Patent · US Expired

Combination for electrolytic reduction of alumina

US6379512B1 · kind B1 · utility

2Cited by
4References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 25, 2000
Grant dateApr 30, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 25, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC25C3/18
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An electrolytic bath for use during the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum. The bath comprises molten electrolyte having the following ingredients: AlF3 and at least one salt selected from the group consisting of NaF, KF, and LiF; and about 0.004 wt. % to about 0.2 wt. %, based on total weight of the molten electrolyte, of at least one transition metal or at least one compound of the metal or both. The compound is, a fluoride; oxide, or carbonate. The metal is nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, or molybdenum. The bath is employed in a combination including a vessel for containing the bath and at least one non-consumable anode and at least one dimensionally stable cathode in the bath. Employing the instant bath during electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum improves the wetting of aluminum on a cathode by reducing or eliminating the formation of non-metallic deposits on the cathode.

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