Electrolytic cell breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity

Abstract

The present application relates to non-ferrous smelting equipment technical field, specifically to a kind of electrolytic cell circuit breaking compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity, the main conductive adaptation part is the sheet structure that is consistent with electrolytic cell original conductive row;The standby compensation conductive part is parallelly arranged with the main conductive adaptation part, and the standby compensation conductive part is arranged at the position corresponding to the insulating side of cathode plate and anode plate in electrolytic cell, and the main conductive adaptation part is matched to form double contact point conductive structure for the same plate;The insulating isolation part is arranged between the main conductive adaptation part and the standby compensation conductive part, and between the anode corresponding position and the cathode corresponding position of the standby compensation conductive part;The fixed mounting part is connected with the main conductive adaptation part or the standby compensation conductive part, for detachably fixing the device above electrolytic cell conductive row.The present application effectively improves the current distribution uniformity of electrolytic cell, improves cathode copper product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of non-ferrous metal smelting equipment technology, specifically to an electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving the uniformity of current distribution. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of wet electrolysis and electrowinning technology, the electrolytic cell, as a core reaction device, directly affects product quality, production energy consumption, and equipment operational stability due to its current conduction efficiency and distribution uniformity. Traditional electrolytic cells mostly use a single busbar for current transmission. However, during long-term operation, problems such as poor contact between the anode plate, cathode plate, and busbar can easily occur, or some plates may fail at the contact points due to wear and corrosion. This leads to uneven current distribution and excessively high local current density, which not only reduces the efficiency of the electrolysis reaction but may also cause malfunctions such as local overheating of the plates and accelerated corrosion, seriously affecting the continuity of production.

[0003] To address the low conductivity of a single conductive busbar, related technical fields have proposed improvement solutions. Chinese patent CN217203026U discloses a main and auxiliary current-carrying device between electrolytic cells. This device, through a combination of a main conductive busbar, an insulating plate, and two auxiliary busbars, enables simultaneous conduction of the same type of charge at both the anode and cathode, effectively improving the conductivity of both electrodes. It also offers advantages such as easy assembly, readily replaceable components, and the ability to withstand the weight of the electrodes. However, this type of main and auxiliary current-carrying device primarily focuses on improving inter-cell conductivity, with its structural design emphasizing the coordinated conduction of the main and auxiliary busbars. It lacks a targeted compensation mechanism for unexpected situations such as localized electrode open circuits or contact point failures that may occur during electrolytic cell operation. When some electrodes experience poor contact or open circuits, obstructing the current transmission path, existing main and auxiliary current-carrying devices struggle to quickly replenish the conductive channels, resulting in current distribution imbalances and failing to fundamentally address the need for current uniformity adjustment under open circuit conditions.

[0004] Furthermore, in existing electrolytic cell conductive devices, there is still room for improvement in key performance aspects such as the stability of the insulation structure, the corrosion resistance of the compensating conductive components, and the contact reliability. In the electrolytic environment, the erosion of the electrolyte and temperature changes can easily lead to deformation of the insulation components and increased contact resistance of the conductive components, further exacerbating the uneven current distribution. At the same time, traditional compensation structures are mostly fixed installation designs, which are inconvenient to disassemble and maintain, and are difficult to adapt to the specifications of the busbars of different electrolytic cell models. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device to improve the uniformity of current distribution.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] An electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity includes a main conductive adapter, a backup compensation conductive part, an insulating isolation part, and a fixed mounting part. The main conductive adapter is a sheet-like structure that fits into the original conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell. The backup compensation conductive part is arranged parallel to the main conductive adapter and is positioned on the insulating side of the corresponding cathode and anode plates in the electrolytic cell, forming a double-contact conductive structure for the same plate in cooperation with the main conductive adapter. The insulating isolation part is disposed between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensation conductive part, and between the corresponding anode and cathode positions of the backup compensation conductive part. The fixed mounting part connects the main conductive adapter or the backup compensation conductive part and is used to detachably fix the device above the conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell.

[0008] Furthermore, the spare compensation conductive part is made of copper alloy material with a cross-sectional area of ​​30-50 mm². 2 The length is compatible with the conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell, the conductivity is ≥98% IACS, the sulfuric acid corrosion resistance is ≥25% concentration, and the temperature resistance is ≥70℃.

