Aluminum electrolysis device for continuous anode and electrolysis system

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of aluminum electrolysis, and particularly relates to a continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device and an electrolysis system. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device comprises a support frame, a lifter arranged in the support frame, a connecting frame connected with the lifter, a steel frame connected with the connecting frame, an anode arranged in the steel frame, and a plurality of conductive bodies arranged in the anode at intervals. An inner wall of the steel frame is provided with an insulating coating. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device and the electrolysis system can improve structural stability and ensure service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of aluminum electrolysis technology, specifically relating to an aluminum electrolysis device and electrolysis system for continuous anodes. Background Technology

[0002] Aluminum electrolysis primarily employs the Hall-Herru molten salt electrolysis method, which has evolved from small prebaked cells to self-baking cells, and then back to prebaked cells. Currently, the mainstream aluminum electrolysis cell is the prebaked anode electrolysis cell, whose anode carbon block has a service life of approximately 25-32 days. When the anode is consumed to a remaining height of approximately 13-18 cm, the residual electrode needs to be removed and the anode replaced. The residual electrode replacement process is labor-intensive, causes interference to the electrolysis cell, and results in a large amount of residual electrodes requiring disposal.

[0003] To achieve continuous and stable operation of aluminum electrolysis cells and reduce operations such as electrode switching, a new continuous anode aluminum electrolysis process has been proposed in the industry. In related technologies, an anode frame serves as the supporting structure and is integrated with the aluminum internal conductor. Carbonaceous paste is filled inside the anode frame, and anode carbon blocks are formed through self-baking, thus achieving continuous electrolysis without the need for electrode switching. However, the anode frame exhibits poor structural stability at high temperatures, affecting its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device and electrolysis system, aiming to at least partially solve the technical problem of poor structural stability of the anode frame at high temperatures, which affects its service life.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is as follows: A continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus includes: a support frame; a lifter disposed on the support frame; a connecting frame connected to the lifter; a steel frame connected to the connecting frame; an anode disposed within the steel frame; and a plurality of conductors disposed at intervals within the anode; wherein the inner wall of the steel frame is provided with an insulating coating.

[0006] In some embodiments, the thickness of the insulating coating is 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the insulating coating is made of a high-temperature resistant coating material.

[0008] In some implementations, the outer wall of the steel frame is provided with thermal insulation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the steel frame has two first through holes, which are arranged opposite to each other. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device further includes two current-leading components, which correspond one-to-one with the two first through holes. The two current-leading components are spaced apart on the connecting frame and located on opposite sides of the steel frame. The current-leading components pass through the corresponding first through holes and abut against at least one of the conductors.

[0010] In some embodiments, the current-leading assembly includes: a flexible strip; a conductive rod, fixedly disposed on the steel frame and passing through a corresponding first through hole and contacting at least one of the conductors, the conductive rod being electrically connected to the flexible strip.

[0011] In some embodiments, the steel frame has at least two second through holes, which are evenly spaced at equal angles. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device further includes at least two clamping components, which are evenly spaced at equal angles on the connecting frame. The at least two clamping components correspond one-to-one with the at least two second through holes, and the clamping components pass through the corresponding second through holes and abut against the anode.

[0012] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly includes: a support member movably disposed on the connecting frame; a driver member disposed on the support member; a roller connected to the driver member and passing through a corresponding second through hole and abutting against the anode; a limiting member including a limiting portion and a guide portion connected to the limiting portion, the limiting portion being disposed on the connecting frame; and an elastic member sleeved on the guide portion and located between the limiting portion and the support member.

[0013] In some embodiments, the continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus further includes a gas collecting hood, disposed outside the steel frame and covering the electrolytic cell.

[0014] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an electrolysis system, including an electrolytic cell and a plurality of continuous anode aluminum electrolysis devices, wherein the plurality of continuous anode aluminum electrolysis devices are arranged in parallel, and the anodes of the plurality of continuous anode aluminum electrolysis devices can be raised and lowered within the electrolytic cell.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following: In related technologies, the anode frame is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. However, aluminum has poor thermal stability and is prone to melting and deformation. Aluminum's melting point is 660℃, while the normal operating temperature of an aluminum electrolytic cell is approximately 940℃~960℃. During long-term high-temperature operation, the anode frame is easily deformed by heat, making it impossible to maintain structural stability. Moreover, the integrated aluminum frame structure is difficult to replenish. The anode frame and the built-in conductor are integrated as a consumable frame, requiring the addition of new frames as they are gradually consumed during electrolysis. This places significant demands on the upper space of the electrolytic cell, making operation difficult and requiring considerable strength.

