An anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of electrolytic aluminum production equipment, and particularly relates to an anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit. It includes an electrolytic cell and an anode. The electrolytic cell has a replacement structure inside, which includes a replacement mechanism and an auxiliary mechanism. The replacement mechanism includes a support plate, a forward and reverse motor, a threaded rod, a moving plate, and a guide plate. The top of the support plate is connected to the bottom of the forward and reverse motor. This anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit achieves the cooperation between the sliding plate and the sliding groove of the guide plate. The clamping plate can automatically extend and retract to adjust the spacing under the action of spring force, quickly adapting to prebaked anodes of different widths and thicknesses. Relying on the threaded cooperation between the forward and reverse motor, the threaded rod, and the moving plate, as well as the guiding effect of the moving plate's moving groove on the moving plate, starting the forward and reverse motor drives the threaded rod to rotate, thereby driving the moving plate, guide plate, and clamping plate to rise and fall synchronously, flexibly adapting to anodes of different heights.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electrolytic aluminum production equipment, specifically to an anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit. Background Technology

[0002] Electrolytic aluminum production is based on the cryolite-alumina molten salt electrolysis method. Its core equipment is the electrolytic cell. A large current of 50-60kA is passed through the cell, causing the alumina to undergo an electrolytic reaction in the molten electrolyte at 950-970℃, producing liquid aluminum and oxygen. During this process, the prebaked anode, as the anode conductor of the electrolytic reaction, not only undertakes the current conduction but also undergoes an oxidation reaction with the oxygen produced by electrolysis (2C + O2 = 2CO↑), resulting in the continuous consumption of the anode. Therefore, a replacement mechanism is needed to replace the anode.

[0003] Existing replacement mechanisms typically involve placing the anode into the electrolytic cell for use. However, in actual use, it is not possible to quickly and easily clamp and fix anodes of different sizes, which makes it difficult to disassemble and assemble quickly and conveniently, thus reducing the working efficiency of the replacement mechanism.

[0004] Therefore, we urgently need to provide an anode replacement mechanism for aluminum electrolysis units. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit, comprising an electrolytic cell and an anode, wherein a replacement structure is provided inside the electrolytic cell;

[0007] The replacement structure includes a replacement mechanism and an auxiliary mechanism;

[0008] The replacement mechanism includes a support plate, a forward and reverse motor, a threaded rod, a moving plate, and a guide plate. The top of the support plate is connected to the bottom of the forward and reverse motor, the output end of the forward and reverse motor is connected to the top of the threaded rod, the outer wall of the threaded rod is threaded to the inner wall of the moving plate, one end of the moving plate is connected to one end of the guide plate, a guide rod is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the guide plate, a sliding plate is slidably connected to the outer wall of the guide rod, a clamping plate is fixedly installed on one end of the sliding plate, and an anti-slip pad is fixedly installed on one side of the clamping plate.

[0009] A further improvement is that there are four support plates, which are symmetrically distributed on the inner wall of the electrolytic cell. A movable groove is opened on one side of each support plate, and one end of the movable plate is slidably connected to the inner wall of the movable groove. This allows for quick and convenient adjustment of the height of the clamping plate, thereby enabling better clamping and fixing of anodes of different heights.

[0010] A further improvement is that there are two guide plates, which are symmetrically distributed among the four bearing plates. A sliding groove is provided on one side of each guide plate, and one end of the sliding plate is slidably connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove, so as to quickly and conveniently drive the clamping plate to slide, thereby enabling better clamping and fixing.

[0011] A further improvement is that a spring is fixedly installed between one side of the sliding plate and the inner wall of the sliding groove, and there are two clamping plates, which are symmetrically distributed between the two guide plates, so that anodes of different sizes can be clamped and fixed quickly and conveniently, thereby enabling better replacement.