[0009] Furthermore, the insulating isolation part includes a composite insulating kit, which is made of flame-retardant insulating material with an oxygen index ≤26, a length direction deformation ≤1mm, and a width direction deformation ≤0.5mm.

[0010] Furthermore, the contact end between the spare compensation conductive part and the electrolytic cell electrode plate is provided with an arc-shaped conductive contact surface, the surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm, the contact pressure is 5-8N, and the contact resistance is ≤5mΩ.

[0011] Furthermore, the distance between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensating conductive part is 10-15mm, the thickness of the insulating isolation part is 8-12mm, and the insulation resistance between the two poles is ≥100MΩ.

[0012] Furthermore, the number of the spare compensation conductive parts is 2 sets, corresponding to the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell respectively. Each set of spare compensation conductive parts includes several parallel compensation conductive bars, and the spacing between adjacent compensation conductive bars is 50-80mm.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0014] This invention provides an electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device to improve the uniformity of current distribution. It establishes a dual-path conductive structure through a main conductive adapter and a backup compensation conductive part, creating dual contact points at both ends of the electrode. This significantly increases the conductive cross-sectional area and reduces contact resistance, effectively improving the uniformity of current distribution in the electrolytic cell and solving problems such as uneven copper growth at the cathode and uneven dissolution at the anode, thus improving the quality of the cathode copper product. The backup compensation conductive part uses a highly conductive copper alloy material, combined with an optimized contact structure design, ensuring rapid compensation response and reliable conductivity. Circuit breaker compensation is achieved without altering the original conductive busbar structure, offering strong compatibility, convenient installation, and eliminating the need for downtime modifications, reducing the risk of production interruption. The insulation isolation part uses flame-retardant composite insulation material, meeting the corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and insulation requirements of the harsh working environment of the electrolytic cell, effectively preventing short circuits between the electrodes and ensuring production safety. The adjustable design of the fixed installation part ensures stable contact pressure, improving the operational stability and service life of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of the various components of the present invention is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0018] Reference Appendix Figure 1 An electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity includes a main conductive adapter, a backup compensation conductive part, an insulating isolation part, and a fixed mounting part. The main conductive adapter is a sheet-like structure that fits into the original conductive bar of the electrolytic cell and is used to conduct the main current. The backup compensation conductive part is arranged parallel to the main conductive adapter and is positioned on the insulating side of the corresponding cathode plate and anode plate in the electrolytic cell, forming a double-contact conductive structure for the same plate in cooperation with the main conductive adapter. The insulating isolation part is disposed between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensation conductive part, and between the corresponding anode and cathode positions of the backup compensation conductive part, configured to achieve same-pole conduction and two-pole insulation. The fixed mounting part connects to the main conductive adapter or the backup compensation conductive part and is used to detachably fix the device above the conductive bar of the electrolytic cell.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spare compensating conductive part is made of copper alloy material with a cross-sectional area of ​​30-50 mm². 2The length is compatible with the conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell, the conductivity is ≥98% IACS, the sulfuric acid corrosion resistance is ≥25% concentration, and the temperature resistance is ≥70℃.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating isolation part includes a composite insulating kit, which is made of flame-retardant insulating material with an oxygen index ≤26, a length direction deformation ≤1mm, and a width direction deformation ≤0.5mm.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the contact end between the spare compensation conductive part and the electrolytic cell electrode plate is provided with an arc-shaped conductive contact surface, the surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm, the contact pressure is 5-8N, and the contact resistance is ≤5mΩ.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensating conductive part is 10-15mm, the thickness of the insulating isolation part is 8-12mm, and the insulation resistance between the two poles is ≥100MΩ.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the spare compensation conductive parts is two sets, corresponding to the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell respectively. Each set of spare compensation conductive parts includes several parallel compensation conductive bars, and the spacing between adjacent compensation conductive bars is 50-80mm.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] This embodiment provides an electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device to improve the uniformity of current distribution, including a main conductive adapter, a backup compensation conductive part, an insulating isolation part, and a fixed mounting part. The specific structure and parameters of each component are as follows:

[0026] The main conductive adapter is a sheet-like structure that fits into the original conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell. It is made of copper and has a thickness of 8mm. The surface of the adapter that fits into the original conductive busbar is polished to a roughness Ra≤0.6μm to ensure stable conduction of the main current.