[0016] Because the lifting device is mounted on the support frame, it is supported by the support frame. The connecting frame is connected to the lifting device, and the steel frame is connected to the connecting frame. The anode is located inside the steel frame. Therefore, the lifting device can drive the steel frame to move up and down via the connecting frame, allowing the steel frame to carry the anode into the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell. Simultaneously, the steel frame does not come into contact with the electrolyte, avoiding contamination. The steel frame is made of steel, which is heat-resistant and structurally stable, ensuring long-term stable operation of the continuous anode aluminum electrolysis unit. This significantly improves structural stability and guarantees service life. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to add new anode frames, requires less space above the electrolytic cell, reduces operational difficulty and intensity, and lowers costs. Because multiple conductors are spaced apart inside the anode, they can conduct electricity to the anode, allowing the electrolysis reaction to proceed normally. The inner wall of the steel frame has an insulating coating, preventing current from short-circuiting and ensuring uniform current distribution, thus guaranteeing the normal operation of the electrolysis reaction. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A front view of an aluminum electrolysis apparatus for continuous anodes according to some embodiments; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the clamping component.

[0019] In the attached image: Support frame 10, support truss 11, load-bearing beam 12; lifting device 20; connecting frame 30; steel frame 40; anode 50; conductor 60; current-leading assembly 70, flexible belt 71, conductive rod 72; clamping assembly 80, support member 81, driver 82, roller 83, limiting member 84, limiting part 841, guide part 842, elastic member 85; gas collecting hood 90; shell-breaking and feeding device 100; electrolytic cell 110; cathode 120. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0024] Specific technical solutions will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. Similar or identical reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar parts in different figures. The use of similar or identical reference numerals in different figures does not mean that all figures including similar or identical reference numerals constitute a single or the same embodiment. The accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments discussed in this application in a generalized, illustrative, and not restrictive manner.

[0025] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application embodiment of the continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus includes: a support frame 10, a lifter 20, a connecting frame 30, a steel frame 40, an anode 50, and conductors 60. The lifter 20 is disposed on the support frame 10. The connecting frame 30 is connected to the lifter 20. The steel frame 40 is connected to the connecting frame 30. The anode 50 is disposed within the steel frame 40. Multiple conductors 60 are spaced apart within the anode 50. The inner wall of the steel frame 40 is provided with an insulating coating. For example, the material of the conductors 60 can be aluminum, aluminum alloy, or graphite. The anode 50 is formed by self-baking of the anode paste. The lifter 20 can be a screw conveyor, and the height of the steel frame 40 can be 0.5m to 4m.

[0026] In related technologies, the anode frame is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. However, aluminum has poor thermal stability and is prone to melting and deformation. Aluminum's melting point is 660℃, while the normal operating temperature of an aluminum electrolytic cell is approximately 940℃~960℃. During long-term high-temperature operation, the anode frame is easily deformed by heat, making it impossible to maintain structural stability. Moreover, the integrated aluminum frame structure is difficult to replenish. The anode frame and the built-in conductor are integrated as a consumable frame, requiring the addition of new frames as they are gradually consumed during electrolysis. This places significant demands on the upper space of the electrolytic cell, making operation difficult and requiring considerable strength.

