Metal treatment apparatus and metal treatment method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metal processing apparatus comprising: an electrolytic cell in which a reaction space is formed and a liquid metal to be dispensed is formed; a level measuring unit that measures the level of the liquid metal using an electrical signal; a dispensing unit that dispenses the liquid metal to the outside; and a control unit that controls the dispensing unit based on the measurement result of the level measuring unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal processing apparatus and a metal processing method using the same.

Background Art

[0002] With the expansion of the hybrid and electric vehicle markets, the demand for permanent magnets, which are core components, is gradually increasing.

[0003] In the case of the most efficient Nd-Fe-B magnets among existing permanent magnets, most of the cost is occupied by neodymium (Nd).

[0004] Metal processing using an electrolytic extraction method to obtain neodymium from neodymium oxide and a metal processing method using the same are being carried out.

[0005] However, in the case of the existing neodymium manufacturing process using an electrolytic extraction method, there is a problem that the process of discharging the neodymium (Nd) generated in the electrolytic cell to the outside of the electrolytic cell is not automated.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a metal processing apparatus and a metal processing method using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to a metal processing apparatus including an electrolytic cell in which a reaction space is formed and which forms a liquid metal to be discharged; a level measurement unit that measures the level of the liquid metal using an electrical signal; a discharging unit that discharges the liquid metal to the outside; and a control unit that controls the discharging unit based on the measurement result of the level measurement unit.

[0008] The reaction space contains the liquid metal and the liquid electrolyte, the liquid electrolyte consists of at least two components, and the control unit can control the dispensing unit to selectively and intermittently dispense only the liquid metal from the reaction space.

[0009] The reaction space may include a first layer containing the liquid metal, and a second layer located above the first layer and containing the liquid electrolyte.

[0010] The aforementioned liquid metal may be formed by the reduction of metal oxides through electrolytic extraction.

[0011] The aforementioned liquid metal may contain neodymium.

[0012] The aforementioned liquid electrolyte may contain LiF and NdF3.

[0013] The liquid electrolyte may contain LiF and NdF3 in a weight ratio of 5:95 to 40:60.

[0014] The electrolytic cell includes a cathode and an anode surrounding the cathode, with at least a portion of the cathode and anode located in the reaction space, and the level measuring unit is capable of measuring the voltage between the cathode and the anode.

[0015] The cathode may contain at least one of tungsten, molybdenum, and iron, and the anode may contain graphite.

[0016] A recessed containment space is formed in the lower part of the reaction space to accommodate the liquid metal, the end of the cathode may face the containment space, and the molten metal outlet may be connected to the containment space.

[0017] The containment space has a first level that prevents the liquid metal from being located outside the containment space, and a second level lower than the first level that prevents the liquid electrolyte from being dispensed during dispensing, and the control unit can control the dispensing unit so that the level of liquid metal in the containment space is maintained between the first level and the second level.

[0018] The hot water dispensing unit includes a heating means and a cooling means, and the control unit can dispense hot water by combining the operation of the heating means and the operation of the cooling means.

[0019] The hot water outlet may include a first portion connected to the containment space, having a cross-sectional area that narrows towards the bottom, and a second portion connected downward from the first portion, having a constant cross-sectional area.

[0020] The hot water outlet section is connected to the containment space and may include a first section whose cross-sectional area narrows towards the bottom; a second section located below the first section; a third section located below the second section; a first heating means for heating the first section; a cooling means for cooling the second section; and a second heating means for heating the third section.

[0021] The heating means may include an induction coil for high-frequency induction heating, and the cooling means may include a nozzle through which a cooling gas passes.

[0022] The control unit can, when the voltage is lower than a first value, turn on the first heating means and the second heating means to dispense the liquid metal, and when the voltage becomes a second value higher than the first value, turn off the first heating means and turn on the cooling means to stop the dispensing of the liquid metal, and the second heating means can be turned off after operating for a certain period of time after the dispensing of the liquid metal has stopped.

[0023] The system may further include an ingot manufacturing unit for producing an ingot from the liquid metal dispensed via the aforementioned dispensing unit.

