Apparatus for straightening deformed electrolysis vessels

Abstract

A device (1) for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks (2), in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis, comprising an elongated, transportable and movable straightening beam (3) whose length (L) extends beyond the distance (A) between at least two opposing side walls (4, 5) of the electrolysis tank (2) and which has at each of its two end regions (6, 7) a straightening jaw (8, 9) with an inner straightening jaw leg (10, 11) and an outer straightening jaw leg (12, 13) as well as a downwardly open through-opening (14, 15) located between the straightening jaw legs, and several straightening tools (16, 17, 18, 19) each with a hydraulic straightening punch (20, 21, 22, 23), wherein at least one The straightening tool (16, 17) is arranged, wherein in orat least one straightening tool (18, 19) is arranged on each of the outer straightening jaw legs (12, 13), and wherein the straightening jaws (8, 9) with their through-holes (14, 15) are positioned for a straightening process to the electrolysis tub (2) such that one of the said side walls (4) extends into one of the said through-holes (14) and that the other of the said side walls (5) extends into another of the said through-holes (15).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks, in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis, according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 17. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Metallic aluminum is produced from alumina by molten salt electrolysis in electrolysis cells, into which anodes in the form of carbon blocks are suspended. The electrolysis cells consist of rectangular troughs made of sheet steel, the so-called electrolysis troughs, which are lined with refractory material and whose bases are filled with carbon cathode blocks. These cathode blocks, like the anodes, are equipped with metallic conductors.

[0003] The electrolysis tank's sheet metal is stiffened by an external support frame; that is, the tank bottom and side walls have solid, spaced-apart ribs on the outside, which are arranged approximately vertically in the case of the side walls. The support frame and the sheet metal of the electrolysis tank form a single unit.

[0004] At the end of an electrolysis cell's service life, it is often observed that the thermal and mechanical stresses, particularly on the long side walls of the electrolysis tanks, have deformed to a greater or lesser degree, even though these tanks have a supporting frame that stiffens them. The deformation of an electrolysis tank usually consists of one or more of the tank's side walls, which were originally vertical with their inner walls, being forced outwards at an angle in the upper area by the metallic electrolysis bath and thermomechanical expansion. Therefore, the electrolysis tanks must be mechanically straightened before being relined and before a new furnace cycle. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks, in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis.

[0006] The device according to claim 1 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks, particularly for aluminum molten salt electrolysis, comprises a straightening beam and several straightening tools. The straightening beam is elongated and designed to be transportable and relocatable. Its length extends beyond the distance between at least two opposing side walls of the electrolysis tank. At each of its two end regions, the straightening beam has a straightening jaw with an inner jaw leg and an outer jaw leg, as well as a downward-facing through-opening located between the jaw legs. Each of the straightening tools has a hydraulic straightening ram. At least one straightening tool is arranged in or on each of the inner jaw legs. At least one straightening tool is arranged in or on each of the outer jaw legs.The straightening jaws are positioned with their through-holes for a straightening process in such a way to the electrolysis tub that one of the aforementioned side walls extends into one of the aforementioned through-holes and that the other of the aforementioned side walls extends into another of the aforementioned through-holes.

[0007] The term "side wall" essentially refers to the lateral perimeter, particularly the outer and inner surfaces, of an electrolysis tank. The shape of the side wall can be arbitrary. The side wall may have flat sections, typically made of sheet metal. However, it may also incorporate supporting structural elements that reinforce the electrolysis tank.

[0008] A first embodiment of the present invention is based on the objective of providing a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks, in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis, with which a straightening process can be carried out more efficiently, in particular with which the operating time of a crane can be reduced.

[0009] The first embodiment according to claim 2 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, the device further comprises at least one wheelset with at least one wheel. The at least one wheelset is arranged on the guide beam such that the guide beam is movable relative to the electrolysis tank.