[0027] Since the lifting device 20 is mounted on the support frame 10, the support frame 10 supports the lifting device 20. Because the connecting frame 30 is connected to the lifting device 20, and the steel frame 40 is connected to the connecting frame 30, and the anode 50 is housed within the steel frame 40, the lifting device 20 can drive the steel frame 40 to move up and down via the connecting frame 30. This allows the steel frame 40 to carry the anode 50 into the electrolyte of the electrolytic cell 110, while simultaneously preventing the steel frame 40 from contacting the electrolyte to avoid contamination. The steel frame 40 is made of steel, which is heat-resistant and structurally stable, ensuring continuous anode supply. The aluminum electrolysis unit operates stably for a long time, with significantly improved structural stability, ensuring its service life. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional anode frames, requiring minimal space above the electrolysis cell 110, reducing operational difficulty and intensity, and lowering costs. Because multiple conductors 60 are spaced apart within the anode 50, they can conduct electricity to the anode 50, allowing the electrolysis reaction to proceed normally. The insulating coating on the inner wall of the steel frame 40 prevents current from short-circuiting out, ensuring uniform current distribution and guaranteeing the normal operation of the electrolysis reaction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the thickness of the insulating coating is 2mm to 5mm to ensure the insulation effect.

[0029] In some embodiments, the insulating coating is made of a high-temperature resistant coating material, which ensures the service life of the insulating coating and also provides a certain degree of heat preservation, which helps to increase the temperature of the anode 50 and improve the thermal efficiency of the electrolytic cell 110. For example, the high-temperature resistant coating material can be an alumina composite coating.

[0030] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the steel frame 40 is provided with a heat insulation component to reduce heat loss, improve energy utilization efficiency, and increase the thermal efficiency of the electrolytic cell 110. For example, the heat insulation component may be made of thermal insulation cotton.

[0031] Combination Figure 1 In some embodiments, the steel frame 40 has two first through holes, which are arranged opposite to each other. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus also includes a current-leading assembly 70. The two current-leading assemblies 70 correspond one-to-one with the two first through holes. The two current-leading assemblies 70 are spaced apart on the connecting frame 30 and located on opposite sides of the steel frame 40. The current-leading assemblies 70 pass through the corresponding first through holes and abut against at least one conductor 60, for guiding current to the conductor 60.

[0032] Since the two guiding components 70 are located on opposite sides of the steel frame 40, current can be evenly introduced into the anode 50 from both sides of the steel frame 40, which effectively improves the current density distribution of the anode 50 and reduces the voltage drop of the anode 50.

[0033] Combination Figure 1In some embodiments, the power-conducting assembly 70 includes a flexible strip 71 and a conductive rod 72. The conductive rod 72 is fixedly disposed on the steel frame 40 and passes through a corresponding first through hole to abut against at least one conductor 60. The conductive rod 72 is electrically connected to the flexible strip 71.

[0034] The external anode busbar is connected to the conductive rod 72 via a flexible strap 71. The conductive rod 72 transmits current to the conductor 60, and the current flows through the conductor 60 into the anode 50, and then into the electrolyte to complete the electrolysis circuit. The steel frame 40 itself does not participate in conduction; it only serves as structural support and a guide. Moreover, once the conductive rod 72 is fixed to the steel frame 40, no further operation of the conductive rod 72 is required, reducing labor intensity, lowering operating costs, and facilitating current transmission to the conductor 60.

[0035] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 The steel frame 40 has at least two second through holes, which are evenly spaced at equal angles. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device also includes a clamping assembly 80. At least two clamping assemblies 80 are evenly spaced at equal angles on the connecting frame 30. Each clamping assembly 80 corresponds to one of the at least two second through holes. The clamping assembly 80 passes through the corresponding second through hole and abuts against the anode 50, thus clamping the anode 50 and preventing it from falling out of the steel frame 30.

[0036] Combination Figure 3 In some embodiments, the clamping assembly 80 includes a support 81, a driver 82, a roller 83, a limiting member 84, and an elastic member 85. The support 81 is movably disposed on the connecting frame 30. The driver 82 is disposed on the support 81. The roller 83 is connected to the driver 82 and passes through a corresponding second through hole, abutting against the anode 50. The limiting member 84 includes a limiting portion 841 and a guide portion 842 connected to the limiting portion 841, the limiting portion 841 being disposed on the connecting frame 30. The elastic member 85 is sleeved on the guide portion 842 and located between the limiting portion 841 and the support 81 to limit the elastic member 85 and prevent it from falling off. For example, the elastic member 85 may be a spring.