[0024] The ingot production unit may include: a first space in an argon (Ar) atmosphere, which is located below the water outlet part and includes a storage container for storing the liquid metal discharged through the water outlet part; a second space located at the front end of the first space for introducing the storage container into the first space; and a third space for cooling the storage container transmitted from the first space and discharging it to the outside.

[0025] The ingot production unit may further include a storage container transfer unit for transferring the storage container along the first space, the second space, and the third space.

[0026] The present invention relates to a metal processing method including: supplying a metal oxide and a liquid electrolyte to a reaction space of an electrolytic cell to form a liquid metal to be discharged from the metal oxide by electrolytic extraction; measuring the level of the liquid metal using an electrical signal; and controlling the discharge of the liquid metal based on the level measurement result, wherein only the liquid metal is selectively and intermittently discharged from the reaction space by the discharge control.

[0027] The discharge control step is performed by controlling a water outlet part including heating means and cooling means to discharge the liquid metal to the outside, and the control can be performed by a combination of the operation of the heating means and the operation of the cooling means.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, a metal processing apparatus and a metal processing method using the same are provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a metal processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the water outlet part in detail in a metal processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a control unit of a metal processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] Figures 4a and 4b show the voltage change in response to the level of liquid metal in a metal processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] Figures 4a and 4b show the voltage change in response to the level of liquid metal in a metal processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6a] Figures 6a and 6b show the formation and extraction of liquid metal in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] Figures 6a and 6b show the formation and extraction of liquid metal in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation method of the molten metal outlet in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation method of the molten metal outlet in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9a] Figures 9a and 9b show the first and second levels of liquid metal in other examples of the operation method of the molten metal outlet. [Figure 9b] Figures 9a and 9b show the first and second levels of liquid metal in other examples of the operation method of the molten metal outlet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0031] The attached drawings are merely examples illustrating the technical concept of the present invention in more detail, and the concept of the present invention is not limited to the attached drawings. Furthermore, the attached drawings may exaggerate sizes and spacings in order to illustrate the relationships between the various components.

[0032] In the following description, neodymium (Nd) is used as an example of a liquid metal, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the liquid metal may be other metals, in particular rare earth elements.

[0033] Furthermore, in the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "voltage" refers to "the voltage between the cathode and anode."

[0034] A metal processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a metal processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the molten metal dispensing section in the metal processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 shows the configuration of the control unit of the metal processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The metal processing apparatus 10 includes an electrolytic cell 100, a level measuring unit 200, a molten metal dispensing unit 300, an ingot manufacturing unit 400, and a control unit 500.

[0037] The electrolytic cell 100 includes a main body 110, a cathode 120, and an anode 130, the main body 110 forming a reaction space 111 and a containment space 112. The main body 110 can be made of a material that can withstand high temperatures during electrolysis and does not react with the internal liquid electrolyte.

[0038] Although not shown in the figures, a support base for the main body 110, a separate external crucible, and an insulating section may be provided. The support base supports the main body 110 so that it is held stably, and the external crucible prevents the high-temperature liquid electrolyte inside the main body 110 from being exposed to the outside in the event of an emergency such as damage to the main body 110. The insulating section prevents heat generated from the main body 110 from being released to the outside.

[0039] The reaction space 111 is the space in which the liquid metal to be poured is formed, and may be cylindrical in shape, but is not limited to that. In Figure 1, the cross-section of the reaction space 111 is shown as rectangular, but is not limited to that.

[0040] Liquid metals are formed by the reduction of metal oxides through electrolytic extraction using a liquid electrolyte. Here, one or more metal oxides can be selected from zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, iron oxide, nickel oxide, zinc oxide, cobalt oxide, manganese oxide, chromium oxide, tantalum oxide, gallium oxide, lead oxide, tin oxide, silver oxide, lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide, praseodymium oxide, neodymium oxide, promethium oxide, samarium oxide, europium oxide, gadolinium oxide, terbium oxide, dysprosium oxide, holmium oxide, erbium oxide, thulium oxide, ytterbium oxide, actinium oxide, thorium oxide, protactinium oxide, uranium oxide, neptunium oxide, plutonium oxide, americium oxide, curium oxide, bercklium oxide, californium oxide, einsteinium oxide, fermium oxide, mendelevium oxide, nobelium oxide, and composites thereof. The metal oxide may contain neodymium oxide in particular, or it may contain neodymium oxide and praseodymium oxide together.

