolyte and metal, preventing electrolyte surface fluctuations during electrolysis that could cause the liquid metal to slosh, thus facilitating the initial settling of metal impurities. Continuous discharge is then achieved through an overflow pipe. Simultaneously, argon gas is added to the lithium collection tank. This not only enables continuous production, significantly improving efficiency and reducing safety risks, but also reduces the risk of metal oxidation and improves metal quality. The overflow method achieves continuous and automatic metal discharge. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous lithium extraction structure in an electrolytic cell;

[0016] In the diagram: 1-overflow pipe; 2-lithium collection tank; 3-baffle; 4-argon gas pipe; 5-electrolytic cell outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0018] A continuous lithium extraction structure for an electrolytic cell includes a lithium collection tank and an overflow pipe. The lithium collection tank has an internal baffle that divides it into two sides. The left side has no baffle at the bottom and is directly connected to the discharge port of the electrolytic cell. The right side has a baffle at the bottom and an argon gas port at the top. The overflow pipe is a DN20, 5-15° stainless steel bend. The overflow port is lower than the top of the baffle. The overflow pipe exposed outside the lithium collection tank is equipped with heat tracing and insulation cotton to maintain the pipe temperature above 240°C, ensuring smooth flow of liquid lithium in the pipe.

[0019] A continuous lithium extraction method for an electrolytic cell ensures the electrolyte level is higher than the cell outlet. During electrolysis, metal flows out of the outlet, and the liquid on the left side of the lithium collection tank forms a U-shape. Due to the density difference between the electrolyte and the metal, the metal level gradually increases and surpasses the electrolyte level on the right side. When the metal level is higher than the top of the baffle, liquid metal enters the right side of the baffle and gradually accumulates as electrolysis continues. When the metal level entering the overflow pipe is higher than the top of the bend, lithium metal automatically flows out. Since electrolysis is continuous, continuous extraction is achieved. Simultaneously, argon gas is continuously supplied to the lithium collection tank during electrolysis to prevent metal oxidation.

[0020] A continuous lithium extraction structure for an electrolytic cell includes a lithium collection tank and an overflow pipe. The lithium collection tank has an internal baffle that divides it into two sides. The left side has no baffle at the bottom and connects directly to the electrolytic cell outlet. The right side has a baffle at the bottom and an argon gas inlet at the top. The overflow pipe is a DN20, 10° stainless steel bend. The overflow outlet is lower than the top of the baffle. The portion of the overflow pipe exposed outside the lithium collection tank is equipped with heat tracing and insulation cotton to maintain a pipe temperature above 240°C, ensuring smooth flow of liquid lithium within the pipe.

[0021] A continuous lithium extraction method for an electrolytic cell ensures the electrolyte level is higher than the cell outlet. During electrolysis, metal flows out of the outlet, and the liquid on the left side of the lithium collection tank forms a U-shape. Due to the density difference between the electrolyte and the metal, the metal level gradually increases and surpasses the electrolyte level on the right side. When the metal level is higher than the top of the baffle, liquid metal enters the right side of the baffle and gradually accumulates as electrolysis continues. When the metal level entering the overflow pipe is higher than the top of the bend, lithium metal automatically flows out. Since electrolysis is continuous, continuous extraction is achieved. Simultaneously, argon gas is continuously supplied to the lithium collection tank during electrolysis to prevent metal oxidation.

Claims

1. A continuous lithium extraction structure for an electrolytic cell, characterized in that: It includes a lithium collecting tank and an overflow pipe. Inside the lithium collecting tank, there is a baffle that divides the lithium collecting tank into two sides. The bottom of the left side has no baffle and is directly connected to the discharge port of the electrolytic cell. The bottom of the right side has a baffle and an argon gas port at the top. The overflow port of the overflow pipe is lower than the top of the baffle.

2. The continuous lithium extraction structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow pipe is DN20.

3. The continuous lithium extraction structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow pipe is at an angle of 5-15°.

4. The continuous lithium extraction structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow pipe is made of stainless steel.

5. The continuous lithium extraction structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow pipe is a bend.

6. The continuous lithium extraction structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow pipe exposed outside the lithium collection tank is equipped with heat tracing and insulation cotton.

7. The continuous lithium extraction structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte level is higher than the discharge port of the electrolytic cell. During electrolysis, the metal flows out of the discharge port. The liquid on the left and right sides of the outer wall of the lithium collection tank forms a U-shape. Due to the density difference between the electrolyte and the metal, the metal liquid level gradually increases and becomes higher than the electrolyte level on the right side. When the metal liquid level is higher than the top of the baffle, the liquid metal enters the right side of the baffle and gradually accumulates as electrolysis progresses. When the metal liquid level entering the overflow pipe is higher than the top of the bend, the lithium metal flows out automatically. Since electrolysis is continuous, continuous discharge is achieved.

8. The continuous lithium extraction structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 7, characterized in that: During the electrolysis process, argon gas is continuously added to the lithium collecting tank to ensure that the metal is not oxidized.

Images