[0010] The arrangement of at least one wheel set offers the advantage that the device, i.e., the straightening beam, can be moved stepwise relative to the electrolysis tank during a straightening process. This eliminates the need for a crane to handle the device during the actual straightening process. Eliminating the need for a crane to move the straightening beam offers several advantages. It can increase workplace safety. Furthermore, the straightening beam can be positioned more quickly and / or precisely. Finally, the crane in the workshop is available for other tasks.

[0011] By arranging at least one set of wheels, a crane is only needed when placing the device at the electrolysis tank and after the alignment work has been completed.

[0012] Preferably, a wheel set is arranged on each outer straightening jaw leg. The wheel sets arranged on the outer straightening jaw legs rest on the floor of a workshop or work area during operation.

[0013] Preferably, at least one wheelset is arranged between the outer straightening jaw legs and / or between the inner straightening jaw legs. The wheelsets arranged between the inner straightening jaw legs rest on the bottom of the electrolysis tank.

[0014] Preferably, each wheelset has at least two wheels which are arranged offset from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction and / or in the longitudinal direction of the guide beam.

[0015] The longitudinal direction is the direction along which the straightedge has its greatest extent. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is the direction along which the straightedge is advanced from one straightening position to the next during a straightening process.

[0016] Preferably, four wheels are arranged per wheelset. Two wheels form a wheel pair, with the wheel axles of the two wheels running collinearly. The two wheel pairs are arranged offset from each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the guide beam.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the wheels is driven by a motor, in particular by an electric motor or a hydraulic motor.

[0018] Preferably, at least one motor for driving at least one wheel is arranged on each existing wheelset. This allows the alignment beam to be aligned relative to the fixed electrolysis tank by appropriately controlling the wheelsets.

[0019] A first further development is designed such that if a wheelset has several wheels, each wheel can be driven by a common motor via a gearbox; or that if a wheelset has several wheels, each wheel can be assigned a separate motor.

[0020] A second further development is designed in such a way that, if several wheels are present, at least one wheel of the aforementioned wheels is driven by a motor and at least one wheel of the aforementioned wheels is motorless.

[0021] Preferably, if multiple wheels are present, the wheel axles of all wheels run parallel to each other. Some of the wheel axles may run collinearly to each other.

[0022] Preferably, the device further comprises a control unit operatively connected to the at least one motor and at least one sensor operatively connected to the control unit, which is configured to detect features on the electrolysis tank.

[0023] The sensor and the control system preferably work together in such a way that, after a drive command has been provided, a stop command is provided to the at least one motor when the sensor detects a determined feature on the electrolysis tank.

[0024] The sensor can also be used to scan the side walls, such that the degree of deformation of the deformation to be corrected can be determined by the sensor, whereby a straightening program is calculated in the control system based on the aforementioned degree of deformation, and whereby the sequence of moving the straightening beam with the wheelset and applying the straightening force to the side wall to be corrected can be specified by the straightening program during straightening.

[0025] The sensor is preferably a radar sensor, a lidar sensor or a laser scanner.

[0026] The determined feature is, for example, a rib of a support structure outside the electrolysis tank or a deformation to be corrected.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one wheelset has a lifting unit via which the wheelset is connected to the guide beam legs, such that the guide beam can be raised or lowered relative to the respective wheelset when the lifting unit is actuated.

[0028] Preferably, the device further comprises at least one centering unit which, when the device is set up, centers the guide beam relative to the electrolysis tank by means of the base and / or the side walls of the tank. Preferably, each of the centering units also has a wheelset. Preferably, the wheels of this wheelset are not driven. Preferably, the diameter of these wheels is smaller than the diameter of the wheels of the wheelset arranged on the outer leg of the guide beam.

[0029] A second embodiment of the present invention is based on the objective of providing a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks, in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis, with which a straightening process can be carried out more quickly.

[0030] The second embodiment according to claim 9 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, the hydraulic straightening punch of the straightening tool has a front end which is movable towards the side wall to be straightened during the straightening process. The front end has a bearing structure on the straightening punch side. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one pressure plate which has a bearing structure on the pressure plate side. The bearing structure on the pressure plate side can be connected to the bearing structure on the straightening punch side in such a way that the pressure plate can be detachably connected to the straightening punch.

