Electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connecting structure

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of aluminum electrolysis technology, and particularly relates to a cathode steel rod connection structure for an electrolytic cell. It includes a cathode steel rod, a first explosive weld block, an intermediate connecting assembly, and a busbar connecting assembly. The first explosive weld block is welded to the end of the cathode steel rod. The intermediate connecting assembly includes a first connecting aluminum strip and first aluminum plates disposed on both sides of the first connecting aluminum strip. One of the first aluminum plates is connected to the first explosive weld block, and the other first aluminum plate is connected to the busbar connecting assembly. By using the first explosive weld block, it is pre-welded to the end of the cathode steel rod outside the electrolysis workshop. Then, inside the electrolytic cell, welding is performed between the intermediate connecting assembly and the first explosive weld block, as well as the cathode busbar around the cell. This greatly reduces the amount of welding work during construction. Compared to welding steel connecting pieces, it not only shortens the welding time but also effectively ensures welding quality and reduces voltage drop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of aluminum electrolysis technology, and in particular relates to a connection structure for cathode steel rods in an electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] In aluminum electrolysis production, the cathode steel rod is a key conductive component of the aluminum electrolysis cell. The current inside the cell is conducted to the cell's peripheral busbar through the cathode steel rod and the aluminum flexible strip. Therefore, the quality of the connection between the cathode steel rod and the flexible strip has a significant impact on current transmission. Currently, the main connection method is an aluminum-steel composite block transition connection.

[0003] Currently, most companies adopt aluminum-steel composite block transition connection method, such as Figure 1 As shown, the aluminum-steel composite block is pre-prepared through explosive welding or an aluminum-steel composite process. During welding in the electrolytic cell, the cathode steel rod 2 is connected to the steel side of the aluminum-steel composite block through multiple connecting steel plates 21. The aluminum flexible strip 31 and the aluminum pressing block 3 are welded or pressed onto the aluminum side 22 of the aluminum-steel composite block, thereby achieving the connection between the cathode steel rod 2 and the aluminum flexible strip 31. However, in this connection method, due to the large cross-section of the cathode steel rod (over 25000mm2), a large number of connecting steel plates 21 are required, and the effective conductive area of ​​the actual connecting steel plates 21 is much smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cathode steel rod 2. This leads to high voltage drop and high power consumption. In the actual operation of an aluminum plant, considering factors such as temperature and welding area, the connecting steel plates 21 are welded to the end of the cathode steel rod 2 in multiple stages. The welding time is long, the welding requirements are high, and the operation is relatively cumbersome. The welding of the steel connecting plates 21 accounts for the majority of the overall welding workload. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the technical problems existing in the background art, this utility model provides a connection structure for cathode steel rods in an electrolytic cell.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows: An electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure includes a cathode steel rod, a first explosive weld block, an intermediate connection assembly, and a busbar connection assembly. The cathode steel rod is welded to the end of the first explosive weld block. The intermediate connection assembly includes a first connecting aluminum strip and first aluminum plates disposed on both sides of the first connecting aluminum strip. One of the first aluminum plates is connected to the first explosive weld block, and the other first aluminum plate is connected to the busbar connection assembly.

[0006] Optionally, the first explosive welding block, intermediate connecting assembly, and busbar connecting assembly are arranged in two sets at intervals along the height direction of the cathode steel rod.

[0007] Optionally, the busbar connection assembly includes a second connecting aluminum strip and a second aluminum plate, wherein the second aluminum plate and the first aluminum plate are connected.

[0008] Optionally, the first explosive welding block and the second aluminum plate are welded to the first aluminum plate.

[0009] Optionally, the second connecting aluminum strip is connected to the busbar.

[0010] Optionally, the cathode steel rod is disposed in a slot in the cathode carbon block.

[0011] Optionally, the first explosive weld block is an aluminum-steel weld block, the side closer to the cathode steel rod is a steel weld block, and the side closer to the first aluminum plate is an aluminum weld block.

[0012] This utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects: In this invention, a first explosive weld block is pre-welded to the end of the cathode steel rod outside the electrolysis workshop. Then, inside the electrolysis cell, welding is performed between the first explosive weld block and the cathode busbar around the cell using an intermediate connecting assembly. This significantly reduces the amount of welding work during construction. Compared to welding steel connecting pieces, this method not only shortens the welding time but also effectively ensures welding quality and reduces voltage drop. By using several first explosive weld blocks to weld to the cathode steel rod, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first explosive weld block is ensured to be the same as the required cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate connecting assembly (connecting flexible strip), improving the utilization rate of the first explosive weld block and reducing its quantity. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the pressing structure between the cathode steel rod and the connecting flexible strip in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the crimping structure between the cathode steel rod and the connecting flexible strip in Example 1; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of a portion of the central structure; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Front view; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the intermediate connecting component in Example 1; Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the busbar connection assembly in Example 1; Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the connection structure between the cathode steel rod and the aluminum busbar in Example 2; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Front view; Figure 9 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of point a; Figure 10 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the central structure.

