Electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metal

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electrolytic bath for preparing rare earth metal. The electrolytic cell comprises a cell body, a solid cathode, a crucible and an anode, the tank body is provided with a graphite layer, the graphite layer comprises a graphite layer side part and a graphite layer bottom, and the graphite layer bottom is provided with a notch; the solid-state cathode is arranged in the cell body, and one part of the solid-state cathode is arranged in the notch; the upper end of the solid cathode is higher than the upper end face of the bottom of the graphite layer, an expansion cavity is formed between the side face of the solid cathode and the inner surface of the graphite layer, and an insulating layer is arranged in the expansion cavity; the crucible is arranged above the solid-state cathode and is in contact with the solid-state cathode; the crucible is arranged to receive liquid rare earth metal generated by electrolysis; and at least one part of the anode is arranged in the tank body, and the anode is arranged above the crucible. The solid-liquid mixed cathode at the bottom of the electrolytic cell is used as the cathode, so that the reaction area is increased, and the electrolytic efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metals. Background Art

[0002] Molten salt electrolysis is an important method for preparing rare earth metals or their alloys, and the electrolytic cell is an important equipment for producing rare earth metals by molten salt electrolysis. At present, most electrolytic cells are of the upper-inserted anode and cathode mode, that is, the cathode is vertically inserted into the electrolyte from the outside of the cell body, and the distance between the anode and the cathode is fixed. In the process of electrolysis, as the anode is consumed, the pole distance of this cell structure continues to increase, and the voltage increases accordingly, resulting in serious power loss. The lower end of the upper-inserted cathode is immersed in the liquid surface, and the remaining part is exposed to the air. Complex multiphase reactions and mechanical wear will occur at the gas-liquid interface, reducing the service life of the cathode. In addition, the upper part of the cell body of this type of cell has limited space for use, and manual operation is difficult, which is not conducive to the expansion of the cell body scale.

[0003] CN115418680A discloses an electrolytic furnace, comprising a furnace body, a bracket, a mixed cathode, an anode and a receiver. The mixed cathode comprises a tray. The tray comprises a chassis portion located in the middle and an edge portion connected to a raised edge of the chassis portion. A solid cathode is built into the chassis portion, and a portion of the solid cathode is exposed outside the chassis portion. A liquid cathode is carried in the tray, and the solid cathode and the liquid cathode constitute a mixed cathode. A raised protrusion is arranged on the chassis portion, and the height of the protrusion is close to the height of the edge portion. Parallel and / or staggered grooves are formed between the protrusions, and the solid cathode is exposed at the grooves. The bracket is arranged at the bottom of the furnace body, and the mixed cathode is arranged on the bracket. The top of the anode is connected to a lifting device, and the bottom is directly opposite to the mixed cathode. The mixed cathode is connected to the negative pole of the power supply device, and the anode is connected to the positive pole of the power supply device. The receiver is arranged below the mixed cathode for receiving the metal liquid overflowing from the mixed cathode. The device needs to use a bracket to support the mixed cathode, which is not conducive to large-scale expansion of production.

[0004] CN103590073A discloses a method for preparing a mixed master alloy of magnesium and light rare earth by a dual cathode method, wherein a graphite crucible is used as an anode, low-concentration magnesium, lanthanum, praseodymium, and cerium are used as liquid cathodes, and molybdenum rods are used as dual cathodes, and electrolyte is added to the graphite crucible for electrolysis to obtain a mixed master alloy of magnesium and light rare earth. The patent application does not describe the specific structure of the electrolysis device. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the utility model is to provide an electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metals, which uses a solid-liquid mixed cathode at the bottom as a cathode, increases the reaction area, and improves the electrolysis efficiency. Furthermore, the electrolytic cell of the utility model can be suitable for industrial large-scale production. Furthermore, the electrolytic cell of the utility model has a stable voltage and saves energy.

[0006] The above object is achieved by the following solutions.

[0007] The utility model provides an electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metals, comprising a cell body, a solid cathode, a crucible and an anode;

[0008] The cell body is provided with a graphite layer, which includes a graphite layer side part and a graphite layer bottom part, and the graphite layer bottom part is provided with a notch;

[0009] The solid cathode is arranged in the cell body, and a part of the solid cathode is arranged in the notch; the upper end of the solid cathode is higher than the upper end face of the graphite layer bottom part, and an expansion cavity is formed between the side surface of the solid cathode and the inner surface of the graphite layer, and an insulating layer is arranged in the expansion cavity;

[0010] The crucible is arranged above the solid cathode and is in contact with the solid cathode; the crucible is arranged to receive the liquid rare earth metal generated by electrolysis;

[0011] At least a part of the anode is arranged in the cell body, and the anode is arranged above the crucible.

[0012] For the electrolytic cell according to the utility model, preferably, the crucible contains a liquid rare earth metal, and the liquid rare earth metal and the solid cathode form a solid-liquid mixed cathode.