[0027] The spare compensating conductive part is arranged parallel to the main conductive adapter part and positioned on the insulating side of the corresponding cathode and anode plates within the electrolytic cell. It cooperates with the main conductive adapter part to form a dual-contact conductive structure for the same electrode plate. This spare compensating conductive part is made of tin bronze alloy and has a cross-sectional area of ​​35 mm². 2The length is fully compatible with the existing conductive busbars of the electrolytic cell (compatible length is 2200mm, compatible with 300kA aluminum electrolytic cells), conductivity is ≥98.5% IACS, sulfuric acid corrosion resistance is ≥25% concentration (no obvious corrosion marks after immersion in 25% sulfuric acid solution at room temperature for 72 hours), and temperature resistance is ≥75℃. There are two sets of spare compensating conductive sections, corresponding to the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell respectively. Each set of spare compensating conductive sections includes six parallel compensated conductive busbars, with a spacing of 60mm between adjacent busbars. The contact end between the spare compensating conductive section and the electrolytic cell electrode plate is provided with an arc-shaped conductive contact surface with a surface roughness Ra≤0.7μm. The contact pressure is stabilized at 6N by a spring pressure plate, and the tested contact resistance is ≤4mΩ.

[0028] The insulating isolation section is disposed between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensating conductive section, and between the corresponding anode and cathode positions of the backup compensating conductive section, configured to achieve same-pole conduction and two-pole insulation. In this embodiment, the insulating isolation section includes a composite insulating kit made of flame-retardant epoxy glass cloth material with an oxygen index ≤25, and a length direction deformation ≤0.8mm and a width direction deformation ≤0.4mm at room temperature. The distance between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensating conductive section is set to 12mm, and the thickness of the insulating isolation section at the corresponding position is 10mm; the thickness of the insulating isolation section between the corresponding anode and cathode positions of the backup compensating conductive section is 15mm, and the insulation resistance between the two poles is tested to be ≥120MΩ.

[0029] The fixed mounting part adopts a stainless steel snap-on structure and is connected to the two sides of the main conductive adapter. The device can be detachably fixed to the top of the electrolytic cell conductive bar by adjusting the bolts. After fixing, the verticality deviation of the device is ≤2mm, ensuring installation stability and subsequent maintenance convenience.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] This embodiment provides an electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device to improve the uniformity of current distribution, including a main conductive adapter, a backup compensation conductive part, an insulating isolation part, and a fixed mounting part. The specific structure and parameters of each component are as follows:

[0032] The main conductive adapter is a sheet-like structure that fits into the original conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell. It is made of copper-aluminum composite material with a thickness of 10mm. The bonding surface is sandblasted and then passivated to ensure a tight fit with the original conductive busbar and improve corrosion resistance, thus ensuring the efficiency of main current conduction.

[0033] The spare compensating conductive part is arranged parallel to the main conductive adapter part, positioned on the insulating side of the corresponding cathode and anode plates within the electrolytic cell, and cooperates with the main conductive adapter part to form a dual-contact conductive structure for the same electrode plate. This spare compensating conductive part is made of beryllium copper alloy and has a cross-sectional area of ​​45 mm². 2 The length is compatible with the existing conductive busbars of a 400kA aluminum electrolytic cell (compatible length is 2800mm), with a conductivity ≥98% IACS, a sulfuric acid corrosion resistance rating ≥25% concentration (corrosion rate ≤0.02mm / year after immersion in 25% sulfuric acid solution at room temperature for 72 hours), and a temperature resistance ≥80℃. Two sets of spare compensating conductive sections are provided, corresponding to the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell respectively. Each set includes eight parallel compensated conductive busbars, with a spacing of 70mm between adjacent busbars. The contact end with the electrolytic cell electrode plate is an arc-shaped conductive contact surface with a surface roughness Ra≤0.6μm. An elastic conductive base is used to stabilize the contact pressure at 7N, and the contact resistance is ≤3.5mΩ.

