Alumina distribution in electrolysis cells including inert anodes using bubble-driven bath circulation
US6511590B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25C3/08
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to the use of bubble-driven flow to enhance the dissolution and distribution of alumina in an aluminum electrolysis cell operating with inert anodes. By harnessing the driving force of bubbles rising along the sides of a sloped anode to induce circulation in a cell and by using a group of anodes to amplify the effect, alumina distribution can be maintained close to or at saturation without formation of muck/sludge. Alumina fed through point feeders at specific locations can be distributed throughout the entire cell rather than sinking to the bottom of the cell below the feed location. For a given circulation pattern, feeder locations can be optimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.