[0031] Positioning a pressure plate at the front end of each straightening die has the advantage that no pressure plates need to be attached to the electrolysis tank. Consequently, the straightening process can be carried out more quickly. The detachable design also allows for the use of different pressure plates tailored to the specific shape of the electrolysis tank.

[0032] Furthermore, the two bearing structures increase the service life of the front end of the straightening dies because the front end itself does not come into uncontrolled contact with the electrolysis tray or plates arranged on it, but rather a determined contact between the pressure plate and the front end is provided via the bearing structure.

[0033] Preferably, a detachable fastening element is arranged between the pressure plate and the front end of the alignment die such that the pressure plate is fixed to the front end via the fastening element.

[0034] The fastening element can be, for example, a screw or a bolt.

[0035] Preferably, the bearing structure on the straightening die side and / or the bearing structure on the pressure plate side have a convexly rounded contact surface, which is designed such that the pressure plate can pivot relative to the straightening die. This pivotability allows the position of the pressure plate to be well adjusted to the side wall to be straightened before the straightening process, and also allows the pressure plate to pivot relative to the straightening die during the straightening process.

[0036] Preferably, the bearing structure on the straightening die side and the bearing structure on the pressure plate side are designed such that, when the bearing structures are engaged with each other, the pressure plate is displaceable relative to the straightening die within a clearance transverse to the central axis of the straightening die; and / or that the pressure plate is pivotable within a clearance about at least one pivot axis which is oriented transversely to the central axis of the straightening die.

[0037] The game allows for the compensation of positional discrepancies between the side wall being aligned and the pressure plate.

[0038] Preferably, the pressure plate has a front surface that allows it to contact the side wall. The front surface can be designed in various ways. In one variant, the front surface is flat. In another variant, the front surface is convex. In yet another variant, the front surface has a shape adapted to the shape of elements of the side wall.

[0039] Preferably the pressure plate is guided over a guide, the guide being preferably located on the respective straightening jaw leg and on the pressure plate.

[0040] A third embodiment of the present invention is based on the objective of providing a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks, in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis, with which a straightening process can be carried out with greater accuracy and / or in hard-to-reach places.

[0041] The third embodiment according to claim 14 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, two of the aforementioned hydraulic straightening punches are arranged in or on each of the inner straightening jaw legs and two of the aforementioned hydraulic straightening punches are arranged in or on each of the outer straightening jaw legs.

[0042] Therefore, a total of four alignment dies are arranged per alignment jaw. On an alignment beam with two alignment jaws, there are thus eight alignment dies.

[0043] The arrangement of two straightening dies per straightening jaw leg has the advantage that deformations of the electrolysis tank, both inwards and outwards, can be straightened equally effectively. It has been shown that the side walls not only deform outwards, as one might expect, but also exhibit complex inwards deformations, which can be effectively straightened by the two hydraulic straightening dies positioned on the inner straightening jaw legs. This applies particularly to deformations near the bottom of the electrolysis tank. Consequently, even hard-to-reach areas near the bottom of the electrolysis tank can be straightened.

[0044] Preferably, the two hydraulic straightening dies are arranged one above the other in or on the respective straightening jaw leg.

[0045] Preferably, the upper alignment die has a larger diameter than the lower alignment die.

[0046] Preferably, the upper alignment die has a greater length than the lower alignment die.

[0047] Preferably, the central axes of all alignment dies lie in a common plane.

[0048] Preferably, the central axes of two straightening dies opposite each other with respect to the through-hole run collinearly to each other.

[0049] In a fourth embodiment, the features of the first, second, and third embodiments can be combined. In a fifth embodiment, the features of the first and third embodiments can be combined. In a sixth embodiment, the features of the second and third embodiments can be combined.