[0041] The liquid electrolyte may contain a mixed salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluoride compound and NdF3. The liquid electrolyte may also be provided in the form of a molten salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluoride compound and NdF3.

[0042] The alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluoride compounds contained in the liquid electrolyte may be one or more in number. In the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluoride compounds, examples of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals that can be used include Li, Mg, Na, K, or Ca. The alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluoride compounds can be any compound used in the art, such as LiF or CaF2, without particular limitations. The liquid electrolyte may, for example, contain a mixed salt of LiF and NdF3. While NdF3 is difficult to electrolyze on its own due to its high melting point, using it together with an alkali fluoride compound such as LiF allows for the use of a eutectic composition with a lower melting point in the process.

[0043] Although not limited to this, the liquid electrolyte may contain 5% to 40% by weight of LiF and 60% to 95% by weight of NdF3 based on the total weight. Within the liquid electrolyte, LiF and NdF3 may be present in a weight ratio of approximately 5:95 to 40:60, for example, approximately 30:70.

[0044] In other embodiments, the liquid electrolyte may further contain additives which are oxides of metals selected from one or more of the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal groups.

[0045] The containment space 112 is formed by a recess in the main body 110 and is a space in which the formed liquid metal is contained. The containment space 112 may be cylindrical, but is not limited to this. In Figure 1, the vertical cross-section of the containment space 112 is shown as a rectangle, but is not limited to this. The containment space 112 is connected to the lower molten metal outlet 300.

[0046] The cathode 120 and the anode 130 are separated by a predetermined distance, with a portion of them located within the reaction space 111. The anode 130 is arranged to surround the cathode 120. The anode 130 may be provided in a single plate form or in a plurality of plate forms. At least a portion of the cathode 120 and / or anode 130, particularly the anode 130, is exposed to the air. That is, the cathode 120 and / or anode 130 may include a contact portion that is immersed in and in contact with the liquid electrolyte and an exposed portion that is exposed to the air.

[0047] The cathode 120 may consist of at least one of tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), and iron (Fe), and the anode 130 may consist of graphite (C). For example, the cathode 120 may be a tungsten (W) electrode made of tungsten (W), and the anode 130 may be a graphite (C) electrode made of graphite (C).

[0048] The lower end of the cathode 120 faces the containment space 112. Therefore, the liquid metal formed on the surface of the cathode 120 free-falls and is contained in the containment space 112.

[0049] In Figure 1, the anode 130 is shown as being arranged to surround the cathode 120, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement and can be applied without limitation to any ordinary electrode arrangement in the relevant art.

[0050] Although not shown in the diagram, the cathode 120 and anode 130 can be electrically connected to a separate power supply unit that provides power. For example, the cathode 120 and anode 130 can each be electrically connected to a power supply unit via a separate power supply line. When current is supplied from the power supply unit to the cathode 120 and anode 130 via the power supply line, neodymium oxide is reduced in the cathode 120 to obtain pure neodymium (Nd).

[0051] The above-described explanations regarding the main body 110, cathode 120, and anode 130 are illustrative, and it goes without saying that the structures of the main body 110, cathode 120, and anode 130 can be modified to forms commonly used in this industry.

[0052] The level measuring unit 200 measures the level of the liquid metal using an electrical signal (for example, a voltage signal). Specifically, the level measuring unit 200 measures the level by measuring the voltage change between the cathode 120 and the anode 130 that occurs in response to the change in the level of the liquid metal in the containment space 112.

[0053] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, as shown in Figure 4a, when the level of liquid metal in the containment space 112 is high, the voltage between the cathode 120 and the anode 130 becomes V1, and as shown in Figure 4b, when the level of liquid metal in the containment space 112 is low, the voltage between the cathode 120 and the anode 130 becomes V2. The voltage between the cathode 120 and the anode 130 changes according to the level of liquid metal, and V1 when the level of liquid metal is high is lower than V2 when the level of liquid metal is low. In other words, the higher the level of liquid metal, the lower the voltage.