[0012] A further improvement is that the auxiliary mechanism includes a placement plate, an adjustment box, a limiting rod, a blocking plate, and a connecting block. The top of the placement plate is connected to the bottom of the adjustment box, the inner wall of the adjustment box is slidably connected to the outer wall of the limiting rod, the outer wall of the limiting rod is connected to the inner wall of the blocking plate, and one end of the limiting rod is inserted into one end of the connecting block.

[0013] A further improvement is that there are six adjustment boxes, which are symmetrically distributed on the top of the placement plate. A spring is fixedly installed between one side of the baffle plate and the inner wall of the adjustment box. A limit hole is opened at one end of the connecting block, and one end of the limit rod is inserted into the inner wall of the limit hole, so that anodes of different sizes can be quickly and conveniently disassembled and assembled, and thus can be replaced and used better.

[0014] A further improvement is that the inner wall of the electrolytic cell is connected to one side of the support plate, the inner wall of the electrolytic cell is connected to the bottom of the placement plate, and the bottom of the anode is pressed into contact with the top of the placement plate.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] 1. The anode replacement mechanism of this electrolytic aluminum unit achieves the cooperation between the sliding plate and the guide plate sliding groove through the replacement mechanism, and the spring set on one side of the sliding plate allows the clamping plate to automatically extend and retract to adjust the spacing under the action of the spring force, which can quickly adapt to prebaked anodes of different widths and thicknesses. Relying on the threaded cooperation between the forward and reverse motors, the threaded rod and the moving plate, as well as the guiding effect of the moving plate moving groove on the moving plate, starting the forward and reverse motors can drive the threaded rod to rotate, thereby driving the moving plate, guide plate and clamping plate to rise and fall synchronously, which can flexibly adapt to anodes of different height specifications.

[0017] 2. The anode replacement mechanism of this electrolytic aluminum unit achieves the coordinated action of a limiting rod, a blocking plate, and a second spring through an auxiliary mechanism. Pulling the limiting rod compresses the second spring and releases the limiting position on the bottom connecting block of the anode. With the opening and closing of the clamping plate in the replacement mechanism, the anode can be quickly disassembled. The "top clamping" of the replacement mechanism and the "bottom limiting" of the auxiliary mechanism form a double fixing structure, which can effectively prevent the anode from tilting or shifting in the high-temperature working environment (950-970℃) of the electrolytic cell, and avoid faults such as "cell pressure" and "sudden rise in effect voltage" caused by anode misalignment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the replacement mechanism of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary mechanism of this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Electrolytic cell; 2. Anode; 3. Replacement mechanism; 301. Bearing plate; 302. Forward and reverse motor; 303. Threaded rod; 304. Moving plate; 305. Guide plate; 306. Guide rod; 307. Sliding plate; 308. Clamping plate; 309. Anti-slip pad; 4. Auxiliary mechanism; 401. Placement plate; 402. Adjustment box; 403. Limiting rod; 404. Blocking plate; 405. Connecting block. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] Please see Figures 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0026] Example 1:

[0027] An anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit includes an electrolytic cell 1 and an anode 2, wherein the electrolytic cell 1 is provided with a replacement structure.

[0028] The replacement structure includes replacement mechanism 3 and auxiliary mechanism 4;

[0029] The replacement mechanism 3 includes a support plate 301, a forward and reverse motor 302, a threaded rod 303, a moving plate 304, and a guide plate 305. The top of the support plate 301 is connected to the bottom of the forward and reverse motor 302. The output end of the forward and reverse motor 302 is connected to the top of the threaded rod 303. The outer wall of the threaded rod 303 is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the moving plate 304. One end of the moving plate 304 is connected to one end of the guide plate 305. A guide rod 306 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the guide plate 305. A sliding plate 307 is slidably connected to the outer wall of the guide rod 306. A clamping plate 308 is fixedly installed on one end of the sliding plate 307. An anti-slip pad 309 is fixedly installed on one side of the clamping plate 308.