[0013] For the electrolytic cell according to the utility model, preferably, the cell body is further provided with an insulating outer shell, and the graphite layer is arranged in the insulating outer shell.

[0014] For the electrolytic cell according to the utility model, preferably, the cell body further includes a heat-insulating layer; the insulating outer shell includes an insulating outer shell side part and an insulating outer shell bottom part, the insulating outer shell bottom part is in contact with the graphite layer bottom part, and the heat-insulating layer is arranged between the insulating outer shell side part and the graphite layer side part.

[0015] For the electrolytic cell according to the utility model, preferably, the electrolytic cell further includes a furnace lining; the furnace lining is arranged in the cell body and surrounds the anode.

[0016] For the electrolytic cell according to the utility model, preferably, the crucible includes a crucible bottom and a crucible side wall, the crucible side wall is inclined outward from its lower end, and the projection of the crucible bottom on the horizontal plane substantially coincides with the projection of the solid cathode on the horizontal plane.

[0017] For the electrolytic cell according to the utility model, preferably, the projection of the anode on the horizontal plane falls within the range of the projection of the crucible bottom on the horizontal plane.

[0018] For the electrolytic cell according to the present utility model, preferably, a plurality of anodes are provided, and the plurality of anodes are evenly and dispersedly arranged.

[0019] For the electrolytic cell according to the present utility model, preferably, a part of the anode is arranged in the cell body, and the other part of the anode is arranged outside the cell body.

[0020] For the electrolytic cell according to the present utility model, preferably, the electrolytic cell further includes an upper end cover, the upper end of the cell body is open, and the upper end cover covers the upper end of the cell body.

[0021] The electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metals according to the present utility model increases the reaction area between the cathode and the anode, improves the electrolysis efficiency. Further, the electrolytic cell of the present utility model can be applied to large-scale industrial production. Furthermore, the electrolytic cell of the present utility model has stable voltage and saves energy. In the electrolytic cell of the present utility model, the travel distance of the metal droplets from the anode to the receiving device is short, and it is not easy to cause secondary remelting of the metal. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metals according to the present utility model.

[0023] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0024] 101 - Insulating shell; 102 - Graphite layer; 103 - Solid cathode; 104 - Heat-insulating layer; 105 - Expansion cavity; 106 - Furnace lining; 116 - Crucible; 300 - Anode. Detailed Embodiments

[0025] The following further illustrates the present utility model with reference to specific embodiments, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto.

[0026] The electrolytic cell of the present utility model includes a cell body, a solid cathode, a crucible and an anode. In some embodiments, it may further include one or more of a furnace lining and an upper end cover.

[0027] <Cell body>

[0028] The cell body of the present utility model is provided with a graphite layer. The graphite layer includes a graphite layer side part and a graphite layer bottom part. There is a notch on the graphite layer bottom part.

[0029] The cell body may also be provided with an insulating shell. The graphite layer is arranged in the insulating shell. The insulating shell includes an insulating shell side part and an insulating shell bottom part. The graphite layer bottom part and the insulating shell bottom part are in contact with each other.

[0030] The tank body can also be provided with a heat-insulating layer. The heat-insulating layer is arranged between the side of the insulating shell and the side of the graphite layer. The inner surface of the heat-insulating layer is in contact with the graphite layer. The outer surface of the heat-insulating layer is in contact with the insulating shell.

[0031] <Solid-state cathode and crucible>

[0032] The solid-state cathode of the present utility model is arranged in the tank body. A part of the solid-state cathode is arranged in the notch. The upper end of the solid-state cathode is higher than the upper end face of the bottom of the graphite layer. An expansion cavity is formed between the side surface of the solid-state cathode and the inner surface of the graphite layer. An insulating layer is arranged in the expansion cavity. The insulating layer is arranged to insulate the solid-state cathode and the graphite layer. The solid-state cathode can be formed of tungsten or molybdenum.

[0033] The crucible of the present utility model is arranged above the solid-state cathode and is in contact with the solid-state cathode. The crucible is arranged to receive the liquid rare earth metal generated by electrolysis. The crucible includes a crucible bottom and a crucible side wall. The crucible bottom is in contact with the top of the solid-state cathode. Preferably, the crucible bottom is in contact with the top of the solid-state cathode. The projection of the crucible bottom on the horizontal plane can be substantially coincident with the projection of the solid-state cathode on the horizontal plane. The crucible side wall is inclined outward from its lower end. The crucible can be formed of a conductive metal, such as tungsten, molybdenum, etc. In this way, the liquid rare earth metal collected in the crucible can form a solid-liquid mixed cathode with the solid-state cathode.

[0034] In some embodiments, the crucible contains liquid rare earth metal.

[0035] <Anode>

[0036] At least a part of the anode of the present utility model is arranged in the tank body. The anode is arranged above the crucible. Specifically, a part of the anode is arranged in the tank body, and another part of the anode is arranged outside the tank body. The projection of the anode on the horizontal plane falls within the range of the projection of the crucible bottom on the horizontal plane. The anode can be arranged in multiple numbers. The multiple anodes are evenly dispersed. The anode can be formed of graphite.