[0054] The molten metal outlet section 300 dispenses liquid metal to the outside. The molten metal outlet section 300 is connected to the containment space 112 and includes a first section A whose cross-sectional area narrows towards the bottom and a second section B which is connected downwards from the first section and has a constant cross-sectional area.

[0055] Part A includes the first section 310. Part B includes the second section 320 located below the first section 310 and the third section 330 located below the second section 320.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first section 310 is a truncated cone with a narrower cross-sectional area towards the bottom, and the second section 320 and the third section 330 may be cylindrical in shape, continuously connected to the lower part of the first section 310, but are not limited to this.

[0057] The hot water outlet section 300 includes a heating means 340 and a cooling means 350.

[0058] The heating means 340 includes a first heating means 341 for heating the first section 310 and a second heating means 342 for heating the third section 330.

[0059] The heating means 340 may, but is not limited to, a high-frequency induction heating induction coil surrounding the outside of the first section 310 and the third section 330.

[0060] The cooling means 350 cools the second section 320 and may include, but is not limited to, a nozzle through which a cooling gas passes. The cooling gas may be argon (Ar) or nitrogen (N2) gas. The cooling gas may be used at room temperature.

[0061] The ingot production unit 400 is for producing ingots from the molten metal dispensed via the molten metal dispenser 300, and includes a first space 410, a second space 420, a third space 430, a storage container 440, and a storage container transfer unit 450.

[0062] The first space 410 is located below the hot water outlet 300. The first space 410 can be created as an inert environment by an inert gas. Argon (Ar) or nitrogen (N2) gas may be used as the inert gas.

[0063] In Figure 1, the containment container 440 is cage-shaped, but is not limited to this. The containment container 440 contains liquid metal that is free-falling through the pouring section 300.

[0064] Although not shown in the diagram, the apparatus may further include a separate guide section for guiding the liquid metal being dispensed into the containment container 440.

[0065] The second space 420 is located at the front end of the first space 410, and the containment containers 440 located in the second space 420 are placed into the first space 410. Although not shown in the figures, a separate containment container supply device may be further installed in the second space 420 for continuously supplying the containment containers 440 to the first space 410.

[0066] In the third space 430, the containment container 440 transmitted from the first space 410 is cooled and then transported to the outside. Although not shown in the figures, the third space 430 may also be further equipped with a separate cooling device for cooling the containment container 440.

[0067] The container transfer unit 450 transfers the containers 440 along the second space 420, the first space 410, and the third space 430. The container transfer unit 450 is a device for sequentially transferring the containers 440 from the second space 420 to the third space 430, and may, but is not limited to, a conveyor belt.

[0068] The control unit 500 controls the hot water dispensing unit 300 based on the measurement results of the level measuring unit 200. Specifically, the control unit 500 controls the hot water dispensing unit 300 to selectively dispense only liquid metal from the containment space 112 based on the measurement results of the level measuring unit 200.

[0069] A metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figures 6a and 6b show the formation and dispensing of liquid metal in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation method of the dispensing section in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] First, metal oxide and liquid electrolyte are supplied to the reaction space 111 of the electrolytic cell 100, and electrolysis is performed (S100).

[0072] Through electrolytic extraction, liquid metal, the target of molten metal extraction, is formed from metal oxides. The process of electrolytic extraction is described in detail as follows:

[0073] Electrolysis is performed by applying electricity to a metal oxide and a liquid electrolyte via electrodes. At this time, the metal oxide may be in powder form, and the average particle size may be 100 μm or less, specifically 1 μm to 20 μm, so that it can be stably dispersed in the liquid electrolyte.

[0074] At cathode 120, neodymium (Nd) metal can be reduced by the reaction shown in [Reaction Equation 1] below.

[0075] [Reaction Equation 1]

[0076] Nd 3+ +3e - =Nd

[0077] At anode 130, carbon dioxide gas can be produced by the reaction shown in [Reaction Equation 2] below.