[0050] The following section describes some optional features for further developments of the embodiments described herein.

[0051] The said through-opening is preferably U-shaped, with guide jaw legs providing the two legs of the U.

[0052] Preferably, the straightening dies run in or on the straightening jaw legs of the straightening jaws parallel to the bottom of the electrolysis tank and approximately perpendicular to the side wall of the electrolysis tank. In operation, the straightening dies run essentially at right angles to the plumb line. The straightening dies run in a line of action parallel to the bottom of the tank. The electrolysis tank rests on the floor of a workshop or work area.

[0053] While one straightening jaw performs the straightening work on the side wall to be straightened by extending the corresponding straightening punch and applying the straightening force, on the other straightening jaw, both the straightening punch(es) on the outer jaw leg and the straightening punch(es) on the inner jaw leg are extended. This means that the other straightening jaw is clamped tightly to the side wall opposite the side wall to be straightened, acting like a pincer-like holding claw and serving as an immovably fixed counter-bearing.

[0054] Preferably, the device includes a centering unit connected to the straightening beam. In the device's operating position, the centering unit rests on the bottom and / or the side walls of the electrolysis tank being straightened.

[0055] Preferably, pivotable centering levers are located on the bottom of the centering unit on the sides facing the side walls to be aligned, which can be spread into the lower corner areas between the floor and the side wall after the centering unit has been placed on the floor.

[0056] In a further development of the first and second embodiments, one straightening die is arranged in or on the inner straightening jaw leg, while two straightening dies are arranged in or on the outer straightening jaw leg. In total, this further development therefore has six straightening dies.

[0057] Preferably, the straightening beam with its two straightening jaws consists of a hollow box steel construction.

[0058] Preferably, the straight beam has at least one bearing point in the center of its upper surface, via which the straight beam can be suspended from a crane.

[0059] A method for operating a device according to the above description comprises the following steps: In a first step, the straightening beam is positioned relative to the electrolysis tank to be straightened. In a subsequent straightening step using the aforementioned straightening tools, a straightening force is applied to the side wall such that the side wall is straightened.

[0060] Preferably, in the step of positioning the guide beam, the guide beam is positioned so that at least one wheel of the wheelset rests on a floor next to the electrolysis tub.

[0061] Preferably, in a step following the first step, the straightening beam is moved relative to the electrolysis tank, wherein the side walls are scanned with the sensor during the movement, wherein the degree of deformation of the deformation to be straightened can be detected by the sensor, and wherein a straightening program is calculated in the control system based on the said degree of deformation, and wherein the straightening program specifies the sequence of moving the straightening beam with the wheelset and applying the straightening force to the side wall to be straightened during the straightening step.

[0062] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Fig. 1a a schematic front view of a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks according to a first embodiment; Fig. 1b the schematic view of the device according to the Figure 1a in combination with an electrolysis tank; Fig. 1 shows a detailed view of a straightening jaw according to the Figures 1a and 1b Fig. 2a a schematic front view of a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks according to a second embodiment; Fig. 2b several detailed views of the Fig. 2a ; Fig. 3a a schematic front view of a device for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks according to a third embodiment; and Fig. 3b the schematic view of the device according to the Figure 3a in combination with an electrolysis bath. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0064] The figures show various embodiments of a device 1 for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks 2, in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis. Identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0065] The device according to all embodiments comprises an elongated, transportable and movable straightening beam 3 and several straightening tools 16, 17, 18, 19 connected to the straightening beam 3.

[0066] Of the Figures 1b and 2bIt is evident that the straightening beam 3, with its length L, extends a distance A from at least two opposing side walls 4, 5 of the electrolysis tank 2. The straightening beam 3 extends along a longitudinal direction H. The straightening beam 3 has at each of its two end regions 6, 7 a straightening jaw 8, 9 with an inner straightening jaw leg 10, 11 and an outer straightening jaw leg 12, 13, as well as a downwardly open passage opening 14, 15 located between the straightening jaw legs.