[0014] Reference numerals: 1-Cathode carbon block, 2-Cathode steel rod, 2a-Replacement steel rod section, 2b-Fixed steel rod section, 21-Steel connecting piece, 22-Aluminum connecting piece, 3-Second aluminum plate, 31-Second connecting aluminum flexible strip, 4-First explosive weld block, 5-First connecting aluminum flexible strip, 51-First aluminum plate, 6-Electrolytic cell shell, 61-Through groove, 7-Aluminum busbar, 71-Third connecting aluminum flexible strip, 8-Second explosive weld block. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this utility model, but not all embodiments.

[0016] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Example 1 like Figures 2-6 As shown, an electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure includes a cathode steel rod 2, a first explosive weld block 4, an intermediate connecting assembly, and a busbar connecting assembly. The first explosive weld block 4 is welded to the end of the cathode steel rod 2. The cathode steel rod 2 and the first explosive weld block 4 are pre-welded outside the electrolysis workshop to eliminate the influence of the magnetic field in the electrolysis workshop and ensure welding quality. The intermediate connecting assembly includes a first connecting aluminum flexible strip 5 and first aluminum plates 51 disposed on both sides of the first connecting aluminum flexible strip 5. One first aluminum plate 51 is connected to the first explosive weld block 4, and the other first aluminum plate 51 is connected to the busbar connecting assembly. The intermediate connecting assembly is used to weld the first explosive weld block 4 and the busbar connecting assembly. This operation is completed inside the electrolysis workshop. The traditional method of welding steel connecting pieces 21 is replaced by welding aluminum blocks.

[0018] In this invention, a first explosive welding block 4 is pre-welded to the end of the cathode steel rod 2 outside the electrolysis workshop. Then, inside the electrolysis cell, the first explosive welding block 4 is welded to the cathode busbar around the cell using an intermediate connecting component. This greatly reduces the amount of welding work during construction. Compared with welding the steel connecting piece 21, it not only shortens the welding time but also effectively ensures the welding quality and reduces the voltage drop. By using several first explosive welding blocks 4 to weld to the cathode steel rod 2, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first explosive welding block 4 is ensured to be the same as the required cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate connecting component (connecting flexible strip), improving the utilization rate of the first explosive welding block 4 and reducing the amount of first explosive welding block 4 used.

[0019] Furthermore, two sets of the first explosive weld block 4, the intermediate connecting assembly, and the busbar connecting assembly are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the cathode steel rod 2. This design allows for the setting of multiple sets of pressing structures according to the height of the cathode steel rod 2, which can reduce the consumption of connecting materials, ensure welding quality, guarantee current efficiency, and reduce voltage drop.

[0020] Furthermore, the busbar connection assembly includes a second connecting aluminum strip 31 and a second aluminum plate 3, which are connected to the first aluminum plate 51.

[0021] Furthermore, the first explosive weld block 4 and the second aluminum plate 3 are welded to the first aluminum plate 51 respectively. Compared with the bolt connection method, welding can ensure the connection quality, improve current efficiency, and reduce voltage drop.

[0022] Furthermore, the second connecting aluminum flexible strip 31 is connected to the busbar around the groove.

[0023] Furthermore, the cathode steel rod 2 is placed in the slot of the cathode carbon block 1.

[0024] In this invention, the first explosive welding block 4 is an aluminum-steel explosive welding block, the side closer to the cathode steel rod 2 is a steel welding block, and the side closer to the first aluminum plate 51 is an aluminum welding block, thus avoiding the unreliability of dissimilar metal welding connections.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, in the existing technology, most companies use aluminum-steel composite blocks to connect the cathode steel rod and the aluminum flexible strip. During welding in the electrolytic cell, the cathode steel rod 2 and the steel side of the aluminum-steel composite block are connected by multiple connecting steel plates 21. The aluminum flexible strip 31 and the aluminum pressing block 3 are welded or pressed onto the aluminum side 22 of the aluminum-steel composite block, thereby achieving the connection between the cathode steel rod 2 and the aluminum flexible strip 31. This structure requires a large number of steel connecting plates 21, and their effective conductive area is much smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cathode steel rod 2, which leads to high voltage drop and high power consumption. Furthermore, because the steel connecting plates 21 are spaced apart and there are many steel connecting plates 21, they are distributed throughout the end of the cathode steel rod 2, occupying a large area. In this case, the aluminum flexible strip 31, the aluminum pressing block 3, and the aluminum side 22 of the aluminum-steel composite block require a larger pressing area, resulting in space occupation and material waste. This is especially difficult to operate in the narrow space of the electrolytic cell.

[0026] Reference Figure 3 This application eliminates the steel connecting piece 21 and instead uses multiple first explosive weld blocks 4 welded to the intermediate connecting components and busbar connecting components. This significantly reduces the welding workload during construction. Compared to welding the steel connecting piece 21, it not only shortens the welding time but also effectively ensures welding quality and reduces pressure drop. By using several first explosive weld blocks 4 welded to the cathode steel rod 2, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first explosive weld block 4 is ensured to be the same as the required cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate connecting components (connecting flexible strip), improving the utilization rate of the first explosive weld blocks 4, reducing the amount of first explosive weld blocks used, and simultaneously reducing the space occupied by the entire connection structure, thus saving materials.