[0078] [Reaction Equation 2]

[0079] C+2O 2- =CO2+4e -

[0080] The process temperature for the electrolytic extraction process is acceptable as long as it is above the temperature at which the process of melting the electrolyte and reducing the neodymium oxide can be carried out. For example, the electrolytic extraction process is carried out at a temperature that is most reasonable from the standpoint of thermal efficiency, selected from temperatures of approximately 800°C to 1300°C, approximately 800°C to 1100°C, approximately 800°C to 900°C, or 800°C to 1200°C.

[0081] Referring to Figure 6a, the electrolytic cell 100 contains the liquid metal to be dispensed and the liquid electrolyte. The liquid electrolyte may contain metal oxides. The electrolytic cell 100 has a first layer (a) where the liquid metal is located and a second layer (b) located above the first layer (a) where the liquid electrolyte is located. The liquid metal contained in the containment space 112 contains neodymium (Nd) formed by the reduction of metal oxides through electrolytic extraction, and the liquid electrolyte contains a mixed salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluoride compound and NdF3, for example, a mixed salt of LiF and NdF3 is used. In the dispensing stage described later, only the first layer (a) is selectively dispensed by an automated process.

[0082] The liquid metal formed at the cathode 120 falls free from the liquid electrolyte and moves to the containment space 112 located below the cathode 120. Since the containment space 112 and the molten metal outlet 300 are in communication, the liquid metal also comes into contact with the molten metal outlet 300, as shown in Figure 6b.

[0083] As the liquid metal moves to the dispensing section 300, its temperature decreases and it solidifies, and the solidified metal can cause the dispensing section 300 to turn off. In other embodiments, the cooling means 350 can be activated to ensure that the dispensing section 300 remains off. The solidified liquid metal clogs the bottom of the dispensing section 300, thereby preventing the liquid electrolyte from easily escaping through the dispensing section 300.

[0084] Next, the level of the liquid metal is measured using an electrical signal (S200).

[0085] The level of the liquid metal is measured by the level measuring unit 200, which can measure the level of the liquid metal using an electrical signal (for example, a voltage signal). Specifically, the level measuring unit 200 measures the level by measuring the voltage between the cathode 120 and the anode 130, which is generated in response to the change in the level of the liquid metal in the containment space 112 inside the electrolytic cell 100 by electrolytic extraction.

[0086] In one embodiment, the level measuring unit 200 may include or utilize information regarding the correlation between voltage and level, and the correlation may be provided by a lookup table or a correlation formula. Such a correlation changes depending on the operating time of the electrolytic cell 100, the arrangement and composition of the electrodes 120 and 130, and so on.

[0087] Subsequently, the dispensing of the liquid metal is controlled based on the level measurement results (S300).

[0088] The liquid metal dispensing is controlled by the control unit 500. Specifically, the control unit 500 controls the dispensing of the liquid metal by operating the dispensing unit 300 based on the measurement results of the level measuring unit 200, through a combination of operating operations of the heating means 340 and the cooling means 350. This stage will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 7.

[0089] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation method of the molten metal dispensing section in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, it shows the detailed steps related to the control of molten metal dispensing (S300) by the combination of operation of the voltage-based heating means 340 and cooling means 350.

[0090] As shown in Figure 6a, when the level of liquid metal in the containment space increases and the voltage between the cathode 120 and the anode 130 decreases to V1, the first heating means 341 is turned ON (S310).

[0091] The operation of the first heating means 341 melts the liquid metal that had solidified within the first section 310.

[0092] Thereafter, the second heating means 342 is turned ON to start dispensing the molten metal from the first section 310 through the second section 320 and then through the third section 330 (S320).

[0093] Here, the activation (ON) of the second heating means 342 can be performed simultaneously with the activation of the first heating means 341. The activation of the first heating means 341 and the second heating means 342 causes the liquid metal to move from the containment space 112 to the lower section via the first section 310, the second section 320, and the third section 330.

[0094] Thereafter, as shown in Figure 6b, when a certain amount of liquid metal in the containment space 112 is discharged downwards through the discharge section 300, the voltage increases to V2. At this time, the first heating means 341 is turned off and the cooling means 350 is turned on (S330).