[0030] In this embodiment, there are four support plates 301, which are symmetrically distributed on the inner wall of the electrolytic cell 1. A movable groove is provided on one side of the support plate 301, and one end of the movable plate 304 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the movable groove, so that the height of the clamping plate 308 can be quickly and conveniently adjusted, thereby better clamping and fixing the anode 2 of different heights.

[0031] Furthermore, there are two guide plates 305, which are symmetrically distributed among the four bearing plates 301. A sliding groove is provided on one side of the guide plate 305, and one end of the sliding plate 307 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove, so as to quickly and conveniently drive the clamping plate 308 to slide, thereby enabling better clamping and fixing.

[0032] Furthermore, a spring is fixedly installed between one side of the sliding plate 307 and the inner wall of the sliding groove, and there are two clamping plates 308, which are symmetrically distributed between the two guide plates 305, so that anodes 2 of different sizes can be clamped and fixed quickly and conveniently, thereby enabling better replacement work.

[0033] Anode clamping operation procedure

[0034] The ambient temperature around the electrolytic aluminum cell is high (50-80℃). Manual operation requires avoiding the risk of high temperatures. The following details are provided:

[0035] A high-temperature resistant handle (made of 304 stainless steel, 150mm in length, and covered with a ceramic heat insulation sleeve) is welded to the outside of the clamping plate 308. The operator pulls the sliding plate 307 by the handle to compress the spring and expand the clamping distance (without direct contact with the high-temperature clamping plate).

[0036] Before placing anode 2, the lateral position of the anode needs to be determined on the placement plate 401 by using the positioning scale line (5mm accuracy) to ensure that the center of the anode is aligned with the current conduction center of the electrolytic cell 1. When clamping, the clamping force is measured by a digital push-pull force gauge (high temperature resistant type, temperature resistance 80℃) to ensure that the clamping force is 600-700N (which can clamp the anode tightly and avoid the anode sidewall being deformed by pressure).

[0037] Height adjustment and calibration

[0038] The height of anodes varies greatly depending on their specifications (typically 800-1200mm), so the details of height adjustment need to be clarified:

[0039] The side of the support plate 301 is marked with height scale (1mm accuracy, 0-1500mm range), which, together with the forward and reverse motor encoder, enables precise height control; for example, when replacing the anode with a height of 1000mm, the motor is set to drive the moving plate down to the 800mm mark (leaving 200mm clamping space).

[0040] Before lifting, check the fit between the moving plate 304 and the moving groove of the bearing plate. If there is any jamming, inject high-temperature grease (model 7019-1, temperature resistance 300℃) to ensure stable lifting speed (set lifting speed 5mm / s to avoid anode shaking).

[0041] The forward and reverse motor 302 is equipped with a ceramic fiber heat insulation cover (20mm thick, motor surface temperature ≤60℃ after insulation), and the cover has heat dissipation holes (8mm in diameter, 20mm spacing), which, together with the built-in cooling fan (temperature resistant 150℃), achieve active heat dissipation;

[0042] The motor power cord and control cord use high-temperature resistant silicone rubber cable (model YGCB, temperature resistance 200℃). The outer layer of the cable is wrapped with a polytetrafluoroethylene protective tube (to prevent fluoride corrosion). The wiring is fixed along the cable groove (made of 304 stainless steel) on the side of the bearing plate to avoid contact with high-temperature components.

[0043] When anode 2 needs to be replaced, the operator uses auxiliary mechanism 4 to pull the limiting rod 403 out of connecting block 405, thereby releasing the limiting fixation of anode 2. At this time, pulling the clamping plate 308 away from anode 2 allows anode 2 to be disassembled. When installation is required, the operator pulls the clamping plate 308 to move the sliding plate 307 on the guide rod 306. The sliding plate 307 compresses the spring, allowing anode 2 to be placed between the two clamping plates 308. Releasing the clamping plates 308 allows the spring force to reset them, bringing them into contact with anode 2 and clamping it. The anti-slip pad 309 increases the friction between the clamping plate 308 and the anode 2, and the auxiliary mechanism 4 fixes the anode 2. When it is necessary to clamp and fix anodes 2 of different lengths, the forward and reverse motor 302 is started to drive the threaded rod 303 to rotate. The rotation of the threaded rod 303 drives the moving plate 304 to move. The movement of the moving plate 304 drives the guide plate 305 to move. The movement of the guide plate 305 indirectly drives the clamping plate 308 to move. This allows for quick and convenient adjustment of the height of the clamping plate 308, thereby clamping and fixing anodes 2 of different heights, better limiting and fixing, and preventing the anodes 2 from tilting during use.