[0067] At least one straightening tool 16, 17 is arranged in or on each of the inner straightening jaw legs 10, 11. Likewise, at least one straightening tool 18, 19 is arranged in or on each of the outer straightening jaw legs 12, 13.

[0068] The straightening tools 16, 17, 18, 19 each have a hydraulic straightening punch 20, 21, 22, 23. The hydraulic straightening punches 20, 21, 22, 23 are designed such that they can be moved from a starting position to a working position, whereby the straightening punches 20, 21, 22, 23 are moved into the respective through-opening 14, 15 when moving from the starting position to the working position.

[0069] Of the Figures 1b and 2b It is further evident that the straightening jaws 8, 9 with their through-openings 14, 15 are positioned for a straightening process relative to the electrolysis tank 2 such that one of the aforementioned side walls 4 extends into one of the aforementioned through-openings 14 and that the other of the aforementioned side walls 5 extends into another of the aforementioned through-openings 15. By extending the straightening dies 20, 21, 22, 23 from the openings in the Figures 1b and 2bIn the position shown, the side walls 4, 5 can be aligned using the alignment stamps 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the straightening beam 3 further comprises two centering units 36, each of which projects from the inner straightening jaw leg 10, 11 into the respective through-opening 14, 15. The centering unit 36 ​​allows the straightening beam 3 to be positioned with respect to its longitudinal direction H relative to the electrolysis tank 2.

[0071] Based on the Figures 1a to 1c A particularly preferred first embodiment of the present invention is described. The first embodiment further comprises at least one wheelset 24. In the embodiment shown, two wheelsets 24 are arranged.

[0072] A first wheelset 24 is arranged on one of the two outer straightening jaw legs 12, and a second wheelset 24 is arranged on the other of the two outer straightening jaw legs 13. The wheelset sets 24 are arranged on bearing surfaces on the respective straightening jaw legs 12 and 13. The straightening beam 3 rests on a floor B of a factory building or factory site above the wheelset sets 24. The at least one wheelset 24 is arranged on the straightening beam 3 such that the straightening beam 3 is movable relative to the electrolysis tank 2.

[0073] Each of the wheelsets 24 has at least one wheel 25. Here, at least two wheels 25 are arranged per wheelset 24. The wheels 25 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction H. The two wheels 25 form a wheel pair. Preferably, two wheel pairs are arranged one behind the other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction H.

[0074] Preferably, at least one motor, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor, is arranged per wheelset 24. The motor can act on each of the wheels 25 or only on a subset of the wheels 25, thus providing drive for the respective wheel 25 or wheels 25.

[0075] Of the Figures 1a and 1bIt is evident that the device 1 further comprises a control unit 27 operatively connected to at least one motor 26 and at least one sensor 28 operatively connected to the control unit 27, which is configured to detect features on the electrolysis tank 2. The sensor 28 is directed into the through-opening 14, 15 and can thus detect a portion of the electrolysis tank 2. The sensor 28 and the control unit 27 interact such that, after a drive command has been issued, a stop command is issued to the at least one motor 26 when the sensor 28 detects a specific feature on the electrolysis tank. The operative connection between the control unit 27 and the sensor 28, as well as between the control unit 27 and the motor 26, is designated by reference numeral 37.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one wheelset 24 further comprises a lifting unit 29. The wheelset 24 is connected to the straightening beam legs 12, 13 via the lifting unit 29. The straightening beam 3 can be raised or lowered relative to the respective wheelset 24 when the lifting unit 29 is actuated. Thus, the height of the straightening beam 3 and the straightening tools 16, 17, 18, 19 can be adjusted.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two centering units 36 also has a wheelset 24. The wheelset 24 on the centering unit 36 ​​serves to allow the centering unit 36 ​​to be movably mounted inside the electrolysis tank. Preferably, the wheels on the wheelset 24 are non-driven wheels.