[0095] When the cooling means 350 is turned ON, the liquid metal in the second section 320 becomes solid and the molten metal dispensing section 300 is turned OFF. Thereafter, after the dispensing of the liquid metal stops, or after the cooling means 350 is turned ON, the second heating means 342 is operated for a certain period of time and then turned OFF (S340). The certain period of time may be several seconds, tens of seconds, or several minutes, and specifically it may be 10 to 30 seconds, 10 to 60 seconds, or 1 to 5 minutes.

[0096] The second heating means 342 can be operated for a certain period of time even after the cooling means 350 has been activated, allowing all of the liquid metal located in the third section 330 to be dispensed.

[0097] Subsequently, when the voltage drops again, hot water will be dispensed, and when the voltage rises again, hot water will be stopped. Hot water is dispensed intermittently, and only liquid metal, from which the liquid electrolyte has been removed, is selectively dispensed.

[0098] Thus, voltage measurement and the resulting molten metal extraction are performed by an automated process. Subsequently, metal oxides are replenished, and the formation of liquid metal and molten metal are repeated.

[0099] Although not shown in the diagram, the process may further include manufacturing the liquid metal dispensed through the dispensing section 300 into a final product in the form of an ingot.

[0100] The aforementioned metal processing method, particularly the operation method of the molten metal section, can be modified in various ways, and modified examples will be explained with reference to Figures 8, 9a, and 9b.

[0101] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation method of the molten metal tap in a metal processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 9a and 9b show the first and second levels of liquid metal in another example of the operation method of the molten metal tap.

[0102] In this embodiment, the control unit 500 controls the molten metal dispensing unit 300 so that the level of liquid metal in the containment space 112 is maintained between a first level (L1) and a second level (L2).

[0103] Referring to Figures 9a and 9b, the containment space 112 has a first level (L1) that prevents the liquid metal from being located outside the containment space 112, i.e., in the reaction space 111, and a second level (L2) that is lower than the first level and prevents the liquid electrolyte from being dispensed during dispensing.

[0104] Level 1 (L1) corresponds to a safety level that prevents liquid metal from overflowing from the containment space 112 to the outside of the containment space 112. Level 2 (L2) corresponds to a safety level that prevents liquid electrolyte from being discharged together with the liquid metal by ensuring that the center of the liquid metal is lower than the surrounding area when the liquid metal is dispensed.

[0105] The first level (L1) can be selected from 60% to 95%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, 80% to 90%, or 70% to 90% of the height (L) of the containment space 112. The second level can be selected from 10% to 40%, 20% to 40%, or 10% to 30% of the height (L) of the containment space 112.

[0106] If the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the containment space 112 is not constant, the level can be changed to volume. The first volume can be selected from 60% to 95%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, 80% to 90%, or 70% to 90% of the volume (V) of the containment space 112. The second volume can be selected from 10% to 40%, 20% to 40%, or 10% to 30% of the volume (V) of the containment space 112.

[0107] As shown in Figure 9a, when the liquid metal level reaches the first level (L1), the first heating means 341 is turned ON (S310').

[0108] Subsequently, the second heating means 342 is turned ON to start dispensing the molten metal from the first section 310 through the second section 320 and then through the third section 330 (S320').

[0109] Next, as shown in Figure 9b, a certain amount of liquid metal in the containment space 112 is discharged downwards through the dispensing section 300, and when the liquid metal level falls to a second level (L2) which is lower than the first level (L1), the first heating means 341 is turned off and the cooling means 350 is turned on (S330').

[0110] Thereafter, after the liquid metal flow stops or after the cooling means 350 is turned ON, the second heating means 342 is operated for a certain period of time and then turned OFF. (S340')

[0111] The embodiments described above are examples for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Since a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can implement the present invention by modifying it in various ways, the scope of technical protection of the present invention must be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. In metal processing equipment, An electrolytic cell in which a reaction space is formed and the liquid metal to be dispensed is formed; A level measuring unit that measures the level of the liquid metal using an electrical signal; A hot water outlet for discharging the aforementioned liquid metal to the outside; and A metal processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the hot water dispensing unit based on the measurement results of the level measuring unit;

2. The reaction space contains the liquid metal and the liquid electrolyte. The aforementioned liquid electrolyte consists of at least two components. The metal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the dispensing unit to selectively and intermittently dispense only the liquid metal from the reaction space.