[0037] Utilizing the elasticity of the elastic element 85, the support element 81 can be moved on the connecting frame 30, so that the roller 83 passes through the corresponding second through hole and abuts against the anode 50, applying pressure to the anode 50 and preventing it from falling out of the steel frame 30. During electrolysis, the anode 50 is gradually consumed, and the driver 82 drives the roller 83 to rotate. Under the action of friction, the anode 50 can descend within the steel frame 30, achieving continuous production. In other words, the clamping assembly 80 can both clamp the anode 50 and drive the anode 50 to rise and fall, realizing a dual-purpose clamping assembly 80 and reducing costs.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the driver 82 can be controlled to match the anode 50 consumption rate.

[0039] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus further includes a gas collection hood 90. The gas collection hood 90 is located outside the steel frame 40 and covers the electrolytic cell 11090, and is used to collect flue gas. The gas collection hood 90 is connected to the flue gas treatment equipment to reduce the escape of flue gas, thus taking into account both environmental protection and energy-saving requirements.

[0040] Combination Figure 1 In some embodiments, the continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus further includes a shell-breaking feeder 100. The shell-breaking feeder 100 is disposed on the outside of the steel frame 40 and is used to uniformly add alumina and aluminum fluoride materials into the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 110.

[0041] Combination Figure 1 In some embodiments, the support frame 10 includes a support truss 11 and a load-bearing beam 12. The load-bearing beam 12 is disposed on the support truss 11 and is supported by the support truss 11. The lifting device 20 is disposed on the load-bearing beam 12 and is supported by the load-bearing beam 12.

[0042] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also proposes an electrolysis system that uses the aforementioned continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device. The specific structure of the continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device is as described in the above embodiments. Since the continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electrolysis system includes an electrolytic cell 110. Multiple continuous anode aluminum electrolysis units are arranged side-by-side, and the anodes 50 of each unit are vertically mounted within the electrolytic cell 110. Each anode 50 of each continuous anode aluminum electrolysis unit is independently powered and independently raised and lowered. When a single continuous anode aluminum electrolysis unit malfunctions, that unit can be replaced individually without affecting the normal operation of other units, reducing maintenance costs and the risk of production interruption. For example, a cathode 120 is provided within the electrolytic cell 110.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0045] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0047] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0048] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An aluminum electrolysis device for continuous anodes, characterized in that, include: Support frame; The lifting device is located on the support frame; A connecting frame is connected to the lifting device; The steel frame is connected to the connecting bracket; The anode is located within the steel frame; Multiple conductors are spaced apart and disposed within the anode; The inner wall of the steel frame is provided with an insulating coating.

2. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the insulating coating is 2mm to 5mm.

3. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating coating is made of a high-temperature resistant coating material.

4. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the steel frame is equipped with thermal insulation components.

5. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The steel frame has two first through holes, which are arranged opposite to each other. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device further includes: Two current-leading components correspond one-to-one with the two first through holes. The two guiding components are spaced apart on the connecting frame and located on opposite sides of the steel frame. The current-leading components pass through the corresponding first through holes and abut against at least one of the conductors.

6. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The power-leading assembly includes: Soft band; A conductive rod is fixedly mounted on the steel frame and passes through the corresponding first through hole, abutting against at least one of the conductive bodies. The conductive rod is connected to the flexible live wire.

7. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The steel frame has at least two second through holes, which are evenly spaced at equal angles. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device further includes: At least two clamping components are evenly spaced at equal angles on the connecting frame. Each of the at least two clamping components corresponds to at least two second through holes. The clamping components pass through the corresponding second through holes and abut against the anode.

8. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes: A support member is movably mounted on the connecting frame; A driver is provided on the support member; A roller, connected to the driver, passes through the corresponding second through hole and abuts against the anode; A limiting member includes a limiting part and a guide part connected to the limiting part, wherein the limiting part is disposed on the connecting frame; An elastic element is sleeved on the guide portion and located between the limiting portion and the support member.

9. The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The continuous anode aluminum electrolysis apparatus further includes: A gas collection hood is installed outside the steel frame and covers the electrolytic cell.

10. An electrolysis system characterized in that, It includes an electrolytic cell and a plurality of continuous anode aluminum electrolysis devices as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the plurality of continuous anode aluminum electrolysis devices are arranged side by side, and the anodes of the plurality of continuous anode aluminum electrolysis devices can be raised and lowered within the electrolytic cell.

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