[0078] Of the Figures 2a to 2eA second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment can be implemented with or without the wheel set 24 of the first embodiment. The hydraulic straightening ram 20, 21, 22, 23 of the straightening tool has a front end 30 which is movable towards the side wall 4, 5 to be straightened during the straightening process. The front end 30 has a straightening ram-side bearing structure 31. The device further comprises at least one pressure plate 32. The pressure plate 32 has a pressure plate-side bearing structure 33. The pressure plate-side bearing structure 33 can be connected to the straightening ram-side bearing structure 33 such that the pressure plate 32 can be detachably connected to the straightening ram 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0079] Preferably, one printing plate 32 is arranged for each alignment die 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, a releasable fastening element 34 is further arranged between the pressure plate 32 and the front end 30 of the alignment die 20, 21, 22, 23. The fastening element 34 serves to fasten the pressure plate 32 to the front end 30.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing structure 31 on the straightening die side and the bearing structure 33 on the pressure plate side are designed such that, when the bearing structures are engaged with each other, the pressure plate 32 is displaceable relative to the straightening die 20, 21, 22, 23 within a certain clearance. Preferably, this displaceability is provided transversely to the central axis M of the straightening die 20, 21, 22, 23. Preferably, clearance is provided about at least one pivot axis S, which is oriented transversely to the central axis M of the straightening die 20, 21, 22, 23.

[0082] The pressure plate 32 has a front surface 35 with which the pressure plate 32 can be brought into contact with the side wall 4, 5. The front surface 35 can be designed in various ways, for example as a flat surface or as a convex surface. The front surface 35 can also have a shape that is adapted to the shape of elements of the side wall 4, 5.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure plate 32 is guided over a guide 38, the guide 38 being preferably located on the respective straightening jaw legs 10, 11, 12 and 13. The guide 38 can, for example, be a guide tab.

[0084] Of the Figures 2b to 2eIt is further evident that the bearing structure 31 on the alignment die side preferably has a concavely rounded contact surface. The bearing structure on the pressure die side could also have a rounded contact surface. The rounded contact surface is designed such that the pressure plate 32 is pivotable relative to the alignment die 20, 21, 22, 23. In the Figure 2b The pressure plate 32 is still at a distance from the side wall 4, 5. From this position, the alignment die is guided onto the side wall 4, 5. Upon contact with the side wall 4, 5 via the pressure plate 32, the pressure plate 32 pivots, as shown in the Figure 2c shown. As the straightening process progresses, the pressure plate 32 can continue to pivot, as shown in the Figure 2d shown. After the straightening process is complete, the pressure plate 32 swings back to its starting position, as shown in the Figure 2e shown.

[0085] In the Figures 3a and 3bA third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The third embodiment can be implemented with or without the wheelset 24 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the third embodiment can be configured with or without pressure plates 32 according to the second embodiment.

[0086] According to the third embodiment, two of the aforementioned hydraulic straightening punches 20, 21 are arranged in or on each of the inner straightening jaw legs 10, 11, and two of the aforementioned hydraulic straightening punches 22, 23 are arranged in or on each of the outer straightening jaw legs 12, 13. A total of four hydraulic straightening punches 22, 23 are arranged per straightening jaw 8, 9.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the two hydraulic straightening dies 20, 21; 22, 23 are arranged one above the other in or on the respective straightening jaw legs 10, 11; 12, 13 when viewed in the operating position of the straightening beam 3. The upper straightening die 20, 22 preferably has a larger diameter than the lower straightening die 21, 23. Furthermore, the upper straightening die 20, 22 preferably has a greater length than the lower straightening die 21, 23.

[0088] The alignment dies 20, 21; 22, 23 are arranged here such that the central axes M of all alignment dies 20, 21; 22, 23 lie in a common plane.