[0027] Example 2 This embodiment provides another new connection structure.

[0028] like Figures 7-10 As shown, the cathode steel rod connection structure of the electrolytic cell also includes a cathode carbon block 1 and a cathode steel rod 2. The cathode steel rod 2 passes through the through groove 61 of the electrolytic cell shell 6 to reach the outside. Several second explosive weld blocks 8 are evenly distributed at the end of the cathode steel rod 2. The second explosive weld blocks 8 are spaced apart. In this embodiment, the number of second explosive weld blocks 8 is three.

[0029] The second explosive weld block 8 is connected to the third connecting aluminum flexible strip 71, and the other end of the third connecting aluminum flexible strip 71 is connected to the aluminum busbar 7.

[0030] Among them, the second explosive welding block 8 is an aluminum-steel explosive welding block, the side near the cathode steel rod 2 is a steel welding block, and the side near the third connecting aluminum flexible strip 71 is an aluminum welding block, so as to avoid the unreliability of dissimilar metal welding connections.

[0031] Based on Example 1, this connection structure directly eliminates the intermediate connecting components, further reducing the number of welds and the pressure drop.

[0032] Secondly, when replacing the cathode carbon block 1 and cathode steel rod 2 in a traditional electrolytic cell, it is necessary to remove the cathode steel rod 2 and the explosive block and busbar connected to its outer end. However, due to the presence of the electrolytic cell shell 6, the replacement is more difficult, time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0033] After adopting the scheme of this embodiment, the cathode steel rod 2 is divided into two sections, namely the replacement steel rod section 2a and the fixed steel rod section 2b. The fixed steel rod section 2b is located at the end of the cathode steel rod 2. The fixed steel rod section 2b is installed through the electrolytic cell shell 6 and is connected to the second explosive welding block 8.

[0034] In this structure, except for the initial installation using a long cathode steel rod 2, short cathode steel rods 2 are used for subsequent maintenance and cathode replacement. The cathode steel rod 2 is cut at the cutting line L1 using equipment, leaving the fixed steel rod segment 2b in the electrolytic cell. The remaining replacement steel rod segment 2a and cathode carbon block 1 are removed together. Then, a new cathode carbon block 1 and a short cathode steel rod 2 are replaced, and the newly replaced cathode steel rod 2 is welded to the remaining fixed steel rod segment 2b using welding equipment. This eliminates the need to disassemble the second explosive weld block 8 and the third connecting aluminum flexible strip 71. This connection structure uses multiple small explosive blocks for connection. Compared to traditional bolt crimping, it reduces the number of weld seams and the voltage drop at the aluminum block crimping surface. The new method of welding within the electrolytic cell using flame cutting, coupled with automated welding using specialized equipment, results in more stable and controllable welding quality, reducing welding quality issues caused by fluctuations in manual welding processes and further reducing voltage drop. Furthermore, the small explosive weld blocks can be added or subtracted according to the cathode current distribution in the electrolytic cell to balance the cathode current distribution. Furthermore, it employs flame cutting and internal welding, allowing for 2-3 internal welding cycles and a service life of up to 15 years, far exceeding the lifespan of the electrolytic cell.

[0035] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A connection structure for cathode steel rods in an electrolytic cell, characterized in that: It includes a cathode steel rod, a first explosive weld block, an intermediate connecting assembly, and a busbar connecting assembly. The cathode steel rod is welded to the end of the first explosive weld block. The intermediate connecting assembly includes a first connecting aluminum strip and first aluminum plates disposed on both sides of the first connecting aluminum strip. One of the first aluminum plates is connected to the first explosive weld block, and the other first aluminum plate is connected to the busbar connecting assembly.

2. The electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first explosive welding block, the intermediate connecting assembly, and the busbar connecting assembly are arranged in two sets at intervals along the height direction of the cathode steel rod.

3. The electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The busbar connection assembly includes a second connecting aluminum strip and a second aluminum plate, wherein the second aluminum plate and the first aluminum plate are connected.

4. The electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first explosive welding block and the second aluminum plate are respectively welded to the first aluminum plate.

5. The electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second connecting aluminum strip is connected to the busbar.

6. The electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode steel rod is placed in the slot of the cathode carbon block.

7. The electrolytic cell cathode steel rod connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first explosive weld block is an aluminum-steel weld block, with a steel weld block on the side closer to the cathode steel rod and an aluminum weld block on the side closer to the first aluminum plate.

8. A connection structure for cathode steel rods in an electrolytic cell, characterized in that: The device includes a cathode steel rod, a second explosive weld block, and an aluminum busbar. Several second explosive weld blocks are welded to the end of the cathode steel rod. The second explosive weld blocks are connected to a third connecting aluminum flexible strip, and the other end of the third connecting aluminum flexible strip is connected to the aluminum busbar. The cathode steel rod includes an integrally connected replacement steel rod section and a fixed steel rod section. The fixed steel rod section is located at the end of the cathode steel rod and passes through the electrolytic cell shell. The fixed steel rod section is connected to the second explosive weld blocks.

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