Electrolytic Tank Levelling Assembly for Thermal Expansion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning and levelling of electrolytic tanks in hydrometallurgical refining is laborious due to their size, weight, and deformation, leading to uneven support surfaces and thermal expansion/contraction issues that disrupt alignment and require costly and disruptive realignment or repair.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable levelling mechanism with foot members and levelling members, combined with sole assemblies providing friction or sliding, to maintain tank alignment and stability during thermal expansion/contraction, and reinforcement assemblies to ensure tank integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional support beams and manual levelling methods are used, then tank positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming due to tank size, weight, and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable levelling mechanisms that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted after tank installation. These mechanisms include movable support structures with adjustable height capabilities, allowing the tank to be levelled at any stage during operation rather than requiring precise initial positioning. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by making the levelling process easier and faster while accounting for tank deformation and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into multiple independent levelling mechanisms distributed at different locations on the tank base. Each mechanism can be independently adjusted to compensate for local deformations and uneven support surfaces. This segmentation allows for simpler, more manageable adjustment operations compared to moving or repositioning the entire heavy tank, significantly reducing levelling time and effort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tanks are rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then alignment stability is improved, but thermal expansion and contraction cause stress and potential damage to the tank structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanisms are designed with adjustable parameters that allow them to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the tank. The support height and position can be modified in response to temperature changes, preventing the buildup of thermal stress in the tank structure. This parameter adjustment capability maintains alignment stability while protecting the tank from thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The levelling mechanisms act as intermediary elements between the fixed support structure and the tank. These intermediaries absorb and compensate for thermal movements through their own adjustable design, preventing direct transmission of thermal stress to the tank while maintaining proper alignment. The intermediary supports allow controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
3Reliability
If manual realignment is performed after thermal expansion/contraction, then alignment is restored, but production downtime and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The levelling mechanisms are designed to automatically compensate for misalignment caused by thermal expansion and contraction. Through self-adjusting features such as thermal-responsive materials or automatic feedback mechanisms, the system maintains alignment without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures continuous production while maintaining reliable alignment, eliminating downtime associated with manual realignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support mechanisms enable continuous alignment maintenance throughout operation. Rather than requiring periodic shutdowns for realignment, the system continuously adapts to thermal changes, ensuring uninterrupted production. The useful action of alignment maintenance becomes continuous rather than intermittent, preserving productivity while ensuring reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective alignment and levelling of electrolytic tanks, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by allowing for continuous operation despite thermal expansion and contraction.
Implementation Method 1
sole assemblies providing friction or sliding, to maintain tank alignment and stability during thermal expansion/contraction
Implementation Method 2
Stark variations of temperature lead to thermal expansion and contraction of the walls of the electrolytic tanks
Implementation Method 3
Stark variations of temperature lead to thermal expansion and contraction of the walls of the electrolytic tanks
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electrolytic tank assembly facilitating alignment and levelling of an electrolytic tank with respect to adjacent electrolytic tank. A levelling assembly can include a plurality of adjustable levelling mechanisms being independently actuable to cause upward or downward movement of the electrolytic tank. A sole assembly can include friction and sliding soles for controlling transversal movement of an electrolytic tank with respect to support beams onto which the tank is supported. A strap assembly comprising a vertically extending strap and a connector provided at an end of the vertically extending strap can be connected to each adjustable levelling mechanism of the levelling assembly. Various type of connectors can be provided at the other end of the strap to provide anchorage to accessory for operation, lifting, maintenance, etc.