[0089] The central axes M of two alignment dies 20, 21; 22, 23 opposite each other with respect to the passage opening 14, 15 run collinearly to each other. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0090] 1 Device 2 Electrolysis tray 3 Straightening beam 4 Side wall 5 Side wall 6 End section 7 End section 8 Straightening jaw 9 Straightening jaw 10 Inner straightening jaw leg 11 Inner straightening jaw leg 12 Outer straightening jaw leg 13 Outer straightening jaw leg 14 Through opening 15 Through opening 16 Straightening tool 17 Straightening tool 18 Straightening tool 19 Straightening tool 20 Hydraulic straightening ram 21 Hydraulic straightening ram 22 Hydraulic straightening ram 23 Hydraulic straightening ram 24 Wheel set 25 Wheel 26 Motor 27 Control unit 28 Sensor 29 Lifting unit 30 Front end 31 Straightening ram side bearing structure 32 Pressure plate 33 Pressure plate side bearing structure 34 Fastening element 35 Front surface 36 Centering unit 37 Functional connection 38 Guidance L length A distance H longitudinal direction R wheel axle M center axle

Claims

1. Device (1) for straightening deformed electrolysis tanks (2), in particular for aluminum molten salt electrolysis, comprising an elongated, transportable and movable straightening beam (3), the length (L) of which extends the distance (A) across at least two opposing side walls (4, 5) of the electrolysis tank (2) and which has at each of its two end regions (6, 7) a straightening jaw (8, 9) with an inner straightening jaw leg (10, 11) and an outer straightening jaw leg (12, 13) as well as a downwardly open through-opening (14, 15) located between the straightening jaw legs, and several straightening tools (16, 17, 18, 19) each with a hydraulic straightening punch (20, 21, 22, 23), wherein at least a straightening tool (16, 17) is arranged, wherein in orat least one straightening tool (18, 19) is arranged on each of the outer straightening jaw legs (12, 13), and wherein the straightening jaws (8, 9) with their through-holes (14, 15) are positioned for a straightening process to the electrolysis tub (2) such that one of the said side walls (4) extends into one of the said through-holes (14) and that the other of the said side walls (5) extends into another of the said through-holes (15).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the device (1) further comprises at least one wheelset (24) with at least one wheel (25), wherein the at least one wheelset (24) is arranged on the guide beam (3) such that the guide beam (3) is movable relative to the electrolysis tub (2).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thata wheelset (24) is arranged on each outer straightening jaw leg (12, 13); and / or that at least one wheelset (24) is arranged between the outer straightening jaw legs (10, 11) and / or between the inner straightening jaw legs (10, 11).

4. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that Each wheelset (24) has at least two wheels (25) which are arranged offset from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction (H) and / or in the longitudinal direction (H) of the guide beam (3).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized by the fact that at least one of the wheels is driven by a motor, in particular by an electric motor or a hydraulic motor.

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that Each existing wheelset (24) has at least one motor for driving at least one wheel.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, characterized by the fact thatthe device (1) further comprises a control unit (27) operatively connected to at least one motor (26) and at least one sensor (28) operatively connected to the control unit (27), which is configured to detect features on the electrolysis tank (2), wherein the sensor (28) and the control unit (27) preferably interact in such a way that, after a drive command has been provided, a stop command is provided to the at least one motor (26) when the sensor (28) detects a determined feature on the electrolysis tank;and / or wherein the sensor (28) is provided for scanning the side walls (4, 5) such that the degree of deformation of the deformation to be straightened can be determined by the sensor (28), wherein a straightening program is calculated in the control (27) on the basis of the said degree of deformation, and wherein the sequence of moving the straightening beam with the wheelset and applying the straightening force to the side wall to be straightened can be specified by the straightening program during straightening.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized by the fact that the at least wheelset (24) has a lifting unit (29) via which the wheelset (24) is connected to the guide beam legs (10, 11, 12, 13) in such a way that the guide beam (3) can be raised or lowered relative to the respective wheelset (24) when the lifting unit (29) is actuated.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe hydraulic straightening punch (20, 21, 22, 23) of the straightening tool has a front end (30) which is movable towards the side wall (4, 5) to be straightened during the straightening process, wherein the front end (30) has a straightening punch-side bearing structure (31), and that the device (1) further comprises at least one pressure plate (32) which has a pressure plate-side bearing structure (33), wherein the pressure plate-side bearing structure (33) can be connected to the straightening punch-side bearing structure (33) in such a way that the pressure plate (32) can be detachably connected to the straightening punch (20, 21, 22, 23).