[0044] Example 2:

[0045] Based on Embodiment 1, the auxiliary mechanism 4 includes a placement plate 401, an adjustment box 402, a limiting rod 403, a blocking plate 404, and a connecting block 405. The top of the placement plate 401 is connected to the bottom of the adjustment box 402. The inner wall of the adjustment box 402 is slidably connected to the outer wall of the limiting rod 403. The outer wall of the limiting rod 403 is connected to the inner wall of the blocking plate 404. One end of the limiting rod 403 is inserted into one end of the connecting block 405.

[0046] In this embodiment, there are six adjustment boxes 402, which are symmetrically distributed on the top of the placement plate 401. A spring 2 is fixedly installed between one side of the baffle plate 404 and the inner wall of the adjustment box 402. A limit hole is opened at one end of the connecting block 405, and one end of the limit rod 403 is inserted into the inner wall of the limit hole, so that anodes 2 of different sizes can be quickly and conveniently disassembled and assembled, and thus can be replaced and used better.

[0047] Furthermore, the inner wall of the electrolytic cell 1 is connected to one side of the support plate 301, the inner wall of the electrolytic cell 1 is connected to the bottom of the placement plate 401, and the bottom of the anode 2 is pressed into contact with the top of the placement plate 401.

[0048] Anode disassembly and assembly operations:

[0049] The limit rod 403 has a T-shaped handle welded to one end (made of 304 stainless steel, 100mm in length, and covered with a silicone rubber heat insulation sleeve). The operator pulls the limit rod through the handle to compress the second spring to release the limit (the pulling force is ≤300N, which meets the strength of manual operation).

[0050] When installing the anode, first align the limiting hole of the connecting block 405 with the limiting rod of the regulating box 402 (alignment can be assisted by the positioning pin on the placement plate, the positioning pin is 20mm in diameter and matches the positioning hole at the bottom of the anode), then loosen the limiting rod, the spring two will reset and push the limiting rod into the limiting hole to complete the bottom limiting.

[0051] Safety protection

[0052] In electrolytic aluminum production, anode detachment can lead to "tank crush" accidents, necessitating the addition of fall protection and alarm systems.

[0053] A pressure sensor (high temperature resistant, temperature resistant 150℃, model PT124G-111) is installed on the inner side of the clamping plate 308 to monitor the clamping force in real time. When the clamping force is lower than 500N, the sensor triggers an audible and visual alarm (installed on the side of the electrolytic cell, volume ≥85dB, light flashing red) to remind the operator to check the spring or anti-slip pad.

[0054] A fall arrestor baffle (50mm high, ZG35Cr24Ni7SiN material) is welded to the edge of the placement plate 401 to prevent the anode from slipping sideways during disassembly and assembly; a ceramic fiber pad is pasted on the inside of the baffle to prevent sparks from being generated by the anode collision.

[0055] Regular maintenance requirements

[0056] Auxiliary components are exposed to high temperatures and electrolytes for extended periods, so their maintenance cycles and procedures must be clearly defined.

[0057] Check the fit between the limit rod 403 and the limit hole weekly. If electrolyte buildup is present, clean it with a stainless steel scraper and then apply molybdenum disulfide lubricant.

[0058] Check the spring force of spring 2 monthly (measured with a push-pull force gauge), and replace it immediately when the spring force is below 300N; replace the anti-corrosion coating (PTFE spray) inside the adjustment box quarterly.