[0034] The insulating isolation section is disposed between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensating conductive section, and between the corresponding anode and cathode positions of the backup compensating conductive section, achieving same-pole conduction and two-pole insulation. In this embodiment, the insulating isolation section is a composite insulating kit made of flame-retardant polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with an oxygen index ≤24, and a length deformation ≤0.6mm and a width deformation ≤0.3mm at room temperature. The distance between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensating conductive section is set to 14mm, and the thickness of the insulating isolation section at the corresponding positions is 11mm; the thickness of the insulating isolation section between the corresponding anode and cathode positions of the backup compensating conductive section is 18mm, and the insulation resistance between the two poles is ≥150MΩ.

[0035] The fixed installation part adopts a clamp-type structure made of aluminum alloy and is connected to the end bracket of the spare compensation conductive part. It is connected to the support frame of the electrolytic cell conductive busbar by expansion bolts to realize the detachable fixation of the device. After installation, the horizontal deviation of the device is ≤1.5mm, which can effectively resist the vibration influence during the operation of the electrolytic cell.

[0036] This invention provides an electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device to improve the uniformity of current distribution. It establishes a dual-path conductive structure through a main conductive adapter and a backup compensation conductive part, creating dual contact points at both ends of the electrode. This significantly increases the conductive cross-sectional area and reduces contact resistance, effectively improving the uniformity of current distribution in the electrolytic cell and solving problems such as uneven copper growth at the cathode and uneven dissolution at the anode, thus improving the quality of the cathode copper product. The backup compensation conductive part uses a highly conductive copper alloy material, combined with an optimized contact structure design, ensuring rapid compensation response and reliable conductivity. Circuit breaker compensation is achieved without altering the original conductive busbar structure, offering strong compatibility, convenient installation, and eliminating the need for downtime modifications, reducing the risk of production interruption. The insulation isolation part uses flame-retardant composite insulation material, meeting the corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and insulation requirements of the harsh working environment of the electrolytic cell, effectively preventing short circuits between the electrodes and ensuring production safety. The adjustable design of the fixed installation part ensures stable contact pressure, improving the operational stability and service life of the device.

[0037] The foregoing descriptions have outlined some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Features in these embodiments can be rearranged in suitable ways, and the resulting solutions remain within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing embodiments without inventive effort, i.e., all modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application, fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker compensation device for an electrolytic cell to improve the uniformity of current distribution, characterized in that, It includes a main conductive adapter, a backup compensating conductive part, an insulating isolation part, and a fixed mounting part; the main conductive adapter is a sheet-like structure that is attached to the original conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell; the backup compensating conductive part is arranged parallel to the main conductive adapter, and the backup compensating conductive part is arranged on the insulating side of the corresponding cathode plate and anode plate in the electrolytic cell, and cooperates with the main conductive adapter to form a double contact point conductive structure for the same plate; The insulating isolation part is disposed between the main conductive adapter part and the backup compensation conductive part, and between the corresponding anode position and the corresponding cathode position of the backup compensation conductive part; the fixed mounting part is connected to the main conductive adapter part or the backup compensation conductive part, and is used to detachably fix the device above the conductive bar of the electrolytic cell.

2. The electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spare compensation conductive part is made of copper alloy material with a cross-sectional area of ​​30-50 mm². 2 The length is compatible with the conductive busbar of the electrolytic cell, the conductivity is ≥98% IACS, the sulfuric acid corrosion resistance is ≥25% concentration, and the temperature resistance is ≥70℃.

3. The electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating isolation part includes a composite insulating kit, which is made of flame-retardant insulating material with an oxygen index ≤26, a length deformation ≤1mm, and a width deformation ≤0.5mm.

4. The electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact end between the spare compensation conductive part and the electrolytic cell electrode plate is provided with an arc-shaped conductive contact surface, the surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm, the contact pressure is 5-8N, and the contact resistance is ≤5mΩ.

5. The electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the main conductive adapter and the backup compensating conductive part is 10-15mm, the thickness of the insulating isolation part is 8-12mm, and the insulation resistance between the two poles is ≥100MΩ.

6. The electrolytic cell circuit breaker compensation device for improving current distribution uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the spare compensation conductive parts is 2 sets, corresponding to the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell respectively. Each set of spare compensation conductive parts includes several parallel compensation conductive bars, and the spacing between adjacent compensation conductive bars is 50-80mm.

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