Patent · US Expired

Cathode assembly for electrolytic aluminum reduction cell

US4224128A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
4References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 17, 1979
Grant dateSep 23, 1980
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 17, 1999

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC25C3/08
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Described is a cathode assembly for an electrolytic cell for the production of metal, e.g., aluminum, by electrolysis of molten electrolyte containing a compound of the metal, e.g., alumina. The cathode assembly comprises pedestals, e.g., a carbon pedestal, disposed on the cell floor beneath the shadow of the anode of the cell. The pedestal rises from the cell floor to a height of at least the highest interface of the metal pad and molten electrolyte that exists during cell operation. Embedded in the pedestal is at least one refractory hard metal element, e.g., titanium diboride, which is embedded to a depth of at least about 75 percent of its length. The refractory hard metal element(s) can be flush with the top surface of the pedestal; but, preferably protrude slightly from the top surface of the pedestal. The refractory hard metal element can be a solid or hollow body, e.g., cylinder. The pedestal can have a refractory hard metal surface for its side walls and be shaped to assist in the drainage of molten aluminum.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.