[0059] Anode compatibility range is clearly defined.

[0060] Compatible anode sizes: width 300-500mm, thickness 150-200mm, height 800-1200mm (covering standard prebaked anode specifications in the electrolytic aluminum industry);

[0061] Suitable anode weight: ≤400kg (maximum weight of a single prebaked anode), ensuring that the load-bearing capacity of components such as the bearing plate and threaded rod meets the requirements.

[0062] When anode 2 needs to be replaced, the operator pulls the limiting rod 403 to move it within the regulating box 402. The movement of the limiting rod 403 moves the blocking plate 404, which in turn compresses the second spring. The limiting rod 403 can then be pulled out from one end of the connecting block 405, thus releasing the limiting fixation of anode 2. At this point, the clamping plate 308 can be pulled away from anode 2, allowing anode 2 to be disassembled. When installation is required, anode 2 is placed on the placement plate 401, the limiting rod 403 is inserted into the connecting block 405, and the clamping plate 308 clamps and fixes anode 2, completing the fixed installation and enabling better use.

[0063] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

Claims

1. An anode changing mechanism for an aluminium electrolysis plant, comprising an electrolysis cell (1) and an anode (2), characterised in that: The electrolytic cell (1) is equipped with a replacement structure inside; The replacement structure includes a replacement mechanism (3) and an auxiliary mechanism (4); The replacement mechanism (3) includes a support plate (301), a forward and reverse motor (302), a threaded rod (303), a moving plate (304), and a guide plate (305). The top of the support plate (301) is connected to the bottom of the forward and reverse motor (302). The output end of the forward and reverse motor (302) is connected to the top of the threaded rod (303). The outer wall of the threaded rod (303) is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the moving plate (304). One end of the moving plate (304) is connected to one end of the guide plate (305). A guide rod (306) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the guide plate (305). A sliding plate (307) is slidably connected to the outer wall of the guide rod (306). A clamping plate (308) is fixedly installed on one end of the sliding plate (307). An anti-slip pad (309) is fixedly installed on one side of the clamping plate (308).

2. An anode changing mechanism for an aluminium electrolysis cell as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that: The number of the support plates (301) is four. The support plates (301) are symmetrically distributed on the inner wall of the electrolytic cell (1). A movable groove is opened on one side of the support plate (301). One end of the movable plate (304) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the movable groove.

3. The anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two guide plates (305), which are symmetrically distributed among the four bearing plates (301). A sliding groove is provided on one side of the guide plate (305), and one end of the sliding plate (307) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove.

4. The anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: A spring is fixedly installed between one side of the sliding plate (307) and the inner wall of the sliding groove. There are two clamping plates (308), which are symmetrically distributed between the two guide plates (305).

5. The anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary mechanism (4) includes a placement plate (401), an adjustment box (402), a limiting rod (403), a blocking plate (404), and a connecting block (405). The top of the placement plate (401) is connected to the bottom of the adjustment box (402). The inner wall of the adjustment box (402) is slidably connected to the outer wall of the limiting rod (403). The outer wall of the limiting rod (403) is connected to the inner wall of the blocking plate (404). One end of the limiting rod (403) is inserted into one end of the connecting block (405).

6. The anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of adjustment boxes (402) is six. The adjustment boxes (402) are symmetrically distributed on the top of the placement plate (401). A spring is fixedly installed between one side of the blocking plate (404) and the inner wall of the adjustment box (402). A limit hole is opened at one end of the connecting block (405), and one end of the limit rod (403) is inserted into the inner wall of the limit hole.

7. The anode replacement mechanism for an electrolytic aluminum unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the electrolytic cell (1) is connected to one side of the support plate (301), the inner wall of the electrolytic cell (1) is connected to the bottom of the placement plate (401), and the bottom of the anode (2) is pressed against the top of the placement plate (401).

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