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thatfurthermore, a detachable fastening element (34) is arranged between the pressure plate (32) and the front end (30) of the alignment punch (20, 21, 22, 23) such that the pressure plate (32) is fixed to the front end (30) via the fastening element (34); and / or that the alignment punch-side bearing structure (31) and / or the pressure plate-side bearing structure (33) preferably have a concavely rounded contact surface which is designed such that the pressure plate (32) is pivotable relative to the alignment punch (20, 21, 22, 23).

11. Device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact thatThe bearing structure (31) on the alignment die side and the bearing structure (33) on the pressure plate side are designed such that, when the bearing structures are engaged with each other, the pressure plate (32) is displaceable relative to the alignment die (20, 21, 22, 23) within a clearance transverse to the central axis (M) of the alignment die (20, 21, 22, 23); and / or that the pressure plate (32) is pivotable within a clearance about at least one pivot axis (S) which is oriented transversely to the central axis (M) of the alignment die (20, 21, 22, 23).

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by thatthe pressure plate (32) has a front surface (35) with which the pressure plate (32) can be brought into contact with the side wall (4, 5), wherein the front surface (35) is designed as a flat surface; or wherein the front surface (35) is designed as a convex surface; or wherein the front surface (35) has a shape which is adapted to the shape of elements of the side wall (4, 5).

13. Device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by the fact that the pressure plate (32) is guided over a guide, the guide being preferably articulated to the respective straightening jaw leg (10, 11, 12 and 13) and to the pressure plate (32).

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatin or on each of the inner straightening jaw legs (10, 11) two of the aforementioned hydraulic straightening punches (20, 21) are arranged and that in or on each of the outer straightening jaw legs (12, 13) two of the aforementioned hydraulic straightening punches (22, 23) are arranged.

15. Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that the two hydraulic straightening dies (20, 21; 22, 23) are arranged one above the other in or on the respective straightening jaw leg (10, 11; 12, 13), wherein the upper straightening die (20, 22) preferably has a larger diameter than the lower straightening die (22, 23); and / or wherein the upper straightening die (20, 22) preferably has a greater length than the lower straightening die (22, 23).

16. Device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the central axes (M) of all alignment dies (20, 21; 22, 23) lie in a common plane; and / or thatthe central axes (M) of two guide dies (20, 21; 22, 23) opposite each other with respect to the passage opening (14, 15) run collinearly to each other.

17. Method for operating a device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that In a first step, the straightening beam (3) is positioned with respect to the electrolysis tub (2) to be straightened, and in a subsequent step of straightening, a straightening force is applied to the side wall (4, 5) using the straightening tools (16, 17, 18, 19) such that the side wall (4, 5) is straightened.

18. Method according to claim 17 for operating a device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 16, characterized by the fact that In the step of positioning the guide beam (3), the guide beam is positioned so that at least one wheel (25) of the wheelset (24) is standing on a floor next to the electrolysis tub (3).

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18 for operating a device according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 16, characterized by that In a step following the first step, the straightening beam is moved relative to the electrolysis tank, wherein during the moving the side walls are scanned with the sensor (28), wherein the degree of deformation of the deformation to be straightened can be detected by the sensor (28), and wherein a straightening program is calculated in the control system based on the said degree of deformation, and wherein the straightening program specifies the sequence of moving the straightening beam with the wheelset and applying the straightening force to the side wall to be straightened during the straightening step; or thatThe sensor (28) and the control unit (27) preferably interact in such a way that, after a drive command has been provided, a stop command is provided to the at least one motor (26) when the sensor (28) detects a determined feature on the electrolysis tank.

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