[0037] <Furnace lining and upper end cover>

[0038] The furnace lining of the present utility model is arranged in the tank body. The furnace lining surrounds the anode. The furnace lining can be formed of graphite.

[0039] The upper end cover of the present utility model covers the upper end of the tank body.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] As Figure 1 shown, the electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metal in this embodiment includes a tank body, a solid-state cathode 103, a crucible 116, an anode 300, and a furnace lining 106.

[0042] The cell body includes an insulating housing 101, a heat-insulating layer 104, and a graphite layer 102. The insulating housing 101 includes a side part and a bottom part of the insulating housing. The graphite layer 102 includes a side part and a bottom part of the graphite layer. The graphite layer 102 is disposed in the insulating housing 101. The bottom of the insulating housing is in contact with the bottom of the graphite layer. There is a notch in the bottom of the graphite layer. The heat-insulating layer 104 is disposed between the side part of the insulating housing and the side part of the graphite layer. The upper end of the cell body is open.

[0043] The solid cathode 103 is disposed in the cell body, and a part of the solid cathode 103 is disposed in the notch. The upper end of the solid cathode 103 is higher than the upper end surface of the bottom of the graphite layer. An expansion cavity 105 is formed between the side surface of the solid cathode 103 and the inner surface of the graphite layer 102. An insulating layer (not shown) is disposed in the expansion cavity 105. The insulating layer is used to insulate the graphite layer 102 and the solid cathode 103 from each other.

[0044] The crucible 116 includes a crucible bottom and a crucible side wall. The crucible side wall is inclined outward from its lower end. The crucible 116 is disposed above the solid cathode 103. The crucible bottom is in fit with the top of the solid cathode 103. The projection of the crucible bottom on the horizontal plane substantially coincides with the projection of the solid cathode 103 on the horizontal plane.

[0045] A part of the anode 300 is disposed in the cell body, and another part of the anode 300 is disposed outside the cell body. The anode 300 is disposed above the crucible 116. The projection of the anode 300 on the horizontal plane falls within the range of the projection of the crucible bottom on the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the anode 300 is provided as a plurality of anodes, and the plurality of anodes 300 are evenly and dispersedly disposed.

[0046] The furnace lining 106 is disposed in the cell body. The furnace lining 106 is disposed around the anode 300.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] Except for the following structure, the rest is the same as in Embodiment 1:

[0049] The crucible 116 contains a liquid rare earth metal, and the liquid rare earth metal and the solid cathode 103 form a solid-liquid mixed cathode.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] Except for the following structure, the rest is the same as in Embodiment 1:

[0052] The electrolytic cell of this embodiment further includes an upper end cover. The upper end cover covers the upper end of the cell body.

[0053] The present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the essential content of the present utility model, any variations, improvements, or substitutions that can be conceived by those skilled in the art fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell for preparing rare earth metals, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell includes a cell body, a solid cathode, a crucible, and an anode; The cell body is provided with a graphite layer, the graphite layer includes a graphite layer side portion and a graphite layer bottom portion, and the graphite layer bottom portion is provided with a notch; The solid cathode is disposed in the cell body, and a part of the solid cathode is disposed in the notch; the upper end of the solid cathode is higher than the upper end surface of the graphite layer bottom portion, and an expansion cavity is formed between the side surface of the solid cathode and the inner surface of the graphite layer, and an insulating layer is disposed in the expansion cavity; The crucible is disposed above the solid cathode and is in contact with the solid cathode; the crucible is configured to receive the liquid rare earth metal generated by electrolysis; At least a part of the anode is disposed in the cell body, and the anode is disposed above the crucible.

2. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein The crucible contains a liquid rare earth metal, and the liquid rare earth metal and the solid cathode form a solid-liquid mixed cathode.

3. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cell body is further provided with an insulating housing, and the graphite layer is disposed in the insulating housing.

4. The electrolytic cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cell body further includes a heat-insulating layer; the insulating housing includes an insulating housing side portion and an insulating housing bottom portion, the insulating housing bottom portion is in contact with the graphite layer bottom portion, and the heat-insulating layer is disposed between the insulating housing side portion and the graphite layer side portion.

5. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell further includes a furnace lining; the furnace lining is disposed in the cell body and surrounds the anode.

6. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crucible includes a crucible bottom portion and a crucible side wall, the crucible side wall is inclined outward from its lower end, and the projection of the crucible bottom portion on the horizontal plane substantially coincides with the projection of the solid cathode on the horizontal plane.

7. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projection of the anode on the horizontal plane falls within the range of the projection of the crucible bottom portion on the horizontal plane.

8. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anodes are provided in plurality, and the plurality of anodes are uniformly and dispersedly arranged.

9. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, A part of the anode is disposed in the cell body, and another part of the anode is disposed outside the cell body.

10. The electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell further includes an upper end cover, the upper end of the cell body is open, and the upper end cover covers the upper end of the cell body.

Images