3. The reaction space contains, The first layer containing the liquid metal; and The metal apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second layer located above the first layer and containing the liquid electrolyte;

4. The metal processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the liquid metal is formed by the reduction of a metal oxide by electrolytic extraction.

5. The metal processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the liquid metal comprises neodymium.

6. The liquid electrolytes are LiF and NdF ３ Includes, The liquid electrolytes are LiF and NdF ３ The metal processing apparatus according to claim 3, comprising in a weight ratio of 5:95 to 40:

60.

7. The electrolytic cell is cathode; and Including an anode surrounding the cathode, At least a portion of the cathode and anode is located in the reaction space, The metal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the level measuring unit measures the voltage between the cathode and the anode.

8. The cathode comprises at least one of tungsten, molybdenum, and iron. The metal processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the anode comprises graphite.

9. A recessed containment space is formed in the lower part of the reaction space to accommodate the liquid metal. The end of the cathode faces the containment space, The hot water outlet is connected to the storage space, The aforementioned accommodation space is A first level to prevent the liquid metal from being located outside the containment space; and The liquid electrolyte is prevented from being dispensed when the hot water is dispensed, and the device has a second level that is lower than the first level. The control unit, The metal processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the dispensing unit is controlled so that the level of the liquid metal in the containment space remains between a first level and a second level.

10. The hot water dispensing section includes a heating means and a cooling means. The control unit combines the operation of the heating means and the operation of the cooling means to dispense hot water. The aforementioned hot water outlet section is A first portion connected to the aforementioned storage space, the cross-sectional area of ​​which becomes narrower towards the bottom; and It includes a second portion which is connected downward from the first portion and has a constant cross-sectional area, The heating means includes an induction coil for high-frequency induction heating, The metal processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cooling means includes a nozzle through which a cooling gas passes.

11. The aforementioned hot water outlet section is A first section connected to the aforementioned storage space, the cross-sectional area of ​​which narrows towards the bottom; The second section located below the first section; The third section located below the second section; A first heating means for heating the first section; Cooling means for cooling the second section; and The metal processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a second heating means for heating the third section.

12. The control unit, If the voltage is lower than the first value, The first heating means and the second heating means are turned ON to dispense the liquid metal. When the voltage becomes a second value that is higher than the first value, The first heating means is turned OFF, and the cooling means is turned ON to stop the dispensing of the liquid metal. The metal processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second heating means is turned off after operating for a certain period of time after the dispensing of the liquid metal has stopped.

13. The system further includes an ingot manufacturing unit for producing an ingot from the liquid metal dispensed via the aforementioned dispensing unit, The aforementioned ingot manufacturing department, A first space in an argon (Ar) atmosphere located below the hot water outlet, including a containment container for storing the liquid metal dispensed through the hot water outlet; A second space located at the front end of the first space for inserting the containment container into the first space; and A third space for cooling the containment container, which is transmitted from the first space, and discharging the coolant to the outside; The aforementioned ingot manufacturing department, The metal processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a container transfer unit for transferring the container along the first space, the second space, and the third space.

14. In metal processing methods, A step of supplying a metal oxide and a liquid electrolyte to the reaction space of an electrolytic cell, and forming a liquid metal to be extracted from the metal oxide by electrolysis; A step of measuring the level of the liquid metal using an electrical signal; and The step of controlling the dispensing of the liquid metal based on the level measurement results; A metal processing method comprising selectively and intermittently discharging only the liquid metal from the reaction space by the aforementioned discharging control.

15. The aforementioned hot water supply control stage is The liquid metal is discharged to the outside, and the discharge section, which includes heating and cooling means, is controlled. The aforementioned control is The metal processing method according to claim 14, which is performed by a combination of the operation of the heating means and the operation of